Blogs home At Random
Shipwrecked: McCain and Palin
A hurricane of war and economy
Set the mighty "Bush" ablaze.
McCain and Palin launch "The Maverick"
In hopes of better days.
The ties that bind them together
Grow tense, taut, then crazed.
They set their sites on Main Street
They hope to make it ashore,
They lash themselves together
With words and nothing more.
A tattered flag of America
Flaps gallantly in the breeze.
A hero's strength of character
Should be more than enough to please.
A political sea of changing tides -
Waves of patriotism keep them alive
Determined to stop the "holocaust"
Of children killed from inside
McCain and Palin believe In life
Regardless of shape, color, or size.
The race heats up now that Palin is back in action. She was alive, vibrant, intelligent, relaxed, energetic, "down home", and humorous in her VP debate against a stellar performance by Biden.
How well did you think Palin did in last night's debate?
How much will she help McCain at this point?
What, if anything, can McCain and Palin do to overcome the Bush legacy?
3 October 2008
at 10:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
RedwoodCoast (Anonymous) says…
Gosh darn it, Mr. Ahmedinejad, we just don't feel comfortable with your nuclear program.
Of course, that is tongue-in-cheek, but I really can't see Palin in the Oval Office, should that situation present itself. I think Biden would be much better in that role. At this point, I think I see Palin as more of a hindrance than a help for McCain. Obama and Biden still have my vote.
Oh, and Palin's patronizing 'you're such a cutiepie' tone that she uses in public really gets under my skin. Sorry, Ronda.
3 October 2008
at 11:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
designerscott (Anonymous) says…
~~ “A hero's strength of character
~~ Should be more than enough to please.”
Nope, it's gonna take more than that.
~~ “McCain and Palin believe In life
~~ Regardless of shape, color, or size.”
But not sexual orientation.
~~ “What, if anything, can McCain and Palin do to overcome the Bush legacy?”
Stop agreeing with his bad decisions for a start.
3 October 2008
at 11:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
couranna1 (Anonymous) says…
stop calling themselves maverick whe they are sheep
3 October 2008
at 11:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
redwood, I agree that the “gosh dern it” is annoying, but she is “folksy” as they say and has a certain amount of charm. We need to remember most people are more like her than the other candidates. While that might be another reason NOT to vote McCain/Palin, they still will see her as charming and “nice”. We all know how far that gets us. :)
designer, Palin expressed her views about sexual orientation quite nicely - and most Americans, including BIden and Obama, pretty much agree….. common rights are in - marriage is out….
3 October 2008
at 12:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
Ronda, would this be a remake of Gilligan's Island? I think Palin can play Gilligan very nicely or Maryann, but who would McCain play, Mr. Howell, the Captain, definitely not the professor?
3 October 2008
at 12:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
duplenty (Anonymous) says…
Ugh, Ronda. Please stop with the “poetry”. That was awful.
“What, if anything, can McCain and Palin do to overcome the Bush legacy? ”
What, you mean besides endorsing 95% of the time?
3 October 2008
at 12:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
slang4d (Anonymous) says…
“Determined to stop the 'holocaust' Of children killed from inside ”
woah…..ok crazypants.
http://www.bartcop.com/ad-apocalypse.jpg
3 October 2008
at 12:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…
I have to agree with duplenty, Ronda. Your poetry leaves SO MUCH to be desired.
Did anyone besides me think of Frances McDormand or Bill Macy in “Fargo” every time folksy pulled out one of her little phrases? Darn tootin!
3 October 2008
at 12:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Jaylee (Anonymous) says…
holocaust?! thats a little far, i mean, no matter how you lay it out, nobody is saying anybody wants to abort aaaaall fetuses (feti? i never cared to look that one up, maybe i should)
3 October 2008
at 12:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
HW (Anonymous) says…
designerscott-
Did you miss the part where Palin and Biden agreed on that issue. If you don't like there view, you are pretty much S.O.L. since both tickets view it the same way.
3 October 2008
at 1:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
HW, good point. They actually agree on several things.
dup and Ilove - :(
jaylee, and how many have been aborted in the last year, ten years? Anyone keeping count?
3 October 2008
at 1:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
slang, loved the wholesome picture - looked to be right out of Saturday Night Post
3 October 2008
at 2:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
designerscott (Anonymous) says…
“We need to remember most people are more like her than the other candidates”
Because I have a million dollar house!
“and most Americans, including BIden and Obama, pretty much agree:.. common rights are in - marriage is out:.”
For Biden and Obama it's called separation of church and state, whereas Palin is pushing for the religious definition of marriage to be implemented into government.
3 October 2008
at 4:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
duplenty (Anonymous) says…
“jaylee, and how many have been aborted in the last year, ten years? Anyone keeping count?”
