I don't mean to sound so bold but isn't it time for all you "countdowners" to speak up and maybe cut into the monopoly of opinions expressed by either Anna Molly or Pam Bignardi?  I might be biased but in my opinion these two take themselves far too seriously.  I guess it's like the old West where the fastest fingers hit their mark and everyone else left standing cowers behind the saloon.

Anna Molly, nice to meet you, too.  

Pam B., i agree with you wholeheartedly about Senator Dodd.  i hope he understands that the love, the sacrifice and dedication for this nation which he so obviously has and so honorably displays with his ACTIONS are deeply and most humbly appreciated.  

i end up here in the middle of the night it seems when y'all are all asleep, but i, too, heard the voice prompt from off-stage for Mr. Romney.  i would like someone to examine this.  with regard to my previous statement about the sound-bite, rehearsed stump speech by Mr. Edwards, i was reminded tonight by Chris Matthews that candidates must do this in case that clip is the first one a voter has seen.  frightening, but i'll try to live with that one.

Pam B. i, too, hope that Mr. Obama will get back to his original message.  i am a Democrat but the Republican debate tonight did put the Democratic debate to shame with regard to their behavior on-stage.  if a potential voter saw only these two debates, i would bet they would be voting Republican.

rsm, agree too with your Biden reference, though i wasn't sure anyone in the party would offer him the VP.  

as for the strategies of Clinton and Obama, their recent displays of such animosity seem, to me, to preclude their being on the same ticket...perhaps an opening for Edwards or Biden or Dodd.  it sounded tonight with the Republican debate that they are all too anxious to run against Hillary and Bill...a bonanza for Rep attacks and late night talk show host fodder.  hard to imagine the Dems could screw this up but if they all continue as they have this past week i shall all but lose all hope.  

Sorry folks, I don't get to watch Countdown anymore, and for some reason I can't get anything from MSNBC to play more than a milisecond on my computer, so, I can't comment on the entire content (or even any of the content) of the KO show-I have to go with what I read and hear elsewhere.

That being said, Huckabee is a strange, scary man.  I was completely disgusted with his flag pole reference regarding the Confederate flag (and yes, it does represent hatred, why else would neo-nazi, skin head, white supremist across the country display it as THEIR symbol?, and his wanting to amend the Constitution for his own personal Godliness.  His comment last night regarding regarding non-Republicans is a HUGE indicator that he would NOT be good for Americans, as he is clearly unwilling to bring our country back together.

So, this guy is a Christian?  I didn't realize that he knew the political leanings of drug dealers, prostitutes, etc.  Apparently none of them are Republicans, and apparently as a Christian it's okay to imply that those not in your own political party, are somehow the low lifes of the Earth.  Hmmmm, what to do with all of those non Republican, non Christian soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines currently fighting and dying in a stupid war-a war that he supports?

My apologies if this link has been posted before.

For those who still think the democratic primary will be determined by big blocks of voters neatly sorted by race and gender might do well to look at this

http://www.creators.com/opinion/susan-estrich/where-is-oprah.html

Hey Countdown -- Do you have any idea how annoying it is to wake up and find out you've left us homework?  (Just kidding.)  Thanks for the link.  I'll read my assignment like a dutiful student, but I won't understand it because it involves math, and somehow I missed that.  I'll wait for you to explain it to us tonight.  I love the thing about the long haul, however.  Politics is always fascinating.  The more I can get, the better.  Let's hope this goes on forever (or at least until the conventions).

If you wish to validate or debunk political rumors go to this website

http://www.snopes.com/politics

As of Friday, 1/25/2008, There are 361 days until the end of this regime on

1/20/2009
There are 346 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 284 days until election day -- 11/4/2008


There are still more Primaries to come!  Continue to evaluate ALL the
candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

This is what happens when you sling mud at a candidate about past dealings. You never know whether that will come back to bite you in the rear.  Keep sling mud, Clintons, you are making the republicans look like the good guys.  By the way, what a difference between the GOP debate and Dem debate.  A discussion of issues, and not name calling.  Please tell us the American public doesn't have to listen to this charade for 9 more months

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22839654/

Your pundit on Keith Olberman last night discussed at length how a Clinton-Obama ticket may be necessary to save the Democrats.  No mention of a Edwards-Obama ticket which would appear to me to be a much stronger ticket against the Republicans.  How about some discussion considering this option for the American people to consider.

