tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56304272011-04-21T12:36:43.205-07:00My New TheoryThe thoughts and musings of a father of two.Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1149268261630054562006-06-02T10:03:00.000-07:002006-06-02T10:18:14.163-07:00Bush a Progressive?No, but he is concerned with his Presidential legacy and that is causing him to lighten his touch a bit, just a bit mind you, which is good news.I never thought of Bush as being particularly hardcore conservative or anything really, more of a go with the flow, live and let live, kind of guy in his personal life.As a result, Bush has made two interesting and I think, positive Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1149260431317107652006-06-02T07:55:00.000-07:002006-06-02T08:00:31.330-07:00Democrats-The rest of UsI'm a democrat because I'm not a republican. As a democrat I can:1. Be for or against abortion or have an alternative view, like no abortions after the second trimester. Repugs are allowed only one view.2. Be a Christian, a Muslim, or an atheists. Repugs are only Christian.3. Be gay or straight or in between. The GOP has gays, but they must stay in the closet.4. Be Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1147725454697620372006-05-15T13:35:00.000-07:002006-05-15T13:37:34.776-07:00NSA Phone Tapping ProgramSo much has been written about this issue, but I'd like to ad my two-cents.I have nothing to hide and essentially don't mind my calls being tracked.If you wanna know that I didn't call my mother on Mother's Day, fine with me (I did take her out to breakfast).The spin is that gathering phone traffic information helps fight terrorism. Ok, fine.But here's my suspicious Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1137624029153295562006-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:002006-01-18T14:40:29.166-08:00Come Out of the Closet, DemsAll the calculating nuisance by the Dems to whatever crap the Repugs have pulled gets us nowhere. I'd love to see a proposal like this thrust into the public view and completely supported by the Dems. Make the damned repugs respond. Their proposal is window dressing and we all know it. Damn tomorrow or ten years from now when we might be in power and have to play by Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1136565304159696962006-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:002006-01-06T08:35:04.173-08:00Were Is the Outrage?Abramoff cops a plea that has all of Washington shaking in its boots, yet the GOP chattering classes that include the 101st Fighting keyboarders, GOP radio hacks, and the usual GOP TV guys have only one thing to say, a single talking point...Dems took money too.That my friends is BS. That my friends is a ironclad indication that the RW chattering classes are truly partisan Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1134759642997394672005-12-16T10:51:00.000-08:002005-12-16T11:00:42.996-08:00Democrats still the Ghost PartyThe dems are still the 'No there over there" party, ain't they?Still mumbling about Iraq.They support the war but want the troops to come home. Or they want Marines to stay in Iraq but want Bush to have a plan. Mumble, mumble, mumble.These days I'm a democrat but I can't stand Kerry or Dean or Pelosi. I've become one of those Americans who hates all politicians (Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1134759107731178682005-12-16T10:46:00.000-08:002005-12-16T10:51:47.733-08:00The Playground Bully, Humbled?During Bush's first term the game on the political playground was controlled by the GOP. He had the ball and he played the game he wanted to play. If you didn't want to play his game, then you were off the playground.After his second term election, he thought it was still his ball, his playground, his rules. But he was wrong.The last 12 months have brought Nixonian Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1134758799818527872005-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:002005-12-16T10:46:39.826-08:00Reasons for IraqI hate when the right says, "would you rather have Saddam still in power?" That is not the argument. The argument is Bush started a war for completely different reasons then he is now currently fighting that war. To me, that is a failed policy. The policy Bush started with no longer supports the actions he took. Bush has been forced to changed the policy to something different, Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1132344377037473672005-11-18T12:05:00.000-08:002005-11-18T12:06:17.050-08:00Iraq-I see the GOP mean machine is heating up defending the President in Iraq. They are feeling support erode among the citizenry and are of course, blaming the treasonous democrats. I guess a democratic hawk, Murtha, called for troop withdraw now and Reid pulled his stunt the other day calling for more investigations into pre-war intelligence. But the GOP is mis-reading the public. I think this Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1131389590434225002005-11-07T10:52:00.000-08:002005-11-07T10:53:10.446-08:00Familyman Struggles to Understand the SCOTUSThis is a series in which familyman tries to understand the SCOTUS and Roe v. Wade.Originalism?Originalism is a method of understanding the Constitution by understanding the intent of the founding fathers. Well, after a little research, I'm here to say that Originalism is hokum, or more precisely, deciding SCOTUS cases exclusively through originalism asPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1128527066396108192005-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:002005-10-05T08:44:26.436-07:00Cagey ChioceIts becoming clear how the SCOTUS choices must have worked. Roberts is a home run intellectually and a golden boy legally. Bush probably reluctantly agreed, if he got to pick the next nominee. So he pick Miers, a crony yes-women pretty much guaranteed to vote the fundamentalist Christian line.Bush is so pubescent in his choices, no? First, he allows the pretty boy with the killer Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1128011673290547042005-09-29T09:29:00.000-07:002005-09-29T09:34:33.296-07:00Bugman Gets StompedDeLay gets indicted and steps aside as GOP House Leader.Had to happen, the guys been too aggressive for too long. I hope that Texas DA has some real evidence. I know he's got some big balls, that is for sure.Note to GOP Radio Hacks: DeLay is a crook and everybody knows it. Shilling for the man only makes you look like more of a party hack then you already are. Have some Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1127313709078917522005-09-21T07:32:00.000-07:002005-09-21T07:41:49.086-07:00Good Choice Mr. PresidentRoberts seems Ok. Look, I don't like GW because he's in bed with Christian religious fanatics and dangles