Posted by Carny on July 29, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don, you are a very brave man and I applaud you for speaking out and backing it up with proof. Facts are the meat of a meaningful debate. Thank you.

God bless America and Americans like you!

Posted by educator on July 29, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Key, College days. I don't believe that McBush can mention anything about college?
I am half white and half hispanic. I was raised, just as Barack, by my Grandparents (mine being hispanic). I was trapped between extremely traditional hispanic culture and a well off white culture, which today has made me a better man in judgement and empathy. It also has landed me into the position of which I am in, including an Everyday Hero Award which I am very proud of. I've been in the million dollar homes and I've lived in a two bedroom house with 13 people, with one income from my Grandfather, whom never took a dime from any welfare program, and we all graduated and are successful. This includes one Doctor, an accountant, an executive at a hospital, a nurse, two city employees, and a teacher. Pretty impressive isn't it. Grandpa has a credit score of 862, second highest Darla Mundell has ever seen. He did that making $5 to 6,7, or 8 dollars per hour. We all had a car when we turned sixteen. We eventually moved into a 7 bedroom home on the same amount of money. This was when we didn't have a American History Record deficit created by Bush.
Back then I was confused and torn between two families. One dragging this way, the other dragging the other.
Me being darker skinned with black hair, I easily assimilated into the hispanic culture as I was the outsider, because of the color of my skin, at other events on my Dad's side. I still am, as my sister got the light pigmentation:)
You are talking of statements made over 20 years ago probably. A young ambitious person, just as I was, coming out of college and wanting to change the world and do everything that I could to achieve it. Even if it included singing hallelujah next to an executive at a church tha I didn't want to be in, just to introduce myself to him.
Mr. Reyher, I'm sure that you have changed some of your beliefs since the age of 22? If not, we should plan our next civil war on your property. Dems vs. Reps. I'm not attempting to discredit your statements, only attempting to let you know that we are human, and there are influences that a lot of people around here haven't seen. There is also a definition in the dictionary for change. I change with the world, shouldn't you? I would almost guarantee you that the N word is used by you, and that the wet**** word is used regularly by you as well?
I'm probably going to get blasted here, but I'll blast back on this issue. I cannot understand the blindness of the prejiduce and traditional Republican views that cause failure in this county and across the nation.
Worst case scenario, let's say the guy was a muslim. Does that change his character and his care for this nation? Does it change that he has said publicly that he is going after those bastards that do believe in suicide bombing and terrorism?

Posted by educator on July 29, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Read this second after the first post. I got crazy on wording...

What if I told you that I am one of the most caring persons that you'll ever meet, then after I help you, while you are in tears thanking me, I told you that I was an atheist and I am half black.
Point is pretty clear isn't it. Go chat with your Prowers County wannabe KKK members and if you enjoy your fields of green, you had better pray that a Republican doesn't get voted in for President. You made my day, Thanks!

Posted by socialite on July 30, 2008 at 5:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess I have to jump into this one.
A couple on here keep throwing out "Prowers County KKK wannabees", let's stop right there for a minute. I have been on the recieving end of Hispanic prejudice many times in my lifetime- right here in Lamar, most of the time by people that couldn't speak english. Some African- Americans show prujudice as well although it is not as common around here.This may make me sound racist, but, if you are going to fly the flag of another country,put another countries decals on your vehicles, wear shirts that say how proud you are to be from another country, then GO TO THAT COUNTRY!
Educator, you come off as though you are a bit on the prejudice side, too. I have read your postings and find that you are constantly yapping and knocking others. Remember, prejudice can be anything that a person doesn't approve of and speaks out against it.

Posted by educator on July 30, 2008 at 6 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't do any of those things. I agree with what you just said actually. My prejiduces are simple and do not involve race or religion, though, but actions and false beliefs. The way you speak of the Mexicans is the way I speak of the pale skinned gothic types. There is a difference between a Mexican and a Wet****. There is a difference between a black person and an N word. It is behavior that tells the story, not the color of their skin. There is a white person and there is WTT and skinheads and so on. There is also same race racists, such as blacks hating the N words, etc. This is a very deep subject which I could write a novel on as it is Sociology 102. I've been through the 400 levels of Soc.
I see what you are saying, and you make a good point, depending on how one takes it? Darn, there I go yapping again:-) Have a good day.
Hopefully we can get back to Obama now, so that he can have your vote in November. I have some more educating to do.

Posted by tristar12 on July 30, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You certainly are a legend in your own mind C.C.

Posted by socialite on July 30, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry I would rather vote for Obamas momma than Osamas llama. I am neither a dem or rep, but an American and I vote for what/ who I believe to be in America's best interest.

Posted by makinsenseofit on July 30, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So basically the "we're all only human" aspect applies to people like you and Barack... not the other people of this community, who constantly are doing wrong in your eyes and you see fit to correct them. I sympathize with you for loving your candidate since he seems to mirror your own life so much. How about not throwing in your skin color and being an AMERICAN for once. I suppose that since you and Barack have so much in common that he will have to omit himself from the public office he is running for, cause we all know that you can't hold one. Well, that's OK cause we're all human and make mistakes! Oh and I love the fact that he was going to church to rub elbows not as a matter of being a Christian or even a muslim for that fact.

Posted by Carny on July 30, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, Socialite. I'm not tickled with either party right now either. While it is terribly thrilling to have a black candidate for president (growing up in the 60's, I never thought I would see it in my lifetime), I remember the last election in which goofy people voted simply because "we need change!" I think it was 1976, and we got Jimmy Carter as a result, who was unequivocally the most feckless president in history.

I have pretty much made up my mind, but am still listening to make sure I make the right choice. I don't fall for media hype and propaganda. I pity those who rely on one source - left or right - to inform them. Those people are too lazy to think for themselves and identify their own principles - they rely on media to spoon-feed it to them, then regurgitate it back with no original thought.

Our country faces many problems, but you have to decide for yourself which are the most important to you. We also have a lot of good things going for us, which we have to remind ourselves of as the media doesn't - it doesn't sell.

One the most important things to me is that we never have another 9/11 on our dirt (which we haven't - yet.) I'm not convinced that Obama's plan for our country can assure that. We have not had another yet because we have not rolled over, and our leadership has been greatly criticized for it. I don't give a damn what other countries think of us, as long as they aren't feeling sorry for us after another tragedy we could have prevented.

We each have a vote. Use it thoughtfully.

Posted by Carny on July 30, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, from what I can find Obama wrote "Dreams of My Father" in 1995, "Audacity of Hope" in 2004 (I think). He was born in 1961, therefore older than 22. Sorry, ignorance of youth is not an excuse here.

Posted by educator on July 30, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Carny, we have the same vote, my generalization was an assumption of the ages of college graduates per Ryer's comments. I'm glad to see that we have another Obama supporter on here, as we are few and far between in a county that apparently appreciates war and recession.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzvyDy...
For those of you that believe that Fox News is the counter of CNN. Copy and paste the video above done by Fox News.
Tristar12: Thanks for the compliment:-) "I have a love affair with life"! You've only witnessed 1/4 of my legacy. I'm still young:-)

Posted by winchester on July 31, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator we will meet soon enough.

As for McCain it reminds me of a quote. "Behold the pale horse, as the man who rode on him was called death... and hell followed with him".
We've been calling for the thunder and now we've got it, in Obama. So run you currs, run. You tell them Obama is coming, tell them I'm coming, and a united nation is coming with us!

We are in agreement regarding this race.

Posted by tristar12 on July 31, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Tristar12: Thanks for the compliment:-) "I have a love affair with life"! You've only witnessed 1/4 of my legacy. I'm still young:-)"

I'm positive the remaining 3/4 of your legacy should provide us with unsurpassed entertainment.

Winchester, it is apparent to me that my intellectual capacity if far surpassed by both you and educator so I pray that you will forgive me for the following question. What's a curr? Man you two make me feel dumb. So much for that expensive education. (Hey Carny, here I go being facetious again.)

Sounds to me like you've been watching too many replays of your "Tombstone" movie. Kurt Russel is the best, isn't he? I wish he would run for President. He would have my vote.

Posted by Someonehere on July 31, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by winchester on July 31, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.
Educator we will meet soon enough.

Don't kid yourself you guys all ready know each other or are the same person just trying to defend your statements and uneducated statements about the law enforcement in this area. I do not believe there are two people in this area that would end all most all sentences with a ":)".

You say you support the police officers in Lamar but you dog the same officers when talking about Chief Hall. Do not forget who hired most of them and that alot of them are the same ones that you give credit to for the changes in Lamar. You dog the Sheriff but say that there is some good Deputies. As you know the Sheriff is the one who hired those Deputies that you say do a good job. The man must be doing something right then would you not agree.

I hope you both run for Sheriff in the next election so you can see what kind of support our community has for its elected officals. Mud slinging is always easy when you are not the one that has to dodge the mud is it not.

I pray for the future of the kids at Holly School and you both know what I am talking about.

