2008.10.28
Palin's backers united
Joe the plumber, make room for Beth the mom, Stephanie the small-business owner, Brian the nurse, Jacob the home-schooled teen and countless other Sarah Palin enthusiasts who introduced themselves to the vice presidential nominee Monday by way of homemade signs.
"When I look at her, I see myself," said Beth Thomasson, clutching a bright orange "Moms for Sarah" sign with large, blue block letters as she stood on the field at Salem Stadium. "I see a woman raising her family and running a business."
Thomasson, of Roanoke, was one of 16,000 people at the political rally who represented the different constituencies drawn to Palin and presidential candidate John McCain.
The crowd wasn't racially diverse -- one woman singled me out of a line of people standing along a wall and whispered, "God bless you for being here." I'm pretty sure she was talking to Shanna the black woman because Shanna the reporter's ID was inside my coat.
But it was a united, enthusiastic crowd.
The nurses, the mothers, the college students and Joy Strickfaden, the "Vet's Wife for McCain-Palin," all identified with Palin as the one who can help bring the change they say the country needs.
"It's economic, it's moral, it's the direction of the Supreme Court," said Stephanie Farmer, who owns a staffing company in Roanoke, ticking off the reasons she supports the Republican ticket.
"I want to support her," Farmer said. "I so appreciate them coming to Virginia." Her sign, which she made hours before the rally, was forward-looking. It noted, "Palin" and "2012," suggesting front-runner status for the Alaska governor in four years.
Brian Beaulieu held a sign that said "Firefighters [heart] McCain-Palin. But he held it for a friend. Beaulieu is a nurse.
"This is an important election," the McCain backer said. "He's not promising everything. He's not promising everybody a big Christmas tree."
On one end of the stadium, Ellen Black urged passers-by to sign her poster that read: "Educated Women [heart] Sarah Palin." She got plenty of takers.
"The reason I did this sign is because the way some women have treated her and stigmatized her and treated her like a bimbo," said Black, a graduate professor at Liberty University in Lynchburg.
But to Black, educated meant anyone willing to have educated discussions about Palin.
"As women, we have the right to disagree, but I'd like to see more civil discourse," the Palin backer said.
At the edge of the football field, a man and a young, preschool girl danced enthusiastically to Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." Presumably he was trying to keep the child from getting bored and from getting cold.
I didn't get his name because I was overlooking them from the top of a hill. But it probably would be safe to call him a "Family Man for Palin."
I wish I could have gone but I was at another family outing, Little League Football. Sounds like it was a working family crowd. Too bad is was not more racially diverse but it likely reflected the population of Salem and Roanoke County. The Republican ticket still has yet to hammer home the fact that Obama wants to double capital gains and dividends taxes. Anytime that has been done in American history, it results in a recession. That is a fact. A recession effects every race, gender, and economic class. Too bad most people get caught up in a certain look, race, lobbyists, media bias, or personal agendas. We need to look at the facts, track record, and character.
Comment by John Crews — October 28, 2008 @ 11:53 am
First, a note to John Crews: nationwide, we're already in a recession. Even if one insists on waiting for the official "two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth" statistics to bear that out, it is clearly so, and the wide consensus is also that the fundamentals aren't sound, as John McCain believed them to be, or else our Republican leaders wouldn't have put the biggest investment houses and banks into a socialist protection scheme. To suggest otherwise is to declare oneself unaware of events beyond one's immediate frame of reference.
But the topic here is the Palin rally, and the qualities of the crowd and the reception given her. From posts by Backlash, we've seen that there are some African-American Republican supporters, at least among those with a sufficient Clinton hating fixation. Yet in the entire RTWN slide show of the event, I can't find one single photo with an African-American face in it. John suggests that it may have just reflected the local demographics, but if he thinks that this region contains nothing but white people, he truly has a cognitive distortion that rivals the deluded College Republican girl who put the backwards "B" on her face. Images from other McCain/Palin rallies always show a similar sea of white faces. This is more than just "too bad", it is glaring proof of the inevitable result of the Republican's longstanding cultivation of specific groups of white Americans while ignoring others. Please, someone, rebut this with a long list of Republican candidates all the way back into the Nixon era.
By all accounts, Palin's expensive makeover and voice coaching has made her a polished presenter, as she is reported to have been perceived in Salem. By most accounts, too, her ability to conduct spontaneous substantive policy discussions is still reflective of her mediocre educational record and limited exposure to the complexities of the wider world outside her provincial home. Provincial is a word that keeps suggesting itself when I see the crowds at her rallies, too. However, that is not a word that is conducive to achieving good results in todays world, which doesn't share the lagging perceptions and exploitable suspicions of the otherwise amiable and hard working middle class whites in places like our region.