the collapse of the Establishment Clause like a piece of meat to hungry dogs. He's also a lousy speaker and not what I would consider representative of the leadership style, cunning, and wisdom this country has to offer, from either party. And, typical of Big GOP, Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1126898137138419532005-09-16T12:08:00.000-07:002005-09-16T12:15:37.143-07:00Nice One!You've not doubt heard that when a writer pitches a movie idea to a busy movie exec, its helpful to encapsulate the idea in a single line or two. For instance, Surfers who rob banks-describing Point Break.Well, tbogg, bless his sunny and 70 degrees heart, has come up with a sentence that encapsulates the entire Bush administration as well as the entire conservative movement:"Absolute Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1126726314272350092005-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:002005-09-14T12:31:54.273-07:00Hey Republicans, Chill Out!Your boy Roberts is gonna get in. Don't assume tough questions from Dems mean they don't like the guy. They do. The entire country likes the guys. He's gonna get a lot of votes. Its the job of Senators on the Judiciary committee to ask tough questions, to put the guy on the hot seat. So far, he's done real well. Certainly knows his stuff. Its obvious the Repugs have notPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1126726247296826972005-09-14T12:30:00.000-07:002005-09-14T12:30:47.300-07:00Roberts and the SCOTUSI've been following the nomination hearing and Roberts is impressive. He seems sincere and passionate about judicial and is certainly atticulate and thouorghly knowledgable about the law. But I'm afraid, becasue of something he said off handily that had nothing to do with the law. Roberts mentioned that he was visiting the Senators and other dignitaries as part of is Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1126621028135107692005-09-13T07:08:00.000-07:002005-09-13T07:17:08.140-07:00Exposing the PresidentI don't blame Bush personally for the Katrina disaster. But what has got him in hot water, certainly with liberals and even moderates, is his cavalier attitude toward the entire tragedy and that exposes an attitude that disturbs me.Bush is not now, nor has he ever been working for the American People. His presidency has never been about making lives better, rather its been Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1125676576528418652005-09-02T08:53:00.000-07:002005-09-02T08:56:16.533-07:00New Orleans and Bush Not sure if Bush can be blamed for the New Orleans disaster, but this is a perfect example of the Bush team failing to get out ahead of an issue. He was on vacation when the disaster struck and now he's playing catch-up and looks bad. The Dems have had the same problem with Iraq, playing catch-up and looking like weenies. New Orleans could change that.As callus as this is, Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1125429220024439722005-08-30T12:09:00.000-07:002005-08-30T12:13:40.030-07:00Pissed! At My Own PartyI heard on the radio some hack identifying democrats as the cut and run party. Well, why the hell not? The GOP already has us labeled and are way out in front of Dems on Iraq once again. Its like a prize fight and the GOP keeps punching and we keep standing there like idiots. But Dems are not for cutting and running in Iraq. I think we are for stating goals and objectives, Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1124987033914564192005-08-25T09:20:00.000-07:002005-08-25T09:23:53.920-07:00Bush Clueless On Iraq?Well, at least his speech making the last few days make him appear that way.We all know what's happening there. The insurgents are doing their thing. The government has come up with a draft Constitution that favors theocracy. The Sunnis and Shiites are gearing up for a power struggle and probably a civil war. I other words, its a complex, fluid situation where peoples lives Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1124918678991889542005-08-24T14:23:00.000-07:002005-08-24T14:25:03.616-07:00More Irony in Iraq With the Iraqi Constitutional draft now complete, its pretty clear that Iraq, once secular country that primarily practiced Islam, but had other religions, will become an Islamist country complete with women as second-class citizens and Islamic law trumping common law.The irony is, this is exactly what the right-wing in this country are after, the main difference being only in Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1122484125233710732005-07-27T10:02:00.000-07:002005-07-27T10:09:28.900-07:00A New Game-Admitting You are WrongI love to comment on blogs, its fun. Lately on Political Animal, the mis-named Kevin Drum blog via the Washington Monthly (here) , a number of trolls have shown up making the comments section look like a mini version of a House of Commons debate.But I've noticed something about the conservative comments both on the blogs and in general and I've been chewing on anPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1121802490411047272005-07-19T12:38:00.000-07:002005-07-19T12:48:10.420-07:00Right Side Blogging PsychologyBeen reading conservative blogs lately. They are so shrill. They use Ad Hominine attacks and have very little to say. Attack, attack, attack seems to be the modius operandi.For instance, there was a heavy critique of Juan Cole's blog via a Redstate (here) diary. He had made a mistake in something he'd written about the London Bombings and Al Quida. Its was pointed Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1121716446788760892005-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:002005-07-18T12:54:59.506-07:00Rove/Plamegate Forget all the intrigue about when Rove knew what he knew. Lets examine the GOP noise machine's complete inability to even summon a single thought that Rove might have anything but the noblest intentions when talking to reporters about Valeria Plame and Joe Wilson.Try them all:PowerlineMichelle MilkinGlen ReynoldsNewsmaxWashington TimesNone of them can express even a smidgen of Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1120847098083277512005-07-08T11:22:00.000-07:002005-07-08T11:24:58.086-07:00Terrorist Attacks in LondonWell, I'm still waiting for someone to tell me how invading Iraq has helped the WOT. AQ has attacked a number of times in Spain, Istanbul, and now London.They seem as healthy as ever. What is Bush doing to combat AQ and terrorism? Fighting a war against Iraqis in their own country?This post could go in a number of different directions, but lets focus on terrorism and Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1119903050875761542005-06-27T13:04:00.000-07:002005-06-27T13:10:50.883-07:00Bush's War MessageLot of Iraq talk these days. Lets be clear. Iraq