How many have miscarried? How many “already been borned” chilluns have died from either direct US actions (Iraq, Afghanistan), inaction (Darfur, Sudan), or your purchasing habits?
“Naive” doesn't even begin to describe what you've posted here.
3 October 2008
at 4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
duplenty (Anonymous) says…
“A hero's strength of character
Should be more than enough to please.
A political sea of changing tides -
Waves of patriotism keep them alive
Determined to stop the “holocaust”
Of children killed from inside
McCain and Palin believe In life
Regardless of shape, color, or size. ”
I apologize if it seems like I'm piling on, but this..what? Stanza? It's enough to make me vomit in my mouth a little bit. Ronda, is this truly how you see these two? Because if it is, you are either misinformed, or willfully ignorant. McCain has betrayed almost everything he has ever stood for in this campaign. It's almost too awful to look at. And what is it with the Palin infatuation? She's incurious, unknowledgable, and about as “charming” as a box of snakes - but you're bowled over because she's “folksy”?
Is this really the state of consciousness of the American electorate? It's amazing. I'm not saying that you should vote for Obama, but to present these platitudes as a reason to support McCain in blatant opposition to, well, reality…I'm gobsmacked.
3 October 2008
at 5:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
To begin with, let me say that I absolutely *loved* your poem.
It sucked, but I *loved* it.
“How well did you think Palin did in last night's debate?”
Debate? That was a debate?
Whoa… I was thinkin' is was that other deba- word.
“How much will she help McCain at this point?”
The man needs a nurse. I bet she can wrestle him onto her shoulders
and lug him across the room, if need be.
“What, if anything, can McCain and Palin do to overcome the Bush legacy?”
Bow out of the race, gracefully.
( … including, perhaps, a follow-up “Hillary” write-in vote. )
3 October 2008
at 6:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
beatrice (Anonymous) says…
Sorry Ronda, but Jewel would even say that this poem sucks.
Please just write your opinions, because I don't mind disagreeing with your opinions, but I feel bad for having to knock the delivery as well.
Do you agree that rapists should be allowed to choose the mothers of their children? Palin does. How far do you go in agreeing with her views?
3 October 2008
at 7:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
dup, sorry you spit up in your mouth - that is very nasty. This is actually just called a blog so you have something to come on and say your say about. Does not mean I agree or disagree with what I write. A thought captured in time. For all you know, Alia is correct and I had the tune of Gilligan's Island running through my head. You all need to get a sense of humor…..Some of us already have one and enjoy using it. :I * Oh, and think “free verse”. I know -it hasn't been around as long as you have, perhaps!
tange, I believe that means you love/hated my poem.
Alia, I would have to give more thought to each of the politicians as characters. You are astute in your observation though. You win some sort of prize….. now what can it be? I should have had that in mind beforehand. Any ideas?
3 October 2008
at 7:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
storm (Anonymous) says…
Palin had a stellar performance, she understood how to work the cameras with a smile, like a news anchor. It was amazing. Cool, she winked at her Dad, and gave extra credit for students in Wasilla. She'll cross the aisle so we all are gonna put our heads together for a better America, gosh darn it. She reminds me of cross between a Stepford wife and Miss Teen South Carolina from Aug 24, 1997.
3 October 2008
at 8:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
beatrice (Anonymous) says…
ronda: “Does not mean I agree or disagree with what I write.”
So you are just typing? Please stop it. Do that on your own time without involving the internet.
LJWorld — please screen your blogs, because some “bloggers” obviously and now admittedly just want to waste other people's time by writing things that they neither believe nor agree with.
3 October 2008
at 9:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
designerscott (Anonymous) says…
LJWorld - please screen your blogs, because right now you have just been abused as a pulpit for partisan politics.
3 October 2008
at 9:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
bea: “Do you agree that rapists should be allowed to choose the mothers
of their children? Palin does.”
bea, bea, bea…
Legitimizing rapists, now, are we? … “allowing them to choose?”
Convoluted twist on that scenario ( double-twisting reverse, that is ) …
but, on the other hand, is it any more bizarre than a mother getting to
choose the executioner of her child?
Perhaps it is the innocent who should be *legitimized* in this scenario.
3 October 2008
at 9:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Agnostick (Anonymous) says…
Both of you need to get over your big bad selves.
Nobody forced you to log on.
Nobody forced you to visit this site.
Nobody forced you to read this blog.
Nobody forced you to reply.
Newspapers have always been used as pulpits for partisan politics. They're called “editorials.” What, you think George Will and Leonard Pitts and Cal Thomas are objectively reporting the news?
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.independentvoting.org
3 October 2008
at 9:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Mixolydian (Anonymous) says…
Ronda, I actually read your post as contrafactum for the Gilligan's Island tune and it worked for me. Just ignore the haters.
