Mr. Coble seems a decent enough chap, but he is a symptom of what is going wrong in this country. Most districts in this country are so gerrymandered in this country that Mr. Coble didn't have to depend on "the faith and support" of the citizens of the 6th district, only the party affiliation. The same can be said for Mr. Watt in NC-12. Until we come up with a more neutral way of assigning districts then politicians will never be truly accountable to us.

Howard,
Don't pat yourself on the back too hard. While large, your margin was not nearly the size of old, and especially against an unknown with no money.

Now that you are no longer in the running for a committee chair, why don't you drop the "party hack" stuff and become a Stateman! You began to show SOME independence about the war, but your follow through was lackluster. Take a look at how the President is now being criticized by some of his biggest "former apologists". This is from the Washington Post:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15773983/

While I admire your tendencies to return to the district very often, I am all too reminded of your zeal to impeach a President over a hum job. "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" does not mean lying about an extramarital affair. Now lying about reasons for going to war might not be a stretch.

Mr. Coble, you rightly deserve to be returned to your seat as long as you wish to serve.
Never have I seen an elected politician who served his constituency as well as you. Your untiring efforts to uphold Republican values and serve your fellow man are legendary in this community.
Bless you.

Please tell me what "Republican Values" are. I really want you to share your views on this.

"Please tell me what "Republican Values" are. I really want you to share your views on this."

Yep, this should be interesting. The only values I can think of is power for power sake.

Rufus & Carol, let's hear what Democrat values are...that is the values of current Democrat politicians.

You can start with #1 Democrat Nancy Pelosi, winner of the 2003 Cesar Chavez award, big promoter of unions, who happens to shun union labor at her vineyards, hotels and restaurants. She also boasts a 100% approval rating from NARAL.

It's going to be an interesting two years.

Dan,

DemocratIC.

One more time: DemocratIC.

Get it right.

Also, until Coble answers my emails on the subject of which part of Constitutional law he slept through when he co-sponsored H.R. 3920, he'll be a hack to me.

Denz, 'scuse me por anglish, but I do understand the language. I used Democrat intentionally as to not confuse the question with democracy in general.

democratic 

–adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of democracy or a democracy.
2. pertaining to or characterized by the principle of political or social equality for all: democratic treatment.
3. advocating or upholding democracy.
4. (initial capital letter) Politics. a. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Democratic party.
b. of, pertaining to, or belonging to the Democratic-Republican party.

Now that we have the semantics cleared up you are welcome to answer the question about Pelosi.

Dan,

We asked first (;-)

I won't pretend to speak for democrats (or even democratic) values, but what I'd like to see is a more pragmatic and less ideological approach to governance. It seems like for so long we have pursued policies based on ideology and have ignored evidence that contradicted the policies or their efficacy (Iraq, environmental issues, Social Security, energy policy).

I would like to see a lot more input into decision making and a more transparent process. Democrats were totally shut out of the process over the last 6 years. Decision making was handled by an extremely small group of people who were extremely secretive about their contacts.

That's all I can say right now. Gotta go. I know these are about process and not substance, but the process is a lot of what is broken right now.

Rufus is right, we asked first. I would like to know what "Republican Values" are. I would also like to know what "Family Values" are. I hear a lot about these obscure values. I might be for them and might be practicing them.

Looks like Charlie Rangel is regurgitating previously failed ideas:

http://my.earthlink.net/article/nat?guid=20061119/455fe4d0_3ca6_1552620061119-453288196

Carol, greetings from S. Hill, VA. Had a good time in DC, but I'm glad to be back in a smaller town.

From your past posts, I would believe you do advocate family values to a great extent. However, you are pro-abortion, as you claim it's not your right to interfere in other's decisions. Is that correct? I respectfully disagree that condoning and/or supporting in anyway the termination of an innocent child's life is supportive of family values.

Unfortunately Republican values have strayed greatly from conservative values, i.e., lower taxes, smaller govt., strict border security, fiscal discipline with taxpayer dollars, and support of self-reliance rather than govt. reliance.

As much as I support capitalism, it has it's ugly moments. Witness the violence simply to purchase a Playstation 3 or whatever it is. People waiting hours or days in line to purchase a freaking video game is beyond my comprehension. My kids may be dissapointed as they age, but I'll be damned if I'm going to wait in line for 12 hours to buy a game, toy or whatever.

Thanks for your input Carol and Rufus, we don't always agree but I respect both of you.

