Hambone v3.0

Friday Open Comments

The most exciting thing about this election is not that the Republicans will sweep the House and maybe even take the Senate. We’ve known that for a while. And I remain skeptical they’ve actually gotten the message conservatives have sent them. With Boehner and possibly McConnell in charge I won’t be surprised to see business as usual a la 2001-2007. At least we’ll have divided government and Obama’s all-out march towards European-style socialism will be checked.

No, the most exciting thing is watching bellicose and clueless Nobel prize winners turn into banshees:

This is going to be terrible. In fact, future historians will probably look back at the 2010 election as a catastrophe for America, one that condemned the nation to years of political chaos and economic weakness.

And this from the man that routinely accuses Republicans of fear-mongering. He ends his FUD-filled rant with a dire warning:

So if the elections go as expected next week, here’s my advice: Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Yes it’s going to be an exciting Tuesday night!

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209 responses to “Friday Open Comments”

  1. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    You don’t even have to click the link to know that’s Krugman at the old gray lady – you’ve got to wonder how many times he can say the same old thing, year after year, maybe just using different words, and still keep his job. Oh, I forget, it’s not about news, it’s about indoctrination, where repetition is key.

    Generally, a do nothing congress is a good congress. However, this time around, there is a lot of damage that needs to be undone before they can get down to the business of doing nothing. Gridlock is preferable to what’s on big o’s agenda. Forget impeachment and all that BS – hit him head on with a conservative agenda. Any RINO’s who don’t want to go along, flush them out, expose them, and vote them out next time. Politics is going pro, and when you fail to produce, your time is up.

    This election is not the end, it is only the beginning. It’s taken the Dems over half a century to reach this point of having the perfect storm. They almost pulled it off, but there is still hope. Let’s hope the next 50 years are spent rebuilding the American spirit and the American dream.

  2. El Gordo Avatar
    El Gordo

    You don’t even have to click the link to know that’s Krugman at the old gray lady – you’ve got to wonder how many times he can say the same old thing, year after year, maybe just using different words, and still keep his job. Oh, I forget, it’s not about news, it’s about indoctrination, where repetition is key.

    Generally, a do nothing congress is a good congress. However, this time around, there is a lot of damage that needs to be undone before they can get down to the business of doing nothing. Gridlock is preferable to what’s on big o’s agenda. Forget impeachment and all that BS – hit him head on with a conservative agenda. Any RINO’s who don’t want to go along, flush them out, expose them, and vote them out next time. Politics is going pro, and when you fail to produce, your time is up.

    This election is not the end, it is only the beginning. It’s taken the Dems over half a century to reach this point of having the perfect storm. They almost pulled it off, but there is still hope. Let’s hope the next 50 years are spent rebuilding the American spirit and the American dream.

  3. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    RE #52 Yesterday’s OC

    I thought when you put straight ticket on the e-slate machine that it would pre-populate all the fields with your selection, but you could still scroll through all of the offices in order to make a change. You can then vote for the other candidate or no candidate at all. That seems strange that the woman in the booth next to you said it took her straight to the props at the end. Of course you also described a neophyte when it comes to the e-slate machines and I guess that dial and two buttons can bamboozle the best of us.

  4. TexMo Avatar
    TexMo

    RE #52 Yesterday’s OC

    I thought when you put straight ticket on the e-slate machine that it would pre-populate all the fields with your selection, but you could still scroll through all of the offices in order to make a change. You can then vote for the other candidate or no candidate at all. That seems strange that the woman in the booth next to you said it took her straight to the props at the end. Of course you also described a neophyte when it comes to the e-slate machines and I guess that dial and two buttons can bamboozle the best of us.

  5. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    RE #74 Yesterday’s OC

    Tedtam, those pics from Russia could have been taken in Morocco. I have seen some really strange things that defy logic and explanation.

    SuperDave and BWeldon were talking about safety training yesterday and I too have attended many courses. My company also requires that we have a safety minute at the beginning of every meeting. At first it seems burdensome and cliche, but my company from the CEO on down has really bought into the safety culture and they have done an excellent job pushing that vision corporate wide. With that said I am genuinely shocked, appalled, and amazed at the safety “violations” I have witnessed here in Morocco. These are things that would get you terminated from a refinery chemical plant, or even my company.

    I have seen people across the board in a variety of industries doing unsafe things. They do not have natural gas lines here so the utilize bottled propane or butane. Many of the little “convenience” stores will sell small 5lb bottles for cooking. These bottles are stored in front of the store on metal racks. I have lost count of how many times I have seen people smoking in front of the tanks.

    I will refrain from getting on the topic of driving. I think I can safely say I will never complain about Houston traffic or drivers ever again.

  6. TexMo Avatar
    TexMo

    RE #74 Yesterday’s OC

    Tedtam, those pics from Russia could have been taken in Morocco. I have seen some really strange things that defy logic and explanation.

    SuperDave and BWeldon were talking about safety training yesterday and I too have attended many courses. My company also requires that we have a safety minute at the beginning of every meeting. At first it seems burdensome and cliche, but my company from the CEO on down has really bought into the safety culture and they have done an excellent job pushing that vision corporate wide. With that said I am genuinely shocked, appalled, and amazed at the safety “violations” I have witnessed here in Morocco. These are things that would get you terminated from a refinery chemical plant, or even my company.

    I have seen people across the board in a variety of industries doing unsafe things. They do not have natural gas lines here so the utilize bottled propane or butane. Many of the little “convenience” stores will sell small 5lb bottles for cooking. These bottles are stored in front of the store on metal racks. I have lost count of how many times I have seen people smoking in front of the tanks.

    I will refrain from getting on the topic of driving. I think I can safely say I will never complain about Houston traffic or drivers ever again.

  7. El Gordo Avatar
    El Gordo

    I remain skeptical they’ve actually gotten the message conservatives have sent them.

    Yup.

    At least we’ll have divided government and Obama’s all-out march towards European-style socialism will be checked.

    Yup.

    No, the most exciting thing is watching bellicose and clueless Nobel prize winners turn into banshees

    And yup. A Friday trifecta!

    If the best we get out of it is gridlock, that’s still better than the alternative. Actual conservative legislation would be great, but my expectations are realistic, as are yours. Watching Krugman’s head explode is just icing on the cake!

  8. The Dude Avatar
    The Dude

    I remain skeptical they’ve actually gotten the message conservatives have sent them.

    Yup.

    At least we’ll have divided government and Obama’s all-out march towards European-style socialism will be checked.

    Yup.

    No, the most exciting thing is watching bellicose and clueless Nobel prize winners turn into banshees

    And yup. A Friday trifecta!

    If the best we get out of it is gridlock, that’s still better than the alternative. Actual conservative legislation would be great, but my expectations are realistic, as are yours. Watching Krugman’s head explode is just icing on the cake!

  9. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    Voted straight “R” yesterday then went back through and sent Kevin Brady a message.

  10. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Voted straight “R” yesterday then went back through and sent Kevin Brady a message.

  11. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    Remember the “First Black President”?

    Bill Clinton pushed Kendrick Meek to quit Florida race.
    Bill Clinton sought to persuade Rep. Kendrick Meek to drop out of the race for Senate during a trip to Florida last week — and nearly succeeded.
    Meek agreed — twice — to drop out and endorse Gov. Charlie Crist’s independent bid in a last-ditch effort to stop Marco Rubio, the Republican nominee who stands on the cusp of national stardom.

    Mornin’ Gang

  12. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    Remember the “First Black President”?

    Bill Clinton pushed Kendrick Meek to quit Florida race.
    Bill Clinton sought to persuade Rep. Kendrick Meek to drop out of the race for Senate during a trip to Florida last week — and nearly succeeded.
    Meek agreed — twice — to drop out and endorse Gov. Charlie Crist’s independent bid in a last-ditch effort to stop Marco Rubio, the Republican nominee who stands on the cusp of national stardom.

    Mornin’ Gang

  13. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #2 Texmo

    e-slate — My account was based solely on the audio. (It’s poor taste to lean over & look at another’s ballot.) The poll attendant asked her if she had punched Straight Democrat and said that advanced the ballot down to the 3 City of Houston propositions. Me, I have never punched staright ticket so don’t know from personal experience.

    In my district, there were 3 offices for which no Republican was running, so had I hit Straight Rep, maybe the e-slate would then jump to the first one of those. There were also options Straight Libertarian and one other — Straight Green maybe?

    My main point was this was a middle-aged woman who didn’t know how to operate the machine, as if she had never voted before. Even so, the instruction card seems pretty simple to me.

  14. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #2 Texmo

    e-slate — My account was based solely on the audio. (It’s poor taste to lean over & look at another’s ballot.) The poll attendant asked her if she had punched Straight Democrat and said that advanced the ballot down to the 3 City of Houston propositions. Me, I have never punched staright ticket so don’t know from personal experience.

    In my district, there were 3 offices for which no Republican was running, so had I hit Straight Rep, maybe the e-slate would then jump to the first one of those. There were also options Straight Libertarian and one other — Straight Green maybe?

    My main point was this was a middle-aged woman who didn’t know how to operate the machine, as if she had never voted before. Even so, the instruction card seems pretty simple to me.

  15. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    No word whether this legislation would apply to wanna-be-female perverts allowed in Houston City women’s restrooms.