Comment by PJ — October 28, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
I just couldn't help notice that news said "thousands" turned out for the Obama rally at the Roanoke Civic Center (seats 10,500) but that 16,000 turned out for Palin. He's running for President, She is running for VP. I am not sure the polls are representative of what could happen on voting day. The difference is telling, but the media is not. Am I mistaken?
I too, sadly, noticed the Palin crowd had no real "diversity". It is something to ponder.
Kyle
Comment by Kyle Edgell — October 28, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Wahoo----let the good times roll--Closing up shop Dec 31st to get out before I get taxed to death---I do enough "gov't work" every day in my shop--- U take my money and I would have to be an equal opportunity shoe repair charger--Rather do it at home and take it to my older customers (all colors) who have been along for the ride----Look for that moped with a milk crate on the back and it will be Randy The Shoeman ridng off in the sunset
Comment by Randy The shoeman — October 28, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Thanks, it's about time the RT covered someone noteworthy in Roanoke. Sarah Palin is a wonderful govenor and Washington outsider. She is supported by both feminists and gun rights advocates, and has more experience than the Democratic candidate for President. I expect great things to happen if her ticket is elected.
I wouldn't be concerned about the diversity issue since it's SW VA combined with the fact that at least 93% of blacks are supporting someone who looks like them this election. Traditionally, at least 85% of blacks support Democrats, so unsurprisingly, some minorities are voting on race rather than issues.
Comment by Jim — October 28, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
PJ, thanks for the great dialogue. We need more of that.
On the recession, I was speaking about the future. I know things are rough now but increasing capital gains taxes has a record of making things worse. Remember Clinton made the laws that caused Fannie and Freddie to go under. Not a terrible president but that caused the need for saving the quarry of banks. The gov should not own the banks, I agree.
I was being hopeful that "all the white people" showing up for Palin and the racially diverse crowd at the Obama rally was not a black/white issue. Racism is stupid.
As for partisan bickering, I hate it. I try to be a realist. My belief is that McCain will make a better president because of facts, track record, and character.
I do note that your whole arguments are Republican bashing. Where are the discussions on why Obama has the answers we need?
Comment by John Crews — October 28, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
I think a lot of Sarah, but no way was I going out in that wind and cold to see anybody. Maybe the absent blacks felt as I do. BTW, I posted this notice at my place of business today.
CHANGES IN THE WORKPLACE
As of November 5, 2008, IF Obama officially becomes
president-elect, our company will instill a few new
policies which are in keeping with his new, inspiring
issues of change and fairness:
1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales and bonuses
into a common pool that will be divided equally between all
of you. This will serve to give those of you who are
under-achieving a "fair shake".
2. All low level workers will be pooling their wages,
including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally
amongst you. This will help those who are "too busy for
overtime" to reap the rewards from those who have more
spare time and can work extra hours.
3. All top management will now be referred to as "the
government." We will not participate in this "pooling"
experience because the law doesn't apply to us.
4. The "government" will give eloquent speeches to all
employees every week, encouraging its workers to continue
to work hard "for the good of all".
5. The employees will be thrilled with these new policies
because it's "good to spread the wealth around". Those of
you who have underachieved will finally get an opportunity;
those of you who have worked hard and had success will have the opportunity to feel more "patriotic".
6. The last few people who were hired should clean out
their desks. Don't feel bad, though, because President
Obama will give you free healthcare, free handouts, free
oil for heating your home, free food stamps, and he'll let
you stay in your home for as long as you want even if you
can't pay your mortgage. If you appeal directly to our
democratic congress, you might even get a free flat screen
TV and a coupon for free haircuts (shouldn't all Americans
be entitled to nice looking hair?).
--(mis)Management--
Comment by Mike — October 28, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
Funny, before the "contest" er, running of the election machine, I did not hear too much on the news about right to life, or gun rights,[unless we count the outcry after April 16, Virginia Tech shooting, which was quickly moot],
and WOW, gas always goes up in the summer, like someone knows people want to travel:}, oil prices went up, and now are down, and our Economic 911 on Wall Street, leaves us diverted and listening to a lady from Alaska, who no one had heard of before Obama, or was that Hillary? and far too many people I know have no idea who to vote for.
