The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Bo Little — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:13:56 GMT

Picture captions:

Barack Obama waves good bye to capitalism.

Proof that BO has no BO.

When Joe Biden asked how Barack felt about him being the VP again in 2012, Barack waved goodby to Joe.

Barack Obama heads to his play yard (background) for some much needed R&R. He especailly likes the tire swing.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Herman P. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:14:37 GMT

Pee Wees Big Trip

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

jawillie Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:17:05 GMT

I'm going to repeat my question from First Thoughts, as I believe it to be very appropriate.

I challenge everyone here to post one thing (on any blog post) that you LOVE about this great land of ours. Seriously, with all of its problems this IS the greatest country in the world, and it always has been. So what is it that you believe makes this country so great?

Have a happy 4th to all my fellow libbies (and to you righties as well).

God Bless the USA (feels good to say that again)

http://jawillie.blog.com

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Dan, NY — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:18:43 GMT

The week that ended was tough on the GOP in many ways (Sanford is sinking, sinking, sinking) but today brings some reasons for the GOP to celebrate as they lead in a variety of polls in a number of polls that were just released, starting with New Hampshire and Florida's Senate races, New Jersey and Florida's Governor races.
Details: http://campaigndiaries.com/2009/07/02/polls-favor-republicans/

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Feisty Redhead (the orginal feisty) Roselle, IL — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:18:58 GMT

To All... Have a Wonderful 4th! Don't 'OD' on the hot dogs & apple pie though!

See you bright & early Monday!

FR Crew - Rest up... we expect you to be on your 'toes' next week :0)

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

kathy, Eau claire, Wi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:25:44 GMT

Since the republicans say that Obama is running this couontry into debt, challenge each of them to stop receiving their salaries paid for by the taxpayers, stop receiving helath care paid for by the taxpayers, stop receiving any hand outs from the government (taxpayers) and maybe once they get their own health insurance (private of course) then maybe we the democrats and others would listen closer. But until they walk the walk and not just complain about the Obama team then they should not get credible coverage.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Bad Chihuahua — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:30:50 GMT

I'd like to see Obie throw the opening pitch out at some ballgame on the 4th, or take a balloon ride over the Washinton Monument. I guess the Bushes only do that fun stuff.

How will Obie re-act when N. Korea shoots a missle toward Hawaii? He said he'd leave the door open for talks. TALKS!

Will Obie turn over in his sleep and find

A) Nancy Pelosi
B) Brian Williams
C) Michelle Obama
D) Barney Frank
E) All of the above

More overdone reports on the Michael Jackson death.
The latest is that his ex Debbie wants custody.

Will Michaels's funeral really fall on Tuesday?
He's gotta be loving this.

Is Hillary really miffed at BHO? When Bush was in we always heard from Rice but we never hear from Hillary.

How many more times will Mark Sanford drag out his sordid love affair with the public? It's getting old and will he resign?

Will we start off with Mark Murray or Domenico Montanaro Monday morning? Sometimes it makes a difference.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Littleoldme — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:32:05 GMT

Let me repeat this for everyone once again:
Expect Republicans -- once again -- to pounce on these numbers and question the stimulus (but they’re also forgetting that the economy lost 3.1 million jobs in Bush’s last year in office; in Obama’s first five months, the total loss has been 1.9 million). Not surprisingly.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Jonathan Flint, mi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:38:14 GMT

Why hasn't anyone in the media had the courage to draw the line between the effects of the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930 and the New Cap and Trade Bill working its way to the oval office?

They are very similar bills, and I don't know why anyone would think they wouldn't yield like results.

I would be interested to hear our Treasury Secretary's thoughts on such a comparison.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Bad Chihuahua — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:47:13 GMT

Mark/Domenico

I just found a lib blogger that complained about too many conservative blogs being posted late in the day.
WHAT? I think the opposite.

I'm also happy to take some time off or leave completely if the hi-jackers stop their games.
Today I had a blog appear with my name on it and even an answer to it and I had nothing to do with either. Such is life and maybe it makes it more interesting, anyway. Suffice I do not like Obie,
unlike the gullibles.