    Two local lawmakers are looking at introducing new legislation after seeing 11 News’ story about an ex-convict accused of hiding in a women’s restroom stall with an audio-recording device.

  16. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    No word whether this legislation would apply to wanna-be-female perverts allowed in Houston City women’s restrooms.

    Two local lawmakers are looking at introducing new legislation after seeing 11 News’ story about an ex-convict accused of hiding in a women’s restroom stall with an audio-recording device.

  17. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    # 5 Tim

    Voted straight “R” yesterday

    Then you can tell us, did the e-slate jump to the propositions? Then from there, you could hit the Back button to scroll through the previous pages?

  18. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    # 5 Tim

    Voted straight “R” yesterday

    Then you can tell us, did the e-slate jump to the propositions? Then from there, you could hit the Back button to scroll through the previous pages?

  19. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    #9

    I’m in Montgomery County, we didn’t have any propositions. I went through to un-select Kevin Brady so I don’t remember if the machine automatically went to the selections for review or if I did it.

  20. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    Hamous,

    “New Boss Same As The Old Boss”

    It is always a good idea to carefully watch those in power!

    Simple

  21. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    Hamous,

    “New Boss Same As The Old Boss”

    It is always a good idea to carefully watch those in power!

    Simple

  22. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    Feds answer to Arizona’s dangerous border area? Remove those embarrassing Danger signs.

  23. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Feds answer to Arizona’s dangerous border area? Remove those embarrassing Danger signs.

  24. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Straight “R” took me to propositions. After voting on those, I was presented with the complete ballot with my votes on it, and the unselected races were highlighted (no opposition on the Republican side, so there was no vote cast there). From there, I scrolled back to make any changes, then – just to be sure – I scrolled to the end where the complete list was again. Reviewed the choices, then hit “cast ballot”. Smiled at the poll watcher and the lovely ladies working the table, waved, and was out the door. Took about five minutes.

  25. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Straight “R” took me to propositions. After voting on those, I was presented with the complete ballot with my votes on it, and the unselected races were highlighted (no opposition on the Republican side, so there was no vote cast there). From there, I scrolled back to make any changes, then – just to be sure – I scrolled to the end where the complete list was again. Reviewed the choices, then hit “cast ballot”. Smiled at the poll watcher and the lovely ladies working the table, waved, and was out the door. Took about five minutes.

  26. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Great billboard.

  27. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Great billboard.

  28. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    I voted at the Bear Creek county extension office on Tuesday. I live in the County, so I couldn’t vote against the red light camera proposition. 🙁

    I got there at about 11:00 and the line was out the door. It took about 45 minutes to get to the voting room. People were in generally good spirits and chatty.

  29. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    I voted at the Bear Creek county extension office on Tuesday. I live in the County, so I couldn’t vote against the red light camera proposition. 🙁

    I got there at about 11:00 and the line was out the door. It took about 45 minutes to get to the voting room. People were in generally good spirits and chatty.

  30. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Ok, I saw this article in the paper this morning and it brought back thoughts on the discussion we had earlier this week about leaglization of marajuana. Couple of things that I find interesting.

    First this.

    George Larry Harvey, a drinker since he was a teenager, has been convicted of drunken driving eight times and has even served two prison sentences for DWI. But it took another drunken driver to get him off the road permanently.

    8 DWI convictions, and he is not in rehab or behind bars forever?

    Here is point 2

    Besides DWI convictions, Harvey also has been found guilty of driving with a suspended driver’s license at least four times convicted of marijuana possession

    So this begs the question again of why was he not in rehab or jail? To my count that is 13 convictions of various crimes, and lord knows how many times he did not get caught.

    So after all the facts are out the family comes in to make excuses.

    Harvey’s older sister, Nancy Rector, said her brother was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was young, and he started drinking as a teenager. He also began using drugs, mostly marijuana, she said.

    The twice-divorced father of two never sought treatment for his addictions, and family members never tried to get him help, she said.

    Harvey, who worked odd jobs painting and remodeling homes, had his highs and lows, which included an attempted suicide in 1995. He cut his throat over a relationship that went sour, said Rector, who testified for the defense.

    She said she believes her brother’s life sentence was unjust. He’s an addict who has never hurt anybody but himself, she said.

    “All these years of putting addicts in prison, has it made things better in our lives?” she said. “It hasn’t.”

    Rector, who lives near Harvey in New Caney, said she’s knows her brother did wrong by driving drunk, but “he shouldn’t be in a criminal situation.”

    Ok these are the questions for everyone here.

    1) how far out of touch is his sister?
    2) is she right or wrong about his punishment being to harsh?
    3) with 8 drunk driving convictions, and multiple others why didn’t the courts order him as part of his punnishment to get treatment?
    4) are his family as much to blame for this because they did not try to get him help.
    5) is the sister correct in her comment about putting addicts behind bars? but at the same time where else can they go if they refuse to get help.
    6) Finally why in the HELL did this guy even have a driver’s license after all of this? And should we look at how and why he was able to continue to maintain a license, and should that law change.

    Here is the Texas DWI Law and you will note that after the 3rd offense there is nothing in there about increasing punnishment or anything. He got his life sentence because he was a habitual offender, not under the DWI Laws.

  31. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Ok, I saw this article in the paper this morning and it brought back thoughts on the discussion we had earlier this week about leaglization of marajuana. Couple of things that I find interesting.

    First this.

    George Larry Harvey, a drinker since he was a teenager, has been convicted of drunken driving eight times and has even served two prison sentences for DWI. But it took another drunken driver to get him off the road permanently.

    8 DWI convictions, and he is not in rehab or behind bars forever?

    Here is point 2

    Besides DWI convictions, Harvey also has been found guilty of driving with a suspended driver’s license at least four times convicted of marijuana possession

    So this begs the question again of why was he not in rehab or jail? To my count that is 13 convictions of various crimes, and lord knows how many times he did not get caught.

    So after all the facts are out the family comes in to make excuses.

    Harvey’s older sister, Nancy Rector, said her brother was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was young, and he started drinking as a teenager. He also began using drugs, mostly marijuana, she said.

    The twice-divorced father of two never sought treatment for his addictions, and family members never tried to get him help, she said.

    Harvey, who worked odd jobs painting and remodeling homes, had his highs and lows, which included an attempted suicide in 1995. He cut his throat over a relationship that went sour, said Rector, who testified for the defense.

    She said she believes her brother’s life sentence was unjust. He’s an addict who has never hurt anybody but himself, she said.

    “All these years of putting addicts in prison, has it made things better in our lives?” she said. “It hasn’t.”

    Rector, who lives near Harvey in New Caney, said she’s knows her brother did wrong by driving drunk, but “he shouldn’t be in a criminal situation.”

    Ok these are the questions for everyone here.

    1) how far out of touch is his sister?
    2) is she right or wrong about his punishment being to harsh?
    3) with 8 drunk driving convictions, and multiple others why didn’t the courts order him as part of his punnishment to get treatment?
    4) are his family as much to blame for this because they did not try to get him help.
    5) is the sister correct in her comment about putting addicts behind bars? but at the same time where else can they go if they refuse to get help.
    6) Finally why in the HELL did this guy even have a driver’s license after all of this? And should we look at how and why he was able to continue to maintain a license, and should that law change.

    Here is the Texas DWI Law and you will note that after the 3rd offense there is nothing in there about increasing punnishment or anything. He got his life sentence because he was a habitual offender, not under the DWI Laws.

  32. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    6 bweldon says:
    October 29, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Guess HAL got my comments about this story

    Interesting to note:

    Harvey’s older sister, Nancy Rector, said her brother was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was young, and he started drinking as a teenager. He also began using drugs, mostly marijuana, she said.

    The twice-divorced father of two never sought treatment for his addictions, and family members never tried to get him help, she said.

    So, I’m guessing that all that treatment money coming from all the taxes the gummint collects on alcohol didn’t work.

    So lets legalize the pot he smokes, and maybe the treatment money coming from the taxes we collect on it might.

  33. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    6 bweldon says:
    October 29, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Guess HAL got my comments about this story

    Interesting to note:

    Harvey’s older sister, Nancy Rector, said her brother was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was young, and he started drinking as a teenager. He also began using drugs, mostly marijuana, she said.

    The twice-divorced father of two never sought treatment for his addictions, and family members never tried to get him help, she said.

    So, I’m guessing that all that treatment money coming from all the taxes the gummint collects on alcohol didn’t work.

    So lets legalize the pot he smokes, and maybe the treatment money coming from the taxes we collect on it might.

  34. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Guess my original post came through. So have at it everyone.

  35. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Guess my original post came through. So have at it everyone.

  36. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    1) how far out of touch is his sister?

    She’s in a parallel universe.

    2) is she right or wrong about his punishment being to harsh?

    Punishment is long overdue.

    3) with 8 drunk driving convictions, and multiple others why didn’t the courts order him as part of his punnishment to get treatment?

    I find it hard to believe they didn’t at some point. Treatment only works if he’s willing. If he’s not he should be in jail.

    4) are his family as much to blame for this because they did not try to get him help.

    Absolutely not. Ask anyone who has a family member like this. They will tell you all the different ways they’ve tried to get them help. You cannot make them accept help. In the end all you can do is pray.

