John wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:44 AM:For Larry. What about our Congress? No one is doing anything about the problem.

Paul wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:35 AM:When I moved from North Carolina in 2000, I realized that this was truly the land of "fruit and nuts." While less-qualified women, gays and minorities have the advantage over qualified white males for jobs in California, which, by the way, is against the law (Proposition 209), Sen. Helms was our last champion/hope for equal justice under the law for all its citizens. I shall miss him!

Thomas Powers insults California as the land of fruits and nuts then makes a totally baseless claim about women, minorities and gays (huh?) getting jobs over better qualified white men.

As for helms championing equal justice, that's exactly wrong. As a guy who played racial politics, he did not stand up for blacks. Nice try rewriting history, but Californians aren't easily fooled.

You can take the boy out of North Carolina but can't take NC out of the boy...

Mr Powers' thinking is much more at home in the land of Helms

Chuck wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:46 AM:The Treasury Secretary says the U.S. economy will need months to recover.
Now, there is real genius for you. First, they wont admit we are in a recession. Then he bails out his buddies at Citibank, Bank Of America, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sacks, etc, etc Then he bails out FannieMae and Freddie Mack because the Chinese are holding billion upon billion of worthless mortgage notes and he says the economy will need months to recover. Hey Paulsen, how many months??? 60? 84? 120?
How many of your buddies have lost their jobs, their house, their pension and are now wearing a cute orange jumpsuit and a set of chains?

Good Grief wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:55 AM:Helms was a champion of equal justice
I also lived in North Carolina. My family history is not as illustrious as your history. But, Helm's policy was never equal justice. His policy was to maintain white supremacy not only in North Carolina but throughout the south. California the land of the fruits and nuts? I see that we added one more nut when you decided to migrate to the Golden State.

Vista Granny wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:57 AM:I guess Thomas Powers hates California. Makes you wonder why he's living in Carlsbad. As for his opinion of women and Jessie Helms -- where did he get it? Jessee Helms a champion of equality? If, as he says, women in California get chosen over and paid more than men, I never encountered that situation here. The world changed a few years back. The truth is, if women are selected first and paid more then it's because they're better qualified and work harder. I think Thomas should go back to his beloved hill country. He can hide in the back country and pretend it's still 1950.

Hysterical wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:01 AM:Thomas Powers has to have written the most amusing tongue-in-cheek letter of the year, don't you think? I mean, either that or he is a person who yearns for the good old days before the civil rights and women's movements, when women and black people knew their place. And we know that there are no longer any Americans who actually believe those days were better. No real Americans, anyhow. Good one, Mr Powers. A great parody of what racist, sexist, hate-filled people (like their paragon, Jesse Helms) sounded like. LOL thanks

Focal Point wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:59 AM:Equal Justice: Tommy, good ole boy from North Carolina is a whiner. He feels discrimination against himself and the white race. I find it ludicrous to say the very least. Black codes were enforced in North Carolina right up to the end of World War II. Didn't hear the Blacks whine about it. Oh year, the couldn't Black complainers were hung from trees in the dead of night. There are elderly Black people that still remember it to this day.

She Said wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:05 AM:Larry Lovin letter: There are two possible travesties regarding the letter..1) People will waste their energy responding to it, and 2) He will be allowed.

Underground wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:26 AM:Joe St. Lucas' letter got me to thinking about building heights. This is just a question for some of you engineering types, just trying to figure out if this idea is even feasible or what the downsides, if any, would be. I do not know what issues need to be taken into consideration on this.
We hear about so many problems with building heights from a standpoint of airplane flight paths if they are near airports, to safety during earthquakes, blocking views, etc.
What about the feasibility of building underground?
To a person who is as far as possible from being tech-savvy on engineering as anyone could be, it seems you would be able to go as deep as you want and never obstruct anyone else's view. Seems you would not be at risk for collapse during earthquakes; some cracking at worst. Seems the soil itself would provide great insulation from noise and reduce the need for heating and air conditioning expense. Seems this would be especially feasible in climates of extreme heat or cold, and in the future the creation of closed environments with underground construction could make uninhabitable places such as the moon or mars habitable, or even our own planet if we continue to destroy our home planet.
Seems to me the ONLY downside I can think of is that the view is not so hot, but for anyone who has ever worked in an office cubicle, you get used to it. Any issues I've missed?

Theres an wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:30 AM:oxymoron for you, using the words Sen. Jesse Helms and "equal justice under the law" in the same sentence. Unless it is tongue-in-cheek, the letter from Thomas Powers reflects severe resentment, hatred and bigotry. Sad.

She Said - Correction wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:33 AM:The last sentence on my 8:05 post should have read, starting at 2), He will be allowed to vote.

Apollo wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:36 AM:Re: Larry Lovin (letter) and She Said (8:05 a.m.)
Yeah, I can think of another problem with Larry Lovin.
While he makes a factually accurate point, that there is no real shortage and the oil companies are simply manipulating the general public to pressure us to give them more control of more lands they can just sit on, if we push this point too hard they may actually up the ante, increase the pressure, decide that the American public needs more pain to get their point across, and create the artificial shortages and long lines like we saw in the 1970's, first during the Nixon term and then when Carter was president (and we know what happens to someone presiding over gas lines).
Of course, those who get solar panels and electric cars won't be fazed by long gas lines any more than they are high gas prices. While I would like to see broad-based solutions that help everyone, if the American public continues to elect elitists that work against those interests, then I also support every individual doing what they can to solve the problem for themselves and, in that way at least, contribute to a small reduction in demand that does ease the economic pressures on everyone else.