I said that I would not comment anymore but I can not sit back and read all of the uneducated comments made about the people that protect my lower class and middle class friends and family in Prowers County.

Posted by Carny on July 31, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tristar12, I'm on to you now! I'm so glad I'm not alone in feeling like a total ignoramous. Darn, wish I cared more about education. You didn't put words in my mouth here - you took them out.

Someonehere, thanks for coming back. We may not agree with you, but we need your contribution. Your comments are sincere and original, and your syntax is readable. You've made a very astute observation about the weird smiley things, and I think you may be right. Can you tell us any more about the Holly School kids? I have a vested interest in knowing more.

Educator, thanks for the video clip. I think, however, it was satire - not a news clip. Is it sacreliguous (sp?) to laugh at this? If so, that's just creepy. Winchester already talks like Obama is the messiah. We've had to put up with Michael Moore and Oliver Stone from mainstream media, so what's the big deal? Moore even tried to pass his off as truth. Don't know about Stone's new stuff, not interested enough to check it out. Oh, I forgot about that double-standard stuff.

Posted by Carny on July 31, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record, I am not an Obama supporter. I support racial equality, but not through augmentation. I would not vote for or against someone based on their color or race, but I would based on their plans for my country, experience, and ability to reconcile goals with reality.

Posted by lamar on August 1, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

winchester & educator is not trying to get a job in holly he is trying in granada

Posted by educator on August 1, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator, the man. Winchester, I have no clue whom the person is, most likely one of you?

I know that I'm being personally attacked because you know who I am, and you don't accept change. Please remember, I know who you are, and I am not in a politcal position YET, which opens doors to criticism. I haven't attacked any of you personally, so please do not attack me, unless you are the Sheriff.

ISP addresses are easy to come by and I already have a few of yours. Money talks.
You are getting dirty for no reason other than me telling the truth during a campaign season.
Two can play that game and I'd be happy to tell all of your stories and cover-ups publicly, and then some, if you continue your attempts to hinder my success.
Have a good day and I hope that we can continue this without personal attacks. You and I both cannot afford such. Nobody messes with my daughter's money, badge or no badge!

Posted by Someonehere on August 1, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,
I am playing your game. I don't care if you have my IP address cause its not my computer that I use. Plus it does not matter to me due to the fact that you being in a political position would not affect me. I don't wear a badge. I am a working man that respects my law enforcment. The debate I have entered and been involved in stem from your personal attacks on friends of mine or people that keep my kids safe when at school or around the community. i take that as a personal attack to my family as well. No one is trying to take your daughters money. We are all just doing the same as you and posting our personal opinions. I will not speak any further about jobs or job that I have been told you are attempting to get or have. That is your buiness. Out of respect I would request that you get off of the Sheriffs Office's A**. They have some fine people working for them and I am proud to call this county my home and the S.O. my protectors. You are upset about personal attacks but started this whole attack yourself. You talk about telling the truth during a campaign season. That would be in another two years for the Sheriff if my math is correct. You say we have stories and cover-ups to tell. I don't know were to go with that due to the fact I have not been in any cover-ups unless its at night when I pull them up on my bed to sleep. Stories we all have some; some are true and others are well just that stories. Its a debate either enjoy it and put in your 2 cents or hate it and stop trying to make everyone but yourself look bad in this small community.

Posted by Someonehere on August 1, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator if you really want or need to know why I got into the debates on here and why I debate only you here it is:
1. Posted by educator on June 14, 2008 at 3:49 a.m. on the K-9 story.
"The prevocation came when you attacked the LPD, "unprovoked"."
2. Posted by educator on June 4, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. on the SWAT raid story.
"In the State, a Sheriff can come in and fire anyone that he/she wants to for no reason. I pray that the next does, unless these lazy fools begin to do something productive."

I would say that the last remark was UNPROVOKED wouldn't you.

I could go on. You made this a personal attack toward people. You personaly attacked Deputy Zordel, Sheriff Faull, the Deputies at the S.O. and Coach Tice. You don't think that they have families that live off of thier income. You don't think that they have the same thoughts about you trying to hinder thier success. Come on dude you started a debate about PEOPLE and thier FAMILIES. I believe I said something similar to this in another post mud slinging is easy as long as you are not the one having to dodge the mud.

I continued on the debate because you continued to bash people. I am done with this I feel that this community deserves respect. I believe that the PD deserves respect, the Sheriff, Deputy Zordel, Coach Tice and all of the Sheriffs Office staff that you wished out of a job deserve respect and an opportunity to have the chance to make money for thier DAUGHTERS, SONS, WIFES, HUSBANDS and FRIENDS they all deserve respect. When you start respecting them I do believe that the respect would be returned to you. I attended school at LCC when you were there C.C. I do believe that some of the people I know took you class and that the Sheriff gave you the respect of allowing some of his employees to help out with the class. One of my friends even told me that he let you take a tour of the Sheriffs Office. I do believe he showed you respect don't you. The only time I have taken a tour was either to get finger printed for a job, bonding someone out of jail or to talk to the office staff to get a Vin Inspection done.

I will take another long needed break from the debate for now. I just don't enjoy reading the blogs on here and see someone dogging everyone but getting upset when someone comes back at them.

Oh ya, I almost left something out. I would like to think that Silva, Parker, Varra, Trowbridge and all the Detention Officers that you said do thier job feel the same way about you dogging thier coworkers and boss. So just to clear up the debate. You made the attacks personal no one else did.

Thank you for your debate but I felt it was juvenile before and it is just getting worse now.

I am done. Unless you continue the UNPROVOKED attack on people that I respect.

Posted by socialite on August 1, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not getting into this one other to say that if someone is going to post something about me from something they have seen, heard, or read, be ready for it all to break loose. My life is an "open policy"- ask and I will tell. I have done alot of things, but never deliberately hurt or disrespected anyone other than myself. Hell, I could right a book on the things that I have seen and done and what has and could be learned. All the things that you have seen in a book or movie.
I don't have a college degree and I don't think I ever will. I don't have a fancy house, but the one I have is comfortable and keeps my family safe and warm. I have never taken a trip outside the U.S, probably won't. But, I can and will work harder, show more repect, be more loyal, and have more common sense than most.
Personaly I have seen the inside of operations of the S.O. from the standpoint that you all evidently haven't and I have alwways been treted well, from the Sheriff to the rookie. That goes for th P.D. as well. I may not always agree with them, but I don't always agree with my wife either. I STILL DO NOT DISRESPECT HER OR THEM! It's just the way that I was raised I guess. i also wear a belt if my pants are loose, where my hat in the manner it was designed, and hold the door open for the next person.
It's about respect- just because you don't feel you got any doesn't mean you shouldn't show any. It just shows arrogance and ignorance,along with how little repect you have for yourself.
My tirade is now over, but feel free to catch my ISP and do as you must with it, I am not bothered by it in the least. But if scare tactics and bold threats is how someone gets through life, I would not vote for them.
Now my tirade is over.

Posted by educator on August 1, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Out of respect for you all, I will discontinue comments regarding this blog. As for the PD, I never disrespected them... I am pro-LPD and would give my life for any of them if necessary, that goes for most deputies and D.O.'s as well.
The Sheriff didn't know about my tour and was surprised to see me when we passed by his office. Actually, with a look of surprise and the same look of disgust as you see in the picture.
Either way, back to the debate and I'll try to cool down for a couple of years, until it is my turn. Chat later.
Some of you have a lot of time on your hands to say the least. I've had the summer off and still didn't have that much time to document everything that I needed to.
"Yes we can"!

Posted by Carny on August 1, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator, be very careful with what you threaten. I don't know if you're bluffing or if you can really pinpoint me from my IP address (I'm not that tech-smart), but I'm not bothered, as I have nothing to hide. Just don't want to be ribbed at work for what I write here.

Through clues and hints dropped in both your own and your adversaries postings, it was pretty easy to figure out who you are. With a few clicks, I even found your picture and details you'll want to keep safe. I mean you no harm, and I don't mean for this to sound as though I'm threatening you at all - that's the last thing from my mind. However, if I could figure it out, others could too. Consider carefully before you endanger yourself.

I disagree with you on some issues, but I do think you are right on one thing. I think there is an unethical element in this county, and I don't know where their power comes from, but they have it. If you criticize or threaten to expose it you will disturb a nest of hornets and get stung - badly. They will lie, destroy records, and defame you. Don't give them any potential ammunition. Don't tip your hand too soon.

One day this will change. Think hubris. Good luck.

Posted by lamar on August 2, 2008 at 5:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you were right he is trying to work for holly poor kids!he threatens all of you saying he will find who you are. those are just threats he has more things to hide.so dont let C.C###well scare you!

Posted by Someonehere on August 2, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not scared I just will show respect and not comment any further as long as he backs off of the people that he has been bashing. I don't care about Osama Hussan Obama Educator can go on and on about him it does not bother me. Bashing Prowers County and its citizens does.