    5) is the sister correct in her comment about putting addicts behind bars? but at the same time where else can they go if they refuse to get help.

    Lock him up.

    6) Finally why in the HELL did this guy even have a driver’s license after all of this? And should we look at how and why he was able to continue to maintain a license, and should that law change.

    I doubt he had a license when this latest DWI took place. Not having a license won’t stop guys like this from driving. Depending on when his other DWIs occurred he could have had it revoked for life.

  37. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    1) how far out of touch is his sister?

    She’s in a parallel universe.

    2) is she right or wrong about his punishment being to harsh?

    Punishment is long overdue.

    3) with 8 drunk driving convictions, and multiple others why didn’t the courts order him as part of his punnishment to get treatment?

    I find it hard to believe they didn’t at some point. Treatment only works if he’s willing. If he’s not he should be in jail.

    4) are his family as much to blame for this because they did not try to get him help.

    Absolutely not. Ask anyone who has a family member like this. They will tell you all the different ways they’ve tried to get them help. You cannot make them accept help. In the end all you can do is pray.

    5) is the sister correct in her comment about putting addicts behind bars? but at the same time where else can they go if they refuse to get help.

    Lock him up.

    6) Finally why in the HELL did this guy even have a driver’s license after all of this? And should we look at how and why he was able to continue to maintain a license, and should that law change.

    I doubt he had a license when this latest DWI took place. Not having a license won’t stop guys like this from driving. Depending on when his other DWIs occurred he could have had it revoked for life.

  38. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    Good morning all. Down to 38 at 7 out here on the north bank of the Brazos at Richmond. Very low humidity overnight, but currently it’s down to 5% and 61. Spouse suggests maybe our home weather station can’t register lower than 5% humidity. Light breeze compared to the northerly blast yesterday that brought in the gorgeous blue sky we enjoy today.

    Spouse and I are celebrating his 70th birthday today. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. Since it’s so close to Halloween, his birthday cakes usually have a pumpkin motif. This year it’s a white layer cake with organge frosting and chocolate frosting jack o lantern face. No green frosting stem.

    Re: Paul Krugman’s pending head explosion. The Banshee and Hobgoblin Union won’t let him in–too nutsy for them. They do have standards.

  39. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    Good morning all. Down to 38 at 7 out here on the north bank of the Brazos at Richmond. Very low humidity overnight, but currently it’s down to 5% and 61. Spouse suggests maybe our home weather station can’t register lower than 5% humidity. Light breeze compared to the northerly blast yesterday that brought in the gorgeous blue sky we enjoy today.

    Spouse and I are celebrating his 70th birthday today. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. Since it’s so close to Halloween, his birthday cakes usually have a pumpkin motif. This year it’s a white layer cake with organge frosting and chocolate frosting jack o lantern face. No green frosting stem.

    Re: Paul Krugman’s pending head explosion. The Banshee and Hobgoblin Union won’t let him in–too nutsy for them. They do have standards.

  40. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    btw – I want to compliment you people on your discussion on the decriminalizing weed thread. It didn’t degenerate into the nonsense that such discussions often do.

  41. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    btw – I want to compliment you people on your discussion on the decriminalizing weed thread. It didn’t degenerate into the nonsense that such discussions often do.

  42. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    The fact of the matter is that people delude themselves into thinking that giving the gummint money from “sin taxes” so that it can be used for “treatment” actually happens.

    The tax money received from the sale of alcoholic beverages is astronomical. The amount dedicated to “treatment” is infinitesimal. If we want the gummint to devote more tax money to treatment, they will RAISE that tax. At some future point, the money for treatment will be reduced, and we repeat the process. All we do is feed the Tax Beast and grow government at the expense of having drunks and stoners on the road.

    Take a look at the “treatment” programs that the cigarette taxes (and the money from the huge settlement of the suit AGs brought) for another example.

    Its a scam.

    We’re better off spending money to put those that will not voluntarily seek treatment into jail.

    The ones who will get treatment themselves will do so whether the gummint spends money or not.

    Ask friends of Bill how it works.

  43. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    The fact of the matter is that people delude themselves into thinking that giving the gummint money from “sin taxes” so that it can be used for “treatment” actually happens.

    The tax money received from the sale of alcoholic beverages is astronomical. The amount dedicated to “treatment” is infinitesimal. If we want the gummint to devote more tax money to treatment, they will RAISE that tax. At some future point, the money for treatment will be reduced, and we repeat the process. All we do is feed the Tax Beast and grow government at the expense of having drunks and stoners on the road.

    Take a look at the “treatment” programs that the cigarette taxes (and the money from the huge settlement of the suit AGs brought) for another example.

    Its a scam.

    We’re better off spending money to put those that will not voluntarily seek treatment into jail.

    The ones who will get treatment themselves will do so whether the gummint spends money or not.

    Ask friends of Bill how it works.

  44. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    And how long does anyone think it will take for the first cannabis crop subsidies and horticultural studies to pass Congress after its legalized?

  45. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    And how long does anyone think it will take for the first cannabis crop subsidies and horticultural studies to pass Congress after its legalized?

  46. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    4) are his family as much to blame for this because they did not try to get him help.

    Absolutely not. Ask anyone who has a family member like this. They will tell you all the different ways they’ve tried to get them help. You cannot make them accept help. In the end all you can do is pray.

    You’re right on that one. Some people are in denial that there is a problem. Some people don’t care. Some people like the attention they get. To some extent, the substance(s) being abused is the culprit. Ultimately, they (the drunk/junkie) are responsible for their own actions, unless they were addicted forcibly. This is why it is treated as an illness.

    Much like heart disease, a person’s choices prior to the disease becoming manifest are the ultimate cause. Too much chicken fried steak & cream gravy –> heart disease. Too much and/or the wrong drug –> addiction.

    5) is the sister correct in her comment about putting addicts behind bars? but at the same time where else can they go if they refuse to get help.

    Lock him up.

    And throw away the key. At least until he has gotten his disease under control and paid his debt to society.

    6) Finally why in the HELL did this guy even have a driver’s license after all of this? And should we look at how and why he was able to continue to maintain a license, and should that law change.

    I doubt he had a license when this latest DWI took place. Not having a license won’t stop guys like this from driving. Depending on when his other DWIs occurred he could have had it revoked for life.

    The guy’s a professional. True professionals don’t let things like drivers licenses slow them down.

  47. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    4) are his family as much to blame for this because they did not try to get him help.

    Absolutely not. Ask anyone who has a family member like this. They will tell you all the different ways they’ve tried to get them help. You cannot make them accept help. In the end all you can do is pray.

    You’re right on that one. Some people are in denial that there is a problem. Some people don’t care. Some people like the attention they get. To some extent, the substance(s) being abused is the culprit. Ultimately, they (the drunk/junkie) are responsible for their own actions, unless they were addicted forcibly. This is why it is treated as an illness.

    Much like heart disease, a person’s choices prior to the disease becoming manifest are the ultimate cause. Too much chicken fried steak & cream gravy –> heart disease. Too much and/or the wrong drug –> addiction.

    5) is the sister correct in her comment about putting addicts behind bars? but at the same time where else can they go if they refuse to get help.

    Lock him up.

    And throw away the key. At least until he has gotten his disease under control and paid his debt to society.

    6) Finally why in the HELL did this guy even have a driver’s license after all of this? And should we look at how and why he was able to continue to maintain a license, and should that law change.

    I doubt he had a license when this latest DWI took place. Not having a license won’t stop guys like this from driving. Depending on when his other DWIs occurred he could have had it revoked for life.

    The guy’s a professional. True professionals don’t let things like drivers licenses slow them down.

  48. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    And throw away the key. At least until he has gotten his disease under control and paid his debt to society.

    He’s not going to.

    Never.

    Not this guy.

    And there’s too many out there like him. Our laws regarding the use of alcohol aren’t working.

    We need to legalize it and use the tax money for treatment and prevention—that’s what will keep guys like this off the streets.

  49. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    And throw away the key. At least until he has gotten his disease under control and paid his debt to society.

    He’s not going to.

    Never.

    Not this guy.

    And there’s too many out there like him. Our laws regarding the use of alcohol aren’t working.

    We need to legalize it and use the tax money for treatment and prevention—that’s what will keep guys like this off the streets.

  50. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Ok to expand on my Question 5. Think about what the sister said, they never tried to get him help. That begs the question did they try to get him into rehab and he refused? Or did they just sit back and say he needs to go in by himself?

  51. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Ok to expand on my Question 5. Think about what the sister said, they never tried to get him help. That begs the question did they try to get him into rehab and he refused? Or did they just sit back and say he needs to go in by himself?

  52. El Gordo Avatar
    El Gordo

    We need to legalize it and use the tax money for treatment and prevention

    Whoa! Can’t speak for everyone, but that’s a gross distortion of my pro-legalization position. Never did I say that I thought the tax revenues from it should be used for treatment and prevention. The cost of treatment should be borne by the individual with the problem. Prevention, again, should be up to the individual and is more a matter of personal responsibility than a budgetary consideration.

  53. The Dude Avatar
    The Dude

    We need to legalize it and use the tax money for treatment and prevention

    Whoa! Can’t speak for everyone, but that’s a gross distortion of my pro-legalization position. Never did I say that I thought the tax revenues from it should be used for treatment and prevention. The cost of treatment should be borne by the individual with the problem. Prevention, again, should be up to the individual and is more a matter of personal responsibility than a budgetary consideration.

