CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

Watcher:

Sad indeed. :(
With Rapp City as a microcosm of America, I sadly state that about 1/3 of our citizens did not and do not generally vote.
Another third don't usually watch the news, read the paper, magazines or intelligent newsletters or information journals of any kind (other than from friends and relatives and any organization or religious groups they belong to)leaving them, of course UNAWARE of any and all problems America faces.
These folks don't even know what a National Debt or a Deficit means.
But they DO know that they get a few hundred bucks off their taxes whenever a Conservative wins a seat (despite paying triple for food, rent and fuel..among other things).

They also don't realize the HUGE fortunes Congress is spending (and has spent)on blocking Gay people from marrying and stupid polices like "Don't ask don't tell" which keeps hundreds of thousands of potential soldiers from even bothering to sign up.
ALL this (and more) as a smokescreen to the real issues we all face this century ....like education, jobs, PEACE.

America: Grow up!

Seneca:
Nice touch. You have a good sense of limericism. ;>

Gabby:
ALWAYS good to know your back is covered. :) TY

When Rush Limbaugh and Jimmy Carter are yelling, "GO GEORGE," and applauding the idea...ya gotta take a deep breath.
...(China already owns the west coast seaports).
Anyone who has been following my blogs knows I have been worried about the amount of money this country owes the Arabs and the Chinese for a long time.
Favors are usually granted to creditors.
Sigh...
JCRapp/RappCity

Mr. Porcupine:

I understand that trained wasps (as in bugs) will soon be used to detect those bogus chemical and nerve gas scares very soon.
An interesting approach.

I wish they could also train them to sniff out bogus politicians.

What's your Conservative opinion on Bush insisting on giving our Sea Ports over to the United Arab Emerites to run?

JCRapp/RappCity

Crusader:

Thank you for the kind words.
I am not myself a Romney fan (I actually consider him an,"Empty Suit," but his hair may win him some votes.

As for Hillary:
She might actually make a decent President(although NO Liberal will be acceptable to right wing fanatics ..even if they have war medals, experienced leadership abilities, vision, heart and love of country).
What Hillary made on Whitewater was about 100,000 dollars. AND..it has NEVER been proven it was illegal...or she would have been prosecuted.

But there are a few reasons the, "FAITHFUL" (to Bush) will continue to Bash Hillary (and other Liberals).

One, it is hard for them to admit that this current administration has been an abysmal failure. To pull away from the party would be seen as actually admitting Bush and his buddies did NOT make it work!
The economy is in the basement (interest rates go up again next week), jobs are going overseas(Republican party "good job" stats are usually based on numbers tallied around Christmas and when school is out...so part time jobs abound at minimun wage).
The gas and Oil companies made RECORD fortunes this year while people died waiting for doctors and medicine and for help from Hurricane devastation.
Michael Brown (EX FEMA director "Brownie") cried on TV this week as he begged for forgiveness and admitted that no one knew what they were doing. He bashed Bush!


The second reason is: Greed.
The Liberals will always try and balance the budget and try to reduce the National Debt.
Many right wing conservatives who are busy moralizing and fighting Gay Marriage are usually too busy with that (they count on it) to pay enough attention to the money matters.....as long as their taxes don't rise.
Hell, water and gas can rise 4 fold...food can triple...housing can jump 300%....but..they got back 300 bucks last year!
THOSE faux issues like gay marriage are created to keep most undeducated people busy so they never learn the importance of say, NOT owing other countries (Can you say ARABIA and CHINA?)money.

Yes, the Dems (not all Liberals) will try and find ways to offer better medical care to those in need, try and fix a broken public school system (Gee George..great job on, "No Child Left Behind," you just left the schools behind.

MONEY is the real issue...and it saddends me to see, for instance a poor religious couple, or a hard working blue collar family in a rural area or middle class neighborhood be fooled into thinking that two gay people getting married is more important than their health care and ability to fend for themselves financially. OR more important than their ever eroding civil rights.
And..they may never know if their kids don't get a good education!

