http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx The Washington Post: “The House last night pushed through its second plan to fund the Iraq war and reshape war policy, approving legislation that would provide partial funding for the conflict but hold back most of the money until President Bush reportsen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188737Fri, 11 May 2007 13:41:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188737Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IAI have asked this question before and here it goes again, what makes Dubya's plan better than any other to include the Baker group's? Dubya has stated that the Democrat plan just flat won't work, he blew off the Baker group's plan and went with his own. We have had 4 years of Dubya's plan and we are nowhere near what they said we would be. The answer may not be so simple but I think that after 4 years of someone's plan that other plan's should be given a chance to work instead of being ramroded with Dubya's plan. Just askinghttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188744Fri, 11 May 2007 13:47:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188744JIrby, Colorado SpringsRepublicans caving in on going after Gonzales shows lack of taste on par with going around with toilet paper stuck to your shoe as a fashion statement.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188745Fri, 11 May 2007 13:48:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188745William in HoustonGo Forward?....how about...Go Home!!. You've created far too much chaos in this world....it's time to pack up your toys and GO HOME, Mr. Presidenthttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188749Fri, 11 May 2007 13:54:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188749Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FLWe all have to show success in our daily life in order to garner support from those around us. Why not the President? I know there isn't much he can show as progress in Iraq but with established goals and objectives maybe we will start seeing positive things. Perhaps troop reductions? Alright, so I'm optimistic. Some posts have already stated this fact; nonetheless, it is worth repeating. If success is measured by unquestioned victory, it will never happen. Insurgents or guerillas have never been defeated in the history of the world. The formation of our country was initiated by a group of guerillas who took on the British. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188775Fri, 11 May 2007 14:14:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188775Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaDubya continually uses his 'Global Warming' strategy on everything that comes at him. 'Let's discuss it.' basically means, '...forget about it. I did.'. And his Corporate Puppetmasters smile.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188806Fri, 11 May 2007 14:35:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188806ex-marine, viet vetI have posted this several times and I have seen others post it 5 or 6 times but it bears repeating VFW Magazine asked will the surge work 85% NO 15% YES THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WITH 1ST HAND EXPERIENCE. I would not take advice from a baker, who has never even turned on a computer, on how to rebuild a computer hard drive but I would ask for advice from a techno person even tho the baker has a right to offer thier opinion it would for all practical pruposes be useless.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188838Fri, 11 May 2007 14:56:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188838JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USALET'S LISTEN IN ON A CONVERSATION THAT DICK HAD WITH THE IRAQI PARLEMENT: PLEASE..PLEASE.PLEASE DON'T GO ON ON A 2 MONTH VACATION !http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188845Fri, 11 May 2007 14:58:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188845DaveReference Cheney's message that he worked for four presidents. Three of those presidents kept him on a very short leash (and he knew it too!). The trouble is that the current president can't (or will not) control him. Vice presidents should be seen and not heard. Period.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188847Fri, 11 May 2007 15:01:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188847Gary, Franklin, WICheney - Reading Dudya his bedtime stories does not constitute "extensive conversations". Just admit it. Dubya woke up one day, decided to invade Iraq, and the whole thing was improvised from the start. How many days since "Mission Accomplished"? About 1,472 and counting . . . We all know Dudya's own exist strategy is January 20, 2009, how about one for the brave and selfless U.S. troops?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188878Fri, 11 May 2007 15:24:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188878R.MerrellLots and lots of talk about "benchmarks" but never any details. Like a list of items that must be accomplished? Bush has been talking around this subject of benchmarks for months but what are they? They may be "a good idea' but with Bush that usually means nothing more than lip service during a photo-op. He's going to stall until Inauguration Day and then go cut brush in Crawford and never give another thought to his 8 disastrous years in office. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188909Fri, 11 May 2007 15:49:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188909Mark Y; Westlake Village, CAWow, everyone...breaking news re: Talabanni stating US troops needed for 1 to 2 more years...another bush ploy, or are things that bad? Does it support or not support w's position? It sure does not give "Last throes" cheney any traction; time for benchmarks? As this story develops, the blogs should be interesting. Any initial thoughts?