Well She Said wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:48 AM:I think that what we have here is failure to communicate. We have 3 shortages right now. Gasoline - whether manipulated or not, the price is high because the oil companies can get away with it and they do not increase production of crude oil as well as increase the refinery capacity, among other despicable things. Energy - there does not seem to be a balance between environmental concerns, development of alternate sources, conservation and increased production. Notable offenders here are the new "wind-turnine syndrome" malarky. Water - if we are in such dire straits, why are building permits (not remodel or replacement of burned home) and new water meters being issued? When the cities say opposite things from the same mouth, when there is endless and excessive environmental and governmental red tape and when the price of gasoline is high but no station is out of gas, it does make me wonder where the truth really is.

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:54 AM:"Where is the shortage?"

I just love these cutesy retorts by liberals, don't you?

Now, according to Larry Lovin: "Bush tells us that we have a supply and demand problem with oil. That's why it's so expensive."

Hey Larry.. it's not just Bush, I heard the otherday that Nancy Pelosi said it too, and requested we release oil from the SOR (Strategic Oil Reserve)

I also heard, that milk has shot up some 30%, but I never saw a story about any missing cows, did you?
Come to think of it, I also heard eggs were up some 28%, and I never heard of any chicken thefts, either.

Now, one thing I do know, when this Government decided to subsidize ethanol farmers, they pushed the price of corn up some 240%. And with the floods in Iowa this year, I'd say were in for quite a ride with food prices, we and the world.

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:13 AM:Personally, I like the idea of drilling the oil off Santa Barbara, instead of allowing it to seep naturally.
In my world, the cost/benefit ratio there is huge. A natural waste product used to help millions get to work each & everyday.
Now, I call that, a win-win.

Or, we could look at the Paul Cavanaugh perspective on this.
Just last year, our own government banned the lightbulb invented by Thomas Edison. And they gave us, "energy-efficient" bulbs filled with mercury.

Now, I don't know about you. But when I heard they were doing this, I went out and bought as many older style incandesant bulbs as I could. God knows I don't need a mercury waste dump in my front room. But, that's just me.

If you get the feeling the Bush administration doesn't value life very much, you received confirmation this week. The administration (EPA) actuarially dropped the value of an American life from $7.8 million to $6.9 million this week. Not your problem, you say? Not planning on "selling" yourself to the government? Not so fast. Any regulation issued by the government must undergo a cost-benefit analysis. If the cost of regulation outweighs the benefit, the regulation isn't implemented.

That's where the human blue book comes in. Say it's expected to cost $750 million to stop dumping mercury into the water, and 100 people are expected to die if the dumping continues. At our old price, it would save $780 million worth of people (regulation approved), but at our deflated price, only $690 million worth of humanity would be saved (regulation rejected). In other words, corporations get to kill, maim, sicken and injure more of us, and at a reduced price!

Sometimes you hear people say they don't care about politics. It's like being on an airplane and not caring about aerodynamics. Voting for Bush got you more poison in your air and water, and cheapened us all.

Paul wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:15 AM:It pains me to admit it, but Ron has a point. Ethanol from corn is a huge waste because it uses mote energy than it creates and is driving up food costs..

...and I'm pleased to say Ron is being coy, for a person of his intellect, when he wonders about the high cost of eggs and milk. Of course, NC Times readers understand his dodge here-eggs and milk amd all commodity prices are going up because of fuel costs

Come on, Ron, don't use the cutesy evasions of conservatives...

He Said wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:21 AM:Even though there are no lines at gas stations the real situation is world crude production is not increasing and the needs for India and China are increasing exponentially. Volkswagen shipped over 500,000 cars to China last month. Does anyone think those sales in China are strictly for "trade in" of old cars. Not!!! That all new oil requirements folks.

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:30 AM:While I really am a bit confused about Brian Bilbray's reluctance to beat Nick Leibham over the head with his "here's a bus pass" plan on energy. I am not at all confused as to why Bilbray is just a little quiet about drilling offshore in California. He really shouldn't be, Santa Barbara home of the 1969 oil spill everyone still talks about, is this year approving of slant drilling to extract the naturally seeping oil you see whenever you fly into Santa Barbara. In fact, the oil slick is really quite pretty a sunset, but I digress...

But, Bilbray obviously has to overcome the absolute schizophrenia & NIMBYism that exists in the California public.
Afterall, this is California, the land of the CAR! This is not New York City, where subways, and trains work pretty well in an congested city enviroment. Heck, No! This is California, or as Arnold says it: KaliFournya.
Where driving to the beach, or the mountains, are what we live here to do!
Who want to take a bus up to the mountains? {Can you even catch a bus up there?}
Or who wants to carry their lawn chair, their boogie boards, their blankets, their food & cold drinks onto the bus to go to the beach? No one, that's who.

But this is Nick Leibham's "here's your bus pass" plan.
I'm not seein it. Are you?

The candidate in Baghdad wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:31 AM:I see that Obama is now touring Baghdad, being shown around by Gen Petraeus (who will soon, hopefully, be getting his orders to begin withdrawal from Obama). Makes me recall McCain's trip and photo-ops in Baghdad. Remember? Walking through the market, yammering about how safe it was there? Failing to show or mention the troops, vehicles and helicopters surrounding him? A typical phony moment from the guy that said Obama had no business talking about Iraq since he hadn't been there. Had McCain been there? Just enough to get an opportunity to produce some lying propaganda.