Republicans hold tight to what is their's, and yours, Democrats, love to give, and are pledged to the rights of everyone. These sex, class, color, and religion "cards" has shaken a lot of people up. And perhaps that is what we needed. Meanwhile people are jobless, sick, and hungry.
"No one has ever been barred on account of his {her] race
from fighting or dying for America; there are no white or colored signs on the foxholes or graveyards of battle."
John F Kennedy
I will hold with my Democratic beliefs and vote for Obama, who will I pray, help us to be less divided, as one nation under whatever God one chooses to believe in.
"Forgive your enemies, but remember their names." another JFK quote, who wanted a Healthcare System, and Peace, and with his death, we began to experience an end to Liberalism. [by and for the people]
Comment by Dona Wheeler/Roanoke — October 29, 2008 @ 4:48 am
Dona- we will need to pray if Obama gets elected. That is the only chance we would have.
Great quotes.
On the Healthcare issue, countries that have a national healthcare system like the UK, Canada, and Sweden have a terrible system. People have to wait sometimes years to have easy surgery since the gov sets the amount doctors out there. The government controls costs by limiting doctors, nurses, and hospital equipment. People from those countries that can afford it come to the US and get their surgery all the time because we do it with the best technology and quickly get it done. Be careful what you wish for on a Healthcare system.
Comment by John Crews — October 29, 2008 @ 8:12 am
PJ
I was at the Palin Rally Monday and a viewer of 60 minutes this past Sunday, Where it was reported that William Jefferson Clinton Deregulated the Laws that caused the Derivative Betting Scandal which caused Wall Street Failure.
With 9-11 disastrous attack Wall Street Failure how can you say this clown was anything, but a money driven panty chasing clown.
Funny his broker reportedly made $3 Billion Dollars.
One can only wonder how much he and Hillary made off the ......
gullibility of the American people.
Comment by Backlash — October 29, 2008 @ 8:43 am
Kyle-
Keep in mind this is one small, conservative town in Virginia. We do not represent the entire country or more than a percentage of the state. I doubt the polls are incorrect.
"I just couldn't help notice that news said "thousands" turned out for the Obama rally at the Roanoke Civic Center (seats 10,500) but that 16,000 turned out for Palin. He's running for President, She is running for VP. I am not sure the polls are representative of what could happen on voting day. The difference is telling, but the media is not. Am I mistaken?"
The world does not revolve around Roanoke
Comment by Allison — October 29, 2008 @ 9:14 am
Ms. Flowers, not two paragraphs into your article you stated that "the crowd wasn't racially diverse." Who has the real racist tone in this election? My job was to usher people through the main gate to one of the seven security checks and to give access to the press and other media. I was the only person manning the entrance gate from 1:00 until about 20 minutes before Governor Palin spoke. I personally gave you access to the rally, without a thank you, I might add. My position provides me a much better assessment of the racial diversity of the crowd than you. There was a very diverse crowd that attended the rally, I saw people from many nationalities. It angers and troubles me that the media relentlessly labels the McCain/Palin supporters as racist when they speak the truth about Obama's “socialist” tendencies, and yet your own words prove that you are the one clinging to racism. It would amaze me to be able to open the Roanoke Times and find an accurate and unbiased article about this election, but I won’t hold my breath.
My column does not suggest in any way that the crowd was "racist." My job is to write about my observances. I described the crowd when I wrote a column about Obama's visit to Bristol. I did the same in Salem. As to your other point, I sincerely apologize if I didn't say "thank you." I didn't hear anything. As I entered the stadium, I'll admit to being very preoccupied, trying to get the lay of the stadium, figuring out where to station myself and also thinking about the column I'd write in a few hours.--s
Comment by RoxAnne — October 29, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Shanna, I am a little confused. Black people are voting 95% for Obama and whites are splitting their votes 55/45 between McCain and Obama. So who would you conclude is voting based on their skin color??
Is it because he's black or because he's a Democrat?--s
Comment by JB — October 29, 2008 @ 11:40 am
"1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales and bonuses
into a common pool that will be divided equally between all
of you. This will serve to give those of you who are
under-achieving a "fair shake".
2. All low level workers will be pooling their wages,
including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally
amongst you. This will help those who are "too busy for
overtime" to reap the rewards from those who have more
spare time and can work extra hours."