Bush even OK'd spending cuts for the PLUMES and pollution cleanup at OTIS last month ...and in a very devious way.
Rather than spend money to finally FIX the long standing contaminant problem....Bush's environmental guys just raised the level that it takes for PCB's in WATER to be considered dangerous.
The new PCB level that is allowed is now TWENTY times higher than it was a month ago (Cape Cod Times...Boston Globe).
Let's all toast Mr. Bush with some nice fresh ground water from the base.
Morality? Ha! This is the most crooked administration in history!

Again, as for Hillary:
The word on the street (The propaganda I should say) is that it would be a waste to vote for her.
"Gee...I would like to vote for her, but everyone tells me she can't win."

BOY are these guys the best since Germany in the 30's?

JCRapp/RappCity

All:

As for Justice Alito:

Another sad day in Mudville.

Have you all been watching our country sliding down the tubes lately?

Greenspan is gone...and a guy still wet behind the ears is taking over ... JUST as we are going to enter what COULD be the worst recession in 30 years! Bush could have picked worse I suppose, but, let's all cross our fingers...

And, Bush just approved another 450 BILLION bucks for the war last week in his new budget....as homeowners face higher interest rates and foreclosure and hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost (Ford etc.).

Saudi Arabia now owns SIX per cent of this country. Did you know that?
And we owe China about two TRILLION bucks (all since Bush took office).
We borrow millions of dollars a day from China ..A DAY ...and their interest is paid off partly by trade and goods we MUST accept from them (putting our own economy further in crisis because of cheaper labor from China).

When the people we borrow from start calling in their loans (as they will in the next few years as they lean on us for things)this country will fall in a way that might seem like the Depression years again.
Inflated home prices will drop like rockets to begin with...and kiss all those 401K's and any pension plans you have elft a final good bye.
(It might be a good idea to be looking at gold and platinum for the next 15 years or so).

And guess what?
If a Democrat gets elected President..and is in office, he MIGHT have to raise taxes (if you want to be able to drive on a highway, send kids to school, give those oil companies and farmers their subsidies, pay our NATIONOL DEBT (which would lower your interest rates) etc., or possibly even afford milk or eggs!

It's TYPICAL of the Republicans to run the economy into the ground for the average worker, while their friends make fortunes and their supporters make big profits (from Nixon to Reagan to the Bushes) ....and then leave to let the Dems clean up the mess by having no options but to raise taxes.
Happens all the time...

And as soon as the Dems DO fix the economy, the right wing starts their religious rants again .... or a new war starts gettting planned ...and the Repubs start running back for the office on the old platform of, "No more taxes, let's bring back those moral values issues again and hate anyone who is not with us, and let's have another war!"

In some ways I hope (since the Supreme court is now turned backwards anyway) that a Republican wins when Bush steps down.....just so he or she can be stuck with the mess Dubya is gonna leave us!

Might be fun to watch McCain, Romney, Rice or whomever raise our taxes.

Got the game down yet?

JC/RappCity

All:

I am on the road. It's been hard to take the time to hook up the laptop and write. But TY for all the comments.

Let me say this, reflecting on what I see here since my departure:

Hillary bashing is a popular sport for most men. And notice that most of the negative comments ARE from men...not women.

This goes very far in PROVING my point that this, "woman bashing" includes ALL women that don't vote the Republican/Christian/Right Wing/White American Male way!

Right now, in the USA, a famous or politically connected woman can do 1/10th the bad things her male counterparts do...and get 10 times more flack for it.
And even when they do NOT do anything bad (Oprah, Streisand), they are considered obnoxious...BUT, only by most Conservative men and a few of the women that love them (or are afraid of them).

Having written in this space as long as I have now, I am SURE I will now start receiving comments from new readers with anonymous "unknown female screen names." LOL.
Don't bother. A waste of everyone's time when we all know the truth.

I thought I had covered all of the women the men in America hated in my last two comments..(Clinton, Bader, Boxer, Pelosi and Streisand), but, must admit that Gadfly's tossing Oprah into the mix only solidifies my point: Men are scared of strong women and so they VILLIFY them.

Grow up fellas!

JC/RappCity

I have landed at my destination and shall respond to some letters by Wed.
Nice to see bright comments.....and no fighting. :)
JC

To ALL:

If you sign your names.....expect to be answered by those names.
If you sign JOHN....expect people to address you as JOHN.

I would just like to take this time to say, as did our esteemed EDITOR, that these pages are meant for comment and discussion ...including debate and even disagreements ...BUT..in a civilized, adult manner.