Gore is right wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:34 AM:Hate him if you wish, but Gore's challenge for us to become free of oil dependency is on the button. Let the oil companies drill on land they already lease for the short term needs. Otherwise, we should put everything we can into renewable energy sources and become free of the addiction ASAP. This should be our number one priority. We should be leading the world in this effort instead of resisting it as Bush as done for the sake of his sponsors. Let's make the US great again.

B.J wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:43 AM:This is a prime example of bigotry and race relations due to the color of your skin. This is why The T>S> of A is at a bad time in history always with the race issues. People of other color cannot accept the color of our skin. I am not a gangster, a criminal, I work, I try harder than the average to just be me. WE AS AFRO AMERICANS NEED TO VOTE ON CHANGING AFRO AND BLACK AS RECOGNITION. GOD PUT US HERE AND TO THE GUY THAT IS WHINING ABOUT BLACKS BEING PUT FIRST. wHERE WERE AND WHERE ARE YOU WHILE WE HAVE AND IS STILL PUT ON THE BACK BURNER OF ALL. tHERE SHOULD BE NO minority< or ANY OTHER LABEL. iT JUST PROMOTES RACISM. nOW THAT THE hISPANICS ARE PRODUCING AT ALARMING RATES AND ARE NOT CALLED MINORITIES ANYMORE, WHERE ARE YOU WITH THAT. tHE MAJORITY GET SPECIAL ATTENTION FROM THE gOVERNMENT AND OTHER INTERESTED gROUPS. yOU BETTER BE SCARED FOR THEM DUDE.

Santa Barbara wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:46 AM:Ron[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:13 AM: Rather doubt that the good citizens of Santa Barbara will concur with you.

Got it right then Got it right now wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:51 AM:In the Fall of 2002, Obama made a speech in which he said that Afghanistan was the right war, the war against those who'd attacked us. He said Iraq was the wrong war, the bogus war, that Saddam wasn't a threat. He nailed it. Bush and McCain blew it. But now we're there. Bush wants permanent US bases, with American personnel immune from Iraqi law. Bush and McCain lied again, about the end-game in Iraq. Obama? From the AP QUOTE Iraq's government welcomed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Monday with word that it apparently shares his hope that U.S. forces could leave by 2010. The Bush administration has refused to set specific troop level targets and only last week offered to discuss a "general time horizon" for a U.S. exit. ENDQUOTE Obama's got it right again. I'm going to vote for the guy who's demonstrated good judgment in foreign policy and in the war on terror, the guy that seems to actually have respect for the Iraqis and their democracy. You? Would you rather "stay the course"? That's McCain's plan.

What a Dorkenstein wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:53 AM:She Said
[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:05 AM: What a Dorkenstein you are. The guy(or anyone for that matter)has a right to ask questions, That's how you learn. Oh that's right, you no longer ask questions because, "YOU KNOW IT ALL ALREADY". See you at the polls.

Paul wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:00 AM:Ron can't seem to stop himself

we could drill everywhere and it wouldn't change the price of gas. Big Oil figured out they can jack up the price by using the refining process as a choke point. Want proof? There have been no applications for new refineries in the past ten years.

The oil companies have plenty of oil leases to drill, they just don't want to. It's all about manipulating supply to increase demand, and I thought Ron would know that...

Question for Lisa wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:05 AM:It is my understanding that any oil drilling off California’s coast is a matter for the California Coastal Commission to decide. Is it possible that, at some point in the last 2 years, Bilbray learned that drilling off our coast is not Congresses call?

He Said to Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:06 AM:Regarding Milk - you know, the drink mostly given to small children. Are you aware that in California there is a minimum retail price for milk? Consequently, no special bargains, promotions, or other types of consumer savings available.

Fact Checker wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:15 AM:To Got it Right; And also got it wrong:

DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Monday, July 14th 2008, 8:10 PM
WASHINGTON -

"Barack Obama's campaign scrubbed his presidential Web site over the weekend to remove criticism of the U.S. troop "surge" in Iraq, the Daily News has learned.

The presumed Democratic nominee replaced his Iraq issue Web page, which had described the surge as a "problem" that had barely reduced violence."

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:19 AM:Desperation is the new ad by McCain blaming the high prices of oil on Obama. Geez - pathetic - has anyone ever withdrawn there name at this point in the election? Now this would be a great first!

Apollo wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:25 AM:Re: Reardon (yesterday 7/20 - 8:56 a.m.)
About Reardon using the term "ex post facto" in regard to oil contracts.
Gee, Reardon, you just can't admit you made a mistake for once?
I stand by my correction. Here is your exact question to DDWIZ: "Was it your intention to suggest an Ex Post Facto clause into already existing contracts?"
My point was about the term "Ex Post Facto" as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court going back to one of its earliest precedents (Calder v. Bull 3 U.S. (3 Dall.) 386 (1798)), unanimous at that, and a rudiment of modern law that is not a point of legal contention. And that decision, rooted in centuries of English Common Law, is that "Ex Post Facto" ONLY refers to the realm of criminal law, not civil law. Therefore, your reference to whether Wiz would support applying it to CONTRACT law, which is civil law, is a completely inappropriate application of the term.
And I think if you're so big on opposing any retroactive application of law (civil), Wiz asked a couple of really good questions: do you always oppose retroactive tax CUTS? Did you oppose the retroactive civil immunity (from lawsuits) for the telecoms? And I would add: Do you support the Democrats who are pushing Obama to commit to criminal prosecution for wiretap violations?

