Ellington

I don't care that it's standard political practice. It doesn't matter to me what tradition dictates. Some things should be off limits. Period. Wife, kids, family, personal lives and the like should not be fodder for the pundits.

Understand, I do realize that it's the nature of the beast. Even as I entertain flirtations with the political realm, I know that clear and present danger to be imminent. But it's a standard that should be abandoned. As I watch the media slowly claw into Michelle Obama, I see a presidential candidate turn into an annoyed husband, a husband who is jumping to the defense of his wife. Any of you would do the same. I shudder to think at some point that some Republican jobber will find a way to insert Obama's kids into the fray. I didn't like it when it was done to Chelsea and I wouldn't like it in any other scenario. It's cowardice at the highest levels and practiced on BOTH sides of the aisle.

See, I don't subscribe to the ideal that one gives up their privacy when they become a celebrity or political candidate. America's voyeuristic nature is often tolerated instead of chastised. The lives and movements of my spouse and family are simply none of your business! Britney shouldn't be accosted even if she decides to go out at 3 a.m. and shave her head. Tom and Katie shouldn't have to release pictures of their baby...at any point. And Obama shouldn't have to listen to Sean Hannity lay into his wife night after night.

I once had to endure similar queries and comments about my kids on this very site some years past. Trust, I was prepared to do some unspeakable things to the perpetrators. (Note: Kamikaze's personal life and family ARE off limits. Heed my warnings well.) And yes, I'm a well known rapper around town and may run for office one day. I'm no Obama. I've got thick skin..rhino-like skin when it comes to me. But as with any of you good folks, my skin is tissue paper thin when it comes to a spouse and/or kids. Who would expect Barack, Bill, or even John McCain to do any less (and incidentally, I don't agree with them going after McCain's wife either).

Obama told the ''Repubs'' to ''lay off'' his wife. The funny thing is..I wonder what he will do if they DON'T.

Previous Comments

ID

129996

Comment

He knows they won't. Just as he knows they will continue to drill Rev. Wright and William Ayers into the ground. Just as they will "no experience". And Obama will rise above the fray and call it what it is. Cowardice. A feeble, spiteful swipe when at a loss for genuine argument. Obama will continue to attract the populace (despite narratives crafted by the media) because he will not play games. He is interested in serious progress on issues which have been deadlocked for decades because of useless political posturing. No wonder Michelle's so proud.

Author

daniel johnson

Date

2008-05-19T21:07:55-06:00

ID

129997

Comment

Well said Daniel. It appears the party of ''family values'' doesnt really practice what they preach. This absolutely infuriates me. The ease and ruthlessness at which the pundits can dig into family members or lives of celebs and candidates is scary. Doesnt matter that they speak publicly. Its no excuse. A spouse, a daughter are only doing what they are expected to do..show and speak support. Michelle does it famously. But in the interest of changing Washington, Obama stays true to form in bucking age-old practices. Kudos to him for standing up and saying NO..my wife isnt fair game. Doesnt matter what youve done in the past! I can even respect ole Bill. And if Kerry had a bigger set..He could have handled the same sitution better last time.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-19T21:54:21-06:00

ID

130012

Comment

While I understand sensitivity on attacking candidates family members, I do not think all criticism of Michelle is entirely unreasonable. Her political statements are fair game for criticism, including her comments about being proud of her country. And I say that even while as a black American I fully understand her feelings. Making attacks about her looks, her demeanor, and her personal life is a classless thing to do, especially when so many of these attacks have a racist tone to them. The GOP machine does not care that they are telling America that they hate the possibility of these smart 'uppity Negroes' being in charge of this country. Obama's defense of his wife over the personal attacks is warranted and I agree with him 100% on that tip. I can imagine if were to run into Limpbaugh or Hannity alone in a back alley with no cameras around he'd be tempted to beat the living hell out of those as$wipes for the things they have said or encouraged from their listeners. I think if the GOP machine keeps up that line of attack, as I suspect they will because they are becoming increasingly more desperate to stop the Obama movement, it will backfire on their candidates in the Fall as it has already in the last three congressional special elections.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-05-20T08:08:32-06:00

ID

130015

Comment

It's politics. It happens on both sides.