Even when we use humor to criticize each other ...that is fine.

But outright bad will.... and personal attacks...will not be tolerated....and if it continues...I hate to say that this Freedom Fighter might close the board.
I have, already in the past, as you know, removed any posts with profanity.

I am leaving on a business trip in an hour.

So, please play nice y'all until I can get back online.

Thanks for coming to read my blog... and I'll see you in a day or two.

JCRapp/RappCity

Gadfly:

Yes, the Founding fathers did have some flaws.. ;>
But, overall, they did a heck of a good job drawing up that document!

I agree with you that self-interest in intra-party.
Nixon might have meant well...but, I think he lost his mind somewhere around 1969.
He did play a decent piano. :)

I further agree that LBJ (another Texan lol), although getting us caught in Asian quicksand, DID also paid attention to some domestic matters of great importance (civil rights).

Bill and Ted's "Bogus Behavior" with women signifies personal weakness, but, despite that, both men did and do care about this country...and its civil liberties with a passion I find lacking in many others these days.

From what I can tell from history, MOST of our presidents had mistresses.
Some just never got caught. wink ... wink...
That's not to say it is just a male thing either.
I udnerstand Eleanor got around too. ;>
A lot of our first ladies very often just liked to drink.

As for Hillary:
Walmart is an Arkansas based business. She was the wife of the two time Governor.
Althougb some of her businesss background may be a little shady, it is about as bad as Martha Stewart taking that stock tip and lying. I think she made a 100,000 on that whitewater thing.
What have Bush and his buddies made? What about brother Neil Bush, who almost bankrupted this country in the 80's and never went to jail (although he is a drug addict now).

The world may be close to ending from Corporate Raiders, War Mongers, International Arms Dealers....and radical religious zealots .........BUT...if we still find time to villify Hillary Clinton, Barbra Boxer, Nancy Pelosi, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and even Barbara Stresisand...
I think there may be a PATTERN there. :)

Thanks for writing.

JCRapp/RappCity

Maverick:

Thanks for the nice words.
Your name alone tells me you are a FREE thinker.
Everyone here is more than entitled to opinions.
THAT is one of my "Liberal" beliefs (along with allowing "Romeo and Juliet" and other great works of literature NOT to be removed from public libraries by the right wing).

Thanks for stopping by.
JCRapp/RappCity


Mopo:

Nice to see you.
Hope your holidays were good ones.

JCRapp/RappCity

Bryfry:

Goose and Gander. Interesting choice of words. :)

Whether you believe this or not, the mainstream (I emphasize that word) Liberal agenda is to give YOU many freedoms.

I don't want to disillusion you (oops maybe too late), but it is the Conservative Republicans (who used to call for LESS government) that are the ones that are looking to, "make you drink the drink."
They want to "legislate" your life....in the very way they used to criticize the Democrats. More laws... More restrictions. Less freedoms.

They want to look into your bedroom, listen to your phone calls and monitor your email.
They want to tell you how to use your body (Watch men jump on the liberal bandwagon when the Religious Right starts telling men they need to be "sterilized," if they don't have the "right stuff" (shades of Germany).
If you think this Fascist/Totalitarianism is impossible in America, think again.
It is possible ANYWHERE in the world that religion and government or dictators join forces.

I have no problem with you picking on any political people.
But the same rants.....(your words) over and over....about the same people...who are not even in power....loses something, when there are no facts...just emotions and total devotion to the opposition...right or wrong.

Most of you folks here are quite capable of making your own choices..... I just hope you read up on both sides of issues...and hear all sides...before just taking the party stance as dished out by insane radio talk show hosts.

If I seem "Liberal" to you, perhaps that is because you are too conservative to see anything but the conservative party line.
I am always open to new ideas ...as opposed to those (by the very definition of the word conservative) who would rather stand still or go backwards to a "better time."
Better time? Geeeeez....
To me the best time was right before Bush!
We all had some money, gas was cheaper, food was not out of reach of the poor and we did not OWE money to the Chinese and the Saudi's!

At least we agree on Romney. :)
How he became our Governor is still a mystery to me. Were people sleeping at the wheel?

Ike was a good guy!