  54. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #21, WB I think that was because our resident trolls did not show up, and those that commented expressed their positions and brought out questions that promoted thoughtful responses.

  55. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #21, WB I think that was because our resident trolls did not show up, and those that commented expressed their positions and brought out questions that promoted thoughtful responses.

  56. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    I find it really fascinating that every time the gov’t turds say this sin tax will be used to treat the sinners, or the gas tax will be used for road/bridge/police etc then they put the money in the general fund and use it to further their own careers/bank accts. The solution is to have separate accounts for the funds collected so that they, in fact, go to that which they are dedicated; anything else is misappropriation of funds or stealing in common language. Remember how when then Gov Wrinkles (Ma Richards) promised that all the lottery funds would go to education?? The first time around the lottery failed, 2nd time it passed. Funny thing though about the lottery, all the money goes into the general fund instead of a dedicated account; ditto social security at the national level.

    As far as sin taxes on pot or drugs in general; put them in a dedicated account or don’t bother to collect them. Keep the taxes very low or they will not be paid at all. Attack the addiction problem as the root and not the symptom/substance and better results will be yielded.

  57. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    I find it really fascinating that every time the gov’t turds say this sin tax will be used to treat the sinners, or the gas tax will be used for road/bridge/police etc then they put the money in the general fund and use it to further their own careers/bank accts. The solution is to have separate accounts for the funds collected so that they, in fact, go to that which they are dedicated; anything else is misappropriation of funds or stealing in common language. Remember how when then Gov Wrinkles (Ma Richards) promised that all the lottery funds would go to education?? The first time around the lottery failed, 2nd time it passed. Funny thing though about the lottery, all the money goes into the general fund instead of a dedicated account; ditto social security at the national level.

    As far as sin taxes on pot or drugs in general; put them in a dedicated account or don’t bother to collect them. Keep the taxes very low or they will not be paid at all. Attack the addiction problem as the root and not the symptom/substance and better results will be yielded.

  58. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #26 bweldon
    The guy’s an adult. Just because he sprang forth from the same loins as his sister does not make her in the slightest bit culpable for his crimes.

  59. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #26 bweldon
    The guy’s an adult. Just because he sprang forth from the same loins as his sister does not make her in the slightest bit culpable for his crimes.

  60. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #10 GJT: I live in the Copperfield subdivision and therefore am not able to vote for Kent Hargett, the guy opposing Brady. I have only known Kent Hargett for about 35 years or so and you will not find a keener intellect on mid-east issues than his and he is a pretty good banjo player to boot.

  61. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #10 GJT: I live in the Copperfield subdivision and therefore am not able to vote for Kent Hargett, the guy opposing Brady. I have only known Kent Hargett for about 35 years or so and you will not find a keener intellect on mid-east issues than his and he is a pretty good banjo player to boot.

  62. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #30, I am not saying in any way that the sister should be held accountable for her brothers crimes. What I do find highly ironic is she is open about the fact that he has an illness, and has failed to get treatment on his own. But in the same breath complains that after 15 criminal convicitons and at least 2 prision terms being sent away for life is to harsh.

    And that the family made a decision, that is well within their rights, to not try to get him help because as everyone has said,”He is an adult, and should be held accountable for his own actions.” But that argument can be rendered moot by the sister admission that he started drinking as a teen

    Harvey’s older sister, Nancy Rector, said her brother was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was young, and he started drinking as a teenager. He also began using drugs, mostly marijuana, she said.

    But his parents did nothing when they still had legal responsability and obligation to do so. If someone in the family had done something to stop this behavior when he was still a minor we might not be sitting here talking about it. So to a certain level we can hold a mirror to the family and tell them that by not doing things when they could have are accessories after the fact. True we cannot hold them accountable, however we can bring their decisions to light and point out the failures that issues that have come from them.

  63. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #30, I am not saying in any way that the sister should be held accountable for her brothers crimes. What I do find highly ironic is she is open about the fact that he has an illness, and has failed to get treatment on his own. But in the same breath complains that after 15 criminal convicitons and at least 2 prision terms being sent away for life is to harsh.

    And that the family made a decision, that is well within their rights, to not try to get him help because as everyone has said,”He is an adult, and should be held accountable for his own actions.” But that argument can be rendered moot by the sister admission that he started drinking as a teen

    Harvey’s older sister, Nancy Rector, said her brother was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was young, and he started drinking as a teenager. He also began using drugs, mostly marijuana, she said.

    But his parents did nothing when they still had legal responsability and obligation to do so. If someone in the family had done something to stop this behavior when he was still a minor we might not be sitting here talking about it. So to a certain level we can hold a mirror to the family and tell them that by not doing things when they could have are accessories after the fact. True we cannot hold them accountable, however we can bring their decisions to light and point out the failures that issues that have come from them.

  64. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    This very good; Obstructionism reaps its reward

    In 1938, the GOP won 72 seats in the House.
    In 1946, Republicans swept both houses and presented Harry Truman with a “fighting 80th Congress” that contained three future presidents: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.
    In 1966, Republicans picked up 47 House seats to set up the comeback of Nixon, who had led the party out of the wilderness of Goldwater’s defeat.
    In 1994, the Republican Revolution added 52 House seats and captured both chambers for the first time since Eisenhower’s first term.
    Looking back on those Republican triumphs, and forward to Tuesday’s, what do these Republican off-year victories have in common?
    In all four – 1938, 1946, 1966 and 1994 – the GOP won not because of what the party had accomplished or the hopes it had raised, but because Republicans were the only alternative on the ballot to a Democratic Party and president voters wished to punish.

  65. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    This very good; Obstructionism reaps its reward

    In 1938, the GOP won 72 seats in the House.
    In 1946, Republicans swept both houses and presented Harry Truman with a “fighting 80th Congress” that contained three future presidents: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.
    In 1966, Republicans picked up 47 House seats to set up the comeback of Nixon, who had led the party out of the wilderness of Goldwater’s defeat.
    In 1994, the Republican Revolution added 52 House seats and captured both chambers for the first time since Eisenhower’s first term.
    Looking back on those Republican triumphs, and forward to Tuesday’s, what do these Republican off-year victories have in common?
    In all four – 1938, 1946, 1966 and 1994 – the GOP won not because of what the party had accomplished or the hopes it had raised, but because Republicans were the only alternative on the ballot to a Democratic Party and president voters wished to punish.

  66. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Whoa! Can’t speak for everyone, but that’s a gross distortion of my pro-legalization position. Never did I say that I thought the tax revenues from it should be used for treatment and prevention. The cost of treatment should be borne by the individual with the problem. Prevention, again, should be up to the individual and is more a matter of personal responsibility than a budgetary consideration.

    I didn’t say that was your position. But it is the position of many, of not most of, the punditry driving the current national discussion regarding the legalization of a consciousness altering substance that will be used with greater frequency by people who drive cars, run machinery, file documents, and raise children if it is.

    Legalizing pot will grow government, pure and simple.

    There will be government programs funded for the study of better means of cultivation. Colleges around the country will use government funds for Canabis Cultivation Degree programs (the best will be at Texas A & M). Regulatory agencies will be created. New laws passed. An entirely new type of Lobbyist will be created. The USDA will be expanded.

    And what do you think will happen when farmers discover that the profit per acre derived from the cultivation of pot is more than that of food (and more personally to you—more than the profit derived from hops and barley) by a factor of 10? After the increased prioce of food that comes from the shortages, I assume that the government will start issuing checks to farmers for NOT cultivating pot.

    If one thinks about it, legalizing pot would become a better means to exanding the scope and control of government than electing the Obama/Castro ticket with a Green Party supermajority in both houses of congress.

  67. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Whoa! Can’t speak for everyone, but that’s a gross distortion of my pro-legalization position. Never did I say that I thought the tax revenues from it should be used for treatment and prevention. The cost of treatment should be borne by the individual with the problem. Prevention, again, should be up to the individual and is more a matter of personal responsibility than a budgetary consideration.

    I didn’t say that was your position. But it is the position of many, of not most of, the punditry driving the current national discussion regarding the legalization of a consciousness altering substance that will be used with greater frequency by people who drive cars, run machinery, file documents, and raise children if it is.

    Legalizing pot will grow government, pure and simple.

    There will be government programs funded for the study of better means of cultivation. Colleges around the country will use government funds for Canabis Cultivation Degree programs (the best will be at Texas A & M). Regulatory agencies will be created. New laws passed. An entirely new type of Lobbyist will be created. The USDA will be expanded.

    And what do you think will happen when farmers discover that the profit per acre derived from the cultivation of pot is more than that of food (and more personally to you—more than the profit derived from hops and barley) by a factor of 10? After the increased prioce of food that comes from the shortages, I assume that the government will start issuing checks to farmers for NOT cultivating pot.

    If one thinks about it, legalizing pot would become a better means to exanding the scope and control of government than electing the Obama/Castro ticket with a Green Party supermajority in both houses of congress.

  68. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    But his parents did nothing when they still had legal responsability and obligation to do so. If someone in the family had done something to stop this behavior when he was still a minor we might not be sitting here talking about it. So to a certain level we can hold a mirror to the family and tell them that by not doing things when they could have are accessories after the fact. True we cannot hold them accountable, however we can bring their decisions to light and point out the failures that issues that have come from them.