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-20T08:27:16-06:00

ID

130021

Comment

It's politics. It happens on both sides. Sure it does. But does that make it right? I've seen personal attacks from left-wing blog sites against Laura Bush, the Bush twins (neither of whom are political as far as I can tell), and Cindy McCain that were vile, hateful, and offensive also and I think it says volumes about how low as a society we can stoop to take down our political foes.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-05-20T09:10:25-06:00

ID

130022

Comment

The GOP is comprised of such low caliber of people these days that I'm running out of insults to describe them. I'm surprised they haven't changed the name to the Grand Ole Proud Dragons of the New KKK. Michelle will have to watch what she says these days to keep from giving fodder to racist like Sean and Rusk. She knows that well by now. In closing , it's fantasy to expect the fox to not break into the henhouse and ravage, rape and try to kill the hens, ducks and doves. It doesn't matter how many times the fox tell you he has changed or found religion because if you got your religion from Faldwell, Robertson and local phonies like them, you don't really have any religion that matters. Nor have you stopped being a kick-ass fox. It irks me to even hear family values mentioned in the same breadth with republicans. We need those family values like we need our behinds sewn to our faces.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T09:24:36-06:00

ID

130024

Comment

Sure it does. But does that make it right? Of course not. But remember - the politicians can't stop the crazies on both sides of the aisle. Hannity will keep saying his piece regardless of how many times McCain rebuffs him. Ditto the MoveOn crew.

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-20T09:41:08-06:00

ID

130026

Comment

Agreed Jeff this is basically a chickens**t practice on BOTH sides of the aisle. This society as a whole has deteriorated when things like this happen in entertainment and politics..As crude as it sounds..If a few folks started getting their a***s kicked regularly theyd think twice and be a little more discriminating when going after family members. And again..I realize its part of the game but it sucks!

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-20T09:51:39-06:00

ID

130030

Comment

Of course not. But remember - the politicians can't stop the crazies on both sides of the aisle. Hannity will keep saying his piece regardless of how many times McCain rebuffs him. Ditto the MoveOn crew. No, but they can denounce and try to distance themselves from such tactics. I can envision Obama doing that as it relates to attacks on McCain.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-05-20T10:09:23-06:00

ID

130031

Comment

And McCain has already done it with attacks on Obama. He has repeatedly denounced those who refer to Obama using his middle name, among other things.

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-20T10:17:20-06:00

ID

130033

Comment

McCain will avoid certain things for sure. He hasn't gotten desperate yet, however. When desperation becomes a factor, Sean, Anne, Rusk, the GOP , crock news aka fox, and the rest of the pretenders of family values will show McCain how to herd the cats and horses "old style" like in the far and near past. Foxes and dogs always do what foxes and dogs do. You can count on it! The question is whether McCain is a typical republican pretending to be atypical. I can't wait to see their hands displayed and Obama walks through the turbulence like an angel sent from heaven, which he will have to be to handle and sustain all the devilment surely to come his way. The time has come. He's the right man for the job.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T10:36:55-06:00

ID

130035

Comment

And McCain has already done it with attacks on Obama. He has repeatedly denounced those who refer to Obama using his middle name, among other things. I remember that, and McCain deserves credit for that. I'd heard a rumor that he and Obama (or at least their camps) were discussing running a single, non-partisan ad together prior to the fall political season to denouce some of the more inflammatory rhethoric being spewed from both party machines, mainly the 527s, and pledging to stick to policy differences. I doubt THAT would ever happen but wouldn't that be an interesting turn?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-05-20T10:55:17-06:00

ID

130040

Comment

Walt, since you have already made up your mind, why do you even care what McCain and those GOP KKK Hitler Stalin evildoers do?