Posted by educator on August 3, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Carny thanks for the advice, and I've witnessed what you are speaking of 1 too many times, a bit more in depth than most, as I tend to get involved and speak my mind, but that's just me.
Barack Obama did not get to where he is today by standing silent or accepting the back of the line. He gives his children a voice, he gives us a voice, and most of all he gives us Hope. John Stulp didn't get to where he is today by standing silent or accepting the back of the line. Nor did the Chief of Police or the Sheriff, or the small business owner.
This goes right back to politics and marketing of our city and county. Every single person represents such. Idleness is not a good representation. Just as the Bush/McBush campaign would be. We need change!
Once again, just tune into any news program for one hour and you will see that the Republican campaign is attempting to fulfill every idea that Obama has.
There is a reaction to every action. The wise will correct their mistakes and move forward. The weak and easily convinced (big business/personal interests/Republicans), will follow the leader as sheep and cattle do.
There is a way to solve problems without war, death, dispair, and having to pay for the results of such. We have tongues and education for a reason.
Although it is fun to play "Army", such should be used wisely, as we are witnessing the negative effects of one that is trigger happy. "Why continue with another... with a happier trigger finger"? It doesn't make sense. I wouldn't hunt with McCain or Bush, definitely not Cheney. They'd scare my deer and antelope off with their quick trigger, lack of patience, and kindergarten level communication skills.
They are all following the leader, whom isn't even President yet... to impress you and get a vote. Barack Obama is the voice and answer for America!

Posted by educator on August 3, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After review of one comment, the blog appears as though I meant the Chief and small business was in neutral. Not intended. I meant that other "influencial persons", keep us in the parking gear through personal interests at levels above such.
Definitely not the Chief or small business owners. You all kick a**!

Posted by winchester on August 4, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,
Excellent comments. Carny is right regarding the apparent elite in our area, as you apparently know about. Hell everyone knows about them.
I'd keep the Glock handy Educator. You know what these people are capable of and what they do to influence.
You know your stuff, so I'll give you your credit on Obama. Pretty impressive for a country boy.
Take care!

Posted by FarmersDaughter on August 6, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have no idea who any of you are but I'm getting a kick out of reading all of your comments. I'm not a fan of Obama but that's my personal choice. I am a fan of the LPD and our Sheriff. No, I am not related to any of them or close friends with them. I do know that they go above and beyond for this community. I've seen them out there talking to the kids, making friends with them, they volunteer to assist with activities in the community, they serve on many community/non-profit boards and etc. I'm sure there are some negative things about them also, but I doubt if they out way the good. Everyone has something negative in their life that they don't brag about. I'm proud to be a member of this community and think we would all be a lot better off if we found the good in each other instead of going out of our way to only voice the negative. The comments/threats to find someone's ISP address to identify them is horrible. Why would someone even want to do this? Think of how much good you could do for this community with the time you are wasting to track down ISP addresses. Very sad.

Posted by educator on August 8, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Farmers Daughter, you're just going to get them going on me again. I have been sticking to the points, as asked. FYI, I fully support the PD, and most S.O. Deputies. You must have missed that?
As for time spent on here, it is all a part of my role for change in not only this county, but this nation. I'm a part of something huge, I'm glad to see that you are as well (Obama). It is no different than the doors that I've been knocking on for months, the Conventions that I've attended, the meetings on Capitol Hill... Barack said it best, "no-one can stand in the way of millions, calling for change".
As for community. I've assisted hundreds with obtaining 100's of thousands of dollars for college. These funds include officers around the state, one of our deputies, and two in the police academy right now. I've done free tax returns for the low-income. I consistently find the lost and get them to college, work, medical assistance, and other resources. I do weather spotting for our communities as well. I hope that answered that question.
So, the ISP thing. Mucho history behind that statement. I gave some criticism of certain practices at the S.O., and gave some ideas. Needless to say they weren't taken lightly. But, oh well, a Sheriff is a political position and is free game for criticism. I never mentioned anyone's name other than Hall and Faull, it was their insecurities in my statements that caused the ISP thing. Your finest made their attempt to scrutinize me personally, including my job. I'm sorry, I don't hold public office yet. I don't take that lightly. Hope that satisfies you.
Back to Obama, have a great weekend!

Posted by educator on August 8, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I forgot. "Go Obama"! See ya at the parade tomorrow. "Go Dems"!

Posted by educator on August 14, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I told U that you'd get them coming at me again. Thanks...lol:) Ridiculous.

Posted by tristar12 on August 16, 2008 at 5:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You've been away from the computer lately, haven't you? It was starting to get very mundane around here. Welcome back.

Posted by educator on August 16, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to be here:) I missed you as well.

Posted by educator on August 16, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone tune in to CNN at 6pm. Barack and McCain are going to debate on Faith. You will see your conservative choice, get stumped by a Democrat regarding faith. When Barack stumps his a**, it may later be aired on comedy central.
Pretty odd isn't it. A Dem that actually goes to church and always has, not just for publicity.
I can guarantee you that McBush has opened his dusty Bible for the first time in many years, just to have a response. But, the Bible has numerous meanings in every statement. That cannot be learned in a few weeks, it takes a lifetime, and is continuously interpreted. I'm going to miss my first Bronco game to watch this.
Again, CNN at 6pm. 8/16/08

Posted by Carny on August 16, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is interesting that one of the things dems have criticized Bush for over the years - his deep faith and Christianity - they are now embracing in their own candidate. They figured out after the last two elections that evangelicals vote in large numbers, so they are hoping that by touting Obama's religiosity they will cash in this time. They are actually bashing McCain because he DOESN'T make frequent mention of his faith or quote scripture. Amusing.

Huckabee said it best: "Just because one person slurps his soup louder than the other doesn't mean his soup is tastier".

BTW, I didn't see anyone "stump his a**", unless it was Obama's misstep on abortion. It wasn't win or lose, just gave us a nice contrast between the two.

Warren did urge Americans to be respectful, not rude to each other. Educator, please take that to heart and loose the McBush comments. No one here calls your man "Usama", (not consistently, anyway) so knock it off.

Posted by educator on August 17, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will knock off the McBush, although it is true.
I thought that last night was going to be a debate and was disappointed when it was not. McCain cannot debate with Obama, period, on any issue. Especially faith and economy.
Did you not recognize that McCain's answers were all war related? That is all that he has to fall back on, is stories. We all love war stories, but our future should not revolve around war. It is really easy to answer questions when they are created for you or when one has to answer second, in defense.
A war hero, of course, but that does not qualify a person to be president. Education, values, honesty, and empathy/care for others does.
As I have said prior. I've walked dangerous neighborhoods, armed and unarmed. Obama was never armed when attempting to stand up for others in distress and dispair. I believe that work within our country is more valueable than someone that enjoys war and flexing our military might. That is another story, because we are flexing our muscles with Russia right now, yet, our troops are in a personal interest battle because of a person's pride. It is not defeat to withdraw from a country that doesn't want to be helped. We already won by killing Hussein.
McCain mentioned Collin Powell as being the most respected in the military. Clark and Powell are voting for Obama. Odd isn't it?

Posted by Carny on August 19, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the kinder, gentler educator. Thank you. And thanks for getting what I meant, even if I messed up the verbage. Loose and lose have always confused me. You'll find you are more apt to get people to listen to you if you don't offend them first.

I knew before I heard it that there would be suggestions that McCain had a leg up - the dems just couldn't believe he could perform that well on his own. Truth is, both candidates had a list of questions ahead of time, but neither had a teleprompter this time. McCain has actually offered to debate Obama, but he keeps refusing to. As for a debate on the economy, McCain pretty much just needs to say "don't raise taxes" and he will win in most minds. I don't think a debate on religion is all that important right now, nor can it be won by either, or anyone else for that matter.

Yes, McCain made reference to the war that our country is engaged in, like it or not. Obama seemed to ignore that fact totally. He seems to think if we pull out now, the whole world will love us and all be at peace. I think Russia is demonstrating right now that won't be the case, as is Iran. I grew up during the cold war, which is really just a form of terrorism. I don't want to see a return of that for my children. Besides, how will we be viewed if we abandon our allies?

If you did any research on McCain at all, you would know that he has a tad more than just war hero on his resume - like 25 years or so as a congressman. In that time he has authored and co-authored quite a bit of legislation, some with members of the other party and often going against the republican grain. I don't think Obama has authored any, has he? To call McCain another Bush only shows you haven't informed (educated) yourself.

You and I both know that we are never going to convince the other, but I appreciate an adversary who plays fair. BTW, the kids apparently think you're alright - "pretty cool", from what I hear. I have no concerns.