Hey, if I'm not posted next week they won't know if one of you didn't post me or if I just opted out. Either way they'll assume some other moniker is mine and attack that person. Then there's always that person or persons using my name. You really can't win. LOL

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

OBAMA "WEAK & MEEK" GOES ON TOUR ... — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:49:13 GMT

ANOTHER OBAMA "BOW & APOLOGIZE" TOUR. ==== PUTIN WILL EAT HIM FOR LUNCH.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Richard, Washington State — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:02:32 GMT

Beverly in Chicago:

The Heritage Foundation web site has easily accessible and well-arranged information that will confirm the other poster's comment on increased revenue after the Bush tax cuts. Not to mention after Kennedy's and Reagan's tax cuts dating back to the mid 60's.

The wealth of economic statistics and information on the site can also be used to support your own view of things, too.

And yes, the Heritage Foundation is probably considered a conservative organization. If that doesn't work for you, try the various government web sites and resources to confirm that the data is the same wherever you look. It's really quite easy to find.

Have a nice holiday researching.

My question for next week: At what point will the administration clearly state that the health care reform proposal is being modeled after the French and/or German systems?

(Not that it bothers me particularly, but it should be disclosed).

Also:

At what point will the administration admit that the proposal will neither reduce costs (only shift them) or improve care?

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

kathy, Eau claire, Wi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:09:00 GMT

let's have all the plans that have been proposed for health care posted so that WE the People can evaluate them.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Fletcher Mussels, Reading, PA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:24:19 GMT

Kathy from WI- Maybe you and your fellow socialists should just pay for all these things. Seriously. Anybody who believes that we should be taxed more to pay for everything under the sun...why don't you all ante up and pay for it? You can feel good about yourselves and "walk the walk" at the same time.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Carole, San Diego — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:29:02 GMT

OK here's my question. Do Americans believe health care is a right or a privledge?

We belive that legal defense is a right and provide free service to those who can't pay, so is health care a right too.

Answering this question will focus us on the real problems. If it is a right, how do we make it work and pay for it.

If it is not a right but a privledge, then no problem. Those who can pay, pays. Those who can't pay, dies.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Cicero — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:44:25 GMT

Why no reporting on the release of Laith al-Khazali who committed perfidy on US troops in Karbala. Laith al-Khazali was released as part of negotiations for the release of British hostages.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Thank You Mr. P — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:03:08 GMT

Mr President, please raise your hand if you haven't a clue about what you are doing!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Hot Dogg, Chicago, IL — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:39 GMT

May the Heimlich maneuver fail to dislodge Feisty's foot from her obscenely spewing throat. Happy 4th...make that a 5th. In fact, a free 5th for everyone if she terminally chokes.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

disgusted and I voted for him — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:02:39 GMT

I think he should stay home and actually do something, like Bill Maher so brilliantely said!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Michigan Sue — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:36:58 GMT

Loosey Libbies and Rightie-Tighties: Happy Fourth of July. An always remember who was here first: Native Americans. And we did a fine job messing up their land. Now....let's all fix it together for them and us.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

marty krulewitz — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:24:30 GMT

i want to pay kohls credit card bill

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Jeff, Clover, South Carolina — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:49:34 GMT

Another international trip. Flying around on his private plane. Spending another few million of the taxpayers money. A flight here for a town hall meeting. A flight there to bow to the Saudi King. Now another flight to cuddle up to Putin. I'm sure he'll throw Georgia under the bus and promise no membership in NATO. This guy spends our money like its coming from his own piggy bank. Hey Mr. Obama, in this day of instant communications, can you not maybe pick up the phone, or arragne a teleconference? We in the business world have had to curtail travel expenses. Maybe you should take a lesson from the small businesses you want to tax to death, and try to curb your travel budget just a little. It's only been 5 months. You've got 4 years to see the world. Stay home and fix the economy.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

no joe, no bo, nj — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:05:55 GMT

Happy Fourth, people-and Happy Birthday America!