Dem Debate vs. Republican Debate:

Is it just me or do the the questions asked of the Dem candidates really seem intended to inflame differences whereas questions asked of the Republican candidates are less so. Or did the responses from both sides just make it seem that the Dems are prodded and urged more by the media to disagree, argue and fight? Matthews seemed bored last night because the Republcians did not get into any kind of serious bickering or shouting match. He later tried to inflame some news by quickly leaving his analyiss of the Republican candidate's positions on the issues and repeating over and over the Republican's comments about Hillary. It was clear that Matthews wanted bickering and fighting and back-stabbing and controversy, and wanted it bad. Most likely he was thinking my God, let's move on and hurry and get to the next Dem debate so I'll have some juicy stuff to incite others to talk about. I was bored with the Republican debate last night, did appreciate the civility whether sincere, insincere or otherwise, and was wondering if Hillary, Obama and Edwards recognized the opportunity the Republicans are giving them to kick some butt in the general election if they could learn to act like adults and work together.  

After watching the debate last night one thing came to mind concerning Romney. Any one of the Dem candidates could most likely wipe the floor with him in the general election as with Rudy and most likely Huckabee. McCain however would be a force to reckon with. You can bet some of those names he mentioned last night in his inner circle and others not mentioned are already planning numerous swift boat tactics for Hillary. With McCain's temper and unless Hillary and Bill can get ahold of themselves a race between McCain and Bill Hillary will be a very very nasty campaign.

M&M (2:16 AM Post):

Nothing wrong with being bold from time to time. Say what you have to say. But you do not give enough credit to the other bloggers here. Anna Molly and Pam are well respected bloggers in here but no one cowers when their posts come through the saloon doors. There is a difference between taking oneself too seriously and being passionate about something or someone. Pam is a very passionate person and I respect that. Anna Molly is highly intelligent yet always seems to remain humble by way of her self-criticism at times and her humor. Pam will come straight at you but will not BS you and Anna Molly will end up in your hip pocket before you know it with a smile and the comment "got ya". I'm sure that if you disagree with any of Anna Molly's and Pam's comments and opinions they would respect your thoughts and opinions, as long as everyone remains civil towards one another. Give it a try. As for me I just talk on and on and have gained some friends while also making some people's eyes roll in their head. But that's ok, I'm ok by me. You are ok by me too. Are you ok by you M&M? That's what counts.

As the players, the fans, the media and most important of all - ex-football greats - begin their journey to Arizona, here is another edition of Countdown Football Classics.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work ... Every time a football player goes to ply his trade he's got to play from the ground up -- from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys play with their heads. That's OK. You've got to be smart to be number one in any business. But more importantly, you've got to play with your heart, with every fiber of your body. If you're lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's never going to come off the field second."
              ~Vince Lombardi~

He began his head coaching career at the age of 46 with the Green Bay Packers.

He turned the Packers around in just one year from a 1-10-1 record in 1958 to a 7-5 record in his first season in 1959.

Over the next eight years, his Packers dominated the league winning six divisional and five NFL championships, as well as Super Bowls I and II.

Gary Henderson (9:56 AM Post): I thought at one time that perhaps Obama might agree to running as VP with Hillary. But then I changed my mind thinking Obama would see the VP as the Number 3 spot behind Hillary No. 1 and Bill No. 2. There is no way in hell that Hillary would take the Number 2 spot. What would she then do with Bill. Another thought. Can you imagine anyone really wanting the VP spot if Hillary is the nominee? That is unless they didn't mind being the one sent out to get coffee and doughnuts while Hillary and Bill decided the fate of the country. That's not a smack down. It's a serious concern and question. I agree that an Edwards / Obama ticket might help to heal the recent party splintering and  unite the party along with winning the general election. Although not necessarily endorsing the ticket it does appear to make sense to me for a democratic win.

I watched the debate last night and one thing became crystal clear.  The republican candidate regardless of who he is will destroy Hill&Billy, Ronald Obama, or the hair boy in any debate on any topic.  It's like the difference between a pro football team and a high school team.

