tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post4057494799034040016..comments2024-03-26T15:30:39.733-07:00Comments on Rainy Day Thoughts: The Vision ThingRain Trueaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-4229411847402316032008-07-30T11:12:00.000-07:002008-07-30T11:12:00.000-07:00And Darlene, while I have your attention-You're 83...And Darlene, while I have your attention-<BR/>You're 83?<BR/>Are you proud of yourself?<BR/>I wish others in your generation had your spunk and "explorer" attitude gal!<BR/>We may disagree politically, but at least you're not "out of the game".<BR/>Good for you!Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-3701019054878252542008-07-30T07:41:00.000-07:002008-07-30T07:41:00.000-07:00Thanks Darlene for the chance to "say what I need ...Thanks Darlene for the chance to <BR/>"say what I need to say"!<BR/><BR/>Before you point out the splinter in my eye, remove the <A HREF="http://www.obamasgaffes.blogspot.com/" REL="nofollow">2X4</A> from your own.<BR/><BR/>I'll ask, as does this blog...<BR/>"How long before we can call Obama stupid?"Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-15128167357492340042008-07-29T14:59:00.000-07:002008-07-29T14:59:00.000-07:00You write something important here.I'm a Norwegian...You write something important here.<BR/>I'm a Norwegian beeing very aware of the importance of who is President in US. Impacts the whole world.<BR/><BR/>By the way:<BR/>Been to Oregon. Love the region.<BR/>And coming over the Pond very soon.<BR/>To visit a son of mine in SW MI, then a 3rd cousin and his wife in Minnesota and then (?)TorAahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05044855607413895442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-15327754673323401982008-07-29T14:43:00.000-07:002008-07-29T14:43:00.000-07:00Thanks for adding to the discussion, Darlene and y...Thanks for adding to the discussion, Darlene and you are right on as I see it. The media is very disappointing to me and it's part of why I watch a lot less news right now. I can't stand how they distort things. I want to go up to the TV and ask for a place to put a comment :)Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-28863769415720961032008-07-29T12:57:00.000-07:002008-07-29T12:57:00.000-07:00I guess I have to get in this discussion for one p...I guess I have to get in this discussion for one point. Greybeard pointed out Obama's faux pas in citing 57 states. Is he aware that McCain has made so many mistakes that it's hard to keep track of them? A few are 1) Mentioning the border between Pakistan and Iraq (There is none). 2) Giving credit to the surge for the success in Anwar.(It actually happened months before the surge) 3) Having to be corrected by Lieberman for his mistake on calling the wrong group Iranians?<BR/>The media have, for the most part, given him a pass on all of those, but Obama is dissected for motives and style constantly. If there is media bias it is toward McCain. And, to me, the worst thing about McCain is his dishonesty in his accusations against Obama. He crossed the line when he made that absurd statement that Obama would rather lose the war than the election. McCain's voting record has consistently been AGAINST the veterans and to question Obama's not visiting the injured distorted the real reason Obama did not go to the hospital. Obama did visit the troops and McCain's implication that he did not was a dishonest slur.Darlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18373134676852496647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-19725344784056533562008-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:002008-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:00For anyone who has followed the comments this far ...For anyone who has followed the comments this far down, you might find this article of interest about McCain's right hand man economically <A HREF="http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2008/07/foreclosure-phil.html" REL="nofollow">Foreclosure Phil</A> If you trust McCain's judgment, read the article, check the facts; then think about Phil Gramm ending up as Secretary of Treasury, something quite likely under McCain.Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-34330564615340866762008-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:00read your last comment and yes, I think a lot of p...read your last comment and yes, I think a lot of people vote to damage themselves out of revenge thinking. It's how it has always been. Logic in voting is not as common as emotion unfortunately. <BR/><BR/>Of course, my logic is not the same as someone else's. If I have learned nothing else in my nearly 65 years, it's that. Good thing to have a good sense of humor also which you apparently have. Sometimes it's all that gets us through.Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-61706726575235022892008-07-29T08:34:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:34:00.000-07:00one other thing. I likely won't watch either conve...one other thing. I likely won't watch either convention. I don't like speeches or shows. I am hoping to be on a river in Montana when one of them goes on if I am lucky anyway :) Sometimes I have listened to their last night speeches on the radio but not always.<BR/><BR/>I can't be fair about McCain. His mistakes would have doomed Obama's candidacy if he'd made any of them. There is an assumption that McCain really does get it even if he doesn't. I think we don't know McCain any better than we have Obama. We have known an image that has been presented but the real person, what he'd be as a leader, which he hasn't been, who knows. If he wins, which he well might, I hope I am wrong about him. If I am right, he's a very frightening man to have that close to so much power. He might be worse than Bush and that'll be hard to top. *s*<BR/><BR/>I think IF Obama gets in, he won't be what a lot of people expect. All along, he's been more in the middle than many have wanted to think. He won't please me on everything and some things he might do that I would like will have side effects I won't like. It's hard when you get into the condition we are and so many unknowns in the world still to possibly happen from climate changes to economic shifts to the power of Russia and China being question marks for what they will mean to the world. If either become aggressive, given how we have blown our wad on Iraq, will the American people face up to the real cost of deal with it?Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-41092673866132481422008-07-29T08:33:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:33:00.000-07:00One more thing and I'm truly giving up on the subj...One more thing and I'm truly giving up on the subject...<BR/>You are absolutely right about Obama not having a "walk-on" in this election. I firmly believe he has a problem with the "Bradley effect", and I think that is shameful. <BR/>Still, he'll have to deal with it.<BR/><BR/>Then there are the "PUMA'S". <BR/>How many of Hillary's supporters feel abandoned and will either sit on their voting hand or vote for the crazy old white guy?<BR/><BR/>And the thing I'm REALLY looking forward to-<BR/>The folks in Florida and Michigan that were disenfranchised by the democrat party... <BR/>Do you think they're finished expressing their displeasure?<BR/>None of this works to Obama's advantage.<BR/>Man... where's my popcorn?Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-40904183784458775712008-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00No Rain, I didn't think he actually meant there we...No Rain, I didn't think he actually meant there were 57 States. I'm talking about his ability to think clearly while tired and stressed, similar to John McCain.<BR/><BR/>Be fair now.Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-89214308522965642312008-07-29T08:09:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:09:00.000-07:00Yes, but did you really think he thought there wer...Yes, but did you really think he thought there were 57 states? You know he didn't. With McCain's goofs, they are relating to issues that maybe he does not fully understand which is much scarier in a president not to mention his temper that he has to keep under control now but won't have to then... But as you said, we shall see. I don't remotely think that Obama has a walk on this and any polls now are totally meaningless.Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-187429610807623542008-07-29T08:02:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:02:00.000-07:00Agreed, Rain.I am SO looking forward to the debate...Agreed, Rain.<BR/>I am SO looking forward to the debates...<BR/>The necessity to speak without the aid of a teleprompter and a carefully prepared speech...<BR/>Where life-experiences and knowledge of the job will be obvious...<BR/>And those folks trying to indicate McCain's age/mental acuity is a problem may be surprised to find he is sharper than his opponent... <BR/>(57 States? On the Senate Banking committee? Oh my!)<BR/><BR/>You and I can agree on one thing, I think-<BR/>The democrat convention is gonna be an amazing, entertaining thing to behold!Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-81852440460099068662008-07-29T07:25:00.000-07:002008-07-29T07:25:00.000-07:00I have learned when commenting that when all has b...I have learned when commenting that when all has been said, it's best to leave that topic and go on to another one as it doesn't gain anything to keep repeating the same things. I am glad you are posting and respect your right to see it differently. I hope you stay open to who Obama is and watch the debates just in case you might've been prejudging him based on your political bent. McCain will not lead to change but it's worse than that as he seems oblivious to what is going on around him. I am not sure if that goes with his personality or whether he is losing it mentally. Not having known enough about him years ago, I am not sure what is going on.<BR/><BR/>Brooks wrote something good about Obama awhile back and it was that he's tougher and rougher than people think given the system he has learned from. That will be good for someone who approves of his goals and not so good for those who don't.<BR/><BR/>My blog is not just about politics; so I hope you check out the other topics as they come along. As I said, thinking dissent is always good for encouraging people to think deeper themselves.Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-34412201288061655102008-07-29T07:09:00.000-07:002008-07-29T07:09:00.000-07:00I indicated previously I am not happy with our Pre...I indicated previously I am not happy with our Presidential choices this cycle. Like last election, I seem to have a choice between "Bad" and "Horrible". My vote will be wasted in Illinois this year because the State will obviously go for the candidate raised within, and mentored by the horribly corrupt Chicago political machine. (Chicago just raised their taxes again and are now the highest taxed city in the United States.)<BR/>There's nothing I can do about that, but it does free me to express my displeasure at the system we face. I hope lots of folks finding themselves in my position will vote "None of the above", and I hope someone with a megaphone notices that dissatisfaction.<BR/><BR/>We cannot hope for "Change" unless we vote for "Change". Electing either of these bozos ain't gonna get us there. The idea of electing a Candidate who is now endorsing more "Chicago machine" candidates sickens and disheartens me. There will be no "Change" so long as we keep electing these phonies.<BR/><BR/>I yearn for government that makes it advantageous for others to reach their full potential, rather than educating them to be modern-day-slaves by "gaming" our health care, welfare, and other government subsidized systems. Neither of these candidates will do that, I realize. But I know from experience which of them is most likely to change a system that is irretrievably broken. He's not a Chicagoan, and he doesn't have a "D" behind his title.Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-61505880965232673062008-07-29T06:58:00.000-07:002008-07-29T06:58:00.000-07:00oops one more thing. I have thought about writing ...oops one more thing. I have thought about writing about the comparison between the coverage of Edwards and Craig. The coverage has not been right and I don't disagree. I was not a fan of Edwards and wrote about it when the primaries were on. If I write about the issue here, which I might, it would be that it's not right to cover up one and chortle over the other. <BR/><BR/>I am more a liberal in how I see this subject in that I wouldn't not vote for someone based on their having affairs nor vote for them based on them being sexually moral. There are many ways to 'screw' the American people and I personally prefer the Democrat way *s*. Given that and sympathy for Elizabeth Edwards, Edwards has been a hypocrite and I never admire that in anybody.Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-22821741627154395732008-07-29T06:52:00.000-07:002008-07-29T06:52:00.000-07:00study on media bias<A HREF="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-onthemedia27-2008jul27,0,6802141.story" REL="nofollow">study on media bias</A>Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-5856235835123984742008-07-29T06:46:00.000-07:002008-07-29T06:46:00.000-07:00Wikipedia is a people's encyclopedia and it can be...Wikipedia is a people's encyclopedia and it can be distorted by left or right to fit the predetermined agenda. My point in that link and the other one is that there are two sides to how people see things. That is the problem with the internet. Some people consider anything they read to be gospel there IF it suits what they already want to believe. I try to get my information from assorted newspapers online which include right wing leaning like Washington Times to extreme right wing like WorldNet Daily. To me, it's obvious that the mainstream media right now favors McCain now is that to keep it a horse race which benefits them? Probably. They also are probably more comfortable with McCain or so they indicate than what they label the elitist Obama and that was the same thing with Kerry and Bush where they overlooked a lot of things about Bush that were inconvenient. We do not have a good media system right now. I have urged checking the things the different candidates say, not some talking head like Chris Matthews telling what it should mean-- go for the words.<BR/><BR/>As for media bias, you probably have seen the study that George Mason University did (not exactly a bastion of liberalism considering it has Dr. Walter Williams as one of its professors. And it showed that the coverage might be extensive of Obama but it's extensively negative-- http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-onthemedia27-2008jul27,0,6802141.story<BR/><BR/>I have heard them say it again and again how Obama is an elitist and people don't like that. They are the main ones who labeled him that. An elitist to many people is anybody who did take Soc 401 (don't really know there is such a class but you know what I mean.)<BR/><BR/>I have friends in Canada who love their health care-- well as much as we do anyway. Nothing is perfect. The problem with health care is until we find a way to bring the costs down, any system will go broke paying for the coverage. <BR/><BR/>I know there are good people who see what needs to be done in this country as being very different than I do. There is no way that McCain or none of the above will get me what I want in government and I hope that Obama will. I have said it before that we don't know until someone gets in there how they will be-- although with McCain it's pretty apparent...Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-47366060340682764182008-07-29T06:16:00.000-07:002008-07-29T06:16:00.000-07:00Oh, and one more thing, Rain...Be careful using Wi...Oh, and one more thing, Rain...<BR/>Be careful using Wikipedia as a source. The are <A HREF="http://pajamasmedia.com/rogerlsimon/2008/07/28/edwards-wikipedia-engages-in-some-political-cleansing/" REL="nofollow">part of the media whitewashing"</A> I referred to.Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-64582453373675173092008-07-29T06:11:00.000-07:002008-07-29T06:11:00.000-07:00Thanks Rain.We can be diametrically opposed with o...Thanks Rain.<BR/>We can be diametrically opposed with our views, but still be civil.<BR/>(I have to admit being nauseated by some of the things lefty bloggers said about Tony Snow, Jesse Helms, and William Buckley after their deaths though. Shameful!)<BR/><BR/>We all want a better world. How we get there is the question, isn't it?<BR/>I'm continually amazed at intelligent people who have forgotten the basics...<BR/>So long ago, I learned in Psych and Soc 101 classes that we get more of what we reward and less of what we negatively reinforce. In my job I'm constantly exposed to folks taking advantage of "the system" we have established in health care. Yet here we are, talking about reinforcing that negative behavior by going to a Socialist health care system! What happened to what we learned in Psy. and Soc. 101? Did we conveniently forget, or is there money to be made by the "elites" from the system being proposed?<BR/><BR/>You mentioned Rupert Murdoch in your comment at my Blog...<BR/>Your suggestion was that he was/is a right winger. You do remember who he supported in the primary, don't you?!!<BR/><BR/>Of the top 10 richest Senators, at my last check, 8 were democrats. I'm not saying just because you're rich you are evil, but I am saying having more money than God can allow you to leave a young girl behind after you've run your car off a bridge into a stream and allow her to drown, then not face a single day in jail because you are immune to our judicial system.