I started the day with a big cup of coffee, and an 8:30am arrival at The Egan Center in downtown Anchorage. Thats where the special session of the Alaska State Legislature is meeting today. They have two things on their plate - voting on whether to overturn ex-governor Sarah Palins rejection of the stimulus money for energy efficiency, and whether to confirm Craig Campbell as Lt. Governor.
The joint session convenes at 1:00, so I had time to pop over and attend a press conference about health care reform to be held in front of Mark Begichs office downtown. Ive been hearing a lot about these Town Hall meetings across the country where people stand and shout to try to disrupt the conversation and prevent discourse. People are angry and they are taking it out on those who want health care reform. Why this is, is a mystery to me, but it happens nonetheless.
Alaska is different, though. You hear that all the time. But here, in such a small community, we all need each other. We may vehemently disagree with each other politically. We may carry signs in opposition to one anothers opinion. We may campaign for different people and vote for different people. But when it comes down to it, we are more united as Alaskans than we are divided. If you break your ankle on the trail nobody asks your political affiliation, or if your car breaks down on the side of the road at 20 below zero, nobody will look at your bumper sticker and drive past.
I knew there would be protesters carrying signs at this event, but when the press conference began, and four brave Alaskansregular citizens.stood up to tell their harrowing stories of health care challenges, I never believed anyone would heckle them. I really didnt. But as I stood there and watched, thats exactly what they did. They shouted at a mom of a young child with special needs. They asked her how much she got paid by the AFL-CIO. They shouted at a man with lung cancer, breathing with assistance, telling him he wasnt an American. They shouted at a small business owner telling him that he was in cahoots with Obamas Dirty Nuts - ACORN.
I watched these brave Alaskans, not professional media people, not people who do public speaking for a living, get up and subject themselves to taunting from their fellow Alaskans while publicly sharing intimate and personal stories of some of the most emotional parts of their lives. I want to salute them.
Bravery is not wearing a t-shirt with a gun, carrying a flag with a snake, and screaming while someone is trying to to tell people how to contact their elected representatives. Bravery is not shouting accusations at sick people. Bravery is not stopping discourse. That is cowardice and ignorance and bullying. That is what you do when you know that in rational discourse you will lose.
Bravery is standing up in the face of anger and speaking your story, telling people how to become engaged with their democracy, and demanding that the government listen to the voice of the majority of Americans, not just the bullies.
Eddie Burke managed to show up, and get on camera. He repeated Sarah Palins lies about a Death Panel. He did it because it sounded good and because it will inflame his posse as he called them. He didnt say it because it was true. He didnt say it because he wants dialog. Alaskans who use fear, and anger to intimidate those seeking discussion and reform harm us all. They shame their party, and their state.
There was a woman who shouted, loud and piercing while someone was trying to speak, I SPEAK FOR ALASKANS! The one and only time I wanted to interrupt, and yell over the discourse was to tell that woman, You do not speak for me.
[she's been accurate so far, what would make you think that she's lying now?]
I have no idea what you're talking about. I lifted a single sentance out of the piece, that for me, rendered the rest irrelevant. See my original post, it really wasn't complicated.
I have no idea what you're talking about. I lifted a single sentance out of the piece, that for me, rendered the rest irrelevant. See my original post, it really wasn't complicated.
gus.
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ok, so you don't care about the truth of the matter? Because it comes from "mudflats" it is automatically false?
Sure, whatever you say gus, whatever you say. *chortle*
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"We are all equal, but we definitely are not the same"
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I have no idea what you're talking about. I lifted a single sentance out of the piece, that for me, rendered the rest irrelevant. See my original post, it really wasn't complicated.
gus.
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ok, so you don't care about the truth of the matter? Because it comes from "mudflats" it is automatically false?
Now I get it, Anglrder has moved up there! If you keep asking really dumb tangent questions, this could last until morning. But I'm a patient man, so let's give you a new opportunity.
In my original response, I lifted this sentance from the author: "People are angry and they are taking it out on those who want health care reform. Why this is, is a mystery to me, but it happens nonetheless." My point was that if *this* is a mystery to the author, then whatever else they have to say is of no interest to me. See? I don't bother reading really dumb people for more than a sentance or two.