Ex-Californian wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:27 AM:I feel I can speak about California. I am a native born and raised there lived in Southern Califorrnia from Long Beach to San Diego and parts in between. I believe California is the land of "fruits and nuts".

I do not have the hatred of Jessie Helms, but I did believe he held believes that were of his time. I was raised color blind so I have friends of all colors.

We left California when the direction of Valley Center changed and we couldn't even agree on a shopping center a few years ago. After paying taxes for more years than I will acknowledge. I see Bill Horn is trying to squeeze about 3000 more homes into an area that can't be serviced properly now. Remember the Paradise fire in Valley Center a few years ago? We were evacuated and I never felt the same about our wonderful rural area after that.

The wildfires will continue to burn the entire state if you don't thin your forest.and get the undergrowth under contol. California has a Republican Governor who is the biggest "L" I know It's the lobbyist and enviromentalist who run California.

I come back to read what's going on over there and we still have family all over So. California. I'm just glad we only make infrequent visits. It really does hurt to see what my home state has become.

McOops wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:28 AM:As Barack Obama began his trip to the Middle East and Europe, the media was already speculating about the possibility of a gaffe. Obama's travel "carries political risk," the New York Times reported, "particularly if Mr. Obama makes a mistake."

But the only foreign policy error made in the last few days came this morning on ABC's Good Morning America, when John McCain made ANOTHER geography gaffe while trying to criticize Obama's visit to Iraq. (Just last week, McCain repeatedly referred to Czechoslovakia, a country that hasn't existed since 1993.)

Asked by Diane Sawyer whether the "the situation in Afghanistan in precarious and urgent," McCain responded: "I think it's serious. . . . It's a serious situation, but there's a lot of things we need to do. We have a lot of work to do and I'm afraid it's a very hard struggle, particularly given the situation on the Iraq/Pakistan border."

Fact Checker wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:40 AM:From CNN "Reliable Sources: July 20 transcript -- Howard kurtz of the Washington Post, moderator:

Quote) KURTZ: Well, we'll have a report card on that on next week's show. But let me give you my two cents.

When you have one candidate whose trip is covered by the three anchors, and the other candidate, whose foreign travels are barely covered, when you have one candidate who gets twice as much airtime on the network evening newscasts since early June, since the Democratic contest was over -- that being Obama versus McCain -- when you have one candidate, Barack Obama, on the cover of "Rolling Stone" with his wife on "US Weekly," with his family on "Access Hollywood," and when you have one candidate, Barack Obama, getting more than twice as many covers, "TIME" and "Newsweek," then John McCain -- and just look at some. We pulled out some "Newsweek" covers here.

Look. Obama. Obama. Obama.

It's a small picture. Obama. Obama. At that point, there is clearly an imbalance. The sheer volume becomes an imbalance. And I think that we have inadvertently or otherwise put our thumb on the scale and there could be a big backlash against news organizations if this trend continues.

When we come back, the great flip-flop debate as McCain and Obama square off on Iraq and Afghanistan. Are journalists holding them accountable or pushing their own agendas? (Unquote)

Fact Checker wrote on Jul 21, 2008 11:01 AM:(Quote)An editorial written by Republican presidential hopeful McCain has been rejected by the NEW YORK TIMES -- less than a week after the paper published an essay written by Obama, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

The paper's decision to refuse McCain's direct rebuttal to Obama's 'My Plan for Iraq' has ignited explosive charges of media bias in top Republican circles.

'It would be terrific to have an article from Senator McCain that mirrors Senator Obama's piece,' NYT Op-Ed editor David Shipley explained in an email late Friday to McCain's staff. 'I'm not going to be able to accept this piece as currently written.'

MORE

In McCain's submission to the TIMES, he writes of Obama: 'I am dismayed that he never talks about winning the war—only of ending it... if we don't win the war, our enemies will. A triumph for the terrorists would be a disaster for us. That is something I will not allow to happen as president.'

NYT's Shipley advised McCain to try again: 'I'd be pleased, though, to look at another draft.'

[Shipley served in the Clinton Administration from 1995 until 1997 as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Presidential Speechwriter.] (Unquote)

Focal Point wrote on Jul 21, 2008 11:23 AM:he meetings came after al-Maliki called Obama's 16-month U.S. troop withdrawal plan ``the right timeframe.'' A spokesman for al-Maliki said the comments, in an interview with the German news magazine Der Spiegel, weren't an endorsement of a specific timetable." It seems to be that the Iraqi Prime Minister is playing an excellent game of negociation and political maneuvering using our national elections as leverage for an American withdrawel whether it be the Obama 16 month plan or the Bush on the horizon plan. Al Maliki is playing for the out come of our elections in concert with the end of UN mandate in December. Meanwhile, he stringing Bush along until his Presdentcy ends.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 11:27 AM:Now that Bush/McCain are following Obama's foreign policy - just what does the war president have to run on. Oh, the surge is working. We know that if you send enough troops and bribe the "insurgents" violence will be down. We are lucky that Sadr has not snapped his fingers and called the truce off> Unfortunately for McWar, Americans are tired of this endless war and now that the Iraqi's have spoken and shown us the door - what else is left. Obama has been right on about foreign policy from day one - shouldn't go there - and he is right on now. Obviously being a prisoner of war doesn't really make you and authority on foreign policy. So who doesn't have a handle on foreign policy.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:24 PM:Fact Checker
[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:40 AM:...I would love to see McCain get more print time. I would love to see endless coverage of his flip flops, misspoken statement/words, lies etc. This is what McCain has been doing. So yes, let's cover him.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:29 PM:Looks like the Brits are also supporting Obama's withdrawal of troops. Looks like our troops will be home soon - and I am so very GLEEFUL!