"Unfortunately Republican values have strayed greatly from conservative values, i.e., lower taxes, smaller govt., strict border security, fiscal discipline with taxpayer dollars, and support of self-reliance rather than govt. reliance."

Dan,

Replaced by what?

Dan,

I'm not Carol but since she and I share the belief that we do not have the right to make decisions for other adults, I would like to correct you regarding the "pro-abortion" wording. Neither one of us has ever said we were pro-abortion but rather have always stated we are pro-choice. There is a big difference in those two stances. I'm sorry you choose to try to vilify us by suggesting we are for abortion.

Like Carol, I wish there was never a need for such a procedure. However, since we are living in the real world (rather than an idealistic one) and sometime women must make hard choices regarding their own bodies, we believe it is their right to do so. Therefore, the correct word is pro-choice.

Nice dodge though. I was looking foreward to your definitions of "republican values" and "family values". Since I am not republican, I have no real idea how you see yourself politically.

Yvonne, you and I go a long way back. We don't agree on most things except we share an affinity on the topic of illegal immigration. I appreciate your thoughts and I'm sure we would get along well if we met each other.

As for abortion, it is what it is, the death of a baby unless he/she were left to be born and live. I've seen birth twice and it is a miracle imho.

In my next opinion most people either think abortion is right or wrong (of course with exceptions like the life of the mother but let's not go into rare exceptions). After all we are talking about taking a human life. I have seen the pro-abortion crowd shy away from the word abortion and call it "women's reproductive rights", "pro-choice", etc. Color it anyway you want, the result is the same, an innocent child dies. That is why I call it pro-abortion.

You rail against public smoking as it harms the health of others who do not have the choice to not subject themselves from ambient cigarette smoke, although they may have the choice to distance themselves from said smoke. And I agree, smoking is nasty and harmful.

Well a baby in the womb does not have the choice to distance themselves from the needle of an abortionist with the intent of exterminating him/her, the consequences of which are much more grave than passive smoke inhalation.

Do you support partial birth abortion? Extracting a baby capable of living outside the womb and killing him/her. I cannot see how anyone can agree with this barbaric practice that is legal in our country.

"Denz, 'scuse me por anglish, but I do understand the language...

4. (initial capital letter) Politics. a. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Democratic party.

Get. it. right. The name of the party is the Democratic party. NOT the Democrat party. Backpedal all you like.

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/060807ta_talk_hertzberg

"Democrats were totally shut out of the process over the last 6 years."

Actual question here, was this sentence suppose to be a joke? Really the democrats have been shut out of the process over the last 6 years? You really believe that? Who wrote and is responsible for No Child Left Behind? If I remember correctly in 2000 Bush ran on the voucher platform (which is the main reason I voted for him). Next thing I know he is "Getting along", and what we get is a Ted Kennedy piece of crap, that actually came from Bill Clinton's administation. Oh but wait, who gets the blame? That's right it was Bush's NCLB. What about the whole 9/11 commission? Oh and what about all that legislation what the Republicans wanted to pass in the Senate but it was the "mavericks or what were they termed the "great 7" or something like that. I can't think of it right off the top of my head, but I remember the mavericks 7, lead by non other then John McCain and the Republicans were defeated.

"Please tell me what "Republican Values" are. I really want you to share your views on this."

I can tell you one value that you just witnessed, if you don't do the job we send you to Washington for, you will not be going back. Too bad Carol that people in your party don't feel the same way. Seeing as how they sent the same people back to the county commissioners and the state. But then again you are the party of higher taxes so I guess that is why you like the property taxes to be raised every freakin year, while the commissioners give themselves raises.

What I am amazed about, is how "we want change" and then every single incumbement in state and county parties were re-elected. Why? I thought we need a change, what just with Bush. Do you honest feel that the county commissioners are doing a good job? The state government, do you feel like they are doing a good job? Heck give it a year, and I have no doubt you guys will send everyone straight back to city council also.

My questions have still not been answered. I feel I have gotten the run around. I certainly don't say I have "Democratic Values" in that I don't think either party has shown any values in many years. My personal values are to love all God's children, do what I can to help them have a better life, don't spend more that I make, save for a rainy day, try not to hurt anyone, try to put myself in others' shoes, don't be greedy or arrogant. Not saying I do this all the time, but I try. I don't see a political party which has my values. Do you?

As for my definition of Family Values, I know that I and most of us value our family. I have heard some say they are against gay marriage because they have family values. Don't see how that works.