Hey Mike....any openings where you work? Since I guess you're opposed to the Obama tax plan that must mean your sales people and "low level workers" are bringing in more than $250,000 a year. Man I'd be angry too!!! Can you make in by with another 3% tax on your earnings over 1/4 million? I know I'd have to cut out a night or two at Frankie Rowlands every month.
And please can we stop with the socialism and healthcare? 50% of healthcare is already paid for by the government and that was greatly expanded by George W Bush with medicare part D.
Comment by Enkidu — October 29, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
To Mike: Your exagerrated metaphor attempting to caricature the results of restoring the tax code to that of the Clinton era has the distinct quality of a repost of something we've seen elsewhere; but if it's not, you should hear this: Our area has one of the most talented professional caricaturists in the country, the very thoughtful Kyle E. Kyle E. is a friend of mine. You, sir, are no Kyle E.
To John: I'd like you to specify what it was you saw as GOP bashing in my post. I said that we are in recession. Then I noted the pervasive demographic homogeneity of the GOP, and asked for specific rebuttal of that point. After acknowledging Palin's polish as a scripted speaker, I noted the widespread impression, which I share, that she doesn't convey a deeply groomed intellectual gravitas when speaking extemporaneously. My characterization of her background is justified-I invite anyone to explain how her academic record was any better than mediocre, or to provide the record that shows her to have had longstanding involvement in national and international issues. And my saying that provincial attitudes are common in this area is surely a fact. By definiton, provincial minds have "lagging perceptions and exploitable suspicions", whether they be in the Roanoke Valley, the Bekka Valley or the Korengal Valley. I'm not suggesting this applies to you, John, but as for cries of "Republican bashing", one can do nothing to prevent information being received through the prism of a media persecution complex.
I don't have the space or time to give a detailed correction to the wildly simplistic assertion that Clinton caused the failure of the FNMA and FHLMC, and I don't even comprehend the phrase "the need for saving the quarry of banks", unless perhaps it was a reference to a deep pit(?), so I'll leave that be. I would assert that the difference between a
15% and 20% capital gains tax has less effect on the overall social fabric than the huge and increasing levels of inequality which have decimated the middle class strength of the US.
Having asked me for affirmative reasons for supporting Obama, I start with his stable demeanor, his outstanding academic accomplishments as the reflection of a curious and highly capable mind, his enunciated understanding of how social issues can be addressed in an ecumenical way, and his steely resolve, which is the attribute censored from the Biden quote now being distorted by the McCain campaign. These I contrast with McCain's thoroughly documented temperment, from his undisciplined Naval record to his choice of Palin, which I see as evidence of either a gambler on big decisions or one willing to allow idealogues the continued free reign they've had under Republican governance. Accepting that McCain was by circumstances a brave hero forty years ago is not very germane to his readiness to be president; Lenny Skutnick was a brave hero, too, but even he doesn't think it makes him more presidential.
I really like the quality and track record of Obama's prospective kitchen cabinet: wise men like Volker, Buffett, Nunn, et al. I get further assurance for my support of Obama by the high quality of the Republicans who support him. Gen. Colin Powell, William Weld, Scott McClellen, Linwood Holton...if one does not know and respect the centrist attitudes of these fine Republicans, one is either a blind partisan idealogue (aka dittohead) or simply a newcomer without long knowledge of the purges that neo-conservatives have waged in the GOP.
These thoughtful Obama endorsers, largely without personal political ambition, know that the rhetorical scare tactics and character assassination being used against Obama are nonsense, but play all too well with a conditioned base.
Obama's most recent accomplishments are executive in nature: in the context of being a campaign executive, he has shown his executive talent. His success is also due to a platform that gives racism no quarter, and that declares that the only American exceptionalism springs from ideals, and is not conferred by military extortion; and, his affirmation by example that true American patriotism is closer to the founders original intent than the demogoguery of dittoheads, separates him from the GOP candidate. I guess I just disagree with those who merely want to keep knowing what they have known, without the need to adjust lagging perceptions, and are who are so often hypocritical about the standards espoused by the Jewish community organizer they often recklessly invoke for divisive partisan reasons.
Comment by PJ — October 29, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
The reason their was the alledged 16,000 (which is hard to believe) turnout to see Palin and 8,000 for Obama is simply because the civic center only holds a little over 8,000.... That's not rocket science to a democrat... I'm sure her rally was quite the circus.... Glad I missed it!
Comment by pam_fryer — October 29, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
I wouldn't be concerned about the diversity issue since it's SW VA combined with the fact that at least 93% of blacks are supporting someone who looks like them this election. Traditionally, at least 85% of blacks support Democrats, so unsurprisingly, some minorities are voting on race rather than issues.