JCRapp/RappCity

Great Gadfly:

I do agree that many Americans think abortion is, "not morally right," as you say. And, everyone IS entitled to that opinion ... in my book.
That is FREEDOM. :)
Being active in your private life...and the use of "encouragement" rather than force to make your opinions heard, and/or to change minds, is admirable in my opinion.
Choice is all we are really talking about here.

So if you think I am, "ranting' against all Conservative thought, let me just set the record straight that I am only against FORCING conservative opinions on people, in the form of Conservative LAWS.

It's like going back to the Puritan Age...considered "Golden" now by many on the religious right, but rather "harsh" by the spirits of those who were HUNG for not following majority rule and, perhaps, smoking on the sabbath, or having sex before marriage.

My "rants" (if you insist on calling my opposition to the Bush White House that word), are the kind of, "rants" that, in the past 100 years have gotten: The right to vote for women.
Let out of wedlock babies get "Illegitimate" removed from their birth certificates.
Passed civil right rights laws that forced the south to let black people vote and use "white only" facilities.
Stopped a stupid and illegal war in Vietnam (and got rid of a lying, insane President).
And even changed the law to include FATHERS time off from work to be with their newborn babies.

These "rants" helped Margaret Sanger make bail when she got arested, over and over, while passing out just information about simple "birth control" (at the turn of the last century).
Even TALKING about, but especially educating women on birth control was considered morally reprehensible and was actually AGAINST THE LAW.

Thank God for the feminists marching (and the many men who marched alongside them), who changed those insane laws and finally allowed women ... as well as men ... to buy a simple condom!

I do not attack Conservatives. I attack only the Conservatives that want to legalize their own moral opinions on what FREE Americans should do.

I agree with you that most people, when seeing atrocities to women around the world (including a thriving slave trade of young girls right here in the United States), are against it in principle.
But, as an old saying says: "If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem."

You, sir, seem to be a Conservative in the true sense of the word, and not a fanatic looking to foist your view on others.
I applaud and respect you for that.

I hope that clarifies my position for you.

Thanks for writing.

JCRapp/RappCity

Drew:

I never mentioned monkey brains ..... I was talking about human male brains.

But, if the shoe fits ....(while driving your four-wheeling....monster truck while waving a rebel flag), I say it's yours Cinderfella.

JC/RappCity

bryfry:

I don't consider comments on your right wing observations, "nit-picking," especially after your comments about "frosting my ass," then insulting the one woman on the Supreme Court, and ending your tirade with juvenile Seinfeld lines such as, "Yadda, Yadda, Yadda."

Now you insult our Senator, and promote a jerk like Howie Carr (who, often has to be called on handing out wrong facts on the air...then admits he, may have overlooked a detail or two).

As for you being a "dangerous" vote and just getting my, "fur up" (how clever), you haven't. :)
I too am not a member of any politcal party.
I go, "Both ways" politcally too.

However, in the last EIGHT years it has been an easy choice for me to choose anything NOT related to the Republicans because, as I see it, the Conservatives have hijacked the Grand Old Party (GOP) and infused it with a religious, fanatical, oftentimes irrational sense of entitlement ... in wanting to run everyone's lives according to THEIR religious ideolgoies and philosophies.
The HELL with Freedom and the Constitution. There's no place for that.
These people have been leading their followers like "lemmings" to the water to drown ...and will end up drowning us all!
Bush is creating a national JONESTOWN and the Kool-Aid is being served!

Bashing Kerry, Kennedy and Hillary is just what it is. Bashing.
It serves no purpose other than to bully people.
Bush has done more damage to this country than all three of the above could do if they formed a trio and bought a tour bus!

This country could use another Republican President like Dwight Eisenhower (Who, incidentally, warned the country as he left office to look out for the, "Military, Industrial Complex," that was already emerging).
I liked ike! He was the President of ALL Americans!

My choice for the NEXT election?
I would vote Republican in a second if Thomas Kean (former Governor of NJ and head of the 911 committee) ran for President!
But, sadly, he is too intelligent, not good looking enough, and speaks the truth.
ALL qualities that keep the best people out of the Oval office.

Sadly, Mitt Romney, the EMPTY SUIT with great hair will probably be a front runner.