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-20T11:58:19-06:00

ID

130042

Comment

Harry I care because I love the country despite its fault and I believe in fairness and justice for all while at the same time letting the past and recent actions determine my beliefs, truths and expectations. I'm surprised you don't know this. The big problem with many southerners or republicans is that they prefer to live a lie or fantasy about the past and therefore want to ignore the past and recent actions because neither make them look good or fit the fantasy or hoax they're trying to pull on the public. I have no intentions of being used or fooled by the type. I've lived, studied and worked too hard for that. Don't get me wrong, I will freely ignore and forgive the past upon seeing some geniune,legitimate and real change and improvement. I'm seeking a brighter future too, but I'm not accepting any farce. Now I didn't put in Hitler or Stalin part, you did. I may or may not disagree with your definition. I'm sure you know things about your party that remains hidden from me. Harry I hope you're fooling yourself with respect to your game with me. Believe me you're not fooling, tricking or making me look bad in the eyes of those who know me. And I have you to know lots of people on this site do know me. It's a shame that a party can be as disgraceful, dirty, undignified, dishonorable,, unbecoming, ignoble and low-minded as your's and still enjoy a decent reputation. I bet I know more about their failures than most of you do. It's corrupt and amoral to the core - Gingrich, Delay, Ken Lay, Cheney, Bush, Rove, Bill Frist,, Dennis Haskert, Rick Renzi, Randy Cunninham, Ted Stevens, Jack Abramoff, Grover Norquist, Bob Ney, Conrad Burns, John Doolittle, David Safavian, Susan Ralston, J. Steven Griles, Ralph Reed, Mark Foley, David Vitter, Larry Craig, Falwell, Robertson, Larry Haggard, et al.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T12:24:43-06:00

ID

130044

Comment

I doubt that McCain and Obama are going to be able to get together against negative campaigning because McCain has already shown that he is going to let others do the dirty work while he takes the ball and scurries as in the case of Bush making the Nazi appeaser remarks that McCain took and ran with as though it were an unplanned coincidence. They are desperate. Although Obama may be too nice to fight fire with fire, if they continue to attack his wife, then a 527 from the left ought to bring up McCain's wife's refusal to release her tax returns. She could be heavily invested in Saudi Arabia for all we know. We ought to know where the income of the potential first family comes from. It could come from people who hate our freedoms.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-20T12:31:00-06:00

ID

130045

Comment

A republican can't do anything else that would surprise or shock me. Mrs. McCain's funding Bin Laden wouldn't shock or surprise me!

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T12:37:11-06:00

ID

130047

Comment

Agree to disagree. I think you are wrong, you think I am wrong. That's why we have the political process. Thankfully (from my point of view), a majority disagreed with you in 2004 and will disagree with you in 2008. ;)

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-20T12:52:36-06:00

ID

130048

Comment

If Obama wants his wife to be untouchable, he shouldn't put her out on the campaign trail. It's that simple. And Walt, while I agree that Republicans have done some pretty unsavory things over the years (particularly the current admin), it's not like the Dems are a bunch of angels, either.

Author

bill_jackson

Date

2008-05-20T13:02:02-06:00

ID

130049

Comment

They didn't disagree because I'm wrong though. They voted their ignorance, agenda, conscious or lack thereof. There isn't any dispute any more among intelligent people about what your party is and has been. Not as many people will be fooled this time around. Even fear itself won't work this time around. The die hard republicans blind to the truth and facts of the circumstances of the situation the country is now in due to republican control or lack of control will suffer the consequences some day. Never too soon for my taste either. I know I'm right in my description of them despite the little bit of sarcasm I like to throw in to smell up the pot even more.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T13:02:51-06:00

ID

130050

Comment

Reximus I'm talking about republicans right now, and despite your comment, you can't point to anything the Democrats have done in the last couple of decades that compares to the evil, corrupt and two-faced ways of republicans. They sold their souls, our good will and reputation, some of our ports, bought and corrupted religion, started an unjust and unplanned war to murder innocent people, getting our soldiers killed for nothing, robbing the country on defense contracts, torturing detainees,taking away our freedoms, abusing the constitution, creating enemies for us by the second, etc. The list goes on and on. Yet republicans defend them with aplomb. How can anyone defend this. Saying Democrats aren't perfect or blameless, which I agree with, isn't taking responsibility or helping create a brighter future.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T13:13:00-06:00

ID

130051

Comment

I just want to add Rex that you can't find anything in the last 50 or 60 years in the Democratic party that tangentially compares to the republican party of now.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T13:21:55-06:00

ID

130054

Comment

Obama shouldnt have to ''keep his wife off the campaign trail''. Besides no appearances by the wife out on the trail would just spark up more controversy. Talk about African-Americans or women..America's not ready for a single person as President..or a Prez who leaves the wife at home. but thats Another thread lol. Hell the mayor caught hell because his wife wasnt HERE with him. Why I dont know... How about just exercizing some class and decorum and make the wives and kids off limits..whether theyre on the trail or not..