I did like the very first poster to your blog entry, but it should have been this:
Obama: ahhhh….ummmm, Mr. Ahmadinejad…hope
uhh, ummm, change and uhhh ummm hope.
Ahmadinejad: You're the greart satan.
Obama: Let me be very clear…uhhh, ummmm hope
ummm change and…ummmm hope.
3 October 2008
at 9:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
So, who exactly is this “Nobody” forcing the hands of all these unwitting reader/commenters?
4 October 2008
at 1:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ASBESTOS (Anonymous) says…
Vogon poetry.
4 October 2008
at 1:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…
Palin as MaryAnn, never she was the Gay chick right ?
4 October 2008
at 2:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
Wow Assbustos, turning on your own kind huh? And yes, I picked up on the H2G2 reference. Actually, quite spot on analysis in two words.
4 October 2008
at 6:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
none2 (Anonymous) says…
SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says:
“Palin as MaryAnn, never she was the Gay chick right ?”
––––––––––––––––—
No way, Palin is Ginger all the way. I'll go along with Mr Howel for McCain. Obama would be Gilligan, and Biden would be the professor. As for Mary Ann, the only one who could play that sweet, innocent character would be Hilary.
4 October 2008
at 6:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
none2: “No way, Palin is Ginger all the way.”
Nooooo waaaaay… Palin is the Skipper!
She's a man, baby!
4 October 2008
at 7:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
none2 (Anonymous) says…
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says:
'none2: “No way, Palin is Ginger all the way.”
Nooooo waaaaay: Palin is the Skipper!
She's a man, baby!'
–––––––––––––—
If you think Palin is a man, then I guess you don't know much about women.
4 October 2008
at 7:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
none2 (Anonymous) says…
I'll put it another way, how many women would want their straight daughter to date Palin — putting aside that Palin would get morally disgusted at such a request.
4 October 2008
at 8:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
nonetheless: “If you think Palin is a man, then I guess you don't know much about women.”
Oh, I know far too much about women. A woman is a friend of mine.
And your Sarah Palin is no woman [, Senator].
Whoa, none, from Gilligan's Island to “moral disgust” in a heartbeat.
Sand in your speedo/bikini?
4 October 2008
at 8:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
none2 (Anonymous) says…
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says:
nonetheless: “If you think Palin is a man, then I guess you don't know much about women.”
Oh, I know far too much about women. A woman is a friend of mine.
And your Sarah Palin is no woman [, Senator].
Whoa, none, from Gilligan's Island to “moral disgust” in a heartbeat.
Sand in your speedo/bikini?
–––––––––––––––
You need to re-read. Sarah Palin doesn't belong to me, she cannot be owned. She is her own person.
I'm not the one who would be morally disgusted, she would. She would not like to date another woman because while she is very tolerant, she doesn't agree with those choices. Perhaps it wouldn't bother her that much as long as the other lady didn't try to change the date to something that someone would try to re-define as a marriage. Perhaps just call it an exploratory adventure or ladies night out.
4 October 2008
at 8:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jaywalker (Anonymous) says…
“Do you agree that rapists should be allowed to choose the mothers of their children? Palin does.”
Patheitic. Bea once again demonstrating the intellectual skills of a two year old. And she's requesting the LJW to ban bloggers but it's ok for her to post with brain-free abandon?
And dupedaplenty, you're 'gobsmacked'? Is that slang for 'having nothing of substance to add to any conversation'? If so, I completely agree with you for the first time ever.
4 October 2008
at 9:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
none2: “You need to re-read.”
,;-D
Well, I reread the second post a few times, but it left me as ??? as ever.
Wait a minute… I know you from somewhere… don't I…?
4 October 2008
at 9:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jaywalker (Anonymous) says…
Ronda,
To your questions:
I thought Palin did very well in the debate. Her folksy speech was good and bad, I felt. At times natural and comfortable, at others a touch too much. The only people I've heard or read that have been derisive of her performance were already opponents of hers to start. Logicsound made a good point the other day when he suggested that 'low expectations' were the main standard some may have based their opinion on, and I couldn't disagree completely with that as I was pleased to see she didn't 'screw up', know what I mean? But overall I thought she was solid and more than held her own.
I think the only real way she can help from here on would be to start doing more shows, answering questions, and in turn not 'screw up'. It doesn't hurt Biden to stick his foot in his mouth, but it would be devastating if she were to, I think.
As far as overcoming Bush's legacy…… who knows? There's no real way short of disavowing the administration before the election. If they were to take the House, I'd say to put together and run an administration that does not operate arrogantly and values the opinions of others, regardless of party. Bush is not evil, as so many here want to paint him, he just ran an exceptionally stubborn and arrogant White House. The only unilateral operation I want out of the next admin is diplomacy across the board.