JC/RappCity

Magical Eye:

Ahhhh.... Animal farm. :)
"Napoleon the Pig" is certainly alive and well.
There is no doubt that Orwell was one of the most prophetic minds of modern times.
He saw things in ways that make Nostradamus look like a side show performer!

1984 may have turned out to be 2006 ..... but it was a pretty darned good observation of things to come back in his time frame. BIG BROTHER is here and Totalitarianism is most definately around the corner if we don't, "wise up."

The Right Wing's biggest business is Propaganda and the demonization of all those who oppose their strict, fascist looking future.

As you know, many ultra-right wingers have been laying in wait for the big "Revolution"..."Race War" for more than a decade already.

And then what?
The BLUE eyed kids versus the BROWN and GREEN eyed kids (remember that classroom psychology experiment on social behavior?)

Let's hope we get a (To use a Bush Sr. line), "Kinder, gentler," revolution than that.

Thanks for the kind words too. :)

JC/RappCity

C. Thhomas:

Although we here on the Cape are very concerned (on both sides) about Cape Wind ....I think you may be jerking my chain here with your question about Kennedy asking about Cape Wind on a national judicial level.
I think War, Women and Civil rights need to come first. Energy next.
Thanks for stopping by. :)
JC

CapeGal:

Great analogy to LORD OF THE FLIES (LOTF). Although I doubt many of the younger guys here have ever read it (Tip for those who prefer Cliff Notes and movie versions: The original is much better than the remake).

This country, along with many of the countries we are having problems with seem to all be suffering from this LOTF young male syndrome.

History and psychology both show that when left to their own devices, boys become uncivilized bullies who revert to animalistic reality. This included attacks on women (just check out a war zone and see that the good guys and the bad guys have traditionally ended up both raping all the women as "spoils of war)."

The reason "organized" religion has been so successful (ALL of the organized religions) is that it punishes and ostracizes these behaviors and tries hard to keep a thin layer of civilization on top of young male agressiveness.

But, as a reward, in "sub" civilized countries (again as shown in history and current events) religious fanatacism always tries to subjugate women.

We all need to, "pray" that America does not let itself be carried away by young male religious fantatics ....because.... in the end. ...they usually signify crumbling cultures.

JC/RappCity

Peter:

Yes, Alito may be confirmed Tuesday (sadly for our nation), but, he is not there yet as I pointed out.

Hopefully the end of an era will happen when the Bush "Dynasty" ends, and common sense will once more return to this great nation.

It may take ten or fifteen years to get the courts balanced again, but, that is a good GOAL for many who have ignored the present condition (which allowed this President in the back door) to rally around.

And, as for this "whining" word.....the only time I ever hear it is from Republicans ..who have also "flip-flopped" lately more than Peter Rabbit.

Drew:

If Alito is mainstream, then Pat Robertson is a Jew. :)

Have a nice day fella's. LTNS. :)

JC

BryFry:

Let me add to what I said:

In case this web site (or Rush Limbaugh) are your ONLY sources of news and information...(I say that because Conservative demagogues have probably convinced those who listen that fiction is often truth), that Bush has NOT yet, "been able to put TWO of his people on the SC."

Alito has yet to be confirmed.

His nomination has been challenged by ALL Democrats in committee....and has yet to even reach the floor for a full vote; where he may actully lose.

READ...it's good for you! :)

JC/Rappcity

Ted in Hyannisport:

Thanks for the input.
I agree that Bush's FIRST choice was meant to be someone, "Destined to lose" in the Supreme Court race first..JUST so he could then say, "Hey, OK, then try this on for size," for the second round picks.

Smart move....and no doubt not a thought of his own (Impossible). Smart of Karl Rove we should say. :>

Bryfry:

Your logic is beyond my comprehension (and I am even educated)... so I actually applaud your totally, committed, right field "Agenda"(a position in baseball that not many want) for what it simply is: Partisan...for men who want women, "in their place everywhere."
This is no doubt affecting your overall "American" logic.

"We Guys" (lol), who care about AMERICA and even YOUR little rights (despite your protests against getting help you don't even know you need ... YET....), are not crying and frosting.... we just meant to try and keep America the place it was and is meant to be.