Your pundit on Keith Olberman last night discussed at length how a Clinton-Obama ticket may be necessary to save the Democrats.  No mention of a Edwards-Obama ticket which would appear to me to be a much stronger ticket against the Republicans.  How about some discussion considering this option for the American people to consider. Gary Henderson, Rolla, MO (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 9:56 AM)

That’s always been my opinion, too, despite what the polls are currently suggesting.  The media just hasn’t focused on Edwards enough, and certainly not on that particular combination.  According to the article linked here, Countdown thinks this race is far from over.  If Edwards is forced to drop out after South Carolina, I agree he should throw his support to Obama.  Having Edwards’ support would probably help Obama tremendously on Super Tuesday.  They both have plenty of courage for the long haul, tremendous energy, a vision for change, and a strong message of hope.  Not to mention that Edwards already knows how to pay for his economic proposals, has distanced himself from Bush’s failed war policies, and has already been through a national campaign. Having Edwards’ active support would allow Obama to relax and focus on the issues while Edwards could counter whatever distractions the Clintons throw at him.  In the general elections, I think Obama/Edwards is stronger against either McCain or Romney than Mrs. Clinton would be, running with anyone else, Bill Clinton nothwitstanding.  So, Obama/Edwards for me.  (I might actually like it the other way around, but there’s absolutely no chance of that, I’m sure.)  

M&M Friday, January 25, 2008 2:16 AM..did it ever occur to you that most of us may agree with Pam and Anna Molly? We are a very vocal group and have on many occasions expressed disagreement with one another, but Pam and Anna Molly express in detail what the rest of us are feeling. They are two very smart and passionate ladies..but do feel free to chime in and disagree anytime you see fit. No one will take offense.

Hey Hillary, is that you in that picture with Barak's slumlord?  Never heard of him?,I thought so. Well how about Johnny Chung or Norman Hsu? Either of them ring a bell. This is hilarious!

With McCain continually cheering the merits of this war, a war most Americans want stopped and the troops brought home, it seems to me he is not doing himself any favors. Doesn't he stand the chance of turning off those people still on the fence about who they'll vote for? Unless I was a diehard Republican, who was for this war on terror, hearing McCain speak of it as a good thing, I'd be inclined to turn my attention to someone else.

Debates where all the participants are nice to each other don't move many people to vote for a specific candidate. While the Republican debate was amicable, I doubt that it caused many people in Florida to change their minds about which Republican they will vote for.

A heated debate while somewhat unseemly, allows you to see if the prospective candidate can think on his/her feet and if he/she responds well under pressure. The Democrats better be ready for a good hard fight. Politics is a contact sport. The Republican candidate will not be throwing softballs at the Democrat, he will be playing hardball, his guns will not be shooting blanks. The Democrats better be ready and I rather they hardened themselves against the predictable Republican attacks than stand there admiring each other as the Republicans did last night.

M&M:  Yes I agree re: two monopoly opinions on the blog.  I stopped contributing about 7 months ago when I noticed it and was a newby to this site. I don't take any of this site seriously.  There are a 2-3 others who are here ALL the time; they must not have much to do during the day.  I open it only for mild entertainment.  Just thought I'd put in my $0.02

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 10:23 AM)

C A – I don’t remember ever having said “gotcha” to you (all right, maybe once or twice) (smile), but as always, sir, let me just say thank you.  I’m sure Pam would agree that it’s wonderful to have you in our corner, and it’s a great privilege to know you.  Your steady support has helped me to find my way out here.  You’ve made my eyes twinkle (not roll) more than a few times, precisely because you’re okay by you.  I hope to achieve that level of serenity someday.  As you say, civility is always its own reward.  You are the model for all of us.

Come Feb 5, I'm Voluteered to give free rides (Regardless of Party) to and from the Polls.

Everyone has my Phone Number, and will call to help get out the Vote. And yes, it is cheep advertisement for my business.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 10:24 AM)

Thank you so much.  Believe me, nothing could be better than a little inspirational visit from St. Vince on a dull Friday in Wisconsin (more snow expected tonight).  There was a man who understood the concepts of teamwork and “heart.”  I highly suspect you’re another one.  

Did your boss ever get those Superbowl tickets, and what’s the status of Tom Brady’s foot these days?

Regardless of your Political views, this is Funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEaS-K3j3M8

Enjoy.

scott henderson nv (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 10:41 AM)

Write this one down on your calendar.

Unfortunately scott, today I'm going to have to agree with you.  I will also add that the whole national campaign will not be pretty on either side.  