<BR/><BR/>You and I can disagree about Obama, and I promise to be civil. But if you cannot see that most of the major media sources are trying to cast him, and the democrat party as a whole, in the best light possible, you are being naive. (John Edwards present problem with Rielle Hunter is a great example, don't you think?)<BR/><BR/>25 million people in the Mid East now have the chance to take a deep breath and experience life without tyranny for the first time in decades. This election will determine whether those millions continue to breathe free, or experience the boot of a dictatorial government once again. Let's pray our leaders, whoever they may be, are foresighted enough to realize in order to avoid having to commit more troops in that part of the world again and again, we must make the most of the successes we are presently realizing there.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the chance to sound off.<BR/>Be safe and well... you and all your readers.<BR/>(And don't forget the truths of Soc. and Psy 101!)Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-29185286661240105042008-07-28T21:55:00.000-07:002008-07-28T21:55:00.000-07:00One more thing that I have said earlier is that no...One more thing that I have said earlier is that no leader can do it. If Obama's programs fell apart when he left, which I don't know about, then it meant people expected him to do it. WE have to do it. It's not going to happen with any one leader making it all right. It's up to people to do it.<BR/><BR/>Okay, two more things :) It means a lot to me to hear from you who see it as I do because it reassures me about our country and that there is hope. I believe there is but we do have very different ideas on what is right to do. That's a passionate nation. Hopefully those who feel differently but still desire the best for the country can find some common ground and fix a lot of things that are badly broken. That's what I hope and it sure won't happen under McCain. Something is very wrong there.Rain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-24624321059800728762008-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:002008-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:00Hey greybeard, welcome and i hope you post your op...Hey greybeard, welcome and i hope you post your opinions here. I have always felt it's good to have diverse opinions. I do understand that Obama is not a messiah nor is he perfect. What we will believe about him or hear is going to vary depending on our sources. I looked up what you referred to and got some links that are the 'other' side of what you expressed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Jones<BR/><BR/>http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070416/moberg<BR/><BR/>The thing is that what is truth is hard to be sure of. I know that many politicians have disappointed me but McCain is so much worse than anything Obama might be that it's not even a contest in my mind. <BR/><BR/>Your viewpoint of Obama would naturally be different coming from the right. That's the problem today and why our country is so divided.. but you are welcome to come here and voice your opinion, especially when you do it so nicely :) Ingineer posts often on the other side and he and I stay friendsRain Trueaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07994628226501093880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-40400800356053753622008-07-28T21:22:00.000-07:002008-07-28T21:22:00.000-07:00It is refreshing to hear hope offered by a candida...It is refreshing to hear hope offered by a candidate who espouses offering ways in which lives for ALL citizens might be improved. You certainly raise some thought provoking points. I can only hope some undecideds read what you've written. Besides, for the doubters, consider the serious implications for our country and us with the other option.Joaredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03155775053108104385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-27734402859068304972008-07-28T20:50:00.000-07:002008-07-28T20:50:00.000-07:00One caution Rain... and you can take this with a g...One caution Rain... and you can take this with a grain of salt because I will vote "None of the above" in the coming election...<BR/>But Obama's "community organizing" in Chicago was a failure. The projects he "organized" languished and failed shortly after he entered National politics. <BR/>His time spent in the State Legislature was mentored by one of the most corrupt of Illinois politicians, Emil Jones. (This coming from an IL resident.)<BR/>Be very careful what you wish for, dear. And be sure you are aware of all the facts before writing such praise.Greybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11919862790973521778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-58105289310034183242008-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:002008-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00I totally agree with parapluie! It is your most in...I totally agree with parapluie! It is your most inspiring blog on Obama! And every word is so true, I get so discouraged with so many of the older people I run into that think McCain is the only way to go because "he's old enough to know"! He's also old enough to be losing it!Sylvia Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18259032453252447339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22918248.post-65152243327629246182008-07-28T10:44:00.000-07:002008-07-28T10:44:00.000-07:00I am part of the choir that you are preaching to, ...I am part of the choir that you are preaching to, Rain. <BR/><BR/>I do wish those elders who want to keep the status quo could read your posts. It is so depressing to find that polls show that elders favor McCain over Obama. Haven't they learned anything in their 50, 60, 70 80+ years?Darlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18373134676852496647noreply@blogger.com