Jawillie-I love this country because it provides the one necessity for individual happiness-freedom. Freedom to speak your mind, yes, but also the freedom to succeed-or fail-on your own. Freedom to choose your path in life, to support or oppose any cause; to judge, on your own, the merits of any proposal.

My personal favorite of every 'soundbite' provided by our founders: I disagree with what you say, and I will defend to the death your right to say it.

By the way, go to MSNs news page, and take the citizen's test. I did-got a perfect score-the questions are not hard. If you get any wrong-study up!

Here's hoping all First Readers get perfect scores!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Ed, San Antonio — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:05:58 GMT

jawallie and all---

Yup, this is the greatest country on the Planet!..Just the fact that we, regardless of our position on the issues, can meet here on FR, and voice our thoughts without reprisal...except from each other. Fun, I'd say.

Happy 4th of July, and stay safe!

------Practice random acts of kindness----

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Mo — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:11:21 GMT

Is Hillary really miffed at BHO? When Bush was in we always heard from Rice but we never hear from Hillary.
Bad Chihuahua (Sent Thursday, July 02, 2009 5:30 PM)

That's because when Bush was in office nobody run the country every one just winged it and wanted to be in the lime light by fear mongering. We all know President Obama is in charge now not his cabinet.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Ted, Oregon — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:38:52 GMT

ANOTHER OBAMA "BOW & APOLOGIZE" TOUR. . .You mean like Bush looked Putin in the eye and saw his soul and concluded, "This is a man we can trust!" You neocons think that diplomacy consists of saying, "I'm the decider and you are going to do it my way or we'll bomb you into submission." Jeez, don't you guys ever learn?

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Russell Fox Wells, Me — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:24:33 GMT

when are you going to post the comments on the J kerry appointments to ambassadorships or he excluded.....again its poltics at its best....big money

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Mishka Mehrens Anaconda Mt — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:06:21 GMT

To Obama weak or meak. Your weak, and all the negativity on this blog makes me sick. I campaigned against Bush. I did not want that spoon fed draft dodger to run this country. Once the election was over he was my president and I had to except that. I did not have to make up lies to bash him but I did not. You people won't even give Obama a chance. I am sure to the rest of the world America looks divided by the Rove's Hanitys McCains of this great country. You should all be ashamed.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:44:04 GMT

(Way too late to get this in, but what the heck).

Chris, IL:

Read your numbers again. Revenues increased (were higher than the immediate prior year) in 2004, the year after the second round of tax cuts, and not coincidentally, following resumption of economic growth in 2002 and 2003. The primary objective of tax cuts isn’t to starve the treasury, it’s to stimulate the economic growth that is the primary driver of increased revenues.

Tax cuts were not primarily responsible for reduced revenues in 2001 and 2002, no matter how much saying it supports your political position. Recession was the primary culprit, as it always is.

The increased revenues in 2004 were also the result, at least partially, of economic activity in 2003, on which taxes were actually paid in 2004.

Just as President Obama needs time for the economy to turn around on its own due to his "stimulus", so also is the case for the eventual effects of tax cuts. I'm sure you can agree, based on President Obama’s own comments, that economic results take time.

Revenues, and their fluctuations, obviously have something with deficits. Unfortunately, Bush and all presidents before him, as well as our current president (not to mention our wonderfully competent congresses through the years) have a severe problem with the expenditure half of the equation.

Then there is the small matter of the President having virtually no control over expenditures, which is the job of Congress. All the President does is try to control the political message to his administration’s advantage. Every president, every time and in my opinion, more now than ever before.

If you go to a larger history, not just your favorite 8 years, you will simply find that ALL administrations and congresses ALWAYS spend more than our citizenry provides them. This was true even during the Clinton Administration, one of the better performances by a congress in recent times.

The current administration seems bent on outperforming them all by orders of magnitude. The current congress seems happy to comply while Obama fans cheer it wildly from the sidelines.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

JC from IA — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:24:30 GMT

Glad you guys got the extra day off. Too bad you didn't coordinate your plans with Governor Palin!