Posted by educator on August 19, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There should have never been any concern. I am a Father and a husband, and have always had extreme care for others. I have put my life on the line for others and will continue to do so. Thanks Carny.
I will never believe that McCain did not know the actual questions ahead of time, or wasn't listening to Barack's answers prior to entering his conversation with the pastor. But, that is history now.
We witnessed how this is going to go. Barack a great thinker and a man that uses intellect prior to opening his mouth, and McCain referring to his war stories to gain a vote.
As for the debate. I cannot wait. I have tapes ready and my remote fully charged to hit record. If I had the money I would buy a jumbotron and place it in the center of town and hit the civil alert sirens so that everyone can see McCain get stumped. One can see that there is no comparison in regards to the intelligence levels of the two.
When I attend the DNC, it will be emotional and exciting. "There has never been anything false about HOPE (Obama)".
As for Russia, Iran, and North Korea... we would be able to deal with them if we were not in a war of one person's pride. This would have been over a long time ago if we would have focused on Bin Laden after capturing Hussein.
Then we could have continued to police the world. Right now we are vulnerable... i.e. the Georgia issue. We've lost some respect.
If we continue with Republican interests, not only is our economy going to continue to fail, but we are going to end up in WWIV. WWIII being the Cold War to historians.
"Get in, accomplish the objective and get out... next objective".
Going against the grain you are correct. He is looking for a VP that agrees with abortion as well, most likely for a vote. Chat soon...

Posted by poolboy on August 21, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OBAMA, IS THE DEVIL.

Posted by educator on August 21, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're waiting to hear why you believe this PoolBoy. Not a very intellegent answer. I hope that you know your politics my friend. You just may get embarrassed here.

Posted by carenet on August 21, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My oh my,Mr.educator.You are almost as charasmatic as Obama.But what on earth are you talking about? Have you entertained the idea of running for office yourself? People seem to be attracted to tall tales and the glorious message of "change" I think poolboy said more in his statement than your ramblings throughout this entire debate.

Posted by educator on August 22, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is no tall-tale involved. A tall-tale is how a man can run for the President of the United States with only a military background. It is no different than a high school graduate from 90210, graduating high school, going to war, coming home, then being hired as Chief of Police in Garden City, Kansas, (just proving a point, I do not know the Chief in Garden City). Point is, he knows nothing about being poor, knows nothing about other cultures, knows nothing about economy without a telepromter or without reading the questions prior, for research.
You must be going by the propoganda efforts in the commercials? Truth is, Barack will raise taxes, but not on you and I. On the rich, which McCain is attempting to protect and continue with Bush's tax cuts for such. Taking money from such companies for his campaign, to increase special interests on the rich once in office.
They were asked a question, something in the area of what would be considered well off or rich. Obama said $250,000, McCain said $5,000,000,000 as though it was a joke. To you that may not mean anything, but to a struggling middle class person, that is nothing to joke about and is obvious that there is no such thing as empathy within McCain's heart, other than what his staff has written up for him in a speech.
I would not be surprised if the man dropped to the floor in cardiac arrest, when he and Obama finally get the chance to debate. His wife just may cut his funds off after the first debate as she will see what the look in her eye has been showing. Not pride, but worry. The type of worry that says, "I'm only sitting in this seat because he is my husband... we are going to get embarrassed soon, 'do I wanna be here, I'm rich for now, but will it last after that".
Yes, I have entertained the idea if you have been paying attention, latecomer. "I do believe in change, and I do have hope". You can argue, but please understand that we don't live in 1969 anymore.

Posted by carenet on August 22, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am curious as to what era you perceive yourself from? As one who is progressive, diverse,muliticultural,and any other politically correct terms??Personally, I embrace the philosophies of our founding fathers,who stood strong on the Bible.That makes it rather hard to watch and listen to Obama continually compromise on issues regarding abortion,gun control,loyalty to America,respecting the soldiers in the middle east and morality in our country in general.By the way, what position have you considered running for?Coroner, perhaps?

Posted by poolboy on August 23, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry, Obama is the Messiah.

Posted by Carny on August 23, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again, educator, you really should do some research on McCain's past 25 years before you go spouting off about him having only a military background. Otherwise, you risk looking very foolish.

McCain did not say that someone was rich if they made 5 millions dollars, as you said in your post. I suppose rich is anyone more well-off than the person asking. FYI, according to The Wall Street Journal, President Bush’s 2003 tax cuts led to possibly the largest hike in taxes paid by America’s wealthy in history. According to IRS data from 2006, those with incomes over $344,806 paid 40 percent of income taxes in this country; those earning in the top 50 percent paid 97.1 percent. On the other side, those earning below-average salaries paid taxes at the lowest percentage ever, at 2.9 percent. So much for the myth of Bush's "tax cuts for the rich". How much more would you like them to pay? 100 percent? This is what is meant by "redistribution of wealth", which Obama seems to favor.

Look for prices on everything to rise, thanks in part to gas prices because we can't harvest our own oil here in the US, and also due to a hike in minimum wage, brought to you courtesy of the democrats.

I, too, look forward to the debates. Obama doesn't seem to do so well without a teleprompter, either. Case in point: Saddle Mountain. I've heard less stuttering from Mel Tilus (sp?).

Posted by Carny on August 23, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oops, I meant Saddleback.

Posted by Carny on August 24, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I must make a retraction - McCain did say $5 million, in reference to income and what is rich. My apologies.

Posted by educator on August 24, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have considered Coroner. I have respect for families and am an empathetic person. My Aunt/Sister was killed in a car accident when I was a child. The events of "not knowing", and the distress that I witnessed my Grandpa go through prior to confirmation haunts me to this day. I was 10 years old and I can rehearse every event of that morning with only he and I at home. Comforting a person during a time of tragedy isn't cut out for everyone, only a few. I did the same thing as a police officer. I don't understand the insult, because the position is well respected and needed.
Let's chat about the Wall Street Journal. A paper that is dictated by Republican Fascists. Carny, with all due respect, we are talking about a paper that will not give you the negative on McCain. You are talking about the 5% of positives that he has done for our Country. I'll go with the 95% of Bush approvals on policy for Republican/Rich interests that protect themselves, big oil, and illegal monopolies including Microsoft.
Lets get real for the moment, as we can talk about figures all day.
As a Father or a Mother, or a middle class citizen or lower class citizen: We need help! Raising the Minimum wage produces spending. Big oil is only produced by the rich buying into such, and profiting from the interest, therefore they don't feel the price of gas, they profit from it. The End.

Posted by Carny on August 24, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Big Oil" provides quite a few jobs, quite a bit above minimum wage. The only spending that upping the minimum wage creates is by businesses - large and SMALL - that now have to pay more for an untrained employee. As for trained employees making more than minimum wage, that wage has to increase also. So yeah, in a circular way, it does create more spending. That "spending" is passed on to the consumer, me and you.

You can argue about the Wall Street Journal all you want, but you can't argue with the IRS. The End.

Posted by educator on August 24, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is politcal at a micro-level. "Hey LamarLedger, what happened to the LCC story of their supposed improvements regarding new positions"?

Pretty impressive on your part, after an insider at the college posted the truth about the internal politics and special interests involved!

Actually it is p**** on your part, and typical. "What was the payoff, or what was gained on your part by not allowing us to comment"?

Pure example of Prowers County Politics. Money talks doesn't it! It is unfortunate that the truth doesn't prevail in our part of the State. Imagine how it is nationwide. Disgusting to say the least! As a community paper, you should not be taken by personal interests... Go Obama! Go Dems!

Posted by el_diablo on August 25, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The LCC story is still there. You just need to be smart enough to search for it. Search "LCC" and about 40 stories show up including the article you're talking about.

Posted by educator on August 25, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How do I remove it Lamar Ledger/ el diablo...

Posted by educator on August 29, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last night at the DNC, there was not a dry eye in the stadium, including the secret service member standing beside me, and the police officer standing guard next to him.
Thanks Prowers County for allowing me to be a part of such.
Now we have a defensive/scared McCain choosing a female to run next to him after such an event and the understanding of what he is up against. A nation calling for change.
Now the NRA is going to get involved because of this woman. Typical to support the Republicans, but Obama is not the typical Democrat that wants to take guns away. He said it last night. He is pro-gun. He just wants guns out of the wrong hands (inner city criminals).
Now the battle begins. Now you need to open your ears and eyes and actually listen to each candidate's words and how they can help us or hurt us.
Now you have to start deciding whether you enjoy a nation living in the past or present, or if you'd like to move forward for our children's future.
Many men said that they would not vote for a woman, so went to McCain. Now what? We'll speak of SE Colorado. I think that you just lost those votes for the Republican side. But, those voters are the same that wouldn't vote for a Black Man.
So, now we have a competition. This will be interesting to see the polls come Tuesday.
Also, my support for Obama has been felt by my family. Phone calls with threats, stolen items, etc. I'm a countryboy as well. Watch "A Time to Kill" with Samuel L. Jackson and Matthew McConahey (?).
Do not mess with my family. Regression is not a part of this, protection is.
I would play the part of Matthew....

Posted by tristar12 on August 29, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What?!?!

I'll be so glad when the election is over.

Posted by Carny on August 29, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know what Republicans educator has been talking to, but in the last 12 hours since the announcement I have not come across one, NOT ONE!, who wouldn't vote for a woman - as long as it isn't Hillary. What a brilliant move! I don't think you can still crediblly say McCain is dumb.