Basra - Gordon Brown prepared the ground for a historic realignment in the "war on terror" yesterday by setting out a four-point plan for withdrawal of British troops from Iraq by the end of next year. Although he is refusing to set a detailed timetable for withdrawal, it is clear Mr Brown is in agreement with the US presidential candidate Barack Obama on the need for military action in Afghanistan to take priority. Both appear to be working to a 16-month timetable.

What No Helicopter Escort through Bagdhad wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:29 PM:The night before presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) left for Afghanistan, Iraq and Western Europe for a tour of US bases overseas, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a cable to US missions forbidding them from holding events for presidential candidates or arrange meetings for them.

Rice issued no such cable prior to foreign excursions by presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

In a cable sent late Thursday, according to a copy leaked to the Washington Times, Rice enjoined American diplomats to treat the candidates as "members of Congress visiting in personal or semi-personal capacities," but "with additional restrictions based on rules related to political activity."

"Provide de minimis assistance to the candidate with logistical arrangements," said the cable, according to the Times. "If the campaign staff wants to rent a bus for press, tell them where they can rent a bus."

Chuck wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:30 PM:I see Hussein thinks we are spending too much on the war on terror. Yet, he doesnt care about the $hundreds of billions we are sending to the corrupt oil sheiks, and massive food inflation, as he campaigns for no drilling

FlipFlopA Comin wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:36 PM:Hussein is about to make a major flip flop. He saw a recent poll that shows Americans have connected their job security to the price of gas. Slowly but surely, Hussein will start to favor drilling

To Reardon wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:40 PM:Nothing like a whiner, eh buddy? First the repukes feed the MSM endless garbage to spin on Obama, causing him to be the center of attention while McBomb's gaffes go largely unreported. Now that Obama IS the center of attention you whine that the MSM is not giving McSame enough air time. I completely agree with Ms M! Bring it on! Let's have 24/7 coverage of McGaffe! My cup runneth over. What you put out there comes back to you three times over, Reardon, so quit whining about just rewards.

What Reardon Left Out wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:42 PM:New York Times op-ed editor David Shipley wrote in an email to McCain's staff, "It would be terrific to have an article from Senator McCain that mirrors Senator Obama's piece." But, he continued, "I'm not going to be able to accept this piece as currently written."

Shipley further explained in an email to the Drudge Report, saying:

"The Obama piece worked for me because it offered new information (it appeared before his speech); while Senator Obama discussed Senator McCain, he also went into detail about his own plans....It would be terrific to have an article from Senator McCain that mirrors Senator Obama's piece. To that end, the article would have to articulate, in concrete terms, how Senator McCain defines victory in Iraq."

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:43 PM:I have a question for "Got it right then Got it right now" @9:51 AM.

If Barack's "judgement" is sooo good, why did he say the Surge would fail, when obviously it has suceeded?
In fact, his view was to pull out and not surge, and allow Iraq to fall into the hands of Al-Queda & Iran supported extremists.
If we had taken the Obama approach, the quitter's approach, the man would not be able to make the grand standing tour, as he is now.

And as Joe Biden would say to Scott Ritter, at the time of the vote on the Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq, "That's above your pay grade."

As to the Obama approach/immediate withdrawal/out in 16 months/leave by 2013 statements...
Dude, can't you see this guy is flopping around like the bass in the bottom of my boat?

The Bush's plan has allowed Barack to have "a plan."
Only Barack never had to do any of the heavy lifting.

Ms M myself wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:49 PM:For the record Ms M.

Bush and McCain are not following Obama's foreign policy. Obama doesn't have one. More press for McCain will show more Obama flip flops. There are enough flip flops to go around. I wouldn't get too comfortable in your OBama chair. He has some real explaining to do, as the election grows closer the sqirming will begin. I can't wait....

Lookee Lou wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:50 PM:Fact Checker[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:40 AM: Newspapers, magazines, TV and radio are all free market profit oriented enterprises today. So, they go with what the people want in order to make a buck. Objective news reporting ended with auntly and Brinkley. So, unless can make them a buck, Obama will get the nod. Just your supply/demand free market at work,

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:52 PM:Hey, ah.. "Santa Barbara" @9:46 AM, most Santa Barbarians did agree, that's why PXP is going to slant drill off the coast. And it's a good thing too.
Think about all the years we wasted not scooping up this naturally produced earth waste? If you fly into the region, over the ocean you'll see an oil slick. Not caused by Big Oil, or tankers, or anything else. It's Natural. It seeps from the ocean floor and right up on top of the surface.
And it looks pretty big from the air, I can tell you.

Maybe your right, maybe "some" citizens didn't want it. Maybe...
But the majority did, and that's what counts. Didn't hurt either, that PXP {which is the name you can find on the stock charts} cut some deals, made some consessions with the good city, and I think, all in all, they've made a great choice.

In the mean time, a few more Californians go to work.
Now, if only we can get our own State to allow the consession, provided they want drill extracted here to be sold here, that it also be refined here.
Talk about a win-win-win!
I think I just hit the Mother load!