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-20T13:49:31-06:00

ID

130055

Comment

Let all hang out. My problem is that there is not fairness or evenhandedness. Don't like Rev. Wright? Fair enough. Let's talk about McCain and his favorite endorser Rev. Hagee as well as Rev. Pat Roberston and other wingnuts who felt America was punished with 9/11, Katrina and who knows what else because of God's alleged anger at abortionists and homosexuals. That sounds like fun. When we talk about Michelle Obama, we can segue to Cindy McCain who has also been on the campaign trail. Who knows where her money is invested? We do know that because she is white and rich she stole narcotics from a non-profit organization intended to help poor people and all she got was a slap on the wrist. If I were her, I would REALLY be proud of America --- more proud than the regular people who go to jail for stealing drugs.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-20T14:00:00-06:00

ID

130056

Comment

"decorum and class". When I see this in the republican party I will happily join. Unless you mean decorum as they quietly, politely and most assuredly screw the country and enrich themselves and friends as they claim they're looking for those elusive weapons of mass destructions. With that I can send my lifetime membership dues to the Democratic party without any fear of changing party. Winning means everything to them. They will do anything to achieve that. Dukakis, Carter and Kerry were too dumb to see it with the handwriting plainly written on the wall.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-20T14:01:16-06:00

ID

130058

Comment

Has anyone seen any evidence that attacks on a candidate's family actually have any sway at the polls? I would think the public is so jaded at this point that they would be ineffective. There was a time, at least through FDR's administration, where the media DID exercise a good deal of voluntary restraint in dealing with family members of politicians and personal issues not directly related to public policy.

Author

scottb

Date

2008-05-20T15:45:11-06:00

ID

130059

Comment

Exactly! In my opinion..one has nothing to do with the other..Now I know this wont be the most popular sentiment but what Barack's wife says on the trail, what McCain's wife paid in taxes last year..Bush's daughters being party girls has nothing to do with whether or not that candidtae can do his/her job. Prime example Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick..the fact that he had..and lied about an affair..who cares..but the fact that that lie cost his city and the taxpayers money..THATS a problem!. Eliot Spitzer seeing call girls? a non-issue. but the fact that he spent taxpayer money and government time to improve ''ethics'' on capital hill..THATS a problem. Can Obama do the job..YES! HE will be prez perhaps, so dig into HIM. show some class and dont attack family.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-20T16:51:01-06:00

ID

130060

Comment

I agree wholeheartedly, K, but I shudder to think what we'll see from the fringe this time around. "Swiftboating" will pale in comparison, but in the long run, it may be the wake up call so many middle class people who have blindly voted Republican since Reagan really need.

Author

bill_jackson

Date

2008-05-20T19:16:44-06:00

ID

130065

Comment

Michelle Obama is fair game. By publicly campaigning for her husband she has opened herself up to public criticism. It’s disingenuous of Barack Obama (and yourself) to ask the media to “lay off” when Mrs. Obama chose to speak in a very public forum. Had Mrs. Obama chosen to stay away from the campaign trail Obama would have every right to be upset, but you can’t have it both ways. If Michelle can’t stand the heat she should’ve stayed out of the kitchen. I think the more disturbing issue is that we live in a time where a candidate’s family life holds political weight at all. The politicians are as much to blame for this as anyone by publishing ads that put their family life front and center. http://www.barackobama.com/tv/michellestory.php

Author

Brad H.

Date

2008-05-21T06:31:15-06:00

ID

130066

Comment

Agree with your second point..Your first..not so much. Simply couldnt be me. Wives, kids, family should be off limits...regardless. Now I do say I have a problem with a society that almost mandates that a candidate show off his family. Just imagine a presidential candidate who didnt parade his wife around..or God forbid(gasp) and candidate who was single. If a candidate had a wife who never spoke in public..Didnt always show up at public appearances, and didnt speak on her husbands behalf at all. We would all suspect bloody murder..Again I insert the Melton issue here. We as a society almost force candidates to insert family into a campaign then we summarily roast their spouses in public a'la Michelle Obama for speaking..To quote you..we cant have it both ways..