    And the product he was for the most part using was entirely legal, with a good deal of Government Regulation involved.

    But still, the problem persists.

    Nothing could better demonstrate the futility of solving the problem by legalizing the problem substance.

  69. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    But his parents did nothing when they still had legal responsability and obligation to do so. If someone in the family had done something to stop this behavior when he was still a minor we might not be sitting here talking about it. So to a certain level we can hold a mirror to the family and tell them that by not doing things when they could have are accessories after the fact. True we cannot hold them accountable, however we can bring their decisions to light and point out the failures that issues that have come from them.

    And the product he was for the most part using was entirely legal, with a good deal of Government Regulation involved.

    But still, the problem persists.

    Nothing could better demonstrate the futility of solving the problem by legalizing the problem substance.

  70. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Pot would become a major crop, but wait until we learn to burn it for fuel! Although we’d save money on the of processing used tires. Tires won’t wear out as quickly, since the cars will be high and won’t be making as much road contact as they do now.

  71. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Pot would become a major crop, but wait until we learn to burn it for fuel! Although we’d save money on the of processing used tires. Tires won’t wear out as quickly, since the cars will be high and won’t be making as much road contact as they do now.

  72. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    DWI is a crime period! Sometimes there is a victim and sometimes not.

    If you go for help before you commit a crime, then I think society would be better served if we provided free rehab on demand. I know from personal experience that rehab does not have a high first time success rate. My daughter is an addict and we have put her thru rehab three times.

    Get drunk or get stoned and drive; I don’t care. You are a criminal and must pay the price. You are the one that went into the bar or opened the bottle fully sober and then decided to drive knowing the possible bad outcomes.

  73. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    DWI is a crime period! Sometimes there is a victim and sometimes not.

    If you go for help before you commit a crime, then I think society would be better served if we provided free rehab on demand. I know from personal experience that rehab does not have a high first time success rate. My daughter is an addict and we have put her thru rehab three times.

    Get drunk or get stoned and drive; I don’t care. You are a criminal and must pay the price. You are the one that went into the bar or opened the bottle fully sober and then decided to drive knowing the possible bad outcomes.

  74. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #33, SD, that is a good article and it points out that unless the Republicans come up with some sound answers, Many of them as well as many Democrats and Obama, will be looking for a job come 2012.

  75. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #33, SD, that is a good article and it points out that unless the Republicans come up with some sound answers, Many of them as well as many Democrats and Obama, will be looking for a job come 2012.

  76. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Okay, not sure what to make of this one.

    Is it the English accent throwing me off? Or the contrast of the pastoral scenes and the type of music? Or could it be the product vs. the song style?

  77. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Okay, not sure what to make of this one.

    Is it the English accent throwing me off? Or the contrast of the pastoral scenes and the type of music? Or could it be the product vs. the song style?

  78. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Guys lets face something here:

    The ONLY real reason why the Legalization of Pot has become a national discussion is because it is seriously being discussed in California.

    And it has nothing to do with the failure of the War on Drugs.

    And it has nothing to do with funding Prevention.

    And it has nothing to do with funding Treatment.

    And it has nothing to do with preventing other Crimes.

    I has everything to do with the fact that California is broke, that it’s broke because of it’s massive government, and that a bunch of people out ther think that expanding government will solve the problem.

  79. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Guys lets face something here:

    The ONLY real reason why the Legalization of Pot has become a national discussion is because it is seriously being discussed in California.

    And it has nothing to do with the failure of the War on Drugs.

    And it has nothing to do with funding Prevention.

    And it has nothing to do with funding Treatment.

    And it has nothing to do with preventing other Crimes.

    I has everything to do with the fact that California is broke, that it’s broke because of it’s massive government, and that a bunch of people out ther think that expanding government will solve the problem.

  80. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    37 To clarify,

    My point is don’t confuse taking care of your debt to society and rehab. They are two different things. Sometimes rehab is part of the prison program. I am against judges sentencing offenders to rehab instead of at least some prison/jail time.

  81. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    37 To clarify,

    My point is don’t confuse taking care of your debt to society and rehab. They are two different things. Sometimes rehab is part of the prison program. I am against judges sentencing offenders to rehab instead of at least some prison/jail time.

  82. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #36 crazy aunt
    You’re starting to sound like a Ronulan.

  83. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #36 crazy aunt
    You’re starting to sound like a Ronulan.

  84. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #40 sarge
    Dude.

    You’re harshing my mellow.

  85. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #40 sarge
    Dude.

    You’re harshing my mellow.

  86. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    Sarge,

    I don’t think that pot prohibition at this point is very effective, but having said that….

    Legalization to collect revenues is pretty dumb justification for legalization.

    We collect “sin taxes” on alcohol and gambling. The only tax that will help us is a “stupid” tax on politicians who think that increasing taxes and fees is the only way to solve our national/state debt problems. The “stupidier ya are..the more ya pay”.

    Legalization will not cure the addiction problems we have in this country. It will
    only make one act legal and not turn some young kids into criminals when they have
    made some really poor choices.

  87. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    Sarge,

    I don’t think that pot prohibition at this point is very effective, but having said that….

    Legalization to collect revenues is pretty dumb justification for legalization.

    We collect “sin taxes” on alcohol and gambling. The only tax that will help us is a “stupid” tax on politicians who think that increasing taxes and fees is the only way to solve our national/state debt problems. The “stupidier ya are..the more ya pay”.

    Legalization will not cure the addiction problems we have in this country. It will
    only make one act legal and not turn some young kids into criminals when they have
    made some really poor choices.

  88. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Other government agencies that would be expanded through the legalization of pot:

    ATF would be expanded and its name changed to ACTF. (Alcohol Cannabis Tobacco and Firearms)

    FBI

    IRS

    Health and Human Services

    The mind boggles at the possibilities.

    And the only people who will be helped will be the people who make money selling it.

  89. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Other government agencies that would be expanded through the legalization of pot:

    ATF would be expanded and its name changed to ACTF. (Alcohol Cannabis Tobacco and Firearms)

    FBI

    IRS

    Health and Human Services

    The mind boggles at the possibilities.

    And the only people who will be helped will be the people who make money selling it.

  90. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Legalization will not cure the addiction problems we have in this country. It will
    only make one act legal and not turn some young kids into criminals when they have
    made some really poor choices.

    We turn kids into criminals when they drink beer under the age of 18.

    By this logic, we should lower the drinking age to 10.

  91. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Legalization will not cure the addiction problems we have in this country. It will
    only make one act legal and not turn some young kids into criminals when they have
    made some really poor choices.

    We turn kids into criminals when they drink beer under the age of 18.

    By this logic, we should lower the drinking age to 10.

  92. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #39, TT,

    In a word YES…. Interesting approach. But I would have liked to heard the girl more, here accent was a lot more real….
    🙂

  93. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #39, TT,

    In a word YES…. Interesting approach. But I would have liked to heard the girl more, here accent was a lot more real….
    🙂

  94. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    And that has me thinking.

    The drin king age used to be 21.

    When we all were younger, the politicians who lowered the age to 18 got to be pretty popular.

    How’d that work out for us?

    And I’m not just talking about drinking here.

  95. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    And that has me thinking.

    The drin king age used to be 21.

    When we all were younger, the politicians who lowered the age to 18 got to be pretty popular.

    How’d that work out for us?

    And I’m not just talking about drinking here.

  96. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    So;

    Lets ask ourselves a question, using as our database the national experience of legalization of alcohol, the subsequent lowering of the legal age of consumption of that substance, and factoring in the recent history of tobacco use and the governments actions regarding it:

    What kind of government do we get when it facilitates the citizenry in its pursuit of ingesting consciousness altering substances through programs that provide for better cultivation and production, and charges us for the privelege?

  97. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    So;

    Lets ask ourselves a question, using as our database the national experience of legalization of alcohol, the subsequent lowering of the legal age of consumption of that substance, and factoring in the recent history of tobacco use and the governments actions regarding it:

    What kind of government do we get when it facilitates the citizenry in its pursuit of ingesting consciousness altering substances through programs that provide for better cultivation and production, and charges us for the privelege?

  98. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #49, Sarge,

    To the best of my memory the legal age to drink is 21 and has been since before I turned 18…

  99. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #49, Sarge,

    To the best of my memory the legal age to drink is 21 and has been since before I turned 18…

  100. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Actually,

    A good many states lowered the drinking age to 18 in the early 70’s.

    After some checking, I find that the Uniform Drink Age Act was passed during the Reagan Administration which penalizes any state that allows drinking under the age of 21 by withholding state highway funds.

  101. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Actually,

    A good many states lowered the drinking age to 18 in the early 70’s.

    After some checking, I find that the Uniform Drink Age Act was passed during the Reagan Administration which penalizes any state that allows drinking under the age of 21 by withholding state highway funds.

  102. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #32 Bw

    And that the family made a decision, that is well within their rights, to not try to get him help

    Just as likely the family passively watched as the son’s life went to hell. Lots of people are not educated enough to be aware of treatments for problems, and/or, not motivated enough to take action.