Let me hear from you again when you become a woman threatened with female circumcision and a forced birth by a rapist.
Have a nice day. :)

JC/RappCity

I would like to just add this:
A recent syposium on alternative energies was held in NYC, and many CEO's from top energy companies (as well as some entrepreneurs)were there examining and discussing the practicalities (or not) of wind energy.
Other companies besides Cape Wind will soon be offering it.

The only issue most of the other people were dubious about, was the fact that ONLY Cape Wind proposes it be out on the water.
Everyone else seems to be looking at mountains and fields.

I just think that even WIND energy will give us choices soon...and Cape Wind is anxious to get their own ball rolling before competition moves in. In the next few years wind energy (among other alternatives) will not be the exclusive domain of ONE company.

Happy Holidays all...
JCRapp2005/RappCity

Monponsett:

Happy December to you and yours.

JCRapp2005/RappCity

PeterP:

Thanks for the info.

I think it's admirable that this "Anti Christmas Defamation of Christmas" Jewish group exists, and what they are doing is a good thing to promote Judeo/Christian friendship.
However, I do think Mr. Lapin, himself, went a little too far when he said that Jews who, "Oppose any mention of Christmas are generally those whose only claim to Judaism is a rejection of Jesus."

That is a rather generalized statement (and I hate and loathe generalized statements) ...especially when they come from self-proclamed spokespeople for any group ...be it Jews, Christians, African Americans or even groups for the rights of Women or Gays.

Generalized statements usually offer the views and opinions of the spokesperson and his/her immediate followers in a particular group or movement.....not always the entire group of people they claim to be representing.

Let's remember that Jews existed approximately 2,500-3,000 years before the birth of Christ. So defining themselves by rejecting Jesus makes no sense anyway.

So, while Mr. Lapin is showcasing a lovely idea of tolerance and understanding on the surface of his group, I just worry that he may be just as much of a radical fundamentalist Jew as those who often say dumb things and claim they represent everyone's Christian beliefs (I won't mention the name of that Rev. in Va. who hates purple cartoon characters or the one on TV who thought of assassinating a South American leader).

Hmmm...this is serious though: Christmas...the Holiday that dare not speak its name.

As for Mayor Mennino: I am confused as to what he you mean about him, not, "going along."
He is for calling the tree a "Christmas" tree.
Do you mean he found Lapin's comment a little odd ... as I did?

JCRapp2005/RappCity

To All:

It seems that we do indeed still have a "Holiday Tree" in Boston. I have added an UPDATE to the end of my Blog to explain the final decision (see quotes there).
Mayor Mennino insists he lit the 64th annual, "Christmas Tree" tonight, despite the the city still calling it a "Holiday Tree."
They did all agree that next year there will be a Christmas
Tree for Boston.

Meanwhile, I enjoyed channel five news calling it a "Holiday Tree" in the first half of their broadcast tonight, and then referring to it as a "Christmas Tree," in the second half.

But perhaps the most ironic thing was the commercial, in between those news segments that was selling a Honda over the chorus of, "We wish you a happy holiday and a happy New Year," (to the tune of "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year.") Good timing...

Well, this has certainly been an interesting ride ... now
everyone go shopping.

JCRapp2005/RappCity

PeterP:
Hmmm... the networks better talk to each other... It was all over the news last night. As for that Jewish group ... It was refreshing to see the Jewish spokesman defending Christmas. The group was called,(I'm paraphasing here) something like the "Jewish group to counter anti-Christmas bias." Peter, I'm sure you have the full name of the group. Drop it in the next comment will you?
I think many Jews probably feel like that spokesman. He made a good point that(again..paraphrasing)some reindeer, a smiling Santa and maybe a few Frosty the Snowmen on a public lawn are not the end of the world.
I think, however, that lobbying next year for a manger scene and a Statue of the Virgin Mary might push the envelope though... :)

The "holiday" part of Christmas is loved by all. But, honestly, other than Church and family religiosity at home ..it is as much representative of the birth of Jesus anymore as much as it has become Corporate America's idea of cashing in on people's temporary, "Good will" for a few weeks. Ho Ho Ho...

JCRapp2005/RappCity

Hagg:
Interesting insite.
Thanks for visiting us.

JCRapp/RappCity

PeterP:

According to the TV News stations from Boston, the news last night said the debate has ended and that the Statehouse Tree is OFFICIALLY a Christmas Tree.