I am trying to find out about Obama's death panels. Maybe gus can help me out on this one.
As far as I can tell, that is a Democrat-style use of hyperbole for the "Bioethics" influence upon the health-care plan, promoted by proponents Tom Daschle, and Ezekiel Emanuel. Unlike most Democrat style hyperbole, however, these fears are well grounded.
As far as I can tell, that is a Democrat-style use of hyperbole for the "Bioethics" influence upon the health-care plan, promoted by proponents Tom Daschle, and Ezekiel Emanuel. Unlike most Democrat style hyperbole, however, these fears are well grounded.
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How are they "well grounded"? Other than in your own opinion of course.
People are angry and they are taking it out on those who want health care reform.
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That seems pretty accurate, why would you disagree with that?
LOL...gawd... How about the *second* sentance? You know: "Why this is, is a mystery to me, but it happens nonetheless.".
I know you're not this stupid, I know you find some desperately needed sense of smug superiority in thinking that you are winding me up. I don't mind. It's a good example for other readers.
I know you're not this stupid, I know you find some desperately needed sense of smug superiority in thinking that you are winding me up. I don't mind. It's a good example for other readers.
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Ok, please tell me how I am stupid. Or, why you think this is "stupid" to post? You never define what you think as "smart" (unless, I guess, it means agreeing with you).
I know you're not this stupid, I know you find some desperately needed sense of smug superiority in thinking that you are winding me up. I don't mind. It's a good example for other readers.
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Ok, please tell me how I am stupid. Or, why you think this is "stupid" to post? You never define what you think as "smart" (unless, I guess, it means agreeing with you).
I have had every opportunity I could ever want to teach school. The prospect of "students" such as yourself was a major factor in my repeated refusal. I'm not about to start at this late date for free.
Care to engage us in your opinion of what the Democrats have become?
Or is JFK nothing more than a distant memory?
Like a steely blade in a silken sheath
We don't see what they're made of
They shout about love,
But when push comes to shove
They live for the things they're afraid of
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Rush - "The Weapon (Part II of Fear)"
There are those who treat every human
interaction as a military engagement that
could escalate into a potential battle
leading to a nice, satisfying conflict
that's part of a war. There is a name for
such people. They're called assholes.
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Stanley Bing - "Sun Tzu Was A Sissy"
Sure, whatever you say gus, whatever you say. *chortle*
Tick tick tick you little dung-beetle. You would be wise to stay out in your roof garden sipping umbrella-drinks. But then if you were wise, you wouldn't be you. You won't like it when it comes, but then will be too late. All your little buds think you're plenty cool already, so show a shred of cognizance, and leave well enough alone. Or don't...
You won't like it when it comes, but then will be too late.
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What are you predicting here Gus?
Nothing more than one of my little inspired spleen-vents, when time and inspiration converge. Followed by a dogged and determined response-harrassment of the little fucker that worked so well to finally get Stupid off my ass. They get this crap in their head that sucking coolness off of ol' gus at his expense is a free ride.(no pun in Roby's case). I really don't mind until they inevitably get cocky about it. What's so funny about Roby is that he is a veritable 40 acres of blackland-farm in the way of potential. And I have every intention of plowing every inch of it when the time comes.
Or is Abraham Lincoln nothing more than a distant memory? Answer my question, and quit trying to be clever.
Well, since this question is the only one you've asked so far tonight, then here you go:
Yes, Lincoln is no more than a memory to the Republican party. The party of Lincoln is no more alive than he is. Hell...REAGAN is nothing more than a memory to them.
You must remember that any political party is subject to the whims and/or desires of those running that party. When you have dishonest and/or power-hungry elements running a political party, that party will become an image of them. When you have people who are willing to sell their ethics, their morals and yes...their souls...to remain in political power, the party they run will do the same.
Now...care to answer my question? Or haven't you the balls? Do we now need to consider you on a level no higher that what you detest? And what exactly does that say about you?
Like a steely blade in a silken sheath
We don't see what they're made of
They shout about love,
But when push comes to shove
They live for the things they're afraid of
---------------------------------------------
Rush - "The Weapon (Part II of Fear)"
There are those who treat every human
interaction as a military engagement that
could escalate into a potential battle
leading to a nice, satisfying conflict
that's part of a war. There is a name for
such people. They're called assholes.
