http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx From NBC's Doug AdamsBy NBC's count, the Democrats currently hold a 232-198 edge in the House, with five races still undecided. All are Republican-held seats. Here's the latest on all the undecided races (two of which we should hear about by the enden-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15252Sun, 19 Nov 2006 01:29:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15252Blair CarlsonMINUTEMAN PARTY IN 2008 PLEASE!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15304Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:37:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15304Clarence Duffle; Hoboken NJLOL----one never knows how the grass roots will rise and topple petty fiefdoms of the Beltway.The people will speak...soon.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15315Mon, 20 Nov 2006 19:17:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15315!How many "mysterious" e-voting machine incidents do the citizens of this country need before they realize the fix is in? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15345Mon, 20 Nov 2006 23:29:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15345Desmond Florida race in contention AGAIN. In the race vacated by Katherine Harris. You cannot make this up. Machines in question this time. Not HANGING CHADS.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15415Tue, 21 Nov 2006 13:52:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15415Really Annoyed; Huntsville ALHanging issues- Rep Rangel and his politically motivated call for a draft. A call that will never happen. Why a draft- when the military chiefs do not want "forced" service? Why a draft, in which women would be exempt- is that fair? Why a draft, which the rules would be written by lawmakers trying to deflect as much heat from their districts, etc? Rep Rangel- want to put the ball in play? A draft, in which their were no exemptions for college students; no exemptions due to family crisis; no exemptions due to medical problems, as lon as the person could be used in some maner in military service; no exemptions for sole surviving children; all genders, races, sexual preferences, creeds ,income were put in the pool. Oh, yes- any elected public person at national level- your kids are put in the pool also- no strings being pulled by Mom n Dad w/ wealth, influence. This way, folks like Ted Kennedy would have served in the military, instead of getting an out by Dad Joe. Hey- Rep Rangel- get Senator Kennedy to cosponsor the draft bill- yea right!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15486Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:40:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15486Chrisella, Sandy, UtahActually, Rep Rangel knows there will never be a draft. It is highly unpopular among the American people, and any party that voted for a draft would be out of commission for decades. The reason Rep Rangel is pushing for this bill to come to the floor is to promote a national discussion about who ends up joining our military and why. Rep Rangel represents the Harlem area of New York, and as he looks around, he has noticed that it isn't wealthy kids who join our all-volunteer force -- the kids joining are poor, without much hope of paying for a college education. Joining the army is often the only way to improve their chances at life. A draft will never, never be passed, thanks to the history behind it, so there is no need to be an alarmist about it. Rep Rangel accomplished just what he meant to do when you posted your message: he began a national discussion.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15513Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:10:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15513Desmond Chrisella, thank you for explaining this issue. If anyone actually listened to the man and his words, that is exactly what he was trying to do. Unfrotunately, we get sound bityes on our so-called news stations and a lot of us do not have time to go back and read what they really said and why. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15556Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:22:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15556SSG Murdoch, Baltimore, MDArmy recruiter here...my area is diverse in all aspects. Had 2 college grads from Univ of Md recently join.one wishes to be airborne soldier another to pay off college loans. One female, from a fairly well off family is seeking military service in order to get into the intelligence field. Still yet, 4 young men, 2 black, 1 Asian, 1 caucasiian are joing in Dec, in order to get college money for future. All these fine Americans KNOW the rsik and hardships of military service. They seek betterment of life, instead of being couch potato, chroinc chatdork or a waste of life blogger.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15599Fri, 24 Nov 2006 04:49:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15599Doug, albany gaWe all know rangel is playing to the cameras, so his minority constinuents can feel safe he is tyring to help them out. does not amount to a pile of beans, all his hot air, etc. His area will be taxation, not military legislation. Tell Rangel to stick to fiscal matters and keep away from the camera. making emotional yet weak statements that have no grit or substances is already handled quite well by the National Democrat Minority reps: Rev Al and Rev Jackson, two guys living off the public for a long time. They are experts at hot air- keep Rangle focused on taxes and spending.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/17/15150.aspx#15699Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:41:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:15699Just an American; Dallas TXMinuteman 2008? Is this an xenophobic, isolationist group, seeking to toss out 1000% of all undocumented immigrants? What if we begin a more intelligent approach, first by policing all the undoucmented criminals in the US and get rid of them. Then, we enact a guest worker program, good for 24-48 months, for a price of let's say $1000-$3000 dollars. Tese applicants, once cleared thru NCIC and Interpol, can work in the US. Their employers will have to match state and local taxes, for social services. Thier pay wioll also have deductions for state and local social services. A small federal fee will be deducted monthly- to pay for the guest worker program. If this person is convicted of a crime (felony?), they are deported. If they remain out of work for a 6 month period, they are sent home. This way, there is a system to pay for neccessary social services and the ability to track employment. Concurrently, we speed up processing of LEGAL requests for visas and citizenship. Those here that have had a visa expire are given 1 chance to renew, must pay fees for renewal. We cannot, as a nation, become isolationist nor xenophobic. We must understand that a border fence and downright draconian measures against immigrants is viewed world wide as tyrannical, despotic and inhumane. This country has work for those WANTING to do it, it is just that employers pay nothing into state and local coffers for social services. If European countries and Middle East countries can run a guest worker program, why can't America follow suit.