Educator, your comments have a sexist tone to them, yet you have been preaching against rascism all this time. What's the difference? Your hypocrisy shows you belong to the correct party. Or maybe you're ticked off because the Obama campaign just got punked - big time.

I've opened my ears and listened, and haven't heard anything new. Lots of lofty goals with no way to accomplish them other than tax the crap out of the wealthy, who already pay the majority of taxes in this country and provide the majority of jobs for the rest of us, including government jobs. Those ideas are so stale, dating back to FDR when he first introduced socialism to this country. Supply-side economics, baby! What you tax you get less of, what you subsidize you get more of.

I'm voting for McCain-Palin, definitely!

Posted by educator on September 1, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How convenient. I return to Lamar with crap in my mailbox. Hmmm... maybe one of you? I would have loved to have been here to say the least! Please, try it again! Freak.
I was having a discussion with an economist from Denver on Saturday that is pro-Obama, wife a school teacher. He told me to have you all watch either "A Time to Kill", or "Mississippi Burning". Wasn't surprised.
As for Palin, two years of experience running a town this size, with a ton of monkey's on her shoulders, calling herself an "executive" for running something that looks like a baitshop in Hasty, Colorado is puke.
In a state that is flowing with men, actually recruit women on the internet to move there... who wouldn't vote for a gorgeous woman to watch on television everynight? I would, but not for President. By the way Alaska is a blue state.
As I said, this could be interesting, but I will never call it anything, other than a desperate move on McCain's part.
Let's debate, not get personal please. I've been slightly calm so far. I will not change my mind, and I believe that this debate is excellent for those who read such, especially the undecided. My #1, is my family. Therefore, my Obama vote and support.

Posted by educator on September 1, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgot the hypocrit comment. Sorry to tell you that civilization continues to change. Evolution occurs to you everyday on Wall Street. Evolution occurs everyday in our households. If something isn't working, we go with something that does, within the rules of law.
Hypocritical, "No". Asking questions, listening to responses and acting upon them, "Yes" if the decision would benefit others. That is not hypocracy.
Hypocracy is denying the fact that 90-95% of a person's votes went towards Bush's faults.
Hypocracy is preeching objectivity across racial lines for personal benefit, then releasing employees for dating or be-friending hispanics.
Hypocracy, is a man stating that Osama Bin Laden would be tracked down if, the same person had to follow him to the gates of hell. Yet, won't follow him to his fricken cave due to relations with Pakistan and Afganistan.
So, Iraq has a $72 billion dollar surplus of oil, that our troops are fighting for. Screw their economy, as we have our own economy to deal with.
Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Mexico should be our issues. The Taliban that should have been shattered by now... should be gone. Pride is powerful, and Bush won't drop his.
For those of you who enjoy war, you'll see war. A war on terrorism and the interests of the United States, not that of certain individual interests to pad their pockets from big oil and other illegal monopolies, as I've said prior.
The key is, United States first... you and I.
We are vulnerable, and we are witnessing how vulnerable we are, by a supposed President relying on false truths.
Let us chat about the 4th Amendment. The most important in Law Enforcement. Bush is violating our civil rights without probable cause. So, we have a President that believes that he is above our contitutional rights. Clear as day, this Republican campaign cannot continue with another just like him. Military Sovereign does not apply to you and I, as civilians. Yes, a police officer is a civilian, unless enrolled in the military.
I would not hesitate to say that Bin Laden will be killed or captured prior to voting day, as a propoganda effort for more votes. We know where he is... We are the United States.

Posted by Carny on September 2, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sarah Barracuda, you go girl!

Posted by Thinkaboutit on September 3, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is funny to see the difference between the crowds outside the DNC vs RNC. The liberals only make their cause more pronounced by breaking things, wearing Bush masks and burning things. Great example of the parties future??

Posted by White_Knight on September 3, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Humm,...

Look at my post under the "alcohol permit" article, that comment was directed towards such folks as those protesting at the RNC. Liberals (a.k.a. Obamaites) paint themselves as the leaders of change, but hard to see the change can come about by flinging a park bench through a store window, or lighting fire to property.

Go Dems! Show us all how in four years the liberals of this land can ruin our country with expanded welfare for the faux "poor", abusers of the system, and illegals. Higher taxes for nonsense feel good projects such as saving owls and forests while promoting our dependence on overseas oil. And worst of all, by waving the white flag at the terrorists after inauguration day. The Bush years won't look that bad after all !...

Posted by Thinkaboutit on September 3, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very good point, I like the faux "poor", comment.

Posted by White_Knight on September 3, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

Be careful before you throw stones in your glass house...you said,

"As for Palin, two years of experience running a town this size, with a ton of monkey's on her shoulders, calling herself an "executive" for running something that looks like a baitshop in Hasty, Colorado is puke"

You say you "love this town" but you compare "little" Wasilla, AK to "rotten" Lamar, CO. Have you been to her hometown? By what I have seen Wasilla looks so, so, so much better than this cow s**t smelling burg whose only monument to progress is going to be a coal fire power plant which will be the asthma or lung cancer death of us all.

So if she were a Democrat and came from this two horse town would she be OK with you, or would she/he still be a "puke"? Funny you make fun of a person who has climbed the ranks from wife and mother of five (one of them a soldier about to be deployed to Iraq) to Govenor of Alaska, oh sorry, a "Hasty Bait Shop" (remember that all you folks in Hasty, the glorious Educator has slammed you also) but you fail to look at the "monkey's on your back"....man, just like a "Democrap"!

Posted by White_Knight on September 4, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From Gov. Palin's speech last night (about Obama):

"This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting and never use the word 'victory' except when he's talking about his own campaign," she said.

She then slammed Obama for "saying one thing in Scranton and another in San Francisco," argued that he had written two memoirs but never authored a major piece of legislation and asked what he would do "when those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot," a reference to the stage where Obama gave his acceptance speech last week.

OUCH! Truth hurts!

Posted by educator on September 6, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point of the Hasty bait shop comment was that the owner wouldn't be considered an "executive" for running such. "And I do love our communities, especially the s*** smelling Lamar"!!! I quit in Denver to come back home, if you really knew me, you'd know that.
If she had more views on everything that I tend to lean towards, than of course she would have my vote. Money isn't everything, especially for those of us that McCain considers to be middle class... under 5 million dollars. Obama, the educated one, says that under $250,000 is middle class, which is more realistic. Those making over such will be taxed more, not us.
About the "monkey's on her back", she preeches family values, yet her 17 year old daughter is 5 months pregnant. It's not that hard to keep track of a person's daughter, in a community of 9,000. Oh, five kids and a grandchild on the way... that she will never be with if VP. Imagine a death to McCain, then we have a huge problem!
Have any of you ever seen Varsity Blues? She reminds me of Miss Davis. I would love to see her on the pole!

Just in case you didn't notice, all that McCain had to talk about was war and his heroics. Which his heroics are very admirable. Nobody can take that from him.
But, that is all that he had to talk about, was war, as always. Once again, being in war does not qualify a person to be President.
As for Victory... we won when we killed Hussein. We should have went into Afganistan and Pakistan immediately, where Al-Quaeda and the Taliban are protected by their governments. This "war" is about padding the pockets that are already padded through oil investments, that you and I are paying for. It is not about Justice or Revenge... "yet"!
You forgot, that McCain or Hottie, never mentioned the terms "middle-class or lower-class", and most of the speech was taken from Barack's words in prior speeches, including "change".
"Fight with me, Fight with me"... I might have to with him being a trigger happy, disgustingly hard-headed, uneducated, money-hungry old fart. I don't want a draft, and I see it coming with him as President.

Posted by White_Knight on September 7, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The best summary on this whole issue was given on Glenn Beck the other day by the "Motor City Madman", good ol' Ted Nugent.

He said (in summary) that it ultimately does not matter who gets into the office (though he wants McCain) but whomever, they all need to be held accountable to WE THE PEOPLE (citizens), not to their political parties. He said if they feared us, the common man, and not the special interest groups, then we would have a true democracy. Only if....

Its my money, my labors, why can't I (WE), not the politicians, say where our money goes. I hate, just hate, the fact I work so damn hard and a good portion of my labors goes to lazy people who live on the govenments welfare tit who have no, zip, zero desire to improve themselves or the lives of their children. Neither party has made a clear stance on improving a broken system, nor do I believe they want to. The machine is to big and complex. But anyway I digress,...

Educator you said..."About the "monkey's on her back", she preeches family values, yet her 17 year old daughter is 5 months pregnant. It's not that hard to keep track of a person's daughter, in a community of 9,000. Oh, five kids and a grandchild on the way... that she will never be with if VP. Imagine a death to McCain, then we have a huge problem!".

So does that make all the teen moms here in the town you love so much "bad" people, considering Prowers County has historically the highest teen pregnancy rate in the State of Colorado? Many girls from all socio-economic groups have this life altering event happen, but it does not make them, or their families bad people or lessen their abilities to make sound decisions for the future? Its how these young women deal and are supported by the fathers of the child ( I hate dead-beat baby daddys), educating themselves, having a desire to sacrifice and become better, and how the child is raised and loved that really matters, doesn't it?