4 October 2008
at 9:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
jay: “As far as overcoming Bush's legacy: Bush is not evil, as so many here want to paint him, he just ran an exceptionally stubborn and arrogant White House.”
If not “evil” in intent, have not the outcomes of his policies ( or lack thereof ) been so horrendous as to qualify? ( And, BTW, “exceptional” is not a term appropriate to any aspect of Bush's occupancy. )
jay: “Logicso… suggested that 'low expectations' were the main standard some may have based their opinion on, and I couldn't disagree completely with that as I was pleased to see she didn't 'screw up', know what I mean?”
Is this, then, the Bush Legacy? “Oh please, please just let our ( prospective ) leaders not 'screw up'?” What has become of America in the 21st Century? The tail has been *swagging* the dog for far too long now. It's time America did something bold again-and emboldened itself in the process. What poetic irony that it will come under the leadership of a man that so many of the *fearful* can only see as… different.
4 October 2008
at 10:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
susie, I was apparently too young and naive to notice anything unusual in the relationships on Gilligan's Island. I am still too naive (although not so young) to accept that there was anything of that nature going on, but it did bring a smile to my lips.
I get so tickled to see some of the comments on this site - I never know what to expect from you all, but it does bring me much pleasure. I guess that is why I keep coming back - and for those of you who are spitting up in your mouths as you read this, just remember you really don't have to keep coming back either. That means you are secretly “tickled” (wink, wink) or you are a maschochist?
I am going to go out on a limb here for a second and suppose that Palin is extremely bright (yeah, common, let's give her the benefit of the doubt). Let's also say that she learned (being extremely bright) that she had to do certain things to remain in the “good old boy” world of politics. Perhaps she had to learn to “play dumb” and “play cutesy” and “let them win once in awhile”.
How many women reading this blog will step up and admit that they have done the same thing in certain times and situations. I know I have. When I wanted to become a police officer, I played down my looks as much as possible, acted ignorant on several occasions, and turned a deaf ear and eye to obvious blantant forms of sexual harrassment - all because I knew it was a no win situation for me. I feel it is like that for Palin too - she is in a no win situation. If she doesn't look feminine, doesn't wink, doesn't act folksie, is too intellecual, then she comes across as the “bitch” that a lot of people portrayed Hillary as. A woman in politics is still relatively new and unique enough that they/we are still trying to figure out how men, and other women, want us to act. Do any of you agree with this?
I also thnk that a lot of women are jealous of Palin and because they haven't had the “balls” to do what she has, then they put her down. I think this happens to Obama with some black voters as well.
4 October 2008
at 10:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
jaywalker, I appreciate that you took the time to answer the questions posed at the end of the blog with thought. I too felt as though I was sitting on the edge of my seat hoping she didn't screw up and feeling relieved each time she answered well. I thought she did fantastic and if anyone says they think they could do better debating against anyone in front of millions of viewers worldwide I would tell them they are lying.
The most seasoned of debaters would have a difficult time maintaining the poise and self control she had. It is time to stop kicking Palin - Biden, et all., have their “gaffs” also. Now I hear the anaylisis saying how Katie Couric also had “gaffs” when she first got her job - wouldn't it be nicer and kinder (and perhaps more true) for everyone to admit they have done the same thing themselves? I know I have….. Tange! don't you dare use that statement against me in upcoming blogs!!!!
I hope Saturday Night Live does well by Biden tonight also. How would the public have reacted if Palin cried rather than Biden? Anyone see “real” tears in Biden's eyes?
4 October 2008
at 10:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
verity (Anonymous) says…
I don't want my president or and/or vice-president to be just like me–I want them to be smarter, more thoughtful and better able to play with others. I am certainly not qualified to be president or vice-president, why would I want someone like me in those positions? At least I know my limitations.
When she tried to make the point that her family was just like mine, it made me want to go take a shower. My family is not like hers in any way, shape or form, and I would certainly not want it to be. I grew up way back of beyond and I did not know anyone that was not more sophisticated than Palin. Nobody spoke like her and they certainly didn't act like her. Her so-called folksiness seemed totally put on and just really creeped me out.
4 October 2008
at 10:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
verity (Anonymous) says…
Ronda,
You've been kicking Obama for months now, as designerscott said in another thread, “taking below the belt jabs at him” and being quite snarky, while pretending to be neutral, but when it's your girl, you want it to stop. She's not running for prom queen, she's running to be ready to fill the most powerful position in the world.
4 October 2008
at 10:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
Ronda says….How would the public have reacted if Palin cried rather than Biden? Anyone see “real” tears in Biden's eyes?