is a war that we can win and then go home. But the fact is our engagement in Iraq now is about holding the fort while we train Iraqi troops and security forces to fight for themselves.Then we can slowly recede to our two of three bases, while Iraqis take care of security, establish a working government, and rebuild their Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1119586851907264252005-06-23T21:07:00.000-07:002005-06-23T21:20:51.913-07:00Rove Lashes Out!Why is Karl Rove lashing out at the democrats calling them liberals who are soft Terrorism.Haven't heard? Well, visit most of the left or center blogs and they are screaming, especially in the comments.Rove is obviously shrewd about what he says so the comments are designed to distract the MSM and bloggers from Bush's failing domestic agenda.Lets list them for fun. Social Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1117556319082429402005-05-31T09:18:00.000-07:002005-05-31T09:18:39.090-07:00Bush is DoneIf you read political blogs and the MSM daily as I do, you realize that Bush is done. Reason? There is very little coverage of the guy. SS reform is nowhere, Bolton nomination is a quagmire, Iraq continues to grind away, the economy and employment are soft at best. The only news I've heard is that Bush is headed for the Ranch for a few days of R and R. Well, apparently he deserves it.Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1117123255721239672005-05-26T08:56:00.000-07:002005-05-26T09:00:55.726-07:00Democracy's Slim GraspIt seems Bush's attempt to consolidate power has failed, or at least was put on hold, with a filibuster compromise between dems and a few repugs in the Senate.This is good news for democracy. How do I know? Because each side is unhappy. The White House, the base, hard lefties, hard righties, the Dobson Taliban, all are screaming and foaming at the mouth. Cheney probably Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1116164393746648602005-05-15T05:52:00.000-07:002005-05-15T06:39:53.753-07:00The GOP MachineI realized something the other day. I'm taking a vacation with the kids to NYC and Washington DC. We didn't get tickets to the White House but I had this fantasy about meeting George Bush. And you know what, I think he's probably a good guy and in fact we have heard this about him.This got me wondering what Bush is, other then a nice guy. Then it hits me...Bush is a GOP man, a Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1114702554243597642005-04-28T08:30:00.000-07:002005-04-28T08:35:54.246-07:00Nasty Stuff...Cheney's AcornI don't know if other admins worked this way the brewhaha over Bolton is revealing some nasty details about Bagman Cheney and his methods….This blog is exclusively about the Bolton nomination.http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/Seems now that Bolton pulled the names of NSA intercepts, intercepts of conversations Powell and his associates were having.IOWs, Bolton was Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1112808311020702292005-04-06T10:24:00.000-07:002005-04-06T10:25:11.023-07:00 Mind-boggling, reallyI can't tell if the GOP is using the Christian right or has become the Christian right or both. I like that line, "Party of Theocracy." Very true.The attack on evolution is really an attack on science and the scientific method as a way of establishing knowledge. If you control knowledge, you control most people.Religion had a lock on knowledge for 1500 years until the Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1111525007141198032005-03-22T12:54:00.000-08:002005-03-22T12:56:47.143-08:00Not Pandering Folks - BrillianceJust when GOPers and Bush look like they've really stepped in it, watch out, the fox is in the hen house.Tom Delay ain't stupid. Bush is, but not Tom. Tom knows the implications of passing a bill at midnight to federalize the Terri Shiavo case. He knows they will likely lose (they did), and he knows the GOP congress will be roundly criticized by everyone, from bothPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1109782727768198792005-03-02T08:57:00.000-08:002005-03-02T08:58:47.770-08:00Forget Foreign Policy, It’s the Economy, StupidBush's foreign policy successes of failures are minor compared with what's happening to our economy.Dollar droppingPrice of oil past $52 a barrelEconomic growth tepid at bestUnemployment not improving muchMassive budget deficitReemergence of the military industrial complexRaising prices (despite what the economic indicators say)Stagnation of Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1109781366853557922005-03-02T08:32:00.000-08:002005-03-02T08:37:02.370-08:00Its All Propaganda NowThanks to right wing radio (and perhaps the dark forces behind it), all news for any source now has to be viewed as spun.Maybe this is a good thing, I don't know.But if you like Fox News, you like your news spun toward the right. NPR or the News Hour, spins to the left.This development is dangerous in that it doesn't force a person to consider the other side.Me, being a Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1109359332615633532005-02-25T11:18:00.000-08:002005-02-25T11:22:12.616-08:00Tipping PointWell, I like to ski and don't get to do enough of it. I'm sure living in SD has something to do with it, being a good 3 hours from any minor ski resort and 8-12 hours from any major resort.But I have a Plan.When and if I need to leave the country, presumably because Bush/Rove have suspended the Constitution in the name of national security, I plan to go to Canada, work for the ski Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1109178010808352472005-02-23T08:58:00.000-08:002005-02-23T09:01:21.226-08:00Pull My FingerInteresting comments from our friend Scott Ritter, former Marine, weapons inspector, and now, apparently, peace nik.http://electroniciraq.net/news/1881.shtmlSays Bush has signed off on a June attack of Iranian nuclear sites.Never know about the alternative press account of things. Hopefully Seymour Hirsch and the New Yorker are on it. God knows the NYTs and CNN have better things toPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1108485595983551182005-02-15T08:35:00.000-08:002005-02-15T08:39:55.986-08:00That Quaint Old Fashioned idea of The LawDid you read the torture piece from the New Yorker, www.newyorker.com. Its long one and free and very interesting.The now infamous legal two-step is summed up in a quote from law prof Yoo (now at UCB, then with Bush): "Why is it so hard to believe that there is a category of behavior that is beyond the law."He was referring to terrorists, of course, but I Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1108055724822379362005-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:002005-02-10T09:15:24.823-08:00Time Table for Leaving Iraq?