  103. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #32 Bw

    And that the family made a decision, that is well within their rights, to not try to get him help

    Just as likely the family passively watched as the son’s life went to hell. Lots of people are not educated enough to be aware of treatments for problems, and/or, not motivated enough to take action.

  104. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #52, Exactly my point, where was his family when his life could have been changed? Now all we hear of complaints about his punnishment and the past.

  105. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #52, Exactly my point, where was his family when his life could have been changed? Now all we hear of complaints about his punnishment and the past.

  106. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Today’s entry for best lede in an actual news story that I did not make up goes to: “Drinks were thrown and blood was spilt when two blondes clashed in a bar about who looked best in a silver dress“

  107. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Today’s entry for best lede in an actual news story that I did not make up goes to: “Drinks were thrown and blood was spilt when two blondes clashed in a bar about who looked best in a silver dress“

  108. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Charlie Sheen trashed his hotel room because the hooker tried too hard?

    Charlie, 45, has played down the incident – in which he allegedly trashed the room after accusing Christina of stealing his wallet – saying it had been “overblown”.

  109. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Charlie Sheen trashed his hotel room because the hooker tried too hard?

    Charlie, 45, has played down the incident – in which he allegedly trashed the room after accusing Christina of stealing his wallet – saying it had been “overblown”.

  110. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Grannie who witnesses her granddaughter & boyfriend competing in the horizontal mambo event of “Dancing Under the Stars” has family thinking it’s time to pack her off to the home.

  111. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Grannie who witnesses her granddaughter & boyfriend competing in the horizontal mambo event of “Dancing Under the Stars” has family thinking it’s time to pack her off to the home.

  112. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Really cool punkin carvings.

  113. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Really cool punkin carvings.

  114. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    To the Group:

    I have some personal experience with friends and family swirling the drain when it comes to problems of various kinds, some including drugs (legal and illegal).

    No matter how hard family, friends, pastors, strangers, judges, etc., try to force rehab on a person, it won’t take until the affected person wants it for him/herself. Even when the addict wants to change, he/she has problems making it work (something I’m watching from afar right now – a good friend in Dallas is going through self-chosen rehab for the xxx time). Sometimes forcing it makes it worse – I’ve seen even the threat of an “intervention” create great rage instead of the desired change.

    I’ve watched various family/friends suffer in many different ways, unable to change themselves or their loved ones. It’s painful and heart wrenching for all involved.

    I wish that addictions got the same kind of attention and sympathy that AIDS and breast cancer receive. If we could solve these problems, the resulting benefits in GDP and health care savings would be huge. Not to mention the healing of families and the resultant benefits.

    I fully understand the anger and the desire to “lock them up and throw away the key,” but these people are ill. Yes, they are responsible for their behavior, but please don’t jump on the families. There is nothing that they could have done to stop it. Go to any 12 step program for families and friends of these poor souls and hear their stories. If anyone thinks that anyone willingly chooses this lifestyle, or willingly chooses any aspect of this situation, then you are sadly mistaken.

    That’s all I’m going to say on the subject.

  115. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    To the Group:

    I have some personal experience with friends and family swirling the drain when it comes to problems of various kinds, some including drugs (legal and illegal).

    No matter how hard family, friends, pastors, strangers, judges, etc., try to force rehab on a person, it won’t take until the affected person wants it for him/herself. Even when the addict wants to change, he/she has problems making it work (something I’m watching from afar right now – a good friend in Dallas is going through self-chosen rehab for the xxx time). Sometimes forcing it makes it worse – I’ve seen even the threat of an “intervention” create great rage instead of the desired change.

    I’ve watched various family/friends suffer in many different ways, unable to change themselves or their loved ones. It’s painful and heart wrenching for all involved.

    I wish that addictions got the same kind of attention and sympathy that AIDS and breast cancer receive. If we could solve these problems, the resulting benefits in GDP and health care savings would be huge. Not to mention the healing of families and the resultant benefits.

    I fully understand the anger and the desire to “lock them up and throw away the key,” but these people are ill. Yes, they are responsible for their behavior, but please don’t jump on the families. There is nothing that they could have done to stop it. Go to any 12 step program for families and friends of these poor souls and hear their stories. If anyone thinks that anyone willingly chooses this lifestyle, or willingly chooses any aspect of this situation, then you are sadly mistaken.

    That’s all I’m going to say on the subject.

  116. SC Avatar
    SC

    #54 WB did you read down? It occured in the “Temperance Bar”

  117. SC Avatar
    SC

    #54 WB did you read down? It occured in the “Temperance Bar”

  118. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Drinking age was 18 in Florida circa 1975. When I moved to Texas it was still 18. In the early ’80s they made it 19 and a few years later the pickpocket feds held our own money for ransom until the state raised it to 21.

    The weirdest drinking laws I heard of were in Oklahoma. Me and a couple cousins went on a road trip after graduation in 1976. One of our stops was to see another cousin who was stationed at Fort Sill. We went into a Pizza Hut and ordered a pitcher of beer. The waitress gave us an explanation of the law that went something like this (it was many beers ago): You had to be 19 to buy beer but you could drink it at 18, unless you were in the military and you could buy and drink at 17.

  119. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    Drinking age was 18 in Florida circa 1975. When I moved to Texas it was still 18. In the early ’80s they made it 19 and a few years later the pickpocket feds held our own money for ransom until the state raised it to 21.

    The weirdest drinking laws I heard of were in Oklahoma. Me and a couple cousins went on a road trip after graduation in 1976. One of our stops was to see another cousin who was stationed at Fort Sill. We went into a Pizza Hut and ordered a pitcher of beer. The waitress gave us an explanation of the law that went something like this (it was many beers ago): You had to be 19 to buy beer but you could drink it at 18, unless you were in the military and you could buy and drink at 17.

  120. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    The English continue to tire of Kruggy too:

    My guess is that historians will look back on November 2010 not as a “catastrophe”, as Krugman declares, but as the beginning of a powerful new era for the United States, when conservatism and the cause of freedom made a striking comeback.

    Let’s hope his guess is right.

  121. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    The English continue to tire of Kruggy too:

    My guess is that historians will look back on November 2010 not as a “catastrophe”, as Krugman declares, but as the beginning of a powerful new era for the United States, when conservatism and the cause of freedom made a striking comeback.

    Let’s hope his guess is right.

  122. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    The weirdest drinking laws I heard of were in Oklahoma. Me and a couple cousins went on a road trip after graduation in 1976. One of our stops was to see another cousin who was stationed at Fort Sill. We went into a Pizza Hut and ordered a pitcher of beer. The waitress gave us an explanation of the law that went something like this (it was many beers ago): You had to be 19 to buy beer but you could drink it at 18, unless you were in the military and you could buy and drink at 17.

    And it was 3.2 beer.

    Anything over that was sold in a package store. It was against the law to sell cold beer over 3.2.

    I was at Ft Sill for 2 1/2 years. That was when I deduced that the M53 Field Jacket was designed to allow the average troop to carry two six packs of beer: 3 each in the lower pockets, two each in the upper ones, and one in each hand.

    They also sold beer with a “push tab” instead of a pull tab. It was about 3/4″ diameter, and you could push it in with your thumb. Allowed you to open a beer with one hand, which came in handy during initial deployment with the M53 Field Jacket and full combat load that included one in each hand.

    When I first came to TX right after leaving the Army, I encountered a problem when I drank Texas beer in the same quantities and speed at which I consumed Oklahoma beer.

  123. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    The weirdest drinking laws I heard of were in Oklahoma. Me and a couple cousins went on a road trip after graduation in 1976. One of our stops was to see another cousin who was stationed at Fort Sill. We went into a Pizza Hut and ordered a pitcher of beer. The waitress gave us an explanation of the law that went something like this (it was many beers ago): You had to be 19 to buy beer but you could drink it at 18, unless you were in the military and you could buy and drink at 17.

    And it was 3.2 beer.

    Anything over that was sold in a package store. It was against the law to sell cold beer over 3.2.

    I was at Ft Sill for 2 1/2 years. That was when I deduced that the M53 Field Jacket was designed to allow the average troop to carry two six packs of beer: 3 each in the lower pockets, two each in the upper ones, and one in each hand.

    They also sold beer with a “push tab” instead of a pull tab. It was about 3/4″ diameter, and you could push it in with your thumb. Allowed you to open a beer with one hand, which came in handy during initial deployment with the M53 Field Jacket and full combat load that included one in each hand.

    When I first came to TX right after leaving the Army, I encountered a problem when I drank Texas beer in the same quantities and speed at which I consumed Oklahoma beer.

  124. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    # 60 susan
    Unless you were drinking imported (non 3.2 beer), in which case you could only get it in a bar private club or liquor store and you had to be 21.

    Unless you happened to be in Norman or Stillwater. The cops there gave up on trying to enforce the weird beer laws.

  125. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    # 60 susan
    Unless you were drinking imported (non 3.2 beer), in which case you could only get it in a bar private club or liquor store and you had to be 21.

    Unless you happened to be in Norman or Stillwater. The cops there gave up on trying to enforce the weird beer laws.

  126. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Given the day’s discussion, my stumbling upon this cartoon is just weird.

    I need to send it to Lovely. I’ve already ruined Tigger for her, now it’s time for the rest of the cast to go down.