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:53 PM:FlipFlopA Comin
[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:36 PM:Hussein is about to make a major flip flop. He saw a recent poll that shows Americans have connected their job security to the price of gas. Slowly but surely, Hussein will start to favor drilling....nope I wouldn't bet the farm on that. Smart Americans also know that drilling will not help them right away. They also know that there are millions of acres that are not being drilled on at this time. This is just political noise from the cons. Americans know that we need alternative means of energy. Barak Hussien Obama will do what is best for America as soon as he is sworn in as president of the United States of America - the cons are so desperate it's pathetic. Yes, I am so very GLEEFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:53 PM:FlipFlopA Comin[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:36 PM Gee. How do you know? The only two people who know what the candidates are going to do are the candidates. But, judging from all the flip flopin, one must ask when will they know.

Randy wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:56 PM:I would LOVE to take time and Thank "Marilyn Prado" from Oceanside, regarding her recent letter to The times, speaking of the issue of "CNA's" In North County. Thank you, Marilyn ! Yes, North county, (Actually San Diego County) Is going to need many more qualifed CNA's, as the need for them is growing everyday, as the baby-boomers are all becoming of the Golden age, or close to it. The Budget cuts that are Imposed also Include cuts to a very much needed program, named IHSS. For those who are un-aware of what "IHSS" is, it is "In Home Supportive Services", and, they are a very Important part of taking care of needs for the Elderly, and, Handicapped. This program makes it possible for those who would normally wind up in a "Nursing Facilty", or, Nursing home, or other Assisted living situations, to actually live in a "Home Inviroment" or, plainly put, to live "At Home". The cost to have one person in a "Nursing home" is often over $5,000 a month. Under "IHSS" program, this person is able to live , at home, for far under that amount, in fact, usually, in most cases, under $2,000 a month. This is one of the programs under Budget cuts. If this program is "Cut", It will just "Add" to state expenses, as there will be no place for these wonderful folks to go, except, into a Nursing Home, or Facilty. It does not take one of great knowledge to do general mathematics, and realize that it is in the best intrest of all, to keep "IHSS" well staffed, and funded, and give the raises to those working for them, that is way, way over due, and much needed, to keep anywhere close to cost of living increses, and to keep "IHSS" going strong. Please, I urge everyone, to help support "IHSS", and "caregivers" that work for them, and keep us all from loosing evrything for these folks who really need us Caregivers !!!

Richard wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:58 PM:What? Concern for the environment doesn't mean one hopes sheiks will profit from it so they can harm us. At least he cares about the weapons that GWB demands to sell to Arabia and to make up for that the vast sums to aid Israels' military as well. Obama hates warring that McCain also claims to hate. Like other Democrats he's as much an American as anyone else.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:58 PM:Ron
[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:43 PM:..If Barack's "judgement" is sooo good, why did he say the Surge would fail, when obviously it has suceeded? ...no Ron it has not succeeded. You could send 200,000 additional troops to KEEP the violence down - but that was not the sole purpose of the surge - and you know it!

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:01 PM:"Paul" @10:00 AM says:
"We could drill everywhere and it wouldn't change the price of gas."

Hey, that's fine by me, I'm a big boy & I can handle it. Don't know how many more low income workers can swing $4.50 to get to work, but hey.. that's why old Nick Leibham is offering the "bus pass energy plan." {Isn't that also the Gore/Obama plan, too?} But if it WOULDN'T CHANGE the price of gas, that means it also would not increase the price of gas. I've said that. If we could stabilize the price of a gallon here, @ $4.50 a gallon, it would still be a struggle for some, but it's a whole heck of a lot better than paying $6, $7, $8, or even $9 bucks as the Germans do. That cost wouls sink this economy.
Do you realize how much of our food stuff is moved daily by diesel truck?
And Bio-diesel is currently cost competitive with diesel, no price difference. Foods still gonna cost you more, and if you take more diesel off the market, as is the Gore/Obama plan, food will cost more.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:03 PM:Ms M myself
[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:49 PM:For the record Ms M. ...Bush and McCain are not following Obama's foreign policy....well pray tell Ms M myself, just who wanted to send more troops to Afganistan? Just who had the plan to talk with Iran? Just who had the plan to leave Iraq? Well it sure wasn't your boys - it was Barak Hussien Obama. So therefore, if that is what we are now doing, then it makes it's pretty clear who is leading who LMAO! yes I am so very GLEEFUL!!!!!!!!!!

Press coverage wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:04 PM:It seems pretty obvious that the LAST thing McCain wants is more coverage. The best thing he has going for him is the press's willingness to ignore him. Whenever he's asked about anything, he goofs it up. When pressed with a tough question, he's clueless. The Times was probably right to reject his piece: my guess is there was nothing in it but campaign slogans. "Now submit something with substance, McCain, and we'll consider it". Is that too much to ask? Apparently so. Remember, the Times backed McCain and Hillary in the primaries. I think they just insist on something like a quality piece, and when he delivers it, they'll print it. Man, for a "know nothing lightweight", Obama sure has gotten more right than Bush and McCain. I can't wait till he gets some experience and some intelligently-selected advisors! (You might recall that Mccain has twice done major shakeups of his campaign staff for their incompetence and scandals. There's that judgment thing again.)

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:13 PM:Again ,y buddy "Paul" @9:15 AM, has his hat on backward. Or is that "all hat, and no cattle?" Anyways...

Yes, Paul.. the cost of rising fossil fuel has increased food costs, we know this. Everything from harvesting, to the transportation, to the refining, to the packaging of corn has cost more because the cost of fossil fuel costs more.

But this is only part of the answer.

Anyone like history? I love history, heck if we had more Americans who actually knew a little more about our own American history, I think we would be able to prevent some of the repeats of errors in judgement {to use a little "Obama" lingo there..} like we all just saw with corn and ethanol.