Jim this comment is not true at all. I am a African American and I have voted in every election since I was 18. I would NEVER vote for someone based on race alone. African Americans do care about the issues. We won't vote for just anyone of color. It is very telling you would say that. Are you voting for McCain because of his race? If Colin Powell had ever ran I probably wouldn't voted for him.
Comment by Mama — October 29, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
Mama- why would you speak for all African Americans? You are suggesting that all African Americans think alike.
I am white and would never speak on behalf of all white people. Lord knows there are plenty of them not voting for Obama because of his skin color and plenty voting for him to prove to themselves that they are not racist. Who really has time to look at skin color when there are so many real issues to vote on?
Comment by John Crews — October 29, 2008 @ 7:32 pm
"one woman singled me out of a line of people standing along a wall and whispered, "God bless you for being here." I'm pretty sure she was talking to Shanna the black woman because Shanna the reporter's ID was inside my coat."
Don't sell yourself short, Shanna! You're picture is all over! Well, this page at least.
Comment by Ed S. — October 29, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
PJ:
You're no Lloyd Bentson either, but you could pass for O'Biden.
Comment by Mike — October 30, 2008 @ 2:43 am
BTW, O'Biden finished a "torrid" 76th in a law school class of only 83. When he says he's "forgotten more foreign policy than most people ever knew" he's got the grades to support that premise.
Comment by Mike — October 30, 2008 @ 2:49 am
John I wasn't speaking for all African Americans. The first paragraph of the post is comment another reader posted. I copied it mine the responded on the second. I care about issues not race
Comment by Mama — October 30, 2008 @ 6:23 am
Mama- glad to hear that is not the case. I just got confused by the lines:
"African Americans do care about the issues. We won't vote for just anyone of color."
Thanks. Sounds like we are on the same page now.
Comment by John Crews — October 30, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Eyewitness News Uncovers: Dead and Still Voting
MEMPHIS, TN – Eyewitness News Uncovers people who have been dead since the 1800s still voting in Shelby County.
Eyewitness News Chief Investigator Jeni DiPrizio discovered that there are more than 1,000 dead voters still on the election rolls in Shelby County. And some of them even made it to the polls last August.
Elizabeth Gage died eight years ago and she is buried in north Shelby County. But records show that she somehow was still able to vote in the August Primary Election.
Now who said the dead can't speak from the grave.
Question since this a dead African American I wonder who she voted for Democrat or Republican???
Since she voted early, I guess it's to late to ask.
Comment by Backlash — October 30, 2008 @ 11:29 am
Memphis Eyewitness News poll
Which Presidential candidate did you vote for
Senator Barack Obama 58%
Senator McCain 30.9%
other 2.3%
I think voting should be done on Election Day. 8.0%
So do I...?
Comment by Backlash — October 30, 2008 @ 11:42 am
I sometimes think that the best part of the articles/blogs/letters to the editor are the comments.
Here's what this watcher of both sides of the news (liberial media and Fox News) has noted:
Most of the background sign-holders in the "photo-op" area at McCain and Palin rallies are white. Of the 2 Republican candidates, there are more whites in camera view behind Palin than behind McCain.
The most diverse crowds seem to be standing behind Obama at the rallies.
I would conclude from this observation that Obama's message appeals to a wider base than McCain's; or why doesn't the McCain campaign populate the "photo-op" area with a more diverse crowd?
Comment by Pat W. — October 30, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Pat W.
As a Black attendee of the McCain Rally I was asked 3 questions by White attendees...
Are you going to jeer at her?
Do you have a Obama shirt on under your shirt?
What kind of trouble you are going to cause?
So my question to you is were is the morality in those that only think that minorities are trouble makers.
From my point of view other people expected something negative from certain minorities Males... Pity
I didn't make your negative news day Monday.
Comment by Backlash — October 30, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Obama's prime-time ad skips over budget realities
THE SPIN: "That's why my health care plan requires coverage for preventive care and pre-existing conditions and lowers health care costs for the typical family by $2,500 a year."
THE FACTS: His plan does not lower premiums by $2,500, or any set amount. Obama hopes that by spending $50 billion over five years by improving access to proven disease management programs, among other steps, consumers will end up saving money.
Many economists are skeptical those savings can ever be achieved, but even if they are, it's not a certainty that every dollar would be passed on to consumers in the form of lower premiums which means higher taxes.