I understand those who oppose abortion. As I have said, I PERSONALLY couldn't have an abortion unless my life were in danger. At my age, that is not a real issue I know, but I have seen the lives of young women who had unwanted pregnancies changed in many ways. We all know there is NO good alternative. There are harsh consequences for the young woman or girl.

Adoption is a life changing experiencs, one many never get over. There are life long shadows for the mother and the child.

Raising a child as a single parent, especially if you are poor and have no family support is so hard. I have worked with unwed mothers through Urban Hospitality, and their lives are a constant struggle.

The guilt and pain from an abortion are life altering also.

While some who father unwanted children suffer, in my experience, most of the problems are encountered by the mother. Therefore, I think each woman should have a right to chose her own particular way to deal with the issue.

Since we can't stop unmarried sex, we really need to teach pregnancy prevention. While most have heard of condoms, they don't think of the consequences of the failure to use them.

OK, off my soapbox for a while, got to burn a few more leaves before the rains come.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Trish,

I'll give you NCLB. It's underfunded but let's call that 99% Democrats shut out.

9/11 commission has been ignored for the most part.

Still waiting for Dan to give us the Republican "values". Seems he can't speak without giving the Rush Limbaugh answer. LOL!
They have to have a "bogeyman" and now they have a "bogeywoman". Can't remember Denny Hastert getting all that ink until he covered up a pedophile in congress.

Dan, Dan, Dan. You are a man in a quandry. As for your "anti abortion" stance, will you support:
WIC programs?
All forms of birth control being taught?
cost of child's education?
Cost of childs's clothing?
cost of child's housing?

OR......

Are you just another hypocrite who is really just a "pro birth" person who doesn't care what happens to the child A-F-T-E-R it is born???
Oh, that's right, you are for limited government, but want to put your two cents worth into the lives of others in the most trying times.

Good try Dan. Good try.

Here is the rhetoric that Rush wants Dan and other shills to remember:

Democrats:
Godless
Tax Raisers
Weak on the military

But alas, the truth is in the details:

1. We believe in separation of church & State
2. We believe that government has a role as a safety net for children, the aged, and the infirmed.
3. We believe in the Powell Doctrine that was abandoned by President Bush. It advocated overwhelming force when our military goes into any theater and it advocates an exit when the job is finished.

So, isn't it amazing what the Republicans have resorted to---demonizing Nancy Pelosi rather than coming up with ANY viable alternative to the Democratic plan for exiting Iraq.

Trouble now is, Michael Moore was right and Rush was wrong....sorry Dan.

"WIC programs?
All forms of birth control being taught?
cost of child's education?
Cost of childs's clothing?
cost of child's housing?"

What about the parents taking care of this, why do you feel that either the kids need to be aborted or the government needs to provide for them? What happened to personal responsibility?

"My questions have still not been answered"

I do not have the time to go into details (I'll be honest I knew I should never have posted to begin with but I got sucked in! LOL) however you question is hard to answer because the values mean different things to different people, even Republican/Conservative. I'm sure that neocon, Dan and I all differ. However the most important to me, states rights. If a women want abortion legal then go out, get enough people to agree and change the law in YOUR state. Like SD, I was disappointed that the abortion laws didn't pass, however I think that is the way it should be done. That way the people have spoken, not some judges. Secondly, I believe in a strong leader (which Bush at first seemed to be but know, he is more like a cave-inner like his dad.) Third less taxes. Even though I am too poor to pay federal taxes, on the local and state level a lot of my income goes to the "hidden taxes" that kill the poor peole like me. Also less government. I am a big supporter of school vouchers and was with Regan about getting rid of the Department of Education. Not to mention I didn't agree with Bush about a Dept of Homeland Security. (Oh and Rufus if you are reading this, another Dem. project as Lieberman was responsible for this also). I do not think that the government should have taken over airport security. I like the Newt Contract with America, which got a lot of people of the public dole.I am a big supporter of "peace through strenght". Also I do not believe in affirminatin action. And most importantly I want something done with illegal immigration, which now it looks like Bush will be getting is amesty he wanted all along.

Family values: Basically I raise my daughters to respect other people, especially their elders and people in authority (like I never went around calling Clinton Bubba, in front of them). And to take responsiblity for there actions. Stand up on your own two feet, work hard and you will suceed. (That is the short version, now back to studing for my test)

Hope you have a good Thanksgiving also and sorry for spelling/typos I don't have time to recheck!

"Are you just another hypocrite who is really just a "pro birth" person who doesn't care what happens to the child A-F-T-E-R it is born???"