Years back, when the depression hit, here you had FDR with his Brain Trust, and they had a plan, a Central Plan for all the farmers in the country. They, in Washington, would decide who would plant, what they would plant, and how they would plant, or if you would even plant at all. Huge disaster. They were trying to raise the costs of commodities, like corn and wheat, by distroying crops, all at a time when nearly 1 out of every 4 Americans were jobless, and needed food to eat.
Nope, they burned it, to raise the price.
This is what happens when you let those who do not know what in the h*ll to run things they know absolutely nothing about. By the way, which is an excellent qualification for any Liberal.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:15 PM:Picture this: Millions of folks tuned in at 6 P.M. watching the presidential debate and a stage with McCain and Barak Hussien Obama....now I'm really, really, really GLEEFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too Old wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:20 PM:McCain: The Senator has shown that he did not know shia from sunni, much about economics, and placed Iraq on the Pakistan border. Asked about his solution about Iran. He quipped, "bomb,bomb, bomb." Wake him up at 3:00 am. He'll just inquire which button to push. He is too old.

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:22 PM:Actually, you know.. "He Said to Ron"
@10:06 AM, not just kid's drink milk, I drink a bunch. Nothing like a nice bowl of cereal when it's hot.

And of course, I'm quite aware that in California there is a minimum retail price for milk. It's called subsidizing the Dairy Industry.

Which reminds me, I'm always told by my liberal friends that I really should be drinking soy milk, it's supposedly better for me and the enviroment.
Heck, I buy those little.. what do you call those things anyways?.. those little containers, if priced by the gallon, it's gotta be $6 a gallon, at least.

But lastly, why am I subsidizing a guy who choose to get into the dairy industry? I choose to go into something else, and I don't get no subsidizing.

Reardon wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:23 PM:All the name calling about whining. I am not whining, but just trying to point out to you the liberal media bias. This plagued Bush's storied successes over the last 7+ years and now it may cause McCain to lose to this...

Bill One wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:25 PM:You want to know why big oil has built no refinaries? Once you file your permit with the state and several years later get their approval then the whole process starts over with the federal EPA, after sevreal years of that then you must have local approval. If it looks like you will get local aproval then the enviro-organizations begin thier law suits. No matter what you come up with the enviros will not agree. They will tell you they are for your project, but the list of demands never end nor will you ever come up with an acceptable plan for them. Big oil would love to built new refinaraies. The effeciancies they would gain would further their profits and lower cost to maunfacture gasoline. I have worked for years on the company side of enviromental compliance. Don't take my word for it, go to the AQMD hearing boards, watch what happens.

Helm was shameful wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:32 PM:"Even a cursory look at Sen. Helms' record on race - how he voted against every civil rights measure during his 29 years in the US Senate, how he stood virtually alone in trying to block the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - shows a man not interested in paving a way for integration, but doing all he could to preserve the archaic principles of a segregationist way of life he felt served the South well.
—Cash Michaels on Helm's racial legacy, The Louisiana Weekly"

" ... [Helms] tried, with a 16-day filibuster, to stop the Senate from approving Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to honor [the] black civil-rights leader ..."

See Helms record. He was a leader of keep the Negroes in their "place" because of the color of their skin.

Hatch in Escondido wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:38 PM:Randy Williams, first, I'd like to thank you for your 32 years of service in law enforcement. While I am not an LEO, I do believe that EPD is on the right track. As you said, if you net just one unlawful driver, you may have saved someone's life. It's people like you that make an often undetected difference in civilized society.

General Plan Update wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:41 PM:The following info is from SD County website.

The supervisors' Motto is: "The noblest motive is the public good - Virgil".

Mission Statements:

"Government that is closest to the people governs best.
It has everything to do with accountability and integrity.
I truly believe in government 'of the people, by the people
and for the people' and as such I am honored to serve as an
elected guardian of our County."
- BILL HORN, Supervisor - 5th District

"Planning & Land Use
Maintain and protect public health, safety and well-being. Preserve and enhance the quality of life for County residents by maintaining a comprehensive general plan and zoning ordinance, implementing habitat conservation programs, ensuring regulatory conformance, and performing comprehensive community outreach."

Grand Jury
Mission Statement
"To protect and safeguard the citizens of San Diego County from corrupt and inefficient governmental programs of the County, cities and special districts, by investigating the operations of these agencies and reporting findings and recommendations."

Statement:
Message from the CAO
The County of San Diego has entered the 21st Century in full stride to accomplish our mission: To provide the residents of San Diego County with superior County services in terms of quality, timeliness and value, in order to improve the region's Quality of Life. Strong revenue growth along with disciplined spending and tough prioritization of needs by the Board of Supervisors has kept the County in an excellent financial position and has allowed us to enhance the health, safety and quality of life for our residents.

As the County's Chief Administrative Officer, it is my goal to maintain and institutionalize the positive changes we have made in serving our customers and maintaining accountability to the region's taxpayers. We will also continue to build upon these strengths in creating a safer, healthier community, and improving the overall quality and timeliness of services to our customers. We will also continue to transform into an e-county, where residents can access government services at any time of day or night from their offices or computers.

With solid fiscal discipline, prudent planning, strong leadership from the Board of Supervisors and our creative, hardworking employees. we will successfully realize the County's vision: A County Government that has earned the respect and support of its residents.

Walter F. Ekard
Chief Administrative Officer"

Many more similar words that do not help the public that the politicians supposedly serve. Quality of life is reserved for the politicians and big business.

Bill wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:45 PM:The last place a shortgage will show up is at the pump.

The first place it will show up is in the price.