How bout never.
We went into Iraq to fight terrorism (not WMD, da) but not the way you think, mono y mono. No, we are in Iraq to establish several permanent military bases that will serve nicely for major saber rattling gestures and, if need be, staging areas for operations anywhere in the Middle East.
Think of it as a police station in a bad neighborhood.
And geePadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1107975643036335612005-02-09T10:57:00.000-08:002005-02-09T11:00:43.036-08:00News Media to Blame
In this era (911, Iraq, W1, W2, SS), I think it’s the news media that has let the American public down the most.
Politicians have always been power hungry schemers who occasionally do the country some good.
And it was the news media's main and cherished task to keep them semi honest by exposing them for what they are.
And there was a balance there.
But now we have news Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1107966514501076792005-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:002005-02-09T08:28:34.500-08:00Careers
I've always struggled with my career, never been satisfied with what I was doing, always worked to provide for the family hoping someday to find myself doing something I really enjoyed.
I recently met a fellow who was in commercial real estate lending. He had an MA in RE. He also taught RE financing at NYU. RE financing was his career.
Pop! Bingo!
It finally occurred to me, Larry, notPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1107450886058167872005-02-03T09:05:00.000-08:002005-02-03T09:14:46.060-08:00The Fluff Girls of GOP Media
Man it was hard to surf the news channels late night after the SOTU speech, not that I was looking for news, usually I'm looking for summer camp movies or anything with a Brief Nudity rating..heh (oy, desperate middle-aged men).
The GOP media was just lapping it up in the worst way. Not a single critical thought or pang of skepticism in 24 hours of continuous Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1107102455804677272005-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:002005-01-30T08:27:35.803-08:00Elections in Iraqe Power of Democracy
Lets take a moment to honor, really, the brave Iraqi people who voted today in the countries first election, amoung flying bullets, mortors, and suicide bombings.
Take a moment to think about the power behind the idea of the freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
Now, plug your ears for the next week or so as every third-rate conservative,mouth Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1106880729049310982005-01-27T18:45:00.000-08:002005-01-27T18:52:09.050-08:00No Way Jose!
Its great to see opposition to Bush Flunkies Rice and Gonzalas. The U.S. must take a strong stand against torture if for no other reason then to protect our own guys.
Gonzales did a legal-two around the Geneva Convention when he should have told the President that it wasn't right, moral, or legal.
He should have stood up and been a man.
Gonzalas has proven himself a lap dog Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1106756864006406492005-01-26T08:19:00.000-08:002005-01-26T08:27:44.006-08:00Delusional as a State of Mind
Its not a case of liberal versus conservative.
It’s a case for thinking viruses not thinking.
I believe that there a many people out there who do not want to think, do not want ambiguity, do not want to live in a world that is anything but black and white. These people love conservative rhetoric because it is just that, black and white, for or against, right or Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1106241081261906172005-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:002005-01-20T09:11:21.260-08:00Et tu Colin Powell
If the American people are Caesar, Cheney/Rumsfield Antony, then Colin Powell must surely play the part of Brutus, the good man acting for what he thinks are rational reasons, only to discover, as the knife plunges into Caesar's heart, differently.
America says, "et tu Colin Powell."
I took the guy as a model after I read his book, My American Dream. Of course, no man can bePadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1105373920282770832005-01-10T08:14:00.000-08:002005-01-10T08:18:40.283-08:00Charger's Wildcard Lose
The old saying goes, play the same game that got in the big game, er, something like that. On Saturday, the chargers didn't figure this out in late in the forth quarter.
Why? Why the hell not play the down-field-to-Antonia Gates-game that got you 12 wins in the regular season against much better defenses than the Jets?
Hmmm, not sure but I have my theories.
First, we Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1105213092115087692005-01-08T11:28:00.000-08:002005-01-08T11:38:12.116-08:00Jackal and Hyde Administration
I can't figure out this administration. Are they evil geniuses or mildly incompetent boobs?
Iraq: Express US military might into the Middle East, topple the PITA Saddam, help Israel, secure oil production, create jumping off point to go after terrorists
-or-
Find and destroy WMD-that doesn't exist, topple Saddam because of his ties to terrorism, be welcomed with Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1103123579070715692004-12-15T07:10:00.000-08:002004-12-15T07:12:59.070-08:00Gay Marriage and Iraq
Each party has an Achilies Heal. For democrats, its Iraq and fighting terrorsim. For Republicans, its anti gay marriage and all that represents.
As a democratic, my own parties approach to fighting terrorism seems abiguous and cloudy. Bush, at least has a clear cut strategy. It's implementation was bungled badly and it may backfire, but his efforts are clear and present.
Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1102523049870510872004-12-08T08:22:00.000-08:002004-12-08T08:24:09.870-08:00Birthday Post
It was my birthday yesterday. 41. Kids and mom gave me a nice party and people at work said nice things. It is a little depressing, 41. You realize that you isn't coming back to your 30s and that you are on your way to 50.
But everyone I know feels younger. I feel thirty five really. People say I look it to. Thanks.
I have not posted in a while. Guess I trying to find new Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1099675662591006432004-11-05T09:22:00.000-08:002004-11-05T09:27:42.593-08:00Breakfast and Coffee
BBC asked Americans why they voted for Bush. Read a few and you see what is going on here. Propaganda overcoming fact.
They say truth is the first casualty of war and the War on Terror is no different. Article
But consider too that both sides put out propaganda. It just that red state types believe it and regurgitate back to the BBC.
It's identical to the way Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1099590358290220302004-11-04T09:40:00.000-08:002004-11-04T09:45:58.290-08:00Intolerant American
Bush's victory is the start of a Christian social agenda that includes a ban against gay marriage, RvW overturned, and the erosion of separation of church and state.
Iraq, Afghanistan, the budget, health care, and the environment pale in comparison to turning America into the Great Christian Nation.
Why are fundamentalist Christians so intolerant? Intolerant of other Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1099582996875962582004-11-04T07:42:00.000-08:002004-11-04T07:43:16.883-08:00Hmmmm, comments don't seem to be working yet. More testing.
Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1099582446349758912004-11-04T07:33:00.000-08:002004-11-04T07:34:06.353-08:00Testing, Testing, Testing
I think we have commenting now, so comment away...
Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1099582188148873892004-11-04T07:29:00.000-08:002004-11-04T07:29:48.146-08:00Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1099500248673350392004-11-03T08:38:00.000-08:002004-11-03T08:44:08.673-08:00My Fellow Americans?
50%+ of my fellow Americans voted for Bush. Here is what they will get:
Overturn of Roe v. WadeChilling of environmental lawMore tax cuts for richBigger budget deficitsIraq into VietnamAttacking Iran/SyriaContinued alienation of the World/UNContinued support of Sharon/Israeli aggressionThree right-wing Supreme Court JusticesBan of gay marriageContinued erosion of privacy andPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1098199144804259252004-10-19T08:16:00.000-07:002004-10-19T08:19:04.803-07:00Driving in the Rain - Come on, Sing Along
You know it hasn't rained here in San Diego in a record 181 days, since April 17 I believe of 2004. Well this week, rain finally came and so far there have been over 360 accidents in the San Diego County area.
Conclusion?
We don't know how to drive in the rain. Why? Because it doesn't rain here that often.
How does one drive in the rain, anyway? Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1097781807584414402004-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:002004-10-14T12:23:27.583-07:00Blogs I Enjoy
I've been meaning to get these links out for a while. These blogs I read constantly and are mostly liberal but smart. Some are a little more partisan then others. Most are funny and snarky.
www.talkingpointsmemo.com smart and balanced and a well-respected blog. Josh Marshall is a So Cal boy made good in DC. He has a PhD in History. My personal fav.
www.washingtonmonthly.com/ Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1097781423479590082004-10-14T13:11:00.000-07:002004-10-14T12:17:03.480-07:00Lets Get Snarky - The Third Debate
The third debate was pretty boring and there where two playoff games on to boot. Not to mention the usual evening routines of homework, dinner, walking the dog, getting the kids through bath, etc. Who has time for 90 minutes of domestic policy debate?
On top of all that, my son had a fever, so I caught some of the debate, not all of it.
Bush's comment that Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1096555454339451042004-09-30T07:42:00.000-07:002004-09-30T07:44:14.340-07:00It' Over, Bush Wins
Saw Kerry speak for the first time-and the race is over. Bush wins.
It was an interview with Diane Sawyer. She asked him if Iraq was right or wrong.
He said it was wrong if the outcome went bad but right if the outcome were good. Even Diane crinkled her nose.
We are done, fried, cooked.
And right bout now I'm extremely pissed at the Democratic f___king party for putting Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1096401325130175862004-09-28T13:53:00.000-07:002004-09-28T12:55:25.130-07:00Winning the Debates
This is good stuff Kerry should do in the Debates. Here.
I like the one, "if I were Prez, OBL would be in jail."
It's interesting, that the debates come down to mechanical and rehearsed rhetorical elements.
We know what Bush is going to say....Kerry needs to pick good responses.
Bush: "Would you rather have Saddam running the country or in jail?"
Kerry:
1. I'd rather havePadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1096404308667224932004-09-28T13:39:00.000-07:002004-09-28T13:45:08.666-07:00Kerry's Iraq Problem-Lack of Clarity
Kerry's Iraqi policy is as clear as mud. Here is some simple, honest clarity when asked the three basic questions on Iraq:
You criticize Bush about Iraq but you voted to go to Iraq?
Admit that he voted yes on the war but point out that he and all of congress and the nation was misled by the administration into thinking Saddam had WMD and links to terrorists,Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1096386822438930432004-09-28T08:38:00.000-07:002004-09-28T08:53:42.436-07:00Simpletons vs. Thinkers
The debates scare me because Bush is going to stand there and throw one-sentence zingers at very complicated issues, while Kerry gets bogged down.
And this is what simpletons want, easy answers from our leaders.
Thinkers, on the other hand, know that things are complicated.