I watched the Republican Debate last night, and although I disagree whole heartedly that tax cuts for the rich are in the best interests of the country or the economy, they, at least, behaved themselves.  

I wonder how long it will be before we can agree again.  I've also noticed that the tenor of your posts for the most part improved, but the name calling was uncalled for.  You would have made a better point had you referred to them by their real names.  

Did you caucus in NV?  

CA- I too am finding the media especially Chris Matthews irritating to say the least.  They seem only interested in covering fights between candidates.  It seems to me that their job should be to point out policy differances and how they would effect americans.  I don't think anyone in the mainstream media even understands that there are policy differances between the candidates.  For example the health care plans of all the major republican candidates would leave them with out health care because they all have some sort of pre-existing condidtion or have had cancer.  Seems to me Americans should know that.  Instead americans just know rommney had illegal gardeners and Edwards had an expensive hair cut.  I wish I could tell all of them that if they wanted to cover a horse race they should have been sports reporters.  I find the coverage so disheartening I have tuned most of it out, except Keith.  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 10:09 AM)

I’m wondering whether you give any credence to Rush Limbaugh’s assertion that a McCain candidacy would fracture the republican party?  And are you saying that you think, as I do, that McCain will drop his previous pledge to run a personal-attack-free campaign if he gets the nomination?  One more thing I wanted your opinion on is Huckabee.  Although  I’m still a little leary of the God thing, could Huckabee as VP candidate help McCain get the ultra conservative vote?  Do they have any really conflicting opinions that might make that not work out?

Gary Henderson, Rolla, MO (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 9:56 AM)
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 10:32 AM)


Interesting posts. Since my own preferred candidates are no longer or never have been in this contest this seems like a viable option. An added benefit would be that the main burden of campaign shifts to Edwards, freeing up Obama and Clinton to spend more time in the senate, working on important issues like FISA.

1-20-09 - The end of an error
(to contine with Carol's countdown theme)

Wish to post a correction in a privous post to Carol, Long Valley NJ. January 24, 2008 6:15 PM

I wrongly refured to a book as,
"The Million Dollar Mind" by Thomas J. Stanley.

It's "The Millionares Mind" by Thomas J. Stanley.

Sorry to all who may have ran out to buy a book that doesn't exist. Hope you all forgive.

Jamie, seeing a clearing of trash here (but not in US politics), Lago Patria, Italia (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 3:58 AM)

Jamie

Huckabee's comment regarding the confederate flag, has all to do about the state's rights with regard to the flag.  The point made, possibly not very well, is it is not the federal governments job to tell the state which flag it intends to fly.  

Mike Huckabee is not a hateful person.  As a matter of fact, he is being demonized by the far right for being too liberal or caring on certain issues.  So please don't make that leap regarding Mike Huckabee.  He is a decent person who is probably not going to win the nomination, but has the right balance of conservatism and compassion.

David Molinero (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 11:37 AM)

Good for David, I'm proud you.  

David Molinero (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:30 PM)

Thank you, I own the book already, and I have read it.  

I have no credit card debt, just a mortgage and one car loan.  When I tally my personal balance sheet, the number is in the 'black'.  However, it's very disheartening watching the value of my home decline along with my investments and the dollar.  

This country needs to create jobs that make things for exporting -- we have become too service oriented and that is not good for our future as a nation.  

"Any questions on Tom Brady's foot will be answered when the injury report comes out next Wednesday."                
                 ~Bill Belichick~

That's the best answer I can give you. (smile)

Anna, you are one of the best this blog has. Not only does CA have your back - we all do. Hence, the Lombardi quote. It was for you.

The Ideas Bill Forgot

By E. J. Dionne Jr.
Friday, January 25, 2008; A19

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012402801_pf.html

the above is a short read, and full of common sense observations -- well worth your time.  

Good morning/afternoon, all.

A short "off the thread" if I may:  I just finished reading this about Sen. John McCain's dear ole mum:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

She's a true character, bless her, 95 years old and as sassy as she was when the Lindy Hop was new!  Say what you will about Sen. McCain - there's some good genes there!

And I bid everyone a happy afternoon.

Chris F., not lookin' forward to 3 more months of hat hair in Williconsinois (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 4:58 PM)


I don't know, I look upon hat hair as one of society's great levellers.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:57 PM)

I wouldn't worry about the Current Value of your home, unless you plan on selling. Odds are it will go back up.