Posted by White_Knight on September 7, 2008 at 5:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator, please clarify something for me. You said quoting your words "Obama, the educated one, says that under $250,000 is middle class, which is more realistic. McCain said the middle class standard should be start below 5M". Isn't there fault in both of these levels. 5M is just plain silly, but 250K is possibly more of a quandry.

Lets use for exapmle good ol' Lamar as the "standard" for this debate. Even with Obamas middle class level, how many people (with the rare exception) here in this town meet, or will ever come near, such an economic level to be considered "middle class". Where is Obamas standard for the working "lower class". Come to think about it, I don't believe I've heard him speak of the working "lower class" as an economic group but rather "lower class" along the lines of the liberal sense as a disenfranchised social or racial group.

I would have to say most of the people who live, work, and die in this town would be on the lower end of the spectrum, just above or below the poverty line. Where does Obama stand on helping those of us who live on 75K or less per year, are educated, and contribute to the betterment of society rather than asking for a "free lunch" from Uncle Sam.

Where does he stand on helping or making people get off of this counties largest employer, the welfare, public assistance, TANIF, or what ever you may call the government hand out so many people here have become dependent on and abuse to no end?

Posted by educator on September 7, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

About teen Moms. I'm assuming it was an accident? But, this is something to consider regarding skeletons in the closet. One should not preach abstinence, then, post VP nomination... announce that her underaged daughter is pregnant. Actually, she wouldn't have said a word if the media didn't uncover it.
I do support teen mothers, as anything can happen. But, when one is running for VP of the U.S. and is speaking as a hypocrit, it becomes an issue.

Posted by educator on September 7, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Second response to White_Knight.

$75k. Nice:) I'm around $50k, yet we still struggle right, even in Lamar? My daughter's Godfather makes around $100k and lives in Denver. He struggles and basically lives on credit after bills and student loan payments like most of us.
Under Obama's economic package you and I will get tax breaks, including an extra $1000 on top of our child tax credit(s).
Our children will receive $4000 on top of other federal aid for college, with 100 hours of public/community service.
As for those that live for "free" in our Country... More job creation and responsiblity will be implemented. You and I know that this is not an overnight job, but I want to see my daughter's toys say "made in the United States", instead of "made in Taiwan or China". It would probably bring tears to my eyes if one of her toys said, "Made in Lamar, Colorado, United States".
Think about it. More jobs all the way around for our citizens, instead of cheap labor across seas that monopolies and/or the rich profit from. We only need to react to a threat or natural disaster. Iraq is not a threat and really never has been to the U.S. Hussein's attempt at Genocide ended a long time ago.
About "lower class and middle class". Depending on the stratus that you look at we are lower-upper to lower-lower class... minus the few, which usually subsidize. That is another story.
Actions speak louder than words. Obama went into the projects after industries were closed down, then found jobs for the poor in South Chicago.
During this oppression, he was able to impose a rule for law enforcement regarding "profiling". This is the reason we have to get a business card, summons, or a warning ticket when we are contacted by police.
He didn't take the high paying job to help others, just as I would and have done.
A man of his word that can listen to others, and recognize what is best for others without being selfish, regarding his own interests. Republicans at all levels tend to lean towards themselves with selfishness and personal interests, disregarding those of us that live at or below the poverty level.

Posted by Carny on September 7, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wait a minute. Educator, are your figures right? Are we really going to basically pay students $40 an hour to do community service? Seems a bit over-generous to me.

What gives me the right to someone else's money, simply because they make more than I do? Is that one of those "inalienable rights?"

Posted by White_Knight on September 8, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

75K on the better years, long past. Now if we are lucky my family might bring in 50K or less, considering this is from a two income household.

Bills just for daily living are mounting, cost of milk and bread is more each day, less money is coming in because insurnace rates have increased. Paying $4.00 for a gallon of gas for a car near 10 years old. I know, gripe, gripe, gripe, but I'm not alone.

My frustration mounts when my neighbors use the welfare system to excess. They pay no medical bills since everyone in their house is on Medicaid or CHP+. They pay almost nothing since they "qualify" for LEAP, QUEST cards, and WIC. They sound like poor folks, and belive me, they would have my simpathy if they were, but they are not.

They have three new or near new cars in their drive. They just remodeled their house, and have "toys" galore. Nobody in their home seems to be starving. Funny...by all appearance they are so much better off than I am....they are since my tax dollars provide them an element of comfort. And I don't even get a thank you, but get told by others if I gripe I'll be considered a racist since my neighbors are Mexican..

I've been told to be proud in the fact I "work" for all I have, but its still frustrating to know my blood, sweat, and sometimes tears are not going to support my family, but others less deserving just due to the fact they know how to manipulate the system or have no fear of getting caught and punished for fleecing the rest of us.

Educator, I hope your canidate, or whomever gets into that office on Penn. Ave. can understand that the middle class is just tired of getting screwed. We're tired of not being able to send out kids to college, but an illegal can on our tax dollars. We're tired of not being able to afford health insurance, but if you can scam the system you can get good ol Medicaid and pay nothing...

Hold your man accountable and if he cant get the job done in 4 year he needs to go. We who consider ourselves conservatives need to do the same. We need to tell these people they work for WE THE PEOPLE (tax paying citizens), must be held accountable to US or be prepared for a very short tenure in Washington....

Posted by White_Knight on September 8, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

I don't want more money from Uncle Sugar. I want to keep more of it to begin with, before taxes. I want to know that my labor and time are going to feed my family and if needed those who REALLY deserve it. I'm tired of the idiots who run to the Walmart to go shopping with their QUEST card, load hundreds of dollars of non essentials and groceries into their new tinted window Durango, and then drive to their low income housing up at Felony Flats while elderly WWII vets and those who survived the Depression are going hungry, without medicines, just because they are too proud to ask the gov't for handouts since they were taught to take care of themselves.

In short, what we need is not more government programs with more petty hand-outs that will be used and abused by the same people using the system now. What we need is accountability. Each dollar I give needs to be used to the best of its ability. And those who use the system for more than its designed for need to be held in account.

I wonder how many people would be willing to use and abuse the system if they were taken to task and if found out to be frauds would spend time in jail and be made to pay back every dollar they screwed out of the taxpayers, from the man (or woman) in the White House to "Joe Six-pack" on the street....

Posted by tristar12 on September 8, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From Educator...

"And I do love our communities, especially the s*** smelling Lamar"!!!

Let's talk hypocracy. You always brag about how much you love our community yet you continuously make comments like the one above. Your words and actions do not support your claims Educator. I believe your true motivation revolves around having the ability to stir the pot rather than to work toward goals which would improve the quality of life in our community. It's also painfully obvious to all of us that the vast majority of your philosophies are based on numerous cases of personal bias. Unfortunately, what may not be so obvious to you is that every time you make such comments it only damages your credibility even more. You claim to want a better lifestyle in our town but we're still waiting to see you lobby for change in a positive and supportive manner rather than one of bias and criticism.

Posted by White_Knight on September 8, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tristar12,

I can't believe I'm about to say this and defend Educator, but that comment started with me in a few posts prior.

Lamar does smell, just go to Wally-world in the middle of summer and take a deep breath. Heck, go anywhere in this town and it smells like a Kansas rest-stop most any given moment. And just wait until the coal fire plant starts. I pitty the folks in the North side. Just mark my words, the asthma and lung cancer rates in this town are going to skyrocket in the future...

Funny how a past Lamar city manager jumped ship as soon as construction on the coal plant was started, but we'll leave that discussion for another time...

With that in mind I can't see why Educator is so drawn to this town...it smells in more than one way!

Posted by Thinkaboutit on September 9, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

White_Knight, your comment about "Uncle Sugar" hit the nail on the head. I see my paid federal and state tax on every check and can see what you are describing to a tee! I go to Walmart and see the carts packed with items most people can't afford. Oh yea, not to mention being pushed by individuals wearing $90 new shoes, DC shirts and sporting their Hollister "hoodie" to go with their "Bling", which they bought with child tax credit from their five children they can not afford. Then go to their apartment which is mostly paid for by tax dollars in their new car decked out with $500 rims and $1000 sound system. I think I see what you are talking about. I believe in helping out those who have had a hard time, or may be in hard times. Instead of spending my money on flashy clothing or new cars, we give to a variety of charities and organizations such as Disabled Vets and church. The point is when you promote an entitlement society, you end up with the liberal mentality of more government, more taxes is better for the people. I have known people who have used government assistance, then stopped when they pulled through their hard times. They did not continue to have children they could not afford and spend their money on crap. It's call responsibility, which you do not learn with the government or anyone else giving you everything. I have been in several tax brackets, and have thus paid a substantial higher amount of tax, some years having to pay more and not count on a vacation when I get my tax return. The economical proposals for most left wing individuals, is at it's foundation, similiar to Socialism and cannot be denied. No thanks.

Posted by White_Knight on September 9, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Promote and entitlement society"....Thinkaboutit, that is awesome!!!