It breaks down this way. Bush's is the simpleton's candidate and Kerry is the thinking person's Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1095779540508404432004-09-21T08:02:00.000-07:002004-09-21T08:12:20.506-07:00Depressed
And Herbert in the NYT explains why, here.
Kerry reminds me of Grey Davis, no presonality, the physical stature of an undertaker.
Herbert wants him to be himself. Well unfortunately, he is being himself. That is what you get.
There is a lot of showmenship in being a leader, just ask Arnold.
Oh well, four more years of Bush.
If there is a draft, I'm leaving the country. Don't want Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1095264877135316232004-09-15T08:54:00.000-07:002004-09-15T09:14:37.136-07:00The War in Iraq-Bush at the Polls
Why isn't Bush suffering for his war in Iraq?
Because Americans believe in the altruistic motives for the war. We know its a mess. We know post Saddam has been poorly handled, We know there are no WMD. We know that Saddam didn't cause 911 or hang with Al Queda types. 1000+ soldier have been killed with no end in sight. We know we where fooled into the war, liedPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1095263625143947412004-09-15T08:42:00.000-07:002004-09-15T08:53:45.143-07:00The Padres and Kerry
Today is a bit depressing because it seems John Kerry and the Dems are not going to step up to the plate. And the Padres keep winning one and losing one. Neither Kerry or my home team seem to have any staying power, any consistency.
Reminds me of the Padres this season. Talented, yes, good pitching, sure, but its just not enough. Meanwhile, Bush seems like the New York Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1092863608379962902004-08-18T14:13:00.000-07:002004-08-18T14:13:28.380-07:00GOP Dinosaurs
It it because I'm a Dem these days or is the GOP very suspicious. They have got the nasty swift boat ads, voter fraud scandals in Fla, and God knows what else.
I hope the DNC remains above board and the GOP is revealed for what it is, a desperate party with a puppet for Prez.
There was a time when I was a GOP, both my father and I, in fact. Lower taxes, smaller government, Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1092756932296645172004-08-17T08:35:00.000-07:002004-08-17T08:35:32.296-07:00Politics Sucks
You may have noticed that I haven't blogged lately, until today anyway. And it's because I'm really sick of politics right now. It has me depressed and I just want to ignore the whole thing until November, when I'll punch a hole for John.
There is such bitterness and ranchor, not to mention lies and deceptions.
The swift boat guys knocking Kerry's medals really put me over thePadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1092756304568542092004-08-17T08:25:00.000-07:002004-08-17T08:25:04.566-07:00The Waterpark
Took my daughter and friends to a waterpark for her birthday. It was fun. The kids are old enough now to run around on their own.
It was a hot day and the place was packed.
Now remember, it's a waterpark, meaning lots of water slides and a wave pool and everyone is wearing bathing suits and running around in bare feet.
So there is a lot of oogling going on, perfectly natural. Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1091131472975238852004-07-29T13:04:00.000-07:002004-07-29T13:04:32.976-07:00Completed the Race
This has really been a goal of mine since college. The Sri Chinmoy 1 mile swim, 10k run in the La Jolla Cove and Shores beach. Never got to it in college, but last Sunday I did it.
The swim was good. I had confidence I could swim the mile and the La Jolla cove is a nice place to swim. Only problem with the swim was swimming in a straight line, which I found hard to do.
I'dPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1090511628496569742004-07-22T08:53:00.000-07:002004-07-22T08:53:48.496-07:00Big Race Sunday
MY big race is coming up this Sunday. 1 mile swim and a 10K run. The swim is in La Jolla Cove, a truely nice place to swim, lot of ocean without the waves and lots of fish. The run is 5 loops around La Jolla Shores beach. Not crazy about loop races, but I should make it.
Been doing a lot of training and I'm currently exhausted which isn't good for racing. So I'll shut it down Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1090264737937413412004-07-19T12:18:00.000-07:002004-07-19T12:18:57.936-07:00My Son and the Piano
First off, we really don't have a piano, only a organ or electronic keyboard. We will get a piano someday and one main reason is because my son really seems to be interested.
This is every parents dream, to find something that your child is interested in. It's only been about 5 months so his interest may wan (and this is one reason we don't have a paino). But for now, its Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1089903756507094882004-07-15T08:02:00.000-07:002004-07-15T08:02:36.506-07:00Gay Marriage and Sex
My wife, always astute and succinct, said that the ban on gay marriage comes down to sex, really the fear of gay sex.
People think that even though gays would be married, they would still be having sex with others, thus eroding the great tradition of heterosexual marriage and fidelity.
Hmmm. This idea relies on the heterosexual misunderstanding of gay life. Are they havingPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1088699413678082332004-07-01T09:30:00.000-07:002004-07-01T09:30:13.676-07:00Angry at Bush and Co.
I'm reading Snow Falling on Cedars (listening actually). Bout Jap/Amer during ww2. Lovely book, really, a little slow. They had a nasty scene where Marines try to get a beach head on some Pacific Atoll during the War. Lot of guys killed in terrible ways and there was such a wasting of men. Main character gets arm shot off.
Anyway, made me very angry at Bush for wasting Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1087592678082841242004-06-18T14:04:00.000-07:002004-06-18T14:04:38.083-07:00Terrorism Report Spins
Christ all mighty, that the statistics in the well-respected State Department report on Global Terrorist got spun by the Sec of State to show progress against terror when in fact terrorism increased because of the current Admin policy, is, gee I donno, and egregious abuse of power, by Colin no less.