Wow, Ronda, that surprises me you would dismiss his tears as some political stunt. I can't imagine the loss of a spouse and a young child in an accident and my other children seriously hurt. Today his son Beau, who he has almost lost once before, shipped out to Iraq and his mother-in-law is terminally ill and in hospice care. The fact that the car accident that devastated his family was many years ago doesn't mean he doesn't relive the loss and grief very frequently. I'd like someone in office who can feel empathy for other peoples' problems.
I might find it refreshing if barracuda, pit billm lipstick wearing Sarah Palin actually feels enough emotion to shed a tear once awhile. You betcha!
4 October 2008
at 11:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
teachandlearn (Anonymous) says…
Rhonda says “How many women reading this blog will step up and admit that they have done the same thing in certain times and situations. I know I have. When I wanted to become a police officer, I played down my looks as much as possible, acted ignorant on several occasions, and turned a deaf ear and eye to obvious blantant forms of sexual harrassment - all because I knew it was a no win situation for me. I feel it is like that for Palin too - she is in a no win situation. If she doesn't look feminine, doesn't wink, doesn't act folksie, is too intellecual, then she comes across as the “bitch” that a lot of people portrayed Hillary as. A woman in politics is still relatively new and unique enough that they/we are still trying to figure out how men, and other women, want us to act. Do any of you agree with this?”
You can't be for real. This not who I want representing me as a woman! No one is saying don't dress or act like a woman, but talking to us like we are first graders isn't going to cut it . I am a strong, independent woman who does not disguise myself to please anyone. I would rather vote for an intelligent man anyday than for a woman who acts like a dumby to get by. What is she teaching the youth of today? If you act dumb and are pretty you will succeed? Thank god that my daughter is too young to be caught up in this nonsense! As for Biden tearing up during the debate, god forbid someone being human and have emotions other than smiling for 1 and 1/2 hours. I thought it was touching. He will always carry with him the death of his wife and daughter, not to mention the fact that his mother-in-law is on her deathbed.
4 October 2008
at 11:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Dazie (Aileen Dingus) says…
“Perhaps she had to learn to “play dumb” and “play cutesy” and “let them win once in awhile.” How many women reading this blog will step up and admit that they have done the same thing in certain times and situations. I know I have.”
I have never, EVER played dumb or cutesy and I will be damned if I help elect a woman who does. I have brains and I have boobs- if that makes me a “bitch” like Hillary Clinton then so be it. I'd rather be mentioned in connection with her (and probably Margaret Thatcher, Indira Ghandi and Benazir Bhutto) than with any bimbo who thinks that by acting dumb or cutesy she is helping herself or any other woman.
I can't believe you said that. Ugh. I'm disgusted.
5 October 2008
at 12:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Arana (Anonymous) says…
Our dear Palin supports life even in cases of rape and incest. Wonderful…
As for Biden, the man lost his wife and child in one foul swoop, be a grown up and put yourself in his shoes. I doubt SNL would have done anything so despicable as poke fun such of loss if it was Palin. It is highly disrespectful, the public would not have reacted well.
5 October 2008
at 8:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
none2 (Anonymous) says…
Ronda Miller,
I don't know why the comments were against you on Palin being smart but playing the part to get by. Of course you are right. The spoof on SNL between Palin and Hilary was SO funny because of just how true it was. Hilary lost because the powers that be didn't like the fact that she didn't act like a “lady”. People have hated her from the day she made the First Lady joke about baking cookies and serving tea all those years ago. Just go on the internet and you can find all sorts of put downs from men as well as some women in regards to Hilary.
If Hilary had acted like an airline stewardess from the 1960's and 70's, she would have been the democratic nominee. Why do you think the democratic party machinery like Kerry and the Kennedy clan and several others ditched her way early in the primaries? She didn't please the powers that be. Can you see Ted Kennedy being nice to Hilary (or any woman for that matter) if she wasn't a real man's woman?
People have criticized Hilary's looks, her hair, her clothing, her demeanor. Would anybody have dared do the same to Obama? Imagine if the media had suggested that Obama should get his hair grow out and get it straightened to highlight his cheeks. Sexism is very much alive.
5 October 2008
at 8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jaywalker (Anonymous) says…
T-R-A:
Unfortunately there probably isn't a President that has made all the 'right' decisions. And no, I for one do not believe that any of Bush's choices were so horrendous they qualify as 'evil'. I've always said we should never send troops into the middle east, too much of a hornets nest with little chance for a clear end game. And once that decision was made, and by nearly everyone on the Hill I might add, the strategy implemented was poor and short-sighted, no doubt. And wars with imbedded media will always become a crap storm for the West, it's a thorn in our side but a blessing as well, as we continue an upward struggle toward civilized society.