That is what "we" as a country have done. The social welfare programs of the Depressions era have morphed into a multi-headed liberal monster that is out of control. Why can't the government promote self-reliance and respect rather than dependence?

Why can a woman who has 3-4 kids, all by different "baby daddies" with no cares other than getting blitzed at the bar each weekend get low or no rent housing, free medical care, free food, and a govenrment stipened but a teacher, nurse, police officer, or other public servant can't? Don't believe me...

A few years ago I was getting deployed to Iraq. My wife was pregnant and I wanted to see if I could get some short term WIC help for my wife since I was going to be on the other side of the globe. I was not asking of a long term handout, just a little help, or some of MY tax dollars BACK, to take another burden off of my mind while I was fighting overseas. Long story short, the "welfare" tech at DSS told my family we did not qualify since our car was "too new" (funny it was over five years old at the time"...When I was leaving DSS I noticed a Mexican woman with a whole parcle of kids who had just been handed her WIC check loading up into a new looking "Land Rover" (arn't they expensive English cars?....) turning on the stereo with the bass so loud it shook my car windows with not one kid buckled into a car seat. Huh, I went to Iraq she went to Walmart...

Funny, a deploying soldier who left his full time tax paying job to to "fight the war on terror" was told no way, but the welfare mom was given the "golden ticket". That cemented my belief that this town stinks and the system was 100% rotten. Now it seems Obama wants to do more of the same....Please no more social welfare programs!

Anyway, I think I've said enough about this subject. Its now up to the citizens of this country to decide the path we are going to take, and I hope its the right one!!!

Posted by tristar12 on September 9, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

White_Knight:

My comment was not simply in regard to the comment from Educator about how Lamar smells. If you read back through his comments there have been numerous attacks on our community. A community which he claims to love so much. We can all find problems in our town just like we could in any community. My point is that the best way to make our community better is through more optimistic means.

Granted, Lamar does have a smell. Certainly a majority of these smells inundate us from areas outside our city limits. Some say it's the smell of money. To me it's the smell of potential residents not settling in our community because of the obvious insult on their olfactory senses.

Also, I believe that if you fully understand the inner workings of our local government you will remember that the coal plant is not a City of Lamar project and therefore, was never a responsibility of our ex-city administrator. That plant is actually an ARPA/Lamar Light and Power project. ARPA is an organization in which Lamar Light and Power is a member. The City of Lamar (and it's administrator) has very little to do with Lamar Light and Power. They have their own board and administrator...so basically that buck stops with them and the ARPA board.

Posted by White_Knight on September 9, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point taken...but the coal plant is IN the city limits of Lamar and therefore had to have the involvement of the City of Lamar Government and the forementioned ex-administrator. Yes, Lamar Light and Powers is a seperate entity from the city, but they go "mano y mano" if you get my drift..The city does get benefits from what goes on at Light and Power and vice versa..don't kid yourself if you don't think they don't!

Why could not the City of Lamar push for more windmills (other than the four we own) rather than allowing a monstrocity such as the coal plant to be placed within the city limits, de-valuing our properties and quality of life. Could it not have been placed outside the limits in the county?..or would the city have not recieved any of the "perks" of allowing it to be on Maple Street..!

The city could have used the view point that we are "environmentally" minded and want to limit the use of fossil fuels by promoting alternate energy such as wind use. Think of the good press. Heck, Ol' Al Gore would have been tempted to make a movie about the good folks of Lamar wanting to clean the environment and keep the glaciers from melting if we pushed the wind issue.

Good grief, if this town has anything its a limitless supply of wind and "hot air"...

Posted by tristar12 on September 9, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Points well taken. Perhaps Mr. Wootten, Mr. Schemahorn or any other members of the Lamar Utilities Board could answer those questions.

I'm not sure if collecting sales tax from LLP would be considered "perks" but it is certainly required if the citizens want services to be provided by the City of Lamar.

I do understand your comments though. I don't have your answers but they are valid questions.

Posted by Thinkaboutit on September 9, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am still riding the fence on the whole coal plant issue. I do know that the regulations for these plants have dramatically improved over the past twenty years, however I am not educated enough to take a stand one way or another. Good point about the wind energy, I think we should put up a turbine in the city council chambers. My understanding is, the project was to provide long term, sustained energy which was more cost effective. But, on the same hand the rumor is our bills will see a substantial increase. Huh? White_Knight, I commend you for your service to our country and find it appaling you were denied services which you, as an actual tax payer, should be able to receive. The social welfare state in which we are in is a huge problem that will not be fixed with a short term solution. The whole foundation was started to help individuals overcome the effects of the Great Depression, and was meant as short term assistance as mentioned. I believe these benefits should be given with job training and a prescribed period where after such, you dont have a job, your benefits start to decline.
The first in line for benefits should be veterans and their families, people who have lost work due to "downsizing" or other situations beyond their control, not based upon your skin color or the fact that working at a fast food establishment is beneath you. Without oversight, the people responsible for deciding who gets benefits can do as they please, that would be good place to start to reform the system.

Posted by White_Knight on September 10, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After my experience I noticed the whole welfare system is based on supposed race based "income" rather than actual need...look at most of the people who use and abuse welfare. One half is made up of just lazy people who could improve their situation in life, but make the decision not to, despite the fact they are 100% able to work. Its easier to pop out a few more kids rather than put in 60 hours a week. And please don't give me the disability non-sense. Thats just another excuse to sit on your keester all day while others work for you. I know a guy who works in La Junta who is confined to a wheelchair, but he still greets folks at the door, stocks shelves, and I've even seen him push carts and his own wheelchair at the same time...The second group are those who do work, but would rather use the system to allow them more money to live at a higher standard. Not sure who is worse but oh well...time for another cup of coffee before I go to work. Remember American, keep working, millions of people on welfare and Obama depend on you!!!

Posted by educator on September 10, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From what you posted on Sept 8th, 9th, 10th, White_Knight, you are screaming for Obama.
I agree with everything that you said and most of what others said regarding federal and state support system abuse.
Please remember who your President has been for the past 8 years before attacking someone that assists low income and middle class persons, yet makes them meet halfway by working or going to school, if not both. Someone that creates jobs on our homeland, instead of oversea buh duunka duunks that answer our tech questions and billing issues to our dismay.
I'd rather deal with a Southern Black Woman or a Japanese person born in the U.S. that I cannot understand on the phone, than someone in fricken India or China.
I am in disagreement with the fact that White_Knight's impression that more Hispanics receive more welfare than Whites. I would be interested in seeing the stats myself.
The stereo systems, wheels, and shiny paint jobs do have history in the Hispanic Culture. The brand new vehicles do not.
Today I was at the bank and there were non-english speaking persons next to me with a brand new truck with a Hemi. I'm in my 1996 vehicle just wondering, how in the hell did they get approved for that? How in the hell can they afford that? White_Knight answered part of that above, which I've never really thought about until a few minutes ago.
I will end with... "Obama knows our struggles. McCain does not. McCain has fought for his life and our lives, but has never struggled to pay a bill. Obama is educated and has never been investigated for a federal crime. McCain has, and 'oh my' is was for personal financial gain. Please don't kid yourself about Obama. He has a funny name... oh well. If I had a name like that in this county, I'd probably be a doctor, or else I'd be shunned. There is no grey area allowed where we live". I think that these simple facts should sum it up for now.

Posted by White_Knight on September 11, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

I believe my gripe is more nation wide than belonging to one political party though. On MSNBC they had a talking head that said over 60% of American citizens feel as I do, both democrat and republican. I just see this country going down the crapper, politicians getting richer, and special interest owning who we fought over the last 200+ years to become. We've surrendered our economy to China, our borders to Mexico, and our society to lazyness and materialism.

I'd rather see a third party get involved in the race rather than be a token lamb for the slaughter. I hoped Ron Paul would have had a running chance, but if you look at the monsters the two major parties have become, he never had a snowballs chance in hades. He has a good message, to bad so many folks follow like blind sheep toting the party line rather than look for whats best for our land....

Posted by Carny on September 11, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

White Knight, I agree about neither party being my best choice, but the other choices are way too radical. I think that is why McCain IS the best choice between the two - he really has pissed off the Republican party in the past as he has gone against them. (I didn't vote for him last time he ran.) Something IS rotten in Washington, and of the two, I think HE is the one to change it, as he has by example. Obama chose a running mate who is so ingrained in old Washington politics that his message of "change" is drowned out by the "good ole boy politics" insinuation of his choice.

Forget the "votes with Bush 90 percent of the times" ads. About 90 percent of the current do-nothing congress (this includes demos) has voted in unanimous consent lately on bills that honor some dead guy, change the name of a post office, or pass BS legistlation to create National Potato Week, etc. Who in their right mind would vote against this very American legislation. Of course, there is another 10 percent that did not, which includes Obama who could not even make up his mind about THESE issues and voted only "present" (I am generalizing here-go ahead and do your research to dispute this.)