To his credit, he expressed anger at the mistakes, only after a few Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1087570713660579572004-06-18T07:58:00.000-07:002004-06-18T07:58:33.660-07:00Learning to Lie Better
The news today is that Cheney is outraged at news coverage that Irag had no connection with OBL.
This is the example of the admin has going on the offensive against the 911 commission by saying that Sadam was involved with OBL and by extension involved with 911.
In a word, what took them so long to learn to a good lie?
As the line from a recent Spongebob goes, "Hey Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1086366145810790312004-06-04T09:22:00.000-07:002004-06-04T09:22:25.810-07:00Goin Machiavelli, Sir
I was afraid of Bush going Machiavelli, but he has by firing Tenent, and now I'm not sure we can beat him in November.
When a prez goes Mach Velli on you, nobody is safe except the closed advisors and even they have to watch their backs. Cheney, Rummy, Powell, Rice, all could go if deemed necessary to win.
And there in lies the insidious change. Bush will now do what itPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1086361387046023782004-06-04T08:03:00.000-07:002004-06-04T08:03:07.046-07:00Stages of the Bush Presidency:
What, Me as the President stage- Bush was DITH (deer in the headlights) for the first 9 months. Remember the saying, "at least he has intelligent people around him?"
9/11 stage-despite some funky details about what he was doing when told (reading to kids, which he kept doing for some reason), I thought Bush immerged into a leader in response to 911. He cleaned up Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1085693417044116322004-05-27T14:30:00.000-07:002004-05-27T14:30:17.043-07:00Baseball Anyone?
In baseball, the fan has a special privilege and that is to blame the players, the manager, and the umpires for anything that happens on the field whether they deserve blame or not.
Its the fan's right to yell and scream at a slumping batter even though he has a secret shoulder injury, a perceived blown call or fat strike zone, or at the removal of the pitcher too soon or too Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1085083197095833372004-05-20T12:59:00.000-07:002004-05-20T12:59:57.096-07:00More Hummmmmmm
I'm starting a new series, called Hummmmmmmm. It's all about examples of the RNC machine at work.
Here is an article from the Washington Post. Check out Duncan Hunter, Rep from, gulp, San Diego, approach to the scandal v. Warners approach.
"...House Republican leaders have argued for doing as little as possible in response to the scandal, complaining that administration critics Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1085082882992326702004-05-20T12:54:00.000-07:002004-05-20T12:54:42.993-07:00That Humming Sound
Good example of the RNC giving the boys in Congress a little discipline talk.
Although the fact that Bush made the trip to the hill is indicative of some GOP nervousness.
The story is My Way - News">here.
Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1084908868268936442004-05-18T12:34:00.000-07:002004-05-18T12:34:28.266-07:00What's That Sound
Do you hear that loud, smooth, humming sound? It's in the air and across the country.
Sounds like the RNC getting out it's talking points to the machine about Prisoner abuse.
And that hammering sound, that is the RNC calling every GOP member of congress telling them to maintain party discipline, especially those on the intelligence oversight committee.
Hear that clicking Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1083860182969224422004-05-06T09:16:00.000-07:002004-05-06T09:19:36.106-07:00Seriously, Folks
On a serious note, ever notice how Bush pronounces the word Iraqi?
A rack ee is what he usually says, like he's got his eye on a stacked White House intern.
Drudge is investigating.Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1083776345029593032004-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:002004-05-05T10:02:17.436-07:00Contrition, Not an Option
This Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal evokes an interesting reaction from conservatives, from the Corner, to Rush, to Rumsfield, to Newsmax. Instead of contrition, they express defensiveness. To me, this signals their fear of losing control. They seem incapable of self critique, of saying, "yeah, that is bad, we are sorry, we messed up, we made a mistake."
Same with 911. Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1082567424639611872004-04-21T10:10:00.000-07:002004-04-21T10:13:22.936-07:00The Evil Genius
Somebody in the RNC is an evil genius. Many say its Gingrich. This evil genius has built a political machine to rival all others. The grease in this machine is in maintaining party unity and discipline no matter what hits the fan (and believe me, there is plenty). There are many smart, talented GOP Senators and Representatives cringing at Bush, but they hold their tongues (and Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1082564646633116862004-04-21T09:24:00.000-07:002004-04-21T09:38:53.076-07:00Kool-Aid Anyone?
I don't understand how Bush's poll numbers can remain decent with all the crap that is going on around his administration. You've heard is all before so I'll be succinct:
Iraq War, WMD, Woodward/60 Minutes, 911 Commission, press conference, deficit, unemployment, Clark, Plame, terrorists, Osama, Powell, Cheney, environment, Medicare, David Kay.
Three theories:
1. Kerry is notPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1082047347574303832004-04-15T09:42:00.000-07:002004-04-15T09:57:57.373-07:00Costco v. Wal-Mart
OK, lets set aside all political thoughts today, and get to something I'm really passionate about. Why is a business in business, or rather what is the moral purpose for the existence of a business? In my opinion, its to give people a living wage. Once a person has a living wage, other things fall into place, i.e., a home, family, etc.
Now, to perform this noble duty for Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1082042694002415642004-04-15T08:24:00.000-07:002004-04-15T08:27:45.936-07:00Bush Not Smart
I've come to a dramatic conclusion on the commute this morning. Setting aside all politics, ideologies, religious persuasions, left or right leanings, everything, I conclude the following:
Bush is not smart enough to be a President of the US.