Oops.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:18:36 GMT

Just heard the awesome news that Sinner Sarah is resigning as governor. A great day for Alaskans as they'll be rid of their incompetent grifter governor. I saw in the msnbc.com article that sources close to her say she's quitting politics for good, best thing that could happen to this country. Let's see didn't she recently say that she had endurance? Looks like she couldn't take the heat in the governor's kitchen so just quit like a spoiled brat and took her toys and went home.

So what's the prognosis on her chances of running for president now First Read? Any insider political tips about her lack of stomach for politics that bears upon her presidential ambitions? Are her political ambitions for president over and done with? Let's hope so.

Hey Chuck Todd and I have something in common besides liking politics, we're both Dodger fans. I sure hope that Chuck and I are rooting for them in the World Series this fall. I sure loved his admission on Hardball a couple of days ago.

Ding Dong the Wicked Witch Resigned!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:05:53 GMT

Borrowing from a great Who album title, "Who's Next"? Which republic party presidential hopeful will bite the dust this coming week? So far we're three for three weeks as far as republic party presidential candidates biting the dust. At this rate will there be any republic party presidential candidates left by 2012? Maybe they could bring back the bushwhacker and his evil twin tricky dicky 2 to be crushed by Obama in 2012.

I don't believe her excuses about loving her governor job and the state and that was the reason she quit. Although I do believe what she said that it is the best thing for the state and she didn't want to waste millions of dollars of Alaskans money. I bet that there is some kind of political problem brewing with her e-mails that will come out eventually and then we'll find out the real truth about why she bailed out. So First Read is there some kind of investigation going on that we don't know about that influenced her wise decision.

If any of her clueless supporters think she's quitting to run for president for 2012 think harder. She'll never live down the Quitter label. Is she going to get hired by fox and freaks, it would seem the perfect fit for her to join the tv reality show of a mental institution on air?

Just Say No to Quitter Palin!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Russell Wells, Me — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:23:22 GMT

I want to know why big money raisers for Obama are getting ambassadorships from already elected officials who hold office and there friends and family members who helped raise over 100 thousand dollars for Obama when it was the average american who gave what little they had such as one, ten, twenty dollars which amounted to million that gave him his election...Why werent they considered is it poltics as usual, with continuation of politicians who are under scrutiny that seems as time goes all is forgotten, or just no change politics as usual.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:45:18 GMT

The "Gross Odd People" (GOP) are just so intellectually inept, and still very mentally ill! These "Really Not Competent" (RNC) just do not understand political common sense, and never will. President Obama is NOT a "wimp!" This President is very well respected by world leaders, and is very respected for his intelligence. President Obama should not be addressed as anything other than Mr. President. To call our President "Obie" is racist, and very "treasonous" too our nation. That is why "Bad Chihuahua" is a scum, coward, and is a racist "pig" of the lowest degree. I have read this "illiterates" postings, and they are nothing but the continued "spewing" from the continued ignorance of the GOP/RNC! President Obama "bows" too no one, and is wise beyond his years as President. That is correct! "Bad Chihauhau" I am calling you out! As a "side show" freakish traitor to the President, and too our nation. The many things about the "Bad Chihauhua" are his politics of hate, and his social ignorance of life, or in this individuals case "a low life!" Remember you ignorant fool! Hey! Hey! Ho! Ho! The party of no has got to go!!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

justthinkinoutloud — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:59:34 GMT

Enough with this Michael Jackson Crap already, Gov. Palin just resigned and you are still going on about a pop star. My god, the world has moved on already. Most people have fond memories of Jackson, but after a week of non stop coverage and interviewing people who once saw him from a distance is more than enough, stop already. PLEASE!!!!!!!!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Mike sullivan, clearwater, fl — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:43:49 GMT