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-21T07:59:47-06:00

ID

130069

Comment

We have had a bachelor president before (James Buchanan comes to mind). If a candidate's family is out actively and publicly campaigning, then no they do not get a free pass to say whatever they want without any ramifications.

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-21T08:13:57-06:00

ID

130070

Comment

Actually, I kind of agree with Brad's first point and suspect Michelle and Obama do too, to some degree. If she jumps out there campaigning, she has to expect some fire to come her way. I desire fairness in it though, but know republicans won't usually be fair, respectful or courteous. I'm all for fighting fire with fire if that's what it takes to finally send republicans back to their pits. What did courtesy and being above board do for Carter, Dukakis or Kerry. Neither Michelle, Barack or any of us should expect empathy, compassion or justice from republicans. You can't give what you don't have and don't believe in. Could the Indians ever expect courtesy or compassion from Custer. No they couldn't as he was a cold blooded racist murderer who needed killing and finally got that.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-21T08:14:40-06:00

ID

130072

Comment

McCain just had a member of his campaign to resign after it was revealed that he was funded by Saudi Arabians. Cindy McCain has also been on the campaign trail, so by Brad H's logic, she should release her tax returns. Shouldn't we know who has financial influence over the potential first family? Shouldn't we know if anyone has information that they could use as leverage against them? She thrust herself into the campaign when she came out to criticize Michelle Obama's gaffe about being REALLY proud of her country for the firt time when intending to speak about pride in our political process. If neighbors (like Bill Ayers), wives and preachers are going to be the line of attack then both candidates neighbors, preacher endorsers and wives should be treated the same.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-21T08:16:14-06:00

ID

130073

Comment

Amen, Whitley. I should send Michelle some phrases or comments to use against Mrs. McCain. I've seen and dealt with her type many times before. I could make her blow up and reveal all kinds of dirty little secrets about the family, herself and her perception of black folks. I don't want Mrs. McCain anywhere near the White House but she couldn't be any worse than Nancy Reagan.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-21T08:22:42-06:00

ID

130074

Comment

I guess what Im saying ultimately fellas is that unfortunately I know that this practice will never cease. I don't expect true politicians to ever be true gentlemen, husbands, and fathers and make the gentlemen's agreement to leave family off-limits. To me, it has nothing to do with a family member trying to speak with no ramifications..It has to do with folks having class. Period. Sure if you say something utterly deplorable, I expect you to be challenged. Sure I do know in a sense that it makes perfect sense to hold up if you insert yourself in the fray..but cmon..Just saying..Couldnt be me..trust..if I ever enter that realm some hearty a**-whoopins are gonna get dealt out! I want folk to be scared to even whisper a word about my spouse or kids..I kid..But not really.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-21T08:39:52-06:00

ID

130076

Comment

I understand Kaze, and I don't think anything was wrong with the comment Michelle made about that moment being her first time feeling really proud of America. We blacks usually view a different world than white folks do. For Hannity and McCain not to understand that show what awful, shallow and race-baiting opportunists they are. If I were Michelle I would explain the comment but never rescind it.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-21T08:46:23-06:00

ID

130077

Comment

And are you serious?? Buchannan?? Thats the 19th century sir...Do you honestly think this country would elect a single man/woman President?? Or even better would they elect a man/woman who chose to keep family completely OUT of the spotlight?? Imagine a candidate who left the fam at home while he was out on the stump. Imagine him never bringing them out so that they wouldnt be recognized in public..Imagine him refusing to answer questions about family or private life..Would we elect them..No! In fact, we would think something was ''wrong'' withhim/her..Hannity the ''family man'' would roast them.. But cower to the whims of the political machine and bring your family out and people attack them..Michelle Obama was getting scrutinized before she spoke a word publicly..and as a man I find that as cowardly..