Just pay it, and your car off, and regardless what happens around you, you'd be secure. Then use your house payment and car payments to build wealth.

This country needs to create jobs that make things for exporting -- we have become too service oriented and that is not good for our future as a nation.  
Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:57 PM)


I agree fully.

Anna Molly:

If McCain were to be fighting for the nomination without Hillary and Bill on the horiizon I think he just might fracture the republican party. In fact I don't think he would even still be in the running at this time. Notice how when Obama was up McCain was down. Now that Hillary has gained momentum McCain is back in the running. The republicans are looking for someone to beat Hillary and will put their differences aside to try and do so. But as long as he has Bill and Hillary out there waiting in the wings I can assure you that if nominated he will be strongly supported by the other republican candidates, the ultra conservative wing of the party as well as most all other republicans. And if he can win some independents as well he is going to be hard to beat.

Of course John McCain (if nominated) will drop his  personal-attack-free-pledge. I believe this to be true for several reasons. One, McCain is known for his temper. Unless he takes some serious chill-pills during the campaign it will flare in the general election. Two, he will most likely be running against Bill and Hillary. Do you think they will allow him to go through the campaign without goading him into a fight and losing his temper? Their plan will be to force McCain to expose that temper to their benefit.  It is a good strategy I suppose. Not unlike with Obama, get your opponents mad and off their message, then conquer.  

McCain may pick Hickabee for VP but I'm not sure he needs him. I would say it depends on who McCain runs against. If he runs against Bill and Hillary McCain will already be able to count on the unltra conservatives to come out and support him because of their deep dislike for Hillary and Bill. They are not crazy about McCain but they despise Hillary. If McCain were to run against Edwards then McCain may need Huckabee to garner the ultra conservative support. The ultra conservatives may not like or want Edwards but their passion to keep him from winning the election will not be as high as that desire to keep Hillary out. If McCain runs against Obama then McCain might also be able to depend on the ultra conservatives without Huckabee because the ultra conservatives do not want an African Amercian for President, and will come out in numbers for McCain without needing Huckabee. At this point it would then behoove McCain to chose someone who can help him to battle Obama for the independent vote, again not someone like Huckabee.  

Just my thoughts kiddo.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:46 PM)

I consider Governor Huckabee to be a nice guy, some one I would happily invite to dinner and who would improve the level of conversation.  

I do not consider him to be presidential, I believe that he is not knowledgeable enough about the rest of the world to handle the job.  I wish him well, just not as our president.  

More snow coming our way soon, please drive carefully.  

This country needs to create jobs that make things for exporting -- we have become too service oriented and that is not good for our future as a nation.  
Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:57 PM)


I agree fully.
David Molinero (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 1:20 PM)


If most people handled their finances the way you two do (and me too), the country would be in much better shape.  Reckless spending by individuals (and the government for that matter) is why the defaults are so widespread.  100% mortgages, 21% credit cards, etc. is just stupid financial planning.  

Yes we have become a too much of a service economy.  We need to be more competitive manufacturing goods.  The only way that will change, is if the largest economy (US) begins to have a purchase bias towards American goods.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:46 PM)

While I agree that The Confederate Battle Flag (Not the Confederate Flag which looks a lot like the American Flag) is used by far too many Idiots who hate, it does mean other things to other People.

As a Transplant in the North Georgia Mountains, I know a number of people who sees it differently then the White Power Morons who parades it around, and sees those Idiots desecrating an honorable flag.

It may not be your view, but it is the view of many down here.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 1:04 PM)

Thank you, Pat, both for the quote and the kind words of support.  I'm truly grateful.  It’s so good to know you can count on such wonderful people.  I’ll always have your back, too.  

go, Pats, go.  

Anna Molly:

I suppose I am getting as bad as Obama and Hillary. Not explaining my comments clealy. No, you have never said "got ya". But I can see it in your eyes and hear it in those subtle whispers when I read your post to some of the other bloggers. It is not a bad "got ya". It is the kind of playful "got ya" accompanied by a smile and a twinkle in the eye that one would see in those cute elves when they play little harmless tricks on people. Unless I am greatly mistaken, and have been many times, I don't see your serenity hiding itself at all. You may not feel that way but it's right there. See. Right there in your heart.    