Richard, at 6:02pm: The U.S. spend 2.4 trillion dollars on our health care every year w/o covering 47 million people. That is the most cost with the least results. 14,000 people a day are losing their health care because of premiums becoming to exsepnsive and or economy woes. We are currently ranked 37th in the world, by the WHO, right ahead of Costa Rica, for heath care to its citizens. In what way do you think any proposal to health care reform would not dramatically improve our system. Quit listening to Hannity and stay informed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Marsha Langdon — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:40:32 GMT

When these people who voted for Obama finally have his decisions directly affect their wallets, freedom and liberty, maybe they will understand that spending money we don't have, paying more government to take away more freedom and watching BHO apologize to our enemies for being Americans isn't all they thought it would be. But then, maybe the uninformed are just happy with their head in the sand?

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Trajan L.A. — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:44:55 GMT

All you lefties....happy 4th of July! Rest up,
get ready for the long haul. With Obama going wobbly, he's going to need each and every
one of you every day to justify his high office.
His "solutions" will likely cause him..and you..
more grief. Like unsustainable debt. More chal-
lenges from abroad. Sarah Palin on the loose.
Oh well, enjoy him while you've got him. A man
like that comes around rarely. He's the first
since Jimmy Carter, to my recollection.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Eric, Salinas, CA — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:59:35 GMT

"Why hasn't anyone in the media had the courage to draw the line between the effects of the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930 and the New Cap and Trade Bill working its way to the oval office? They are very similar bills, and I don't know why anyone would think they wouldn't yield like results."
Jonathan Flint, mi

Hey Jonathan - The reason the media has yet to draw a comparison between the Smoot Hawley Act and the new Cap and Trade bill is that they are not similar. The Smoot Hawley Act of 1930 was passed by the repugnant ones under repugnant one president Herbert Hoover (he who caused the Great Depression) to entrench trade protectionism favored by the repugnant ones. In trying to aid the American farmer they ended up nearly killing international trade and harming our farmers.

The new Cap and Trade bill doesn't deal with international trade so no similarity there. Actually the new Cap and Trade bill is a compromise from what us Liberals want, namely a Cap on the energy industry pollution mainly from coal. The Liberals allowed your Bushwhacker to tack on the Trade portion which is merely a capitalistic scam to allow the rich and greedy to scam us out of our money. By allowing companies to trade pollution credits on an open market the freemarket freeloaders are trading us all into higher energy prices as hedge funds will jack up the prices of those pollution credits the same way they've jacked up the price of oil. The false cries of this Cap and Trade bill "taxing" us is another great right lie as the government won't be cashing in on the profits, it's the rich and greedy hedge funds who will profit at our expense as they did with oil last year.

So blame the new higher energy prices on your freemarket freeloader pals, not on Obama and us Liberals. Your tenuous grasp of history shows me that you did no research into this false comparison because if you had you would never have made such a nonsensical comparison. It sounds more like you got your mistaken idea from fox and freaks or the sludge report and not from original thinking.

Think Before You Speak!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

One Angry Democrat — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:59:49 GMT

It's official:
6 months in office and Obama has brought us all the tings he saud he was going to eliminate.
Pay to Play:
Earmarks
Lobbyists in his administration
.....and servicemen are STIL being deployed to Iraq.
"Change you can believe in," MY ASS!

Happy Fourth of July Everyone

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Arlene Tognetti,Seattle, Wash — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:46:35 GMT

I will take up your challenge,
I and many Americans celebrate our Country's birthday
today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! We have much to celebrate about:
Freedom to say what we wish
Freedom to write what we beleive
Freedom to communicate with countries around
the globe without censure
Freedom to move about this country, take another job
in another state
Freedom to practice any religion we beleive in
including all radical forms of beleifs
I pledge my allegiance to the Flag, to Our Country
to our Government that will maintain Our Freedoms
I pledge my thanks to all Military troops, past, present and future
America's best days are ahead of her..Celebrate!

Arlene in Seattle

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Catlady, Portland, Oregon — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:07:27 GMT

people, people, people..... Could you Please, PLEASE remember that when a president takes over from another that what the previous administration put into place does not stop over night just because we get a new administration.... things linger and linger and slide on into the next therefore blaming the current administration for the numbers is not only laughable but ignorant on your part.