Basic Econ.

The reason we saw long lines in the 70s was the price controls. For all those who think Congress should do something, what should they do?

What can congress do to manipulate prices?

Price controls?

If you really want to see shortages, then impose price controls.

Thats why we saw the long lines in the 70s. When you impose price controls, you squeeze manufacturers margins because youre not fixing their costs at the same time. Remember Californias deregulation of energy markets and its effects? Price controls reduce the incentive to produce and force exisxting supplies to be sold where those are willing to pay for it.

Thats what I suspect we are hearing from those who want congress to "do something".

Price controls are a universal law of economics and apply to all products and attempts at manipulating prices this way have resulted in armys starving, great empires falling etc.

Do some research on it if you dont believe me. Read 40 centuries of Wage and Price Control's by Swen Reisfeldt where he lays out the economic disasters that price controls have created throughout history.

If all we had to do was pass a law to manipulate economics then why dont we just outlaw poverty and make it illegal to be poor?

Because things dont work that way in the real world.

What is it people want Congress to do?

But for some liberals to say that increasing the supply will do nothing to lower prices shows liberal ignorance of economics.

Supply & demand are the root to all this and not gauging as many have been led to believe. Congress already opened their books and their margins were slightly over 6% net.

Thats gauging?

The writing on the wall has been there but liberals blocked everything.

Now they whine about it and blame Bush.

How typical!

To Reardon wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:58 PM:What exactly were Bush's "storied successes" that the press failed to report? Maybe Bush should sue them for causing him to be thought of as "the worst president of all time". Do ya think?

Reardon Makes Excuses wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:59 PM:Honey, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Ron wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:00 PM:Now what.. "Ms M" @12:58 PM?
I mean.. Yes, Ms. M..

What was that? The Surge is a failure?
MmmHm, Yes, Hmmm, is that so?

Are we back to the meaning of the word: is, is?

Ms. M:"..no Ron it has not succeeded."

So, when Maliki said the Iraqi Congress has passed 15 of the 18 mandates, that's all a bunch of lies?

What's that? uhmm, yes.. well.. what has that gotta ta do?.. ok, and so they.. well, that sounds better!

So now the Sunni's want us to stay, to protect them from the Shia?

I guess in the Obama "Your on your own" society, guess that's only for the Iraqi's, eh?

Regarding Bill One wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:02 PM:Bill One says: "I have worked for years on the company side of enviromental compliance." The truth comes out. Each and every person on this blog who is in favor of offshore drilling has a personal agenda for personal profit. Ron is the king of course, but Bill One is coming in a close second.

But Reardon wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:03 PM:If you were just trying to point out the media liberal bias, why did you leave out a critical part of the story? Whiner.

Reardon wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:14 PM:At 1:23 I was having lunch at Applebee's in Escondido, so the 1:23 post was not mine.

So, on to other names -- the liberal censor has returned to this Blog, using the tired liberal method of obfuscation.

No es importa.

But the Sharow will know -- Only the Shadow knows.

Ms M wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:17 PM:Reardon
[-] wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:23 PM:...McCain will loose because he is not worthy to be president. He is more of what the cons have shoved down our throat for 7+ years and Americans are not going down that road any longer. Thank goodness the "liberal" media has not given him more coverage. Then we would really know McBush.

And Readon the "liberal" press gave Bush the biggest pass of all times. If they had done their job, Bush may never have been elected and if they had really done their job the invasion of Iraq would definetly not happened!

Oh Reardon wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:21 PM:Here we go with the liberal bias of the MSM. Good grief. Are you aware of the many studies of coverage of conservative versus liberal perspectives, studies that actually count the pieces? During the runup and beginning of the Iraq invasion, for example, more than 90% of opinions on the MSM were pro-war, the vast majority of experts brought on the air were pro-military. This is typical. The "liberal" media was nowhere to be found. Most people have also noted that McCain gets more of a free pass by the MSM than any other candidate, no doubt because they are afraid of messing with his war hero/POW status. So they never pressed him on his associations with Hagee or the other right-wing ministers (contrast with Rev Wright). McCain WANTS a low profile, it's his best friend, as we saw in the primary season where this free pass worked completely in his benefit. Let the others get the scrutiny and no one's left but the war hero: that's the McCain strategy in a nutshell. But look: when HE went to Iraq, it got good coverage. We all saw the videos of him getting Sunni and Shiite mixed up and being corrected by Lieberman. We all saw his stroll through the safe marketplace of Baghdad, and the shots were all obediantly missing his military cover. You guys attack Obama and the MSM for ANYthing they do. Your guy is ALWAYS the victim. What whiners!

VDprotest wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:25 PM:Let's ask Bush to cancel all the Hallibuton contracts before the next election. Or at least stop payment on all checks to non-competitive contractores, including armed fighters. And lets have stories from the APNEWS about VP Cheney's E-mails.

OBAMACAN wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:29 PM:Ron at 12:43 p.m. asks "If Barack's "judgement" is sooo good, why did he say the Surge would fail, when obviously it has suceeded?" What a hoot!
Ron doesn't have the slightest idea what the surge was even about! Hello, Ron! Yes, it was a military action. OF COURSE if you flood the country with troops - killing thousands of Americans - you can calm the streets. But then if you remove them, you return to chaos. So clearly that is not an end in itself.
You don't even understand what it was about, do you?! You're as clueless as McCain having to be corrected repeatedly by ex-Democrat Liebermann when, with all his "vaunted experience" he didn't know the difference between a Sunni and a Shia, something Har