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188937Fri, 11 May 2007 16:04:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188937Sierra, San FranciscoGeorge Bush is a spoiled rich kid who has FAILED at EVERYTHING he's done. His oil business failed. He was given a stake in the Texas Rangers baseball team by his family's cronies. He got into the Air National Guard through family connections. He's FAILED IN IRAQ!! There's no way to disguise it. Now, that Republicans are acknowledging FAILURE, his core supporter (that 25% lunatic fringe) will start to crumble. peeps, Dave tn, Ryan it's time to acknowledge George Bush IS A FAILURE. His failed Presidency has led America into an unrecoverable quagmire. The Iraq scam IS A FAILURE!! NO VICTORY IS POSSIBLE IN IRAQ!! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188946Fri, 11 May 2007 16:12:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188946Joe Blow, Bay Area, CaliforniaMy feeling on this is that the Iraq government will not do what Bush wants it to. They will continue to get training and arms from Bush. When we pull out they will have the training and arms to rule with a iron fist or cleanse Iraq of all Sunni's and Kurd's.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188947Fri, 11 May 2007 16:13:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188947larry south texasarrogance kept them from having the army needed to accomplish the mission initially; greed has allowed the military forces to erode unplensihed while contract support corporations stuff the pockets; ignorance maintains a high speed excursion toward a collapsed bridge; imcompetence turns away from reality; benchmarks may now be needed....priceless.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#188954Fri, 11 May 2007 16:16:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:188954Rocky Montane, Pueblo, CORepublicans caving in on going after Gonzales shows lack of taste on par with going around with toilet paper stuck to your shoe as a fashion statement. JIrby, Colorado Springs (Sent Friday, May 11, 2007 9:47 AM) or even worse...going around with JIrby stuck to your shoe as a statement of intelligence.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189001Fri, 11 May 2007 16:46:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189001Russell in MarylandBy voting in lockstep with the president against withdrawal those Republicans are letting their constituents know that removal from office is the only way to get their elected officials to reflect their wishes. People can no longer afford to keep even "good" Republicans because they can't be counted on to vote for constituents and country over party loyalty. We saw this happen in Maryland when republican representative Connie Morello was voted out even though most agreed she was well liked and was doing a good job but kept voting with the party even against her own moderate beliefs. People found that she could be replaced with Democratic representative Chris Van Hollen who is also well like, is doing a great job but can be counted on to vote in a more representative manner.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189003Fri, 11 May 2007 16:47:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189003J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NYRavine....you pose an interesting question with reference to Bush's track record (or lack thereof). The U.S. military has done done some positive things in Iraq by establishing hospitals, housing, and schools for the locals. That's all well and good. But, it's not the reason why Bush went there to begin with. All he really accomplished over there was to destablize an otherwise secular country (that was already having a hard time feeding itself), and set off a civil war that he/we can't stop. Now, I'm not saying Saddam Husein was a nice guy. He wasn't, he was an ass. But, did he pose a security threat to the United States as Bush said he did in that letter he sent to congress on March 18, 2003? Or, was he just a loudmouth braggert with a lot of bravado and nothing to back it up? I think we all knew and know the latter is true, and that being the case Bush shouldn't have invaded. So, what are we doing to get out of there? Seems to me the only people working on ending this thing are the Democrats.....and everytime they try, the whiney assed republiCANTS (Bush included) obstruct them from doing what the American people elected them to do. The only way we're going to get our people out of there amd bring this nonsense to an end is by electing a bigger Democratic Majority. One that is large enough to stifle republiCANT opposition to the will of the people. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189026Fri, 11 May 2007 17:00:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189026larry south texasso how long does it take for a post to be added, or am i just not worthy. a sad lonely story surrounds me but i have little oppurtunity to share it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189089Fri, 11 May 2007 17:30:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189089Dave, TnI've tried several times to find a link to that poll with no luck. Did find this. http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=3962 VFW Tells Congress to Set Aside Troop Withdrawal Language New Reid proposal tantamount to surrender LAS VEGAS, April 3, 2007 – The number two leader of the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans has called upon Congress to temporarily set aside their troop withdrawal language so that emergency funding can be approved for the troops fighting the war in Iraq. At a press conference earlier today, George Lisicki, the senior vice commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., said that everyone knows that President Bush will veto the emergency war supplemental that Congress passed last month. . “The funding package contained artificial troop withdrawal deadlines that would ultimately break the morale of our troops in the