We as a nation seem to need to lay blame on anyone else but ourselves..... I am not taking sides.... I am just pointing out the FACTS... the numbers were there and in motion and in place and nothing would have stopped them no matter who took office.

No matter who took office... they would have faced the same numbers... stop looking for someone to blame and complaining and start being part of the solution by supporting and finding something good to do in your community if nothing more than smile and say hello to one person each day. We all need to find something to smile and laugh about during this time and that is something FREE we can give away.

Happy 4th and have a safe weekend!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:16:03 GMT

I would like to respond to jawillie's challenge.
But first I would like to ask him a question; why would you ever have stopped saying "God Bless America" in the first place?.....I know the answer to that question, and I'll go into it at the end of this post.
I ask that because no matter who was/is President, I have always and will continue to love and defend my country, and will always say GOD BLESS AMERICA each and every day that I awaken.
The two greatest single things about this country are freedom of expression, and freedom of choice.
We can say what we think and feel, and we can choose our leadership when the "current" regime's term expires.
People, very BRAVE people,...AMERICANS...fought and died for those rights in The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War, World Wars 1 & 2, Korea, (yes even in Vietnam) and in places like Iraq and Afgahinistan too.
But I'm not quite so sure that you appreciate their sacrifice, or that you have any understanding of what "love" for one's country is.
You see, you only "love" this country when your political ideology rules the day. You only "love" America when your "side" wins an election.
For just as surely as we must stick to our principles when it's difficult, and not torture or punish terrorists who killed or who tried to kill americans (.....and remember it was Obama who said that)....we must also love our country when it's hard to do so, at times when our "side" didn't win in November.
You however don't live by that principle which means you are a phoney.
I've read your posts and it's clear the only reason you voted for and support Obama was/is because of his color. If someone who isn't an African American did that, they would be called "racist."
Racism, mysogeny, and sexism did in fact rule the day last November 4th, and you are living proof of it.
As you can see, I am not an Obama supporter. He was, and still is, highly unqualified to be President. There were at least two other viable, qualified, experienced candidates who should have been elected.....but weren't.
However, I still love, support and would defend my country if asked to do so.
You sir, are a racist. Pure and simple, and this country will continue to be divided for as long as your kind of thinking wins out.
Happy 4th of July jawillie, and GOD BLESS AMERICA now and forever!

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Jeff Gollin, Holmdel, NJ — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:47:53 GMT

Will President Obama use the trip to Russia as an opportunity to get Pres. Medvedev to agree to serve as a back-channel communications conduit to the Iranians?

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Jeff Gollin, Holmdel, NJ — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:19:46 GMT

Interesting Chris Matthews panel on the future of newspapers (I'm assuming he pre-produced this as "filler" for while he's away.

A few thoughts:

1. The only difference between newspapers and other forms of media is technology (i.e. the cost of newsprint and physical distribution is clunkier and far more expensive than the Internet. There's no such thing as "editions" on the Internet so news can be posted instantly and deadlines can be far more flexible).

Although currently, there are differences between newspapers and electronic media (for example - page turning vs. surfing; the lack of collaberation by several people in a newsroom; insufficient fact-checking etc.) technology and reader-habits will adjust to the new media forms and these differences will disappear.

Those who find Internet blogging "lonely" and yearn for the comeraderie of the news-room can right now - thanks to software like gotomeeting.com be able to exchange views their buddies in real time in a virtual newsroom.

Thanks to Kindle, I can read the NYT on the beach without killing part of a rain forest. & no doubt there will be more Kindles.

What's the difference between a writer submitting drafts to a managing editor of a newspaper via the Internet and blogging to a website editor via the Internet? What's the difference between newspaper fact-checkers using the Internet to fact check and website fack-checkers using the Internet in much the same way.

It's all news-gathering - the only thing that's different is the technology and the way readers use it.

