KarateKid's Comments (310)

“The lesson here is that when you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody. Who'd have thought that the left and right would oppose this bill, for entirely different reasons?

This bill is a good example of why governing from the center ultimately does not work. This administration should have set an agenda that one side would find unacceptable, but it didn't. It kept trying to placate the right, and ended up losing the ardent support of the left. And the right has only one agenda, regaining power.

It's time to put this bill to swim with the fishes, where it belongs. Passing it won't be the success the Democrats think it is. They are SO out of touch with what is going on.”

“Everyone is missing the last few words of the President's proclamation, "depending on the ground conditions at that time", or something close to that.

Obviously, that would depend on two major things: first, the abatement of the presence of the Taliban, and second, the ability of the Afghan armed forces to take on greater responsibility.

Frankly, I don't see either scenario happening, and if that is the case, we will be there for the long haul and more soldiers will come home, to Dover.

This is just so wrong on so many fronts.”

“I'll give you this, flossy. You will believe in a failed philosophy until your last breath. Some would call it belief, others would call it stubborn. I call it both. Trickle down has been discredited. It leaves too much faith in the top 1% and it does not account for greed.

Just the whole concept of trickle down, the term trickle, is offensive, implying class divisions. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle class is SOL.”

“Exactly. Summers and Geithner have been a disappointment, to say the least.”

“I spent the day busing tables and conducting a seminar to help homeless people find a job, at a homeless shelter in NYC. It was one of the most rewarding things I have done. It not only gave me satisfaction in seeing people have at least a good meal on Thanksgiving day, but it also gave me a greater appreciation for what I have, a roof over my head, food on the table, and loved ones to share it with.

There is a song, called Another Day in Paradise, by Phil Collins. Listen to it. 3 million homeless in the US, 100 million homeless in the world.

Think about it.”

“I feel no bill is better than a bad bill. The Stupak Amendment will go down in Democratic sellout infamy. I agree with Dr. Angell's solutions, and am keenly disappointed in House leadership who seemed more interested in passing a bill, ANY bill, so they could stand in front of everyone with their faux tears and celebrate as if they created history.

But why do I say no bill is better than a bad bill? Because the Democrats have used up their best opportunity and won't be able to go back and start over, from the proper ways Dr. Angell has stated.

They could have concentrated on improving the economy and doing something about joblessness, not to mention begin the systematic withdrawal from the quagmire of two conflicts, and monitor the midterm elections BEFORE embarking on this hastily constructed plan which the Senate will water down even further. I think the Democratic leadership bit off more than they could chew and we'll be the victims of this ill conceived venture.”

“What's the alternative? Palin? Pawlenty? What do you think would have happened if McCain had won? Have you thought about that?”

“In three more years, I would think there will be millions more who will support him. The Republicans have not done much for anyone, much less the young, and have no potential candidate that will energize them. They also have not provided any solutions to fixing the myriad of problems the country has.

It's easy to say he hasn't kept his promises, but most know that the mess he inherited is greater than originally thought and the solutions are complex and will take time to implement, especially with an opposition that is determined to undermine him at every turn, even when it's something that benefits them, like healthcare.

I had the pleasure to work Porter County, Indiana, with many enthusiastic young people. Some were not old enough to vote, but there they were, knocking on doors, aware of the issues, and a lot more savvy than youngsters of previousl generations. I think the Democrats will benefit for years. Young people tend to be more liberal and idealistic.”

“There is a big difference between articulate and rhetoric. But I agree with your last sentence.”

“A President, who is the face of a country, can NEVER be too articulate.”

“What do you know, for once we agree.”

“Anyone who has survived Vietnam wil tell you we need to avoid wars at all costs, except in defending our country. It's easy to talk of soldiers in abstract terms, in numbers, but believe me, when it is you who is the soldier you'd like someone in a high place to care. Chuck Hagel was there, a grunt like I was, and he's against this escalation. There is no one I respect more than Chuck Hagel.

G.I. means government issue, that's how impersonal it is to be a soldier. At least we don't have a draft like we had in my youth. For a lot of us, our youth ended the day we were sent to Southeast Asia.

And what did THAT accomplish?

That being said, Joe Biden should NOT resign.”

“A can of Coke has 140 calories. The Mexican Coke, which tastes better, has 120 calories. Compare that with any fruit juice, the 100% kind. That has a higher caloric value, but they all have more calories than Coke or any other soft drink.

If you drink any beverage to excess, the pounds will come. It's all about caloric intake, and how much you drink and eat, not what you drink or eat. And Americans drink and eat waaaay too much.”

“Thanks for posting this. I regretfully missed it. It is KO as his finest.

I remember when MY old man was taken to the emergency room when he collapsed. He was asked by the physician, "Do you want to live?". I thought it an odd question but could see my dad was pretty far gone, in and out of moments of lucidity. But, as bad a shape he was in, he answered "yes" with a look of pleading and hope. He didn't want to _die. I'll never forget the look in his eyes as he responded.

He was asked this question because the doctor said there would be a painful series of procedures to prolong his life. My father's response triggered a series of tests and procedures, none of which worked. He was then sent to a convalescent hospital (convalescent is an unfortunate term); where he was processed for _death. I got him out of there, and he went home, to his bedroom, with all the familiar sights and smells, where he passed five days later in his sleep. But, his eyes indicated he knew where he was, the look he gave me of gratitude shook me to the core. I can't begin to tell you my gratitude for the hospice care he received in his final days.

I think people who risked their lives for this country, like my dad did, deserve better. I say that for all those who have served this country who are still alive.”

“You have to have a better understanding of how the legislative process works. There is more than one bill; the Baucus bill is not the only one. Nothing will happen unless a bill gets out of committee. Many worthwhile bills do not get out of committee and therefore never comes up for a vote of the full Senate or House. House and Senate bills are merged, then voted on by the entire Congress.”

“Just how many advertisers does/did this guy have anyway???”

“The ones who come to this blog to insult the President and Progressives.”

“Hey, where are all the righties? Cat got your tongue?”

“LOL!!”

“That's President Obama, sonny. Show some respect. And get prepared mentally for a huge disappointment in 2012 and get used to the notion that he will be re-elected. There's no one in your party who can presently beat him, no matter how loud y'all cry.”

“Although I am hoping the SS will catch this person, I wonder if they will be able to. You'd think someone who could manipulate a Facebook app could also mask their IP address and escape any posse.”

“Public option is dead, eh righties??”

“What's the matter, Ramirez. Giving your regular nic a rest?”

“So what???”

“Good for Project 73. Now all the right wingers don't have to come here to disrupt and argue; they can pat themselves on the back for reassurance at their very own site. I only hope they have the same comment policy as Huffington Post does so we can go over there and pay them back.”