You misunderstood my point on 'low expectations', or I probably didn't write it out well as I look back on it. That is not referring to Bush or his legacy. The conversation logic and I had was concerning Palin's performance in the debate, and he had posited that the only way Palin did well is if viewers analyzed with lowered expectations. I found that to be thought provoking and in a way truthful.
As far as America needing a 'change', and BO being 'different', I agree with the first but do not with the last, unless you mean that he's a black man, which to me is a non-issue. We certainly need a change in our global thinking, how we deal with rising countries like China, India, Brazil, African nations, and (gulp) Russia (again), diplomacy and acquiessence over issues of power, trade, and America's industrial power base. I have two major concerns with Obama: He's a neophyte, new on the scene with little to no practical experience whatosever for the most important job in the world. Yes, we've had men with lots of experience do poor jobs, at least by the public standards, because I believe there's so much that goes on with the presidency that so few realize. (continued)
5 October 2008
at 8:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jaywalker (Anonymous) says…
continued:
But half a year in the Senate before announcing his candidacy, and abstaining from voting on most key issues, is not an appealing track record for me.
Second, he's gonna tax us back to the stone age. My small business is gonna be seriously effected by his policies here, and everyone screaming that he's 'gonna give us a $1000-1200 tax break are clueless. It's not a 'break', it's a 'credit'. And the other aspects of his tax plan are extremely dangerous. Higher taxes across the board will cause lower wages and loss of jobs, so many it's hard to speculate on. If you tax the wealthy and in turn small biz (a company with 500 or fewer employees is classified small biz - the majority of which reap more than 250k/year) then company positions go away, companies cut back, the price of everything goes up. Prices where I live are already extreme = $4.39/gallon; $6.00/gallon of milk; $2.85/loaf of bread; $3.85/bag of Doritos for criminy sake! I've diversified my company to stay afloat during the last two and a half years, and we brought in more than half a mill for 5 years prior, and that was with a max of 4 other men working for me. Do the math on bigger small biz and it's scary.
There's a lot about him I like, don't get me wrong, and he's still in the running for my vote. But those two issues give me great pause.
5 October 2008
at 9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
jay: “And wars with imbedded media will always become a crap storm for the West, it's a thorn in our side but a blessing as well, as we continue an upward struggle toward civilized society.”
Wonder where that “thorn” penetrates all the loved ones left behind… the parents, siblings, wives and children of the slain… because a fruitless, nay, counterproductive war… a war which should *never* have been… promoted by conservative simpleton doing the bidding of God.
5 October 2008
at 9:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
camper (Anonymous) says…
RM. I think Palin did better than expected. But I could not get over some of her mannerisms which I found annoying. I admit I can carry petty grievances more than I should.
There is one thing though that I find is not petty. And this is Palin's educational level, and the fact that it makes me uncomfortable. Palin only has a bachelors degree in communications-journalism. In this day and age you would be hard pressed to find a managerial postion in a medium sized company without an advanced degree or certificate. Can palin be one heartbeat away from being the most powerful person on the planet? This is mind boggling to me.
I mentioned in another post that I think Palin is quite capable of being a State Govenor (or maybe even a congressman), but I think VP of the US is too big a leap.
Sorry if I might disagree with you on this. But good post though. You are keeping the diswcussion alive,
5 October 2008
at 10:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
verity (Anonymous) says…
“Hilary lost because the powers that be didn't like the fact that she didn't act like a 'lady'.”
Who can really say why she lost, but my observation was that her campaign made too many mistakes (Bill became a negative and sometimes I wondered if he didn't want her to lose) and Obama just ran a better campaign. From what I can see, I don't think being a woman and/or not acting like a woman had anything to do with the loss. What is acting like a woman? I think that issue is becoming more and more irrelevant in our world. First and foremost we are all human beings.
Come to think of it, that is one of the reasons why I find Sarah Palin so off-putting. She tries to play the woman thing to the hilt and comes off looking like a high school flirt. If that is the only way she can get what she wants, she is not ready for world leadership.
5 October 2008
at 11:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
JohnBrown (Anonymous) says…
The title sums it up: shipwrecked.
Funny how McCain keeps saying we're 'winning' in Iraq. Look at the Big Picture: AlQedia's twin towers attack was an economic attack. Here we are 8 years later and look at our economy. If anybody's 'winning', it's Al Qeida, and we are NOT safer now than then.
Attacking Iraq took the lid off of Iran, making them free to spread their terror and develop their nuclear program.
Attacking Iraq let the Taliban regroup in Afghanistan…big mistake.
Attacking Iraq mis-spent hundreds of billions of dollars and dug us into a $3 trillion+ debt during Bush's term. Big mistake.