Think about this for a second - Someone (a) logs onto a lap-top or Kindle, (b) opens up the latest version Wash Post or NYT or The Daily Beast or HuffPo. The news is equally vetted equally by all four sources. All four employ investigative journalists. But one novel improvement is that, on all four, you can click on an image and it will play back a videoclip (of what Obama just said in Russia or a side by side clips about what McCain said about Palin 6 months ago vs. what he says now).

And all without the humongous cost of having to buy rolls of news print, maintain huge printing facilities and a network of delivery trucks.

The great unknown, of course, is "where will the future revenue come from?" There may be a clue to be found in the following question:

"As newspapers as we know them begin to fall by the wayside - if you're an auto dealer, where do you advertise the car ads? If you're Macy's, Target, CostCo, A & P, Pathmark or ShopRite, how do you reach your consumers?

If you control the corporate budget, what do you do with all those unspent marketing dollars - do you plow them all back into profits? Or do you re-allocate them to different media (including some form of electronic channels)?

My guess is that - after a shaky transition when all the confusion dies down and some marketing genius figures out how to best market through electronic news gathering avenues - there will (a) money to be made and (b) electronic news-gathering that will be an improvement journalistically over the rolled up paper thing we pick up each morning in the driveway.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

leon houston — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:12:47 GMT

yea the right to freedom of speech... just ask scott ritter or the dixie chicks about that one no joe. you guys drummed them and called them unpatriotic. it would be nice if you actually believed what the founders said but your own actions contradict the statement. obama could have and still could level the playing field for the middle class overnight.the stimulus package went to the wrong people. this is the crux of the problem.
1. rescind bush's anti middle class anti bankruptcy law of 2005

2. nationalize healthcare and put 25 million dollar a year CEO'S out of business

3. $28,000 stimulus checks for every middle class tax paying legal family... set arbitrary dollar amounts such as 15,000-225,000. any less you get free medical through chips, food assisstance through stamps, tax credits while the middle class once again get screwed. over 225,000 and you really don't need help. you're one of the lucky ones.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Dems DeBreaks — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:14:58 GMT

The Week Ahead HAS to be, in part, about Palin. Chuck, please point out the Ready, Fire, Aim incongruity of her latest move and the obvious flaws in Ms. Palin's accusations.

From Sarah: "How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country," the statement said. "And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make."

First she infers that Washington and the media are anti-American, but who in their right mind can connect how her decision to quit is "about country" when she has told us so little about her plans? Nice faux Us vs. Them setup.

Second, what higher calling is she referring to and WHO are the countless others who have quit their 4 year elected post after 2-1/2 years to write a book and go on the speaking circuit? FYI, neither John McCain nor Barack Obama quit their elected posts to pursue a "higher calling." Or is she referring to those who left their positions when they were called home to God? OMG. Maybe she's terminally ill!

Third, in the statement "of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make" is she using the royal "we?" I know no such thing. I'd apply the same standard of disbelief to anyone who quit their elected post for no other announced or apparent reason than naked ambition. (And, FYI, it applies "to" not "for.")

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Michigan Sue — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:12:28 GMT

Methinks Sarah and the lovely Mr. Palin are hiding something juicy! Why did she seem so erratic at her press conference...almost manic? All she wants is Big Bucks and she knows she'll need it for the next decade to pay off law suits. Or designer suits. And shoes.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

John Mclain — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:55:01 GMT

Bad Chihuahua - Dude your an idiot.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

Faith Abigail — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:56:23 GMT

Bad Chihuahua seems less intelligent than Sarah Palin. Maybe he should run for office too.

The Week Ahead: Obama's big trip

JenMotors — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:09:52 GMT

Catlady - you are spot on. Not too many people in these posts "get it" - it's always all about ME! ME! ME!
We are retired in this household and have just enough money to pay the bills. Then it's PB&J until the next check comes. But! We are not victims, and we are enjoying what we have (this IS America, the last time I checked) - Bottom line is, I have faith in President Obama. Just gotta stand in line a little bit longer.