field and directly jeopardize their safety,” said Lisicki, who ascends to national commander in August and was here today to host a meeting of future leaders from the VFW’s 54 departments. “I am calling on all the members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives to, for now, reserve further debate and provide the funds needed by our troops to prosecute the Global War on Terror,” he said, noting that Iraq was clearly the centerpiece of that war on terrorism, and that the House and the Senate funding packages were also loaded with extraneous spending not related to the war on terrorism. “This isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue. It’s about American men and women tasked with fighting a war, and who are now being told their effort and sacrifice doesn’t matter because a date on the calendar will send them home whether they’ve finished the job or not,” he said. Lisicki, Vietnam veteran from Carteret, N.J., said that when Congress reconvenes, they need to approve funding for war-related requirements only, and debate the other issues in separate legislation. “We ask Congress to never cut or withhold funding for troops deployed or being deployed to a war zone,” he said. “They must ensure that those who are sent to war have the best equipment and our strongest support. Give them the tools necessary to complete the mission you sent them on, and do it without further delay.” Along with Lisicki, VFW Commander-in-Chief Gary Kurpius was also disappointed to hear today that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) may introduce legislation that would immediately cut off funding for the war. “By proposing this type of legislation, Senator Reid would be abdicating his responsibility to help protect and defend our nation, and his responsibility to the men and women serving in our armed forces,” said Lisicki. “Simply put, it’s reckless and tantamount to waving a white flag of surrender to the enemy.” Lisicki said that if such legislation is introduced, the senator can be assured that the VFW will strongly urge its membership to work to defeat its passage. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189141Fri, 11 May 2007 17:59:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189141HMTThe smirk will go on for 18 more months----impeachment for the whole bunch----cannot understand why impeachment is not being written except for the Kucinich guts.The only one with any cajones.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189187Fri, 11 May 2007 18:33:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189187Houston Sooner or later, we are going to have to fight "them" here not because of cut-n-running but precisely because we ARE fighting them THERE, in Iraq. Many Iraqis who may have admired the US 5 years ago now have an implacable hatred for us because George Bush has destroyed their country and their lives. In a recent article, a doctor said that many Iraqi children suffered from "traumatic stress disorder." He didn't call it "post traumatic stress disorder" because their trauma never ends. Some of these damaged children are very likely to grow up bitter and twisted with a burning desire to strike at America. The former Bush terrorism expert, Richard Clarke gave a very grim warning about this in an address to college students, as reported in an article at the folloing link: http://tinyurl.com/2eslrw Iraq is now a place that is breeding legions of monsters. Eventually, some of them will make their way to this country. The longer this stupid war drags on, the more monsters it will create.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189228Fri, 11 May 2007 18:52:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189228Joe Blow , Bay Area, californiaWhat ever happen to the Iraqi oil that was going to pay for this war. I don't see it because here gas is about to break $4 a gallon.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189250Fri, 11 May 2007 19:08:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189250Rick Lapin, Albuquerque, NMSo ... just exactly whaddya hafta do in (or to) this country to get fired, anymore? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189298Fri, 11 May 2007 19:36:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189298Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FLJ. Merle, precisely my point. Although I would disagree with some of your statements. For example; there are less kids attending school now than before. Hospitals are strained beyond their capabilities because of the daily arrival of civilians wounded by bombs. The internal structure of most cities has been damaged to such an extent that it will take years to repair and a lot of money to do so. There are hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees in surrounding countries. Do you agree? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189305Fri, 11 May 2007 19:38:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189305911truthdotorgBush-Bones Doctrine: "Deny Everything"..... "There's three things to remember: claim everything, explain nothing, deny everything." - Senator Prescott Bush (Skull & Bones 1917).....this explains the last six nightmarish years.....this explains how he's gotten away with 9/11 - so far........ “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” Joseph Goebbels.....Google videos: 9/11 Press for Truth, Loose Change 2nd Edition http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189313Fri, 11 May 2007 19:44:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189313JIrby, ColoradoImbicile alert from Pueblo, Colorado. Get rid of one and two take his place. I can't see where posting the ravings of fools advances the conversation. If I ever got stuck on your shoe, you would be living through your last minutes.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189340Fri, 11 May 2007 20:01:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189340....Richard Clarke was a Clinton left over like slam dunk Tenent. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189370Fri, 11 May 2007 20:26:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189370Lisa - Fort Worth TXRick, just lie about sex and congress will be more than glad to try to show you the door... Lies about incompetent personnel, failed policies, and our failure to actually catch the mastermind of 9-11 aren't bad enough to get you fired. Actually, if you're a border agent actually doing your job, watch out! you might end up in prison....http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189371Fri, 11 May 2007 20:26:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189371Ramona Russell, Carson City, NVcongress needs to end the war and stop the funding, america and iraq need to move forward toward peace. americans voted for change in november '06 and want to move forward out of iraq.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189387Fri, 11 May 2007 20:36:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189387DorothyRick, Albuquerque--Appear on "The Apprentice." "You're fired."--Donald Trumphttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189409Fri, 11 May 2007 20:49:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189409Jane, Southern MississippiFor those who voted for Bush because he'd be a nice guy to have a beer with, well I bet you could join him now for a big beerfest. Surely by now, he's back to drinkin'.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189453Fri, 11 May 2007 21:27:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189453Houston[[Simply put, it’s reckless and tantamount to waving a white flag of surrender to the enemy.]] That statement is just parroting one of the GOP's sillier talking points. It twists the meaning of the word "surrender" beyond all recognition. Surrender means either that a military force lays down its weapons and submits to capture by the enemy, or that a government agrees to let the country it governs be occupied and ruled by an enemy state. Ending the insane Iraq occupation is NOT a surrender any more than was the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. Just in case this Lisicki guy didn't notice, North Vietnam is not running our country. Accusing Reid of wanting to "surrender" is slander.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189461Fri, 11 May 2007 21:39:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189461Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa"How to go forward"? What the heck does that mean? Is it an admission that we are standing still, or going backward? Is Dubya on a unicycle with a flat tire? Maybe we are finally in need of a translator. Admitting we are is the first step in deciphering Dubyatalk. The second step will have to involve bringing in Psychiatrists. First, one for the President, and then one for us, the President's enablers.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189482Fri, 11 May 2007 22:06:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189482Justkeepingitreal07, TexasHavent been in here in a while. I see its the same ole Bush bashing crowd. You guys havent figured this out yet. Bush is not running again ever. Why waste your breath? This is all politics from both sides. Democrats doesnt really have answers to anything so they rally you all up into hating Bush and attempt to win on Anything but Bush platform. They havent addressed anything legitimately yet. Ask yourself' What has my congressman done for ME in MY District at home? Probably not too much. That is why we elect them. To help us at HOME. What the hell do I care about a what a politician from Vermonts opinion is on something that doesnt directly help my district. I dont care who wins, I just vote for who will deliver in MY district. Either way you take a helluva chance because they ALL LIE (Dems and Repubs) and Promise things they know cant be delivered. They get you all up in an uproar thru their motivational speeches when really all they are concerned about is POWER. If you ahve been in Washington since the Vietnam era, its time to go. Thats the problem, they are still thinking 1960-70's era instead of 2007. If you have company, dont you change with the times. Vote the ole folks out.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189652Sat, 12 May 2007 02:38:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189652Heidi, Seattle, WashingtonI am a teacher in a public school. You'd better believe our schools are in BIG trouble if our students do not meet standards on state tests. Some of this thinking comes from No Child Left Behind---courtesy of the Bush Administration. I want the Bush Administration held to high standards--just like our kids are held to. I want the president to be judged by high stakes benchmarks---just like he expects of kids. Our jobs as teachers are on the line if we can't get kids to perform. Does it make sense that this Texas idiot still has his job, yet he has left so many of US behind?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189790Sat, 12 May 2007 12:37:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189790DesmondThe Iraqi government has stated several things this week. First, the Parliament may take two months off. Second, one of their ministers was in D.C. this week speaking to members of Congress. He was asking for extended stay of American troops. He said that it will take a generation before the people of Iraq overcome the emotional conditioning that came with living with a dictator. The Parliament is also considering a resolution that asks the U.S. to leave. The President of Iraq says that it will take at least two more years ofr their army to be trained.And lastly, oour commander in the Dilyah Province says he may need more troops there due to insurgents leaving Bagdad and coming to that area.I do not know what the rest of you think but I have one word for the situation. Quagmire.