-------------------------------------------
Stanley Bing - "Sun Tzu Was A Sissy"
I have had every opportunity I could ever want to teach school. The prospect of "students" such as yourself was a major factor in my repeated refusal. I'm not about to start at this late date for free.
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as usual, you are not willing to explain yourself. We should take it on your word no doubt, and then just "believe"? Sorry, I'm not wired that way. But then, you knew that already.
JFK was against communism
JFK waged war in southeast asia
JFK knew that lowering taxes meant increased revenue
JFK stood against Soviets and recognized the threat and stared down our enemies and called them what they were
today's liberals are not even in the same political /ideological solar system
This message has been edited by gillis7 on Aug 11, 2009 8:28 AM
What's so funny about Roby is that he is a veritable 40 acres of blackland-farm in the way of potential. And I have every intention of plowing every inch of it when the time comes.
gus.
Poor pus, a delusional pompous, self aggrandizing asshole, still sitting her 12 hours a day finding something clever to say about me. I'm flattered that I am in your thoughts constantly, but I would like it better if someone I respected did that. But, whatever you say fuck face, whatever you say. *chortle* ROTFLMAO!
Tick tick tick you little dung-beetle. You would be wise to stay out in your roof garden sipping umbrella-drinks. But then if you were wise, you wouldn't be you. You won't like it when it comes, but then will be too late. gus.
Who the fuck would I be genius, a burned out old fart with no friends like you, sitting at a computer 12 hours a day. No thanks, I love being me and I would hate being a bitter old shit like you. I'll take the roof garden and my friends and family over your life anytime. *chortle*.
All your little buds think you're plenty cool already, so show a shred of cognizance, and leave well enough alone. Or don't...
You're becomming increasimgly convused. You no longer make any sense. Yes my buds" think I am plenty cool, and they are correct. Are you really that jealous of me? Who gives a shit about you, irrelevant prick that you are? I bet you don't even have anyone who does. But, whatever you say shithead, if it makes you feel relevant, whatever you say. *chortle*
I love the attention, so bring it on. LMAO!
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This message has been edited by roby2000 on Aug 11, 2009 6:02 PM
Poetse; So why don't we debate the issues rather than behavior? Is it correct to assume that government health care is good for America? Why?
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Gee Poetse, it's good enough for you isn't it?
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CJ you never debate the issues. And your post proves it. Just read your own words and see what issue you are debating. Meanwhile the liberals do not address the issues, they make it appear that we have mob rule set against them. They are phonies and it should be obvious.
People are objecting loudly when a political hack like Specter tries to turn a town hall event into another Democratic Party PowerPoint presentation touting the benefits of Obamacare.
Shit, yeah!
Stand up and tell your representatives to address your concerns and not to patronize us, demonize us, or in any other way dismiss our desire to be part of the solution.
You are not going to shove the biggest change in American society down our throats.
Court us, first. A long courtship.
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We'll be friends until we're old and senile. Then we'll be new friends.
-Anon.
Way to go Roby. You are so much better than the pompous ass Gus is.
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
....courtship", moroniker....since Americans have already been begging for healthcare reform for YEARS now. The vast majority of Americans WANT healthcare reform...and they want it NOW.
Way to go Roby. You are so much better than the pompous ass Gus is.
You got that right, maw. That's the Pizza Hut chomping moron's problem in a nutshell, envy. But he does have a bad case of "last worditis", so common in insecure people who need to be heard. *chortle*
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"We are all equal, but we definitely are not the same"
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Doesn't mean anything, Janie. You don't accept Google research uinless it proves your point. you deny the rest of reearch. Just yourt style. Veery libgeral/. Now why not give us something besides polls.
Nothing more than one of my little inspired spleen-vents, when time and inspiration converge. Followed by a dogged and determined response-harrassment of the little fucker that worked so well to finally get Stupid off my ass. They get this crap in their head that sucking coolness off of ol' gus at his expense is a free ride.(no pun in Roby's case). I really don't mind until they inevitably get cocky about it. What's so funny about Roby is that he is a veritable 40 acres of blackland-farm in the way of potential. And I have every intention of plowing every inch of it when the time comes.