5 October 2008
at 11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
Unconscionable.
5 October 2008
at 11:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
I think it's quite presumptive to say “why Hilary lost”.
I'd also love to hear a detailed description on what “acting like a lady” entails.
At any rate, let's assume for a second that Hilary did lose due to her rejection of “acting lady-like”. She still has her self-respect and dignity, not to mention a reputation for doing what she knows is right, and not pandering to some sexist notion of being a “lady”.
I preferred Obama over Clinton for several reasons, but I still hope that Clinton has a place in Obama's cabinet, and I'd love to see her run for President again in the future. I fully believe that she is capable of holding the highest office in the land.
Palin, on the other hand, is a different matter altogether. If she is just “playing up” her “feminine wiles”, then she has done so at the expense of her credibility and her ticket's chance to win the White House. If she is as intelligent and commanding as Clinton, then she should have used those traits to her advantage.
5 October 2008
at 11:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
logicso: “Palin… is just “playing up” her “feminine wiles”….
She knows how to snare the *conservative* male.
5 October 2008
at 12:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
Jaywalker,
You are confusing “income” and “revenue”. As I understand it, Obama's plan would increase taxes on those who's personal income exceeds $250,000/yr. That does not include businesses whose revenue exceeds $250,000/yr. Small businesses (classified by the IRS as either sole proprietorship or limited partnership businesses with less than 500 employees) don't average even close to $250,000/yr in any category according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The closest categories are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and sales managers at an average of $100,000 - $150,000.
So while you may believe that an increase of taxes on those making $250,000+ is prohibitive, the truth is that it won't directly affect small businesses.
5 October 2008
at 12:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
camper (Anonymous) says…
The Republicans will tell you that if a Democrat is elected, your taxes will get increased and the economy will be ruined as a result. Well this might be so if you make > 250k per year. But McCain may misleading us even further about taxes. If you have employer provided health insurance, be prepared to see your taxes rise.
–From another LJW article–
He devoted at least half his speech to criticizing McCain. The Republican nominee has proposed to tax the health benefits that 156 million people get through the workplace as income. In exchange, McCain would give tax credits to help pay for insurance - $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families, paid directly to the insurer they choose.
5 October 2008
at 2:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cait48 (Anonymous) says…
If that woman became president (not out of the question, McCain is so old a good sneeze will send him into a heart attack) it would give credence to the idea that anyone can become president, even trailer trash. I watched the debate and the first thing out of my own mouth was, “Did she really say Joe Six Pack?” That wasn't “folksy”, that was insulting. “Joe Six Pack” brings up images of some guy in a wife beater and a mullet who goes to work, comes home and gets drunk and probably does beat his wife. It also illustrates what she really thinks of Middle America. I was raised in a blue collar household and I consider myself and my family blue collar still. My father was not “Joe Six Pack” nor is my husband. Nor am I “Jenny Six Pack”.
People want there leaders to be statespeople not “cute” and “perky”. Cute and perky are for high school cheerleaders and breasts, not the President of the United States. Although I have to say it's no wonder she charms the “Good Ol' Boy” Republicans. She is just the image of the kind of woman they like, one that will sit back and “let the men take care of things” when it comes down to it. If she becomes President don't even think she will be the one running her White House.
5 October 2008
at 4:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
cait: “… it would give credence to the idea that anyone can become president….”
This would appear to be the running theme and now standard operating procedure for the Republican party.
5 October 2008
at 7:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
cait, I don't think Palin is the type to sit back and “let men take care of things”,because as already broadcast, she is apparently in disagreement with McCain on several issues - perhaps number one may be how he is running the campaign. She seems pretty outspoken to me and I doubt she got as far in politics as she has by being the cool, silent type. She is agressive.
So I see people disliked her comments during the debate (okay, so I threw up in my mouth a few times also and I admit I got that term from one of my wonderful readers), but do any of us think she wrote all of that, or that other people in the party, her debate coaches, didn't know she was going to say those things? I mean, where are their heads? Maybe they are actually working for Obama - maybe he has insiders making her look bad. Just a thought….
I don't think of Joe six pack the same way you do, Cait. I think of him as model material, six pack abs, a boy toy… How differently we think.
camper, hey! Nice to see you on here. We don't have to agree with everything. Tis okay. I appreciate that you express your views politely as usual.
Alia, I didn't say anything about dismissing tears - I asked if anyone saw tears and that is a huge difference. I did not see any tears, but I heard newscasters saying he had cried. I was just asking a question - did you see any tears? And I know the same news people were saying that as long as Palin did not cry, forget her words, etc., etc., etc., then she would do alright. Just seems to be a discrepancy in what she is allowed to do and Biden is allowed to do. That was the point of the question, Alia. I am sure his losses are with him each second of the day and night as are they are for the rest of us.