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189800Sat, 12 May 2007 12:55:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189800Utahreb, Veyo, UTSo cheney warns the Iraqi government to cancel its two month vacation - does anyone really think they will listen to him? Our men and women will continue to fight and more die and be wounded while the Iraqis sit and watch. The majority of Iraqis want us out of their country and the majority of Americans want the same thing. So what's to discuss? I think the Democrats should just keep sending the bills with benchmarks for the Iraqis and timetables for getting our troops out of there and let the barstool pilot keep vetoing them. We are not all stupid and more will speak up, and eventually Bush will get the message - I hope. If the Dems back down on this, they deserve no more respect than the warhawks who are in the GOP.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#189923Sat, 12 May 2007 17:23:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189923JIrby, ColoradoRocky Montane - hey Pepe, Is Rocky your real name? This woman I know said you copied your name from a soap opera character. You know, like you copied my stuff and turned it around to insult me. Hey Rocky, hombrecito, did you know that Pueblo Colorado is America's baby factory for future leaf blower operators? Tell me something Rocky - do you mind if I call you Tinky Winky? Tell me something, Tinky Winky, Are you a leaf blower operator? The reason I ask is because AG Gonzo is the patron saint of leaf blower operators. They think that because Gonzo has the brains of a leaf blower operator, they may one day be Attorney General. Hey Rocky Montane, you stay cool, little momma. You keep them leaves blown off the sidewalks. Oh, by the way, Tinky, I am thinking about voting for Tancredo for president. Another of your cheap insults and I will report you to the border patrol. Comprende?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#190105Sun, 13 May 2007 02:27:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:190105Mark ThiemeAll Saturday afternoon the MSNBC homepage carried this headline: "3 from US-led unit missing after attack." News sources around the world headlined the story: 5 killed, three missing after attack." The point of the story, reflected in the headline inside the MSNBC homepage, was that 7 military personnel and their Iraqi liaison had been ambushed while on patrol early Saturday morning. And yes, 3 were missing. Apparently the folks at MSNBC thought the missing personnel presented a more important lead than the tragedy of 5 known dead. We can pray that the 3 missing are found safe, but our nation mourns as Iraq disintegrates piece by piece and America bleeds one soldier at a time. They can be swept under the White House rug, but they will never be forgotten.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/11/188708.aspx#190608Mon, 14 May 2007 16:00:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:190608JIrby, ColoradoI finally figured out this week-end that the moron above calling himself "Rocky Montane", (woo-woo, huh girls), is the same slimy wad of poodle boogers as " Linguistics Semiotics Prof", (Sent Saturday, April 28, 2007 9:27 AM)" In that post, he referred to Hillary Clinton as a "forked-tongue transmorph". I exposed him as a phony by pointing out that the word "transmorph" is not in the dictionary and is found only in children's science fiction. I googled it and came up with it being used in Harry Potter, which would probably appeal to a moron but not to a linguistics prof. He simply wanted the added cred of being considered a professional. I exposed him on various other terms that no one in linguistics would use. This led to his insulting me in a post a few minutes later, after changing his name to "City Limits, Denver, CO (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 7:16 PM)" But there's more. Above, on this thread, he is Rocky Montane, a prissy, cutesy-wootsey name he probably heard watching soap operas. In that post, referring to my post directly above, which had nothing to do with him, he insulted me again, by reversing the words I wrote and using them against me, apparently thinking that changing his name again would lend him the credibility of the appearance of several people weighing in on my posts. So now this queer chap is stalking me. He's still decompressing from being exposed as a phony linguistics prof. I only wish to point out the cowardly use of changing names for each post is so that when one is exposed as a moron, he can pop up out of the woodwork an hour or so later with a clean slate. This relieves him of being held accountable for his last post which could reveal his drooling stupidity. My main point is that I don't see the sense of First Read posting the ravings of such fools. I don't think his insulting post as "Rocky Montane" should have made it through, since it contributes nothing to this blog and offers nothing constructive. It is on par with graffiti on a bathroom wall. I've been censored for a lot less. So unless this blog has intentions of becoming the Jerry Springer Show of blogs, I think that people whose posts reveal them as ignorant fools should not be posted. A quick and dirty way of determining who is an ignorant fool is by noticing who changes their names for each post. Another is to observe how they use only a couple of short sentences for each post, in order to avoid the linguistics pitfalls involved in composing compound sentences and long paragraphs. I do this for fun, not pay, so the abovementioned moron, and whoever let him through, have taken the fun out of the game for me. I get more fun out of computer programming. If allowing these simpletons to participate is considered an exercise in true democracy, it is too democratic for me. I don't submit my posts for appraisal by slimy turd merchants like "Rocky Montane", and I invite First Read to begin policing their crazies, just as the Islamic world should do.