Educator, I know what you are talking about with your experience in the bank. There needs to be a differentiation between "Spanish Americans" and "Mexicans". "Spanish Americans", typically, are proud of their Spanish heritage but declare themselves first and foremost "Americans" - having resided in the present United States for 300+ years. "Mexican's", on the other hand, still cling to the mores and language of Mexico.

Posted by White_Knight on September 14, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems this thread is played out like a Bee-Gee 8-track.

Posted by educator on September 15, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with ya on the last comments regarding Spanish-Americans, although I consider the "Spanish", as most Hispanics do... those from Spain. Hispanics or Mexicanos seems more politically correct with the persons we have here in the SouthWest, although you and I know that it goes "deeper" than a geographical area or country.

I have to research that one. Again, Sept. 26th... we finally get into it.

FYI, I don't watch McCain's ads/lies anymore. I will watch Palin though, on mute.

Posted by White_Knight on September 16, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

Why does there have to be an cultural "identity" reguardless of where your ancestors came from? Is it so difficult to just identify yourself where you were born, being AMERICAN. If you were born in Mexico, then you are MEXICAN. If you were born in Africa, you are African.

I understand its politically correct to identify yourself with a minority group, darn near trendy, i.e. Mexican-American, African-American, ect...You don't see to many folks saying "I'm Welsh-American" or "I'm Scotish-American" around this town. Much like your man Barak Obama, who much to his dismay is not "African-American" as you hear him claim, but is half white with a father of African ancestory. He was born in the US correct? So....that makes him "American" no matter what his skin color may be. You don't hear McCain saying he's Euro-American, or Sarah Palin (Heath) saying she's English?

What is even more confusing is the "made-up" cultural groups such as Chicano, Hispanic, and Latino. There is no such land called "Chican" (I know the story) or Hispana (Espana - Spain yes..)and if your Latin-American (or Latino) then does not that make you Roman, since they were the only Latins, or Latin speaking people.

Whats so wrong with just being AMERICAN ?....

Posted by educator on September 20, 2008 at 4:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree and disagree.

We are all American. But, from a sociological perspective, and a cultural/diverse perspective we must admit to differences in our attempt for perfection, which includes understanding each other... i.e. the "Taste of Southeast Colorado" idea.

I wish that we lived in an educated area, so that others could see beyond skin color and socioeconomic values.

Equality... Our rural areas seem to lag behind the rest of the world in that regard.

The common idea continues to be that the rich get richer and the poorer get poorer. "The richer, in my terminology, are the frauds and monopoly leaders. Those with no empathy. Those that take a dollar, no matter the cost to others, including putting a sandwich in his/her daughter's hands". Vote McCain and you will see such continue.

Vote Obama and you will see equality at every level. You will see illegal monopolies fall. You will see the CEO's and CFO's of such being cuffed and stuffed, by a cop that is compensated in one year, what they make in one or two weeks... ilegally.

You will see Hope turned into reality

At a micro level. You never thought that the Lamar Police force would attack crime from it's roots. Now what? We are proud and supportive:) Not much different at the Federal Level.

Posted by educator on September 22, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again. Friday @ 6:30, we will see McCain's ignorance come out, minus the teleprompters and/or knowledge of the questions prior. "Hopefully"? I see embarrassment and reality coming Friday for those of you that believe that ignorance can solve our financial and war issues.

Make it an event for you and your friends. Leave work early if you have to. I'll make the guacamole, cheese dip, bring the beer, and the soda.

According to an investigator, John McCain was ranked 894 out of 899 cadets in the Naval Academy.

Think about it....

Posted by White_Knight on September 28, 2008 at 2:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Educator,

If you believe Obama will be able to solve our nations woes is that strong I commend you, but putting all your eggs in this basket is worrisome. Blind faith in one man is dangerous, very dangerous. He being a democrat will have to continue the traditional democrat party line, expanded social welfare, dependence on the system, and liberalization of our society until is darn near illegal to identify yourself as American least to violate someones feelings or sensibilities, of course at at the expense of the majority of hard working, tax paying, CITIZENS of this nation.

From Ted Nugent's web site "There's a line drawn in the sand, and this is how I define it ultimately: On my side is a huge mass of humanity who says we are not going to ask what our country can do for us. We are going to get up early and do what we can for our country. On the other side, you've got sniveling pimps and whores and welfare broads and people who think those are legitimate job descriptions siding with Obama and Hilary. I don't know how a mind or a soul decays to that low. I don't know how that happens."

No better words have been spoken, sums up how I feel about all the empty promises spouted each day by the suits on TV. Every day I continue to hear the retorhic and wonder if these goobers are going to do more harm than good to this counrty. Brothers, I'm sacred, very scared for myself, my kids, and my country.

Remember America, keep working! Millions on welfare and now defunct blood sucking corporations depend on you!...

Posted by White_Knight on September 28, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bad American

I'm a Bad American-this pretty much sums it up for me. I like big trucks, big boats, big houses, and naturally, pretty women.

I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some midlevel governmental functionary with a bad comb-over who wants to give it away to crack addicts squirting out babies.

I don't care about appearing compassionate.

I think playing with toy guns doesn't make you a killer. I believe ignoring your kids and giving them Prozac might.

I think I'm doing better than the homeless.

I don't think being a minority makes you noble or victimized. I have the right not to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird or make me mad. This is my life to live, and not necessarily up to others expectations. I know what SEX is and there are not varying degrees of it.

I don't celebrate Kwanzaa. But if you want to that's fine; I just don't feel like everyone else should have to.

I believe that if you are selling me a Dairy Queen shake, a pack of cigarettes, or hotel room you do it in English. As of matter of fact, if you are an American citizen you should speak English. My uncles and forefathers shouldn't have had to die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come disrespect ours, and make us bend to your will. Get over it.

Posted by White_Knight on September 28, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry butt if you're running from them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the previous line. I don't use the excuse "it's for the children" as a shield for unpopular opinions or actions.

I know how to count votes and I feel much safer letting a machine with no political affiliation do a recount when needed. I know what the definition of lying is, and it isn't based on the word "is"-ever.

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you qualify for any special loan programs, gov't sponsored bank loans, etc., so you can open a hotel, 7-Eleven, trinket shop, or any thing else, while the indigenous peoples can't get past a high school education because they can't afford it.

I didn't take the initiative in inventing the Internet. I thought the Taco Bell dog was funny.

I want them to bring back safe and sane fireworks.

I believe no one ever died because of something Ozzy Osbourne, Ice-T or Marilyn Manson sang, but that doesn't mean I want to listen to that crap from someone else's car when I'm stopped at a red light. But I respect your right to.

I think that being a student doesn't give you any more enlightenment than working at Blockbuster or Jack In The Box.

I don't want to eat or drink anything with the words light, lite or fat-free on the package.

Our soldiers did not go to some foreign country and risk their lives in vain and defend our Constitution so that decades later you can tell me it's a living document ever changing and is open to interpretation. The guys who wrote it were light years ahead of anyone today, and they meant what they said - now leave the document alone, or there's going to be trouble.

I don't hate the rich. I help the poor. I know wrestling is fake. I've never owned, or was a slave, and a large percentage of our forefathers weren't wealthy enough to own one either. Please stop blaming me because some prior white people were idiots - and remember, tons of white, Indian, Chinese, and other races have been enslaved too - it was wrong for every one of them.

Posted by White_Knight on September 28, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe a self-righteous liberal Democrat with a cause is more dangerous than a Hell's Angel with an attitude.

I want to know exactly which church is it where the "Reverend" Jessie Jackson preaches; and, what exactly is his job function.

I own a gun, you can own a gun, and any red blooded American should be allowed to own a gun, but if you use it in a crime, then you will serve the time.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it makes you mad, then invent the next operating system that's better and put your name on the building. Ask your buddy that invented the Internet to help you.

I don't believe in hate crime legislation. Even suggesting it makes me mad.

You're telling me that someone who is a minority, gay, disabled, another nationality, or otherwise different from the mainstream of this country has more value as a human being that I do as a white male. If someone kills anyone, I'd say that it's a hate crime. We don't need more laws! Let's enforce the ones we already have.

I think turkey bacon, turkey beef, turkey fake anything sucks. I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child-it takes a parent with the guts to stand up to the kid and spank his butt and say "NO!" when it's necessary to do so. I'll admit that the only movie that ever made me cry was Ole Yeller. I didn't realize Dr. Seuss was a genius until I had a kid.

I will not be frowned upon or be looked down upon or be made to keep silent because I have these beliefs and opinions. I thought this country allowed me that right. I will not conform or compromise just to keep from hurting somebody's feelings. I'm neither angry nor disenfranchised, no matter how desperately the mainstream media would like the world to believe otherwise. Yes, I guess by some people's definition, I may be a bad American.

But that's tough.

Posted by educator on September 28, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080928/a...

I'm impressed by her looks, that is all. She does have potential in that category, with some brass and heels involed. I'm not impressed by a man that cannot look us or another person in the eye. You men understand this, especially you officers.

Pos