Laura..it's really cold and wet outside..in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 11:06 AM)

Laura – Thanks for your kind words.  I feel the same way about you.  You alway speak for me, as well.  I enjoy talking to you and reading your stuff.  We share a great love and concern for animals and what we're doing to them.  Maybe I’ll see you again on the threads for South Carolina like we did for Nevada.  Should be fun.  Take care and stay warm.  

Oh crikey.  Kevin & David:  I'm married to an Alabamian.  My mother in law is a 5th generation Alabamian, and I'm perfectly aware of what the Confederate flag MAY mean to some 'true' southerners, however, it IS a symbol of hatred that I have personally witnessed in many states in our country, many outside the south.

Kevin, regardless of how well or unwell Huckabee stated his words, they were wrong. Regardless of what people perceive as legislation about a flag and our governments involvement, his words were horrible; it wasn't a sound byte; and he pandered to the lowest common person with his comments.  Even my tried and true southern MIL believes that the Confederate flag is a symbol of hatred outside of MUSEUMS!

No comment about his comments last night about drug dealers and prostitutes, you know, NON Republicans?

I'm still not sure who I will vote for in the primaries, but I can assure you that it won't be someone who proclaims themself a 'Christian', and then insults millions of people by implying they are drug dealers or prostitutes simply because they aren't 'Republicans,' or, that there are no Republicans that would do such a thing.  

Hmmmmm, looks like Huckabee is getting very Ann Coulteresque in his sayings, and you people are buying into the bigotry.  Great!

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 1:31; 1:47 PM)

C A –  Thanks for all those comments on my questions.  Wow.  Lots of food for thought.  I'm pretty busy at work this afternoon, but I'll read them over and get back to you later.  I really appreciate it.  

On your other post, I would never say as bad as Obama and Hillary, for sure.  It was pretty clear, sir, but as you’ve no doubt already observed, with someone like me, repetition never hurts.  You’re not mistaken.  I know it's in my heart, and always from my heart.  

Carol, there is one sure way to guard against the declining value of your home. Get rid of Jon Corzine. The taxes you pay are astronomical and the regulations unbearable. If that doesn't work, LEAVE NJ!

Kevin of NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:46 PM)

I consider Governor Huckabee to be a nice guy, some one I would happily invite to dinner and who would improve the level of conversation.
 
Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 1:34 PM)

Good afternoon, Kevin, good afternoon Carol.  

Although I am capable of sitting down and having reasoned discourse with just about anybody, I would have to draw the line at Gov. Huckabee. I do not consider someone who wants to force his version of God on our completely secular Constitution to be an advocate of reason  - or a nice guy.  It is a sad fact, but "True Believers" have a tendency to be equated with a high body count.  I think our current administration has flirted with an American Taliban quite enough.

And I have grave doubts about a person - a father - who, when confronted with the fact that his son hanged a stray dog said, "My son was a minor.  It was not a criminal issue."  

See:  http://www.snopes.com/politics/huckabee/dog.asp

In Arkansas, anyone over the age of 14 can be tried as an adult at the discretion of the prosecutor. See: http://www.ardemgaz.com/prev/jonesboro/aeage29.asp

 Animal cruelty is a felony in most states.  It is a misdemeanor in Arkansas, carrying with it a provision whereby: "[t]he court may order any person found guilty of cruelty to animals to receive a psychiatric or psychological evaluation, and if determined appropriate, psychiatric or psychological counseling or treatment."  Arkansas Code, 5-62-101.

Anyone who could brush this off is either ignorant of the basics of psychology or be completely lacking in the compassion that he attempts to project.

So, no, I'm afraid I would not be equal to dining with the Governor.  "That one may smile and smile and be a villain."  

But he does play a nice bass guitar.  

Chris F., Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 2:42 PM)

Your points are well taken, I'm recinding my invitation to dinner.  I'm glad that we both agree that he's not presidential material.

Max,Atlanta (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 2:41 PM)

You can be sure that when I retire, NJ will not be my home.  In the mean time, it's where I work and where my son is attending college.  No matter what else, NJ has an excellent school system and it's preparing my children well for the future.  

Any polite suggestions for affordable places to live in retirement?  I'm open to any and all suggestions -- preferably not near the coast line, just in case the polar ice caps are really melting and the sea is really rising.  <grin>

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