  127. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Given the day’s discussion, my stumbling upon this cartoon is just weird.

    I need to send it to Lovely. I’ve already ruined Tigger for her, now it’s time for the rest of the cast to go down.

  128. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Not that this crowd needs the help, but —— BACON!

  129. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Not that this crowd needs the help, but —— BACON!

  130. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #64, I will show that one to my wife..

  131. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #64, I will show that one to my wife..

  132. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    This is interesting. And weirdly beautiful.

  133. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    This is interesting. And weirdly beautiful.

  134. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #58, TT

    My question today has been why was this allowed to continue, I mean if it takes 2 drunks to run into each other to get a habitual drunk off the roads for a very extended time, then what has our judicial system come to. He should have have been given the choice the first arrest after spending time in prison, either get into rehab and clean up or be prepared to be locked away for a LONG time. Sometimes society has to do things such as that for the greater good, otherwise there is no use in having the laws in the first place.

    It comes down to where we draw the line in the sand.

  135. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #58, TT

    My question today has been why was this allowed to continue, I mean if it takes 2 drunks to run into each other to get a habitual drunk off the roads for a very extended time, then what has our judicial system come to. He should have have been given the choice the first arrest after spending time in prison, either get into rehab and clean up or be prepared to be locked away for a LONG time. Sometimes society has to do things such as that for the greater good, otherwise there is no use in having the laws in the first place.

    It comes down to where we draw the line in the sand.

  136. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Tuesday morning I’m going to post a predictions thread so get your guessing caps on and warmed up. I’m ready with mine:

    GOP picks up 72 House seats and the Senate will be 50-50. RCP has CO, IL, NV, PA, WA, and WV as toss-ups. I think only WV and WA are really toss-ups. Either one of those goes GOP then its a tie.

  137. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    Tuesday morning I’m going to post a predictions thread so get your guessing caps on and warmed up. I’m ready with mine:

    GOP picks up 72 House seats and the Senate will be 50-50. RCP has CO, IL, NV, PA, WA, and WV as toss-ups. I think only WV and WA are really toss-ups. Either one of those goes GOP then its a tie.

  138. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    #69 Hammy

    I’m just hopin’ to wear my happy dance shoes come Tuesday night!

    Then the real work begins.

    PS: Anyone have the ability to pull up 2008 election broadcasts to compare to the 2010 broadcasts? I’d love to see the difference on their faces and how they phrase the results.

  139. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    #69 Hammy

    I’m just hopin’ to wear my happy dance shoes come Tuesday night!

    Then the real work begins.

    PS: Anyone have the ability to pull up 2008 election broadcasts to compare to the 2010 broadcasts? I’d love to see the difference on their faces and how they phrase the results.

  140. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    The 2006 results would be better.

  141. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    The 2006 results would be better.

  142. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    The 2006 results would be better.

    Huh??? When Scary Harry and San Fran Nan became Lords of the Flies?

    Uh, never mind. You were addressing Tedtam.

  143. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    The 2006 results would be better.

    Huh??? When Scary Harry and San Fran Nan became Lords of the Flies?

    Uh, never mind. You were addressing Tedtam.

  144. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #60 Hamous

    The military drinking age (at canteens on post) was 18 when I was in the US Army Medical Corps in the 1960s. I don’t recall any difference in age to buy and age to drink.

  145. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #60 Hamous

    The military drinking age (at canteens on post) was 18 when I was in the US Army Medical Corps in the 1960s. I don’t recall any difference in age to buy and age to drink.

  146. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Was there actually more unconcealed glee in 2006 than when The Big O was anointed?

  147. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Was there actually more unconcealed glee in 2006 than when The Big O was anointed?

  148. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #73 – I remember that part pretty clearly. Military could buy at 17. We were in Lawton and not on base. I guess that could have had something to do with it.

  149. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #73 – I remember that part pretty clearly. Military could buy at 17. We were in Lawton and not on base. I guess that could have had something to do with it.

  150. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Well, THIS could be interesting election night coverage!

    I’d much rather listen to Breitbart making heads explode than the perky Katie pout and whine.

    Well, I guess either one would be fun….

  151. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Well, THIS could be interesting election night coverage!

    I’d much rather listen to Breitbart making heads explode than the perky Katie pout and whine.

    Well, I guess either one would be fun….

  152. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Best. Description. Of. Lennon’s. Imagine. Evar.

    people (including Catholics who ought to know better) regard this as a hope-filled anthem of the Coming Great Rosy Dawn and not as what it is: Music to Accompany the Machine Gunning of the Counter-Revolutionaries

  153. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Best. Description. Of. Lennon’s. Imagine. Evar.

    people (including Catholics who ought to know better) regard this as a hope-filled anthem of the Coming Great Rosy Dawn and not as what it is: Music to Accompany the Machine Gunning of the Counter-Revolutionaries

  154. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    This is how one skewers one’s political opponents. One does not make the same drinking a Slurpee / car in the ditch joke over and over and over and over. One does not start talkin’ all Hip-Hoppy and gangsta.

  155. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    This is how one skewers one’s political opponents. One does not make the same drinking a Slurpee / car in the ditch joke over and over and over and over. One does not start talkin’ all Hip-Hoppy and gangsta.

  156. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    My question today has been why was this allowed to continue, I mean if it takes 2 drunks to run into each other to get a habitual drunk off the roads for a very extended time, then what has our judicial system come to. He should have have been given the choice the first arrest after spending time in prison, either get into rehab and clean up or be prepared to be locked away for a LONG time. Sometimes society has to do things such as that for the greater good, otherwise there is no use in having the laws in the first place.

    Gee.

    it seems that the Judicial system has as much problem with a legal substance as it does with an illegal one.

    At least with the illegal one, we get our tax money b ack from the Federal gummint in the form of grants to our Law Enforcement Agencies and repeat offenders go to jail for a long time due to minimum sentencing provisions.

    we might get one economic advantage from legalizing pot, though. a whole new industry would spring up providing devices to parents to put on thier children to keep them from getting a contact high at baseball, football, and basket ball games.

  157. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    My question today has been why was this allowed to continue, I mean if it takes 2 drunks to run into each other to get a habitual drunk off the roads for a very extended time, then what has our judicial system come to. He should have have been given the choice the first arrest after spending time in prison, either get into rehab and clean up or be prepared to be locked away for a LONG time. Sometimes society has to do things such as that for the greater good, otherwise there is no use in having the laws in the first place.

    Gee.

    it seems that the Judicial system has as much problem with a legal substance as it does with an illegal one.

    At least with the illegal one, we get our tax money b ack from the Federal gummint in the form of grants to our Law Enforcement Agencies and repeat offenders go to jail for a long time due to minimum sentencing provisions.

    we might get one economic advantage from legalizing pot, though. a whole new industry would spring up providing devices to parents to put on thier children to keep them from getting a contact high at baseball, football, and basket ball games.

  158. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    A bunch of guys who wear funny hats are planning to restore the grave of President Kennedy.

  159. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    A bunch of guys who wear funny hats are planning to restore the grave of President Kennedy.

  160. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Katfish & his new bike.

  161. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Katfish & his new bike.

  162. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    In lieu of a prediction, let me present a wish list:

    1. Dan Webster not only defeats Alan Grayson, he humiliates him.

    2. Sean Bielat defeats Barney Frank.

    3. Christine O’Donnel defeats the Bearded Marxist—just because that would pizz all the right people off.

    If I get two out of three, it will take a month to get the smile off my face.

    Prediction:

    If #2 happens, so will #3.

  163. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    In lieu of a prediction, let me present a wish list:

    1. Dan Webster not only defeats Alan Grayson, he humiliates him.

    2. Sean Bielat defeats Barney Frank.

    3. Christine O’Donnel defeats the Bearded Marxist—just because that would pizz all the right people off.

    If I get two out of three, it will take a month to get the smile off my face.

    Prediction:

    If #2 happens, so will #3.

  164. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    75 Hamous,

    It wasn’t that way for young Marines in the late 60’s. I remember going to the beach club at San Onefre (Enlisted Club @ Camp Pendleton) and having my 21 year old buddies pass me 3.2 beers under the table. The irony was that I was being trained in the finer arts of warfare, but could not vote or drink.

    SSgt Simple USMC

  165. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    75 Hamous,

    It wasn’t that way for young Marines in the late 60’s. I remember going to the beach club at San Onefre (Enlisted Club @ Camp Pendleton) and having my 21 year old buddies pass me 3.2 beers under the table. The irony was that I was being trained in the finer arts of warfare, but could not vote or drink.

    SSgt Simple USMC

  166. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    82, Sarge

    #3 will happen if she casts the right kind of spell.

    Double Double Toil and Trouble……………..

  167. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    82, Sarge

    #3 will happen if she casts the right kind of spell.

    Double Double Toil and Trouble……………..

  168. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #83 Simple – this was in Oklahoma in 1976.

    Here’s a picture of a 17 year old Marine (my Pops) drinking a beer in or around Camp Pendelton circa 1951 on his way to Korea.

  169. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #83 Simple – this was in Oklahoma in 1976.

    Here’s a picture of a 17 year old Marine (my Pops) drinking a beer in or around Camp Pendelton circa 1951 on his way to Korea.

  170. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Let’s play football.