DD,

This reminds me of a line told of Jesse Helms.

"He believes that life begins at conception and ends at birth!"

"So, isn't it amazing what the Republicans have resorted to---demonizing Nancy Pelosi rather than coming up with ANY viable alternative to the Democratic plan for exiting Iraq."

Pot, meet kettle, kettle this is pot.

So Trish, are you going to adopt some crack babies? Just checking, because you seem to believe that EVERYONE out in the world is JUST LIKE YOU! Sorry, but that is not the case. So, are you against teaching sex education? If a condom would eliminate an abortion, would you be in favor of teaching ALL birth control methods? Or, are you just a hypocrite?

If you oppose teaching birth control AND you are against abortion, I only have one more question for you. Where do you keep your head, when it is NOT up your a_s?

Trish,

Not a big fan of either the homeland security dept or Lieberman but I don't think he had a lot of influence on it & even if he did letting 1 pet democrat in the room doesn't mean that there is bi-partisan participation. I'm sure Zell Miller & John Breaux voted for Homeland Security dept also.

I'll agree with you on NCLB but in 6 years that's about the only bill that had broad bi-partisan participation.

DD: "Where do you keep your head, when it is NOT up your a_s?"

What happened to your promise to watch your words more carefully DD? Remember that back in June?

DD: "Are you just another hypocrite who is really just a "pro birth" person who doesn't care what happens to the child A-F-T-E-R it is born???"

First of all a child is not an "it", he or she is a human being. Seems a bit hypocritical for Mr. WICman to refer to a child as an "it", but normal for those who consider children as expendable.

I very much care what happens to a child after he/she is born, ask my kids.

As Trish mentioned you offer two solutions, abortion or govt. support. My wife and I chose neither. We decided to have our children and raise them, what a novel concept!!

Of course people screw up (pun intended), but I notice you didn't offer yet another choice of adoption, which is so complicated in this country that Americans are going to foreign countries to adopt because the process is easier. I have a close friend who, with his wife, adopted a child from Siberia because it was easier than adopting an American child. A more efficient adoption process would be of help.

Good try DD, good try. Suck a baby out of the womb or let him/her live off the govt. in perpetuity. Two choices.

BTW, I have no problem with education about pregnancy and birth control alternatives.

"Where do you keep your head, when it is NOT up your a_s?"

Hmm did I touch a nerve DD?

"because you seem to believe that EVERYONE out in the world is JUST LIKE YOU!"

Really, and how would you know that? Wait let me scroll back and see what I wrote. To refresh your memory DD this is what I asked you "What about the parents taking care of this, why do you feel that either the kids need to be aborted or the government needs to provide for them? What happened to personal responsibility?" Speaking of which you never answered and I could be like you and proclaim something like "Still waiting for DD to answer the question." But I will refrain and show that I can be the bigger person, so I will answer your questions even though I asked first and didn't get an answer. So where did you come up with "because you seem to believe that EVERYONE out in the world is JUST LIKE YOU!"

"are you going to adopt some crack babies?"
Not at this time but if I had the money it might be an option. What about you, are you going to suck them out of their mothers womb just because they are crack babies? Why such compassion you are showing DD.

"So, are you against teaching sex education?"
I think Anatomy should be taught in school. Which would be a heck of a lot better then just "sex ed". However I draw the line at some instructor teaching my daughters how to put a condom on with their mouths.

"If a condom would eliminate an abortion, would you be in favor of teaching ALL birth control methods? Or, are you just a hypocrite?"
Again I ask DD, where are the parents. Why is this an issue for the schools? Shouldn't parents have the responsibility to teach their kids, why does it fall to the government to do?

"f you oppose teaching birth control AND you are against abortion"
When did I say I opposed teaching birth control? You know absoulty nothing about me, so next time please try to refrain from making yourself look like an idiot by making up baseless accusations. I asked you a simple question and you decide to roll around in the gutter. Normally I would ignore you and leave you to wallow in your own filth. However I felt that you needed a response, oh and I answered your questions, when do you plan on answering mine?

"Not a big fan of either the homeland security dept"

Rufus, wow I agree with you on something, imagine that. LOL! Like you, I am not a big fan of Homeland Security, didn't think Bush should have done it. If I had more time to research I would find all the bills that we sponsered by the Dems and passed. But I don't have the time right now. It's too near finals. Maybe during Christmas break. I would enjoy debating/discussing things with you.

By the way, thanks for the civil responses. I very much appreciate it.