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-21T08:51:36-06:00

ID

130079

Comment

Obama needs to keep Michelle near him because she's likeable, very smart and still fine. Her fineness and smarts are the reason Obama smiles so much. He's saying to himself, "Obama snatched a jewel, didn't I!" What up with these backwood, country and rural whites hating on Obama? Is it just Obama who hasn't done anything to any of them or is it all blacks they're not too crazy about due to rearing, socialization and ease to use and trick. I was waiting on Hillary to say last night to those Kentuckians, "I'm one of you, and I know why you don't like his black,light-skinned and Harvard and Columbia trained black booty. Don't uppity and educated blacks just make y'all sick to your stomach. He has what you deserved but didn't have the opportunity to get. Aren't you ready to stop his black sorry ass."

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-21T09:13:01-06:00

ID

130080

Comment

And are you serious?? Buchannan?? Thats the 19th century sir...Do you honestly think this country would elect a single man/woman President?? Or even better would they elect a man/woman who chose to keep family completely OUT of the spotlight? Heh, that's why I chuckle everytime I hear a few conservative "family values" Republicans suggest Condi Rice should have run for POTUS or should be McCain's VP nominee, as if their party would ever nominate a childless, single, never-been-married black female over 50 whose orientation might be, er...questioned?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-05-21T09:14:59-06:00

ID

130086

Comment

David Gergen wondered aloud on CNN last night whether Hillary might be magnanimous enough to say, "If you are voting for me because you are racist, then I don't want your vote." Gergen should change his name to Davie Wonder (short for David in Wonderland). Condi Rice is too nice and smart to be the Repub VP. She gave an interview in which she praised Barry for his race speech in Philly and stated that racism was "the original birth defect of this country". It certainly doesn't help being single, childless and of uncertain orientation either.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-21T11:59:08-06:00

ID

130090

Comment

The new Hillary won't say any such thing, Whitley. She and Bill have made a great discovery during this campaign - they're not the first black president and first black first lady and likely won't be the second alleged blacks to share the white house. This has been disheartening to them and some Negroes as well, therefore forcing them to resort to some old timey ways they learned up north and down south from their families and republicans. But they can't blame us for not voting for white folks as we have done it our whole lives. Hillary and Bill are in the crash and burn mode right now. I'm still waiting on them to get behind Obama and help us destroy the other side.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-21T12:30:45-06:00

ID

130091

Comment

I've been disappointed in Hill and Bill's tactics. I look up at his picture on my wall and feel sad, thinking, "We loved you Bill. Did you have to play the Ace of Spades? :-)"

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-21T12:54:41-06:00

ID

130103

Comment

Another low-life piece of trash republican is now not seeking re-election after being caught driving drunk and fathering a child by another women not his wife while married. It is none other than Vito Fossella. Needless to say, he is a socially conservative and of high moral and family values just like the rest of them. The long list continues. Yet Democrats who now look like Angels compared to republicans struggle to get elected. We live in a sick and depraved world when a party can commit these many awful sins, deceptions and abominable acts and yet have so many people still singing their praises and denouncing Democrats as blameworthy too. Frankly I understand why many detestable Americans blindly support and respect such a ignoble party, but I'm yet to understand why tub-headed Negroes with their history of abuse and leanings toward religion as true sustenance and moral guidance still support it. They must be scared they'll have to join a party with too many Negroes in it, or Mr. Charlie will start asking someone other than them to take out his washpan and eat the crumbs from his table.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-22T07:52:01-06:00

ID

130104

Comment

Walt er..Yeah..Walt...I do so enjoy your endless verbal bashing of the ''re-pee-bubes''. Its is indeed enteraining. Don't let up off em buddy. But in all fairness I must say that Politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle suck big time. Problem is the re-pee-boobs are hypcritical about it. The party of ''family values'' is one of the biggest perpetrators of these type things. While the Dems deem it to be just part of human nature. And I agree. Certainly driving drunk and fathering a child out of wedlock is nothing new. It happens and people make mistakes..especially men with that kind of power..Thing is that when you preach perfection and holier-than-thou mantra..Well...it makes you look even worse, untrustworty, and much harder to follow. The Dems just seem to be much better at keeping their dirt under wraps even as some yellow-dog Dems struggle to hide their racism. I like my leaders with some taint and some mistakes under their belt..Its makes them more believable and likeable. Its life seasoning.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-22T08:36:38-06:00

ID

130105

Comment

I like low taxes and I reeeally dislike moral agendas. That is why Ron Paul is my guy.