    Tonight the mighty Lobos of Langham Creek take on the kitten-like Cougars of Cypress Creek.

  171. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Let’s play football.

    Tonight the mighty Lobos of Langham Creek take on the kitten-like Cougars of Cypress Creek.

  172. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    After a decent drive LC has punt blocked for a huge loss. CC scores a few plays later.

    LC 0 CC 7

  173. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    After a decent drive LC has punt blocked for a huge loss. CC scores a few plays later.

    LC 0 CC 7

  174. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    LC scores after a nice drive.

    LC 7 CC 7

  175. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    LC scores after a nice drive.

    LC 7 CC 7

  176. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    CC misses a FG attempt. 1st & 10 LC.

  177. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    CC misses a FG attempt. 1st & 10 LC.

  178. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    LC makes a 35yd FG.

    LC 10 CC 7

  179. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    LC makes a 35yd FG.

    LC 10 CC 7

  180. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Aw, boogers. CC scores on a 65yd run.

    LC 10 CC 14

  181. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Aw, boogers. CC scores on a 65yd run.

    LC 10 CC 14

  182. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    LC scores with a minute and a half left in the first half.

    LC 17 CC 14

  183. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    LC scores with a minute and a half left in the first half.

    LC 17 CC 14

  184. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    LC recovers a fumble, drives, and scores a FG.

    LC 20 CC 14 at halftime

  185. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    LC recovers a fumble, drives, and scores a FG.

    LC 20 CC 14 at halftime

  186. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Our local Congressional Queen Sheila is making national news.

  187. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Our local Congressional Queen Sheila is making national news.

  188. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    CC scores on a long run.

    LC 21 CC 20

  189. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    CC scores on a long run.

    LC 21 CC 20

  190. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    LC scores on a nice little drive.

    LC 27 CC 21

  191. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    LC scores on a nice little drive.

    LC 27 CC 21

  192. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #77 Pyro

    On the whole I agree with your linked article that Lennon’s “Imagine” is drivel. I especially hate the line “Imagine there’s no country.” But I have a quibble with the way this article misrepresents atheism.

    As Dostoyevsky says, “If there is no God, then everything is permissible.”

    Ethical atheists do not say that everything is permissible. Atheists are capable of living lives fully as moral as any Catholic. That’s the whole basis of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, which is called Objectivism.

    Also:

    all have a right to a fair share of the world’s goods.

    What? Do Catholics believe this? I would say all have an innate right as human beings to strive to their highest potential to earn a share. But the phrase “fair share” sounds like handouts to me. I know Catholics support some wonderful charitable projects — as do I — putting my money where my yap is — but I do not view my charity as “fair sharing”. Basically, it is a combination of the golden rule and simple compassion..

  193. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #77 Pyro

    On the whole I agree with your linked article that Lennon’s “Imagine” is drivel. I especially hate the line “Imagine there’s no country.” But I have a quibble with the way this article misrepresents atheism.

    As Dostoyevsky says, “If there is no God, then everything is permissible.”

    Ethical atheists do not say that everything is permissible. Atheists are capable of living lives fully as moral as any Catholic. That’s the whole basis of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, which is called Objectivism.

    Also:

    all have a right to a fair share of the world’s goods.

    What? Do Catholics believe this? I would say all have an innate right as human beings to strive to their highest potential to earn a share. But the phrase “fair share” sounds like handouts to me. I know Catholics support some wonderful charitable projects — as do I — putting my money where my yap is — but I do not view my charity as “fair sharing”. Basically, it is a combination of the golden rule and simple compassion..

  194. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #97 mh42
    I’ll try to reply later this evening or over the weekend. I’m at a football game with an iPhone.

  195. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #97 mh42
    I’ll try to reply later this evening or over the weekend. I’m at a football game with an iPhone.

  196. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    After a penalty-riddled drive, CC scores and makes a 2-point conversion.

    LC 27 CC 29

  197. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    After a penalty-riddled drive, CC scores and makes a 2-point conversion.

    LC 27 CC 29

  198. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    CC scores again

    LC 27 CC 36

  199. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    CC scores again

    LC 27 CC 36

  200. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    LC scores FG

    LC 30 CC 36

  201. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    LC scores FG

    LC 30 CC 36

  202. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    CC scores

    LC 30 CC 45

  203. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    CC scores

    LC 30 CC 45

  204. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #97 mh42
    In the Catholic worldview (shared by most of the more conservative Protestant denominations), God is the source of all morality; it is through his wisdom, inherited (albeit imperfectly) by us since we were created in his image, that we know right from wrong. If there were no God, there would be no wisdom to discern right from wrong.

    As I understand it, the teaching of the Church is that we all have a kernel of God within us, which allows us to choose right over wrong. With this in mind, your ethical athiests who live at least outwardly moral lives are doing so because they are listening at least partly to that kernel of God, whether they realize it or not. To live fully moral lives, they would further choose to follow God’s guidance and teaching in order to better discern right from wrong, as well as admit their sins and ask for forgiveness.

    The Church teaches that we all have an intrinsic right to food and shelter. What this means is that each person should have the opportunity to provide for himself, free from the worry of someone else taking his property (including food & shelter). Note that the quote you used in full context is:

    He was advocating, in an intellectually lazy way, a wish that all that stuff would just go away and not bother him anymore. So instead of bothering to find out what causes social injustice, he just wished for a world where nobody had any possessions (except him and his $25 million). Telling a starving man that you hope he has nothing is not a glowing and poetic sentiment. It’s a sloppy cop-out from the hard work of recognizing that it is sin, not possessions, that is the problem, and that all have a right to a fair share of the world’s goods. Telling a victim of genocide that “above us, there is only sky” is another way of saying, “The death of you and all you love means nothing in the grand scheme of things. All that matters is power. The regime that slaughtered your people wins!”

    It is sin that drives people to steal from and enslave one another. Without sin, each person would be secure in his person and possessions. Sin is the outward expression of the root of all evil.

    btw – You are straying very close to the Gospel when you mention the Golden Rule.

    Matthew 7:12

    So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

    Luke 6:31

    Do to others as you would have them do to you.

    The Greatest Commandment (Luke 10:27) also applies here.

    ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

    I could also go old school with some Leviticus, Tobit, & Sirach.

    I hope I addressed your questions. If I offended somehow, I apologize in advance; it was most assuredly not my intent.

  205. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #97 mh42
    In the Catholic worldview (shared by most of the more conservative Protestant denominations), God is the source of all morality; it is through his wisdom, inherited (albeit imperfectly) by us since we were created in his image, that we know right from wrong. If there were no God, there would be no wisdom to discern right from wrong.

    As I understand it, the teaching of the Church is that we all have a kernel of God within us, which allows us to choose right over wrong. With this in mind, your ethical athiests who live at least outwardly moral lives are doing so because they are listening at least partly to that kernel of God, whether they realize it or not. To live fully moral lives, they would further choose to follow God’s guidance and teaching in order to better discern right from wrong, as well as admit their sins and ask for forgiveness.

    The Church teaches that we all have an intrinsic right to food and shelter. What this means is that each person should have the opportunity to provide for himself, free from the worry of someone else taking his property (including food & shelter). Note that the quote you used in full context is:

    He was advocating, in an intellectually lazy way, a wish that all that stuff would just go away and not bother him anymore. So instead of bothering to find out what causes social injustice, he just wished for a world where nobody had any possessions (except him and his $25 million). Telling a starving man that you hope he has nothing is not a glowing and poetic sentiment. It’s a sloppy cop-out from the hard work of recognizing that it is sin, not possessions, that is the problem, and that all have a right to a fair share of the world’s goods. Telling a victim of genocide that “above us, there is only sky” is another way of saying, “The death of you and all you love means nothing in the grand scheme of things. All that matters is power. The regime that slaughtered your people wins!”

    It is sin that drives people to steal from and enslave one another. Without sin, each person would be secure in his person and possessions. Sin is the outward expression of the root of all evil.

    btw – You are straying very close to the Gospel when you mention the Golden Rule.

    Matthew 7:12

    So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

    Luke 6:31

    Do to others as you would have them do to you.

    The Greatest Commandment (Luke 10:27) also applies here.

    ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

    I could also go old school with some Leviticus, Tobit, & Sirach.

    I hope I addressed your questions. If I offended somehow, I apologize in advance; it was most assuredly not my intent.

  206. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    ethical athiests who live at least outwardly moral lives are doing so because they are listening at least partly to that kernel of God

    In my experience, nothing pisses off atheists more than telling them that their goodness is simply God trying to get into their hearts.

  207. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    ethical athiests who live at least outwardly moral lives are doing so because they are listening at least partly to that kernel of God

    In my experience, nothing pisses off atheists more than telling them that their goodness is simply God trying to get into their hearts.

  208. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    #104 Hamous

    In my experience, nothing pisses off atheists more than telling them that their goodness is simply God trying to get into their hearts

    Actually, God is already there. The issue is whether they have managed to block out that gentle tapping on their shoulders, that small, quiet voice in their heads calling to them.

    WB – good job.

  209. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    #104 Hamous

    In my experience, nothing pisses off atheists more than telling them that their goodness is simply God trying to get into their hearts

    Actually, God is already there. The issue is whether they have managed to block out that gentle tapping on their shoulders, that small, quiet voice in their heads calling to them.

    WB – good job.

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