Man to man, I have no confidence in his ability to lead me or this great country. I see him on TV and feel nothing.
He seems arrogant, Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1081977208788970312004-04-14T14:13:00.000-07:002004-04-14T14:16:20.123-07:00Deer in the Headlights
It's almost boring to criticize bush these days. He has really been exposed in the last 4 months sense Kay dropped the first bomb.
Last night was down right embarrassing. He could barely answer softball questions. In fact, he looked like he was tired of the whole thing, like he wanted throw up his hands and return to his ranch.
Even tried and true conservatives who Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1079124892699954732004-03-12T12:54:00.000-08:002004-03-12T12:57:10.436-08:00Speedo Update -Much Ado About Nothing
So often we summon the courage to do something and it turns our to be a non starter...so was the case with the speedo today.
I dressed, walked out on the deck, dove in, did my 1000 yards, got out and that was it.
No snickers, whispering, pointing, or giggling.
My upper legs were a shining, ghostly white (as noted before), but the rest of me is only a Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1079116060485580872004-03-12T10:27:00.000-08:002004-03-12T10:35:10.000-08:00California Ripped Off Again by Big ______
You fill in the blank. This time, its big oil.
Refineries are playing the Enron game of short supply equals high cost by dicking around with California refineries. Current gas price for basic UL here in San Diego is $2.37 a gal. And summer hasn't started yet.
The LA Times has the story, here. (registration req) (credit Jerry Politex).
But there is a Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1079114311035581582004-03-12T09:58:00.000-08:002004-03-12T10:00:50.106-08:00Presidential Shrinkage
Josh Marshall's column for the Hill (here) hits the the nail on the head when it suggests that Bush has lost some credibility but has failed to realize it.
Marchall calls it credibility atrophy. But we'll just say the prez is having some cred shrinkage problems. (I'm very street, you know.)
I noticed this cred shrinkage at a small wine party over the weekend. My Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1078872356852928322004-03-09T14:45:00.000-08:002004-03-09T14:48:11.780-08:00GW, A Mystery No Longer
From the moment he was granted the election in 2000 until November of last year, George Bush was a mystery. Liberals suspected something funny but had no concrete evidence. Conservatives loved him as an ideal; finally a Jesus-loving Christian in the White House.
Then the Kay report came out, no WMD, and it was pretty obvious that we, as a country, where misled into a warPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1078865566178078422004-03-09T12:52:00.000-08:002004-03-09T14:38:59.826-08:00Speedo, Anyone?
I'm a swimmer, at least I try to be and I swim at the pool a couple times a week. After you start swimming regularly there is an uncomfortable subject you have to come to grips with- the Speedo.
I currently swim in regular trunks, but I've realized that the good swimmers at the pool wear Speedos; those very small, very tight, swim briefs (for lack of a better term).
I want toPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1078526016177271282004-03-05T14:33:00.000-08:002004-03-05T14:59:40.686-08:00Political Intrigue
Talking Points Memo, the cool political blog by Josh Marshall, is burning with political intrigue today. Check it out here.
Here is some of the current dirt:
Plame investigators subpoena air force 1 phone records - cool.
WH council involvement in stealing Dem computer files from congress - neat.
Niger yellow cake letter arriving just in time to support the WMD argument - Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1078516582918329742004-03-05T11:56:00.000-08:002004-03-05T12:08:03.513-08:00Private Idaho
Is it me or is the President living in his own private Idaho (or own private Texas)? Does he have blinders on? Is his ideology so strong that he can't see the forest for the trees? Lets hope so, because it will cost him the election.
The Achillies heel of any ideologue is that ideology blinds.
Certainly, the President is on message with his base. They love him because he loves Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1077307782356363582004-02-20T12:09:00.000-08:002004-02-20T12:23:54.763-08:00WMD and Monica
First rule of political warfare: Avoid handing your enemy ammunition.
Bill Clinton did it, first by doing it, then by lying about it, the second mistake outweighing the first.
Bush reversed the order by lying first, then getting caught.
Aside from morality and bad intelligence, these are major political mistakes. My question is why?
Clinton: well we all understand that at Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1076604381460414632004-02-12T08:46:00.000-08:002004-02-12T08:48:10.090-08:00I get it now.
Gay marriage is a polarizing issue and forces the candidates to choose one or the other. Bush is against, Kerry, not sure. So while a voter may hate Bush, the thought gays saying I do makes him crazy, so he votes for Bush anyway. People like me and you are lost causes, but people in the middle who are generally tolerant of gays (who doesn't have a gay friend these days?) are Padre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1076518849399543352004-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:002004-02-11T09:02:37.670-08:00Boy newsmax is scary...
Hanoi Jane and John Kerry. Wasn't Kerry a war hero? So lets see, Bush was AWOL from the gaurd but unpunished because he was a rich boy....and Kerry was a war hero returning home to protest a bad war.
I guess it's a good sign, Newsmax grasping a straws.
www.newsmax.comPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630427.post-1076102927192412072004-02-06T13:28:00.000-08:002004-02-06T13:30:30.310-08:00Brilliant Move for Bush
The Old Potomac Two-Step
LA Times today
The issue of WMD is effectively dead until March 2005. Good move Mr. Bush. Of course the commission is stacked, but the most important criteria is not what you think. The most important criteria was whether a member is a leaker or not. We can't have any nasty leaks in October or November.
The beauty of the March 2005 date is, ofPadre Mikenoreply@blogger.com