Author

QB

Date

2008-05-22T08:39:26-06:00

ID

130106

Comment

I have a Libertarian streak also, but Ron P is a little radical even for me! I hate all this conflation of politics with religion and who loves the flag more (bow down and worship the stars and stripes?). Government should have some limits when it comes to trying to regulate people's personal behavior that does not negatively affect others. Prohibition showed that does not work. What in the world can government realistically do about family values and if it can should it? Should that not be left to churches?

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T08:57:02-06:00

ID

130108

Comment

Conflation of politics with religion, who loves the flag more, who is able to make the country safer, who loves America more, whether America should have a king or emperor as leader (executive privileges or orders bypassing congress), who has moral or family values, et al, are all a concoction and farce by scum republicans. Why did so many Americans fall for it - the look and appearance of the party absent any data, facts or proof to support any such beliefs. I came to the opposite conclusion and the facts are supporting me. Because of the ordered withholding of numerous documents by George Bush that should be made public, since they formerly were public records, the complete truth concerning Reagan, H. Bush and W. Bush may not ever be truly told or discoverd. A fickle percentage of the public doesn't want the truth anyway because they would lose standing and unearned respect.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-22T09:20:21-06:00

ID

130109

Comment

They would have us believe that all our problems are due to: Muslims (real and imagined --- they hate our freedoms), immigrants (they take all the good bean picking jobs), flag haters (they hate our freedoms), homosexuals (they cause god to be angry and send Muslims who hate our freedoms and hurricanes --- be very afraid), and polar bears (they are in the way of us getting to unlimited stores of oil in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge --- damn bears.)

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T09:39:51-06:00

ID

130110

Comment

The reasons certain candidates will be forced to parade their wives and children is due to things like this: Allegedly, an incumbent running for office in Missouri, Sam Graves (a white man), has run an ad attacking his challenger, Kay Barnes (a white woman)...the ad reportedly shows a black man in a bar dancing with two white women and the voice over announces that Kay Barnes is being funded by West Coast liberals. It seems obviously intended to convey that she may not espouse family values, she may like gay people and she might even be for (the horror) interracial dating! How will THE FAMILY survive?!

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T10:03:01-06:00

ID

130119

Comment

On MSN front page there is a column about Cindy McCain and her drug life. If I were Michelle I'd tell that drug addict heifer where to go the next time she said something about me. Michelle is too smart and nice to bring up the drugs because she would soon be made the villain while that drug using heifer be made a saint. Besides republicans like drug addicts or users. Some of their best talk show personalities or conservative gods are well known drug addicts. Of course, they all claim it in the past - last night, I bet.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-22T13:15:13-06:00

ID

130120

Comment

People who have successfully battled addictions to drugs and alcohol (like George Bush used to be) should not be vilified for it per se (to overcome an addiction shows great moral fiber); however, when they sit in their glass houses and attack others for less offensive sins (like Limbaugh)...oh well...if you start slinging mud you'll get some on you too. I just wonder why the media focuses more on flag pins than on why a potential first family's sources of income should be a secret.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T13:47:05-06:00

ID

130127

Comment

Overcoming an addiction to drugs caused by a lack of moral fiber in the first place, in my opinion, alone or by itself, doesn't necessarily show any great moral fiber at all. Doesn't it depend on how and why you quit or overcame the addiction? It can simply be a selfish act of personal will power to thwart or stop personal criticisms and losses while too eagerly awaiting the opportunity to vilify others for perceived shortcomings you don't have and think others have. Rush and Glen Beck make their living criticizing others for not having what they think others should have or want others to think they have. I don't know at this point that she has shown any great moral power for allegedly getting off drugs if she did in fact ever quit. What we are determines what we do. However, I will certainly sing the praises of anyone who successfuly overcomes drugs and alcohol and is left with empathy and compassion for others suffering from shortcomings of any nature and kind. I have many church friends of the type just described. Nontheless, isn't a drug addict on most occasions, more or less, an impulsive fool who shouldn't be trusted with anything significant because of their tendency to float through life high abusing themselves and things?