THE SPIN: "I also believe every American has a right to affordable health care."
THE FACTS: That belief should not be confused with a guarantee of health coverage for all. He makes no such promise.
His program is aimed at making insurance more affordable by offering the choice of government-subsidized coverage similar to that in a plan for federal employees and other steps, including requiring larger employers to share costs of insuring workers.
THE SPIN: "I've offered spending cuts above and beyond their cost."
THE FACTS: Independent analysts say both Obama and Republican John McCain would deepen the deficit. The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates Obama's policy proposals would add a net $428 billion to the deficit over four years — and that analysis accepts the savings he claims from spending cuts.
Obama plan is to reduce military spending by 30% and close some Military Bases globally and rebuilding areas affected by the US Military Presence.
Go ahead vote this weak fraud in the white House, it sickens me to think what our security will be fought with..
Sling shots and harsh language!!!!!
Comment by Backlash — October 30, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Backlash- looks like we agree on many things. It is ridiculous that you were asked those questions at the Palin rally. People assumed you were in the 95% of blacks that favor Obama. They should have asked why you support Palin but then they would not have assumed anything. Instead they insulted you. Some people are just idiots- remember all those people that are voting for Obama. As for policy, please keep preaching the gospel that most people are just ignoring-- THE FACTS.
Comment by John Crews — October 31, 2008 @ 10:32 am
YouTube - Barack Obama Mocks And Makes Fun Of The Bible
This is a video I came across researching something else, yet I feel this should be his Opinion of the Bible.
You draw your own conclusions.
John Crews
Thank you for your supportive words as well as Mike, Shanna and others have my utmost appreciation and backing, for most understand and respect our opinion of Obama being a good orator....
Yet his fabric covers a wolf among a flock of sheep.
Shanna being the referee and moderator bring all views into respective...
Thank you.
John if you have time please try this radio station via the internet
WDIA
THE FUN AFTERNOON SHOW
FEATURING "THE WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND LINE "
5:30-7pm M-F call in line 1-901-535-WDIA (9342)
Let your political views be heard and relay to us what you think or just listen for the political content and share your thoughts with us.
Comment by Backlash — October 31, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
Backlash:
The treatment of you at the rally for Sarah was disgusting. While most of us would have been delighted to see blacks in attendance, there are numbskulls everywhere who might just happen be in agreement with us on a single issue. For example, those two skinheads who apparently planned an aborted attack on Obama may have shared our support for the McCain ticket (God forbid they even knew who was running), but does that make the rest of us agree also with their apparent plan to destroy our opponent? I hardly think so. Your last post did leave out another false statement by Barack, i.e., the one where he professed to have visited all "57 states." Maybe that was a disguised promise to have the military take over several of our weaker neighbors, maybe starting with Cuba? LOL.
John Crews: Your humorous reference to the voters for Obama ... No, most of them are not idiots, they're just ordinary folks buying into a bunch of doublespeak. We're all going to pay for this one in the end.
Comment by Mike — November 1, 2008 @ 1:05 am
To think that a couple of weeks ago, Jared Retkofsky was excited about getting a pay raise from $12 to $15 per hour at the Fort Worth moving company where he was working.
Former sofa lifter now Steelers long snapper
Retkofsky, a former TCU defensive end, went to training camp with Pittsburgh as an undrafted rookie in 2007 but was cut before the season started. He returned to the Steelers in January after being released from the Seahawks’ practice squad, only to be cut in June before training camp started.
Not knowing what the future held for him he took a job as a furniture mover.
He took a job, he didn't sit around with his hand out, an opportunity came his way again and guess what......
Welcome to the Middle Class, give your wealth to those that sit on their
kiester's all day were is the fairness in this.
Comment by Backlash — November 1, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Pat W:
Maybe I am mistaken, but wasn't it at an Obama rally that some Orientals were removed from behind the candidate and replaced by whites for the benefit of the cameras?
Comment by Mike — November 2, 2008 @ 2:18 am
PJ, as for as Obama's prospective kitchen cabinet
Would he have someone like Bill Ayers over education?
Enkidu, If you make over $42,000.
You WILL pay more taxes.
Comment by Kin — November 2, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Kin:
We surely want Tim Kaine to be Secretary of Transportation, since he knows his geography so well that he stated on NATIONAL T.V. "We (Virginia) share a border with Delaware." I guess he should be excused for ignoring MD, that cesspool of ultra-liberals.
Comment by Mike — November 4, 2008 @ 3:44 am