I do not feel as though I am hitting Obama below the belt. If you read my comments on my blogs you will see that I have said several times that I think he will make a great president at some point and that he is a terrific role model for youth. He has many terrific qualities; I just reserve my right to vote as I see for the issues I believe in.
As far as Hillary not bowing down to men, I would disagree. If you really understand politics then you understand you are never your own man or woman 100 percent. And I love Hillary, but I lost respect for her for staying married to Bill after he publicly lied and humiliated her. She is an incredibly strong woman. Whoever made the comment about the Democrats and the Kennedys and attitudes about women - ditto! :) You hit the nail on the head.
5 October 2008
at 8 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
What about McCain's attitude toward women? His first wife was married to a classmate of his but they end up getting married. When she was horrifically injured in a car accident while faithfully waiting for him when he was a POW, he almost immiediately started playing around on her and married his current wife one month after his divorce from his first wife. The first wife became damaged goods, no longer a trophy wife for him.
Becoming a POW is not something he made a conscious decision about, betraying his disabled wife was a conscious decision he made. I'm going to judge his character by the decisions he's made. You may say that enduring life in a POW camp demonstrates character and I don't disagree with that. But, what about his lack of commitment to his first wife and family, doesn't that also speak to his character?
So you lost respect for Hillary b/c she made her own personal decision to stay in a marriage after being publicly humiliated, but admire a man who cheated on and divorced his wife after she had been seriously injured in an accident?
5 October 2008
at 8:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Way to go, Alia! You are saying it all so I don't have to.
5 October 2008
at 8:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
duplenty (Anonymous) says…
jaywalker - I realize that because you disagree with my stance you find it necessary to have created some imaginary rivalry between you and wherein you have to disparage everything I post (which is well and fine), but what I said was extremely clear: Ronda presented nothing but cartoonish simplifications of the candidates - Obama and McCain both. Not only are they simplistic, they're overwhelmingly false. And as I said, if this is Ronda's honest take on both men, she very nearly shouldn't be allowed to vote. If you like McCain, that's great and wonderful - Palin too. But to put it out there that you like them because of these fictional narratives created by the campaign (he's a “maverick”, she hunts moose!), then I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. By the way, while your lack of understanding of colloquialisms is regrettable, I'm afraid that I won't be amending my posting style to dumb it down for you.
5 October 2008
at 8:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
duplenty, no need to dumb down, it is as dumb as it needs to be, thank you. :)
You don't seem to understand humor - tis a pity. Cartoons are used often in politics and for good reason. Do you never appreciate the humor of SNL with their take on politicians? How about other comedians? I am not saying you should - just curious? Politics are pretty darn amusing sometimes, wink, wink. Especially way up in Alaska….
5 October 2008
at 9:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…
And you said *I* was mean.
,;-)
5 October 2008
at 9:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
tange, have *I* really ever said or implied that? nah - not ever.
Are you loving running in this weather?
5 October 2008
at 10:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
merrill (Anonymous) says…
There's a pattern with the repub party which germinated during Nixon and it has not stopped growing.
There are many reasons not to put republicans in office ever again. Republican presidents have some long history of big time crime taking place within their administrations.
How do voters forget so easily?
Crime against Vets:
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org…
CRIME: What party is in the white house that went around the nation lying to citizens about Social Security? Republicans!
http://www.dollarsandsense.org/archiv…
What party is in the white house and has been observing the sub prime loan scandals, pretending nothing was wrong? Republicans This has cost the taxpayers $700,000,000
which probably could have been avoided.
CRIME: Who has history with financial institutions going south such as the savings and loan scandal? Republicans!
http://rationalrevolution0.tripod.com…
McCain-the-most-reprehensible-of-the-keating-five
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1989-1…
CRIME: Who hosted the Iran Contra secret illegal sale of weapons? Republicans!
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/publ…
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/reagan/p…
CRIME: Who brought the nation Iran Contra number 2? Republicans!
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/3/5/…
CRIME: Which party illegally spied on the democrats to win an election? Republicans! Watergate!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/…
CRIME: Which party held secret energy meetings and refused our elected officials its' content and who attended? GW Bush and the republicans!
CRIME: Which party lied to congress and the world,went against military advice and created the worst strategic blunder in the history of the USA aka Iraq War? Republican Party!
Which party has held secret oil deals with Saudi Arabia?
Republicans!
http://www.democracynow.org/2004/4/20…
CRIME: Secret Oil deals for Iraq Oil- Republicans!
http://www.pubrecord.org/nationworld/…
crime against the economy: Which party introduced voodoo economics into our system? aka Reaganomics. Republicans!
Who still practices Voodoo economics? GW Bu