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Well, to "suck coolness off of ol' gus" one would have to believe that ol' gus has enough coolness to suck off of. I don't think so. Undoubtedly, you do... since you are so cool. Verified by a majority of gus.
But, you seem to express a fair amount of splenetic rage yourself. Care to speculate from what organ that really comes from?
Well, to "suck coolness off of ol' gus" one would have to believe that ol' gus has enough coolness to suck off of. I don't think so. Undoubtedly, you do... since you are so cool. Verified by a majority of gus.
I can think of no other real reason for the little moron to follow me around the board from post to post, for the singular purpose of posting grade-school insults and wisecracks. Can you point out anybody else here that he does that to in such volume? Do you have any other theories as to his motivation? Would you consider what he does as "discussion"?
So you think the wishes of the MAJORITY of Americans "doesn't mean anything", potsy? Then why are YOU using governmental health care, and why do YOU take checks from the government every month? You obviously hate most Americans.....since you don't think THEY deserve the same kind of health care that YOU get.
Why do you assume the health care now provided thru Medicare is what will remain? Medicare is a government subsidized plan. It is not a government managed plan.
So you think the wishes of the MAJORITY of Americans "doesn't mean anything", potsy? Then why are YOU using governmental health care, and why do YOU take checks from the government every month? You obviously hate most Americans.....since you don't think THEY deserve the same kind of health care that YOU get.
Well suppose that there are five people on a camping trip. Theyu take a vote and the three men vote to rape the women. The vote is three to two. So whay is that wrong?
For the same reason that the Cponstitution provides our rights and helth care is not one of them. And it is time that the people of this country take back their rights as specified in the Constitution.
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Since opinions are meaningless, why should anyone have one?
But have you ever seen a liberal who doesn't have an opinion? And since he has an opinion, yours must be wrong.
I can think of no other real reason for the little moron to follow me around the board from post to post, for the singular purpose of posting grade-school insults and wisecracks. Can you point out anybody else here that he does that to in such volume? Do you have any other theories as to his motivation? Would you consider what he does as "discussion"?
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Nope. I would not consider what he posts as "discussion". OTOH, I wouldn't characterize what you post as "discussion" either. He just gets it done with fewer words than you do. You beat around the bush, lard your prose with "moonbattery" dismissive shit, and call it highly intellectual. Roby just calls you a shithead and is done with it.
You call us all shitheads by beating around the bush forever. [pun intended..but, your intent is quite clear]
Who was it that said that "brevity is the soul of wisdom"?
Roby just calls you a shithead and is done with it.
What can I say, jim, I calls 'em like I sees 'em and I have dealt with morons with no lives for decades. I am tho thcard that guth is going to plow me or some shit he said. He couldn't get it up now to plow a sheep. He's the one that follows me around and, if I don't respond, he rambles with some shit about plowing me or something and doesen't make a lick of sence. He is sad, and all he has is his glib remarks. Actually, after Monday, we are going to be on the road to Baltimore, Washington and Virginia for 8 days and will be out of wifi 50% of the time. I guess I'll have to read gus' posting after they make them into a movie. *******chortle*******.
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"We are all equal, but we definitely are not the same"
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Nope. I would not consider what he posts as "discussion". OTOH, I wouldn't characterize what you post as "discussion" either. He just gets it done with fewer words than you do. You beat around the bush, lard your prose with "moonbattery" dismissive shit, and call it highly intellectual. Roby just calls you a shithead and is done with it.
Interesting... So how would you characterize what *you* post? You've come to share what you appear to see as roby's intellectual penchant for brevity, I've noticed, among other things. Maybe you two could do peer-review for the illumination of the rest of us?
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
We send you books, when you choose to eat the glue on the bindings, and not read the words, there is little we can say.
From the not-so-recent caliber of what you post, you might well have read them first before you sent them. You can only play so-above-the-fray-I-deign-not-bother for so long. Emperor...
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
From the not-so-recent caliber of what you post, you might well have read them first before you sent them. You can only play so-above-the-fray-I-deign-not-bother for so long. Emperor...
gus.
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I've read them all. I suspect that you cannot learn from what you read. You've made your mind up, and that is that.
But in Gus's case, A mind is a terrible thing to lose!!
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I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and
all the less important ones just never go away.
And the real pains in the ass are permanent.