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-22T14:37:02-06:00

ID

130128

Comment

An addiction certainly is characterized by a state of mind in which one is ruled by foolish, impulsive (maybe more accurately "compulsive") actions. I have great admiration for those who overcome addictions, like Malcolm X did, and then try to live their life in a way that shows compassion for others who are afflicted. I have known many different kinds of people who were addicted to drugs and alchohol. Some were so impulsive that they could not be trusted. Others (even lawyers, bankers and a UPS delivery man) would do their jobs without a hint of any problems and evidently without letting their private demon interfere with their 9-5!

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T14:47:41-06:00

ID

130130

Comment

Excellent commentary, Whitley. Throwing in one of my heroes certainly helped sell the idea or claim. I don't know many drug addicts since I basically despise and avoid the type I perceive that will do drugs. And as soon as I see someone pull out some drugs or I smell some, no matter the person or situation, I'm gone, quick, fast and in a hurry. Neither friendship, love nor kinship have been able to keep me around or near the type. My prayer is that my grandchildren don't engage in them either and make me regret ever meeting any of them.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-22T15:08:48-06:00

ID

130131

Comment

You're lucky Walt. I have had the misfortune to have not been able to avoid coming into close proximity to relatives, friends and co-workers on heroin and cocaine. I had a really good friend in Chicago who saved my life by intervening to stop some Disciples from jumping on me (after I accidently elbowed one of them in the nose in a b-ball game). We clicked. He was a few years older and from Mississippi originally also. I had no idea that beneath the caring, kind exterior were demons. I later discovered he was a Vice Lord who shot up cocaine and heroin. I had no idea. He told me that he wanted me to know since we were friends. I never felt the same after that though. I was still kinda fresh from Mississippi. We slowly drifted apart after his revelation.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T15:20:11-06:00

ID

130133

Comment

Yes, I know I'm lucky, but I'm not totally free of the pain associated with it. I have 2 siblings I know are on drugs but both will deny it. And my son stays in and out of jail for selling them. None of them will come anywhere near me with them though because they know how I feel. I have given all of them money upon demostating real distress or need. My son has been to my house 3 times since becoming grown, the sister only once and the brother not one single time. I don't have any toleration for it, but thanks to John Lucas, ex-NBA star, I don't hate people who uses drugs anymore. Maybe despise was too strong a word to use earlier. I can't claim to like them very much though. Too much pain associated with them for my taste and I don't like pain.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-05-22T15:39:00-06:00

ID

130138

Comment

There is hope Walt. I know from experience that fewer than 50% can whip their addictions, but some do. I think they are strong people --- especially those who are able to kick addictions without the benefits available to those who are wealthy. If our society put some of the resources into drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental health and diplomacy that we put into war, intimidation and incarceration we could save money in the long run. We are a knee jerk society still though. Let's bomb, bomb, bomb them and lock, lock, lock them away.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-05-22T15:49:50-06:00

ID

130208

Comment

Open Letter to the Controlling People of Jackson MS Please do not criminalize the youth that are charged with having a food fight in the school cafeteria. don’t you remember how awful school food is?  You should be more tolerant and recognize that, this is a youthful expression, which is as innocent as a baby throwing its food from a high chair, to invoke a response from the mother. Have you not had a pillow fight. Its Fun. And even the cadets at West Point are known to conduct food fights. This is as American as student stuffing themselves in telephone booths, or smearing car windshields with shaving cream. Wake up, and see your selves as kids again, A food fight is a joke, we don’t put people in Jail for jokes. Give the Youth some considerations, Sincerely, Dr. BJ Luchion Prof Emeritus ret.

Author

bjluchion

Date

2008-05-26T12:40:46-06:00

ID

130209

Comment

uh...huh? I think that response is a taaaad off topic. If you'd like professor you can start a thread on the food fight topic in our forums section. I happened to hear about the ''food fight'' but don't know specifics..Perhaps you can go to our forums section and enlighten us.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-05-26T12:54:54-06:00

ID

130211

Comment

BJ, how are things in Camden and are you still burning out motors in your K-Tec Champ food processors (used and new from $379.95 at Amazon.com)?

Author

willdufauve

Date

2008-05-26T23:17:35-06:00