JCRapp2005/RappCity

Gabby:

Ha! So many decorative holiday lawn and house decorations (from Christmas through Valentines Day, Easter and Halloween) end up as deflated flotsum and jetsom after the big event ends.
A sad, sad end to these fabulous, flashing, creatures of the night.

Thanks for stopping by.

JCRapp2005/RappCity

All:
I am please to announce (as you may have already heard) that our Boston Christmas Tree is, and shall, for the forseeable future remain: A Christmas Tree.
The Washington D.C. Tree has also returned to its original name as well.

Rockefeller Center in NYC lit up their Christmas Tree up this week in a primetime Special. There has never been a question about the name of that tree (one of the most famous in the world), but, of course, even though it is one of New York City's shining jewels, Rockeller Center and it's tree are still on private property.

So be happy at last ..all of you who thought you had lost your tree. It remains. It stands tall and it's beautiful.

Also remember at election time that our Governor, Mr. Romney, was among those that considered the name change it to "Holiday" tree.

Rapp2005/RappCity

Liberals and Conservatives groups are evenly filled with idiots.
Seeing who is the latest one just depends on which pair of the politically tinted glasses you're wearing.

Bring back the good old Republicans and Democrats!

Gadfly:

While I completely disagree with your assessment of Planned Parenthood's views on "virgins" and "birth", as well as ACLU members being paid to oppose religion, I just might be tempted to agree with you about AARP (Of which I am, of course, too young to even be a member).

***Fun is fun folks, but again, I want to remind you that picking on other religions is not appropriate in my comment space.
I ask again for this intelligent, witty, educated group of readers and writers to please refrain from singling out and maligning people of other Faiths besides their own.
I would hate to start "editing" and removing comments. It would take a lot of the fun out of our "discourse."
Thanks

JCRapp2005/RappCity

PeterP:

Compromise is a good thing to learn young. Although I can't say I would forbid young kids the chance to play video games, I do think limiting (and especially supervising) what they play, and for how long, does matter a lot! Too many parents just use these games and TV's as babysitters!
And kids today are constantly bombarded by ads for the "latest" and "newest" gadgets and gizmo's and toys. Not to mention junk food.

When we were kids and mom said, "Go out and play," we did. Gladly.
We climbed trees, rode bikes, or sat on the front step reading a comic book (in those days you had to know how to read to get through Superman).
Tell a kid these days to go "out and play" and watch some just stand in the street without a clue as to how to amuse themselves.
That's sad. But it says a lot about our "consumeristic" society.
I agree that not all households have fallen to that sterotypical level though, and there are some great parents and kids still out there. But far too many are caught in the "traps."

JCRapp2005/RappCity

To All:

I am just now seeing a photo on our page that looks to be the Washington DC Tree.
We're working on it....

JCRapp/RappCity

Magical Eye:
Thanks for the info. I had a feeling it was something like that.
I thought we had enough culture for December the way things were, including African Americans of various faiths, but, as I wrote, I worry what's next.
At least TRY ANOTHER MONTH PLEASE!

Brian:
I actually agree. What next? "Tops" instead of dredels for Chanukah?
Merry Christmas. :)

AV:
Thanks or stopping by.
If I have insulted, invigorated, enlightened or involved people in discussion..I have done my job. :)
Enjoy your Wiccan ways and a very "Happy Holidays" to you.

Peter:
We may agree or disagree about what is an appropriate name for a Christmas tree, or how corporate America may have latched onto religious holidays, but there is no need to use a term like "drivel" when talking about someone elses beliefs, be they Pagan, Wiccan, Buddhist, Hindu, Native American or anything else they choose to believe in.
Let's keep this at a higher level that that. TY

JCRapp/RappCity

Cape Gal:
"Corporatism" ...what a great new word. TY for it. But, unfortunately what it means is not so great. I hear you loud and clear.

Sadly, it may be too late to take back what corporate America has done. Many of us even helped them too, by "Buying" into everything they offered (literally).
You can't just blame the World Bank.
Who, in this mad society, has time to knit a sweater or mittens ... or build a playhouse for the kids? It's easier to just hit the mall for a five foot tall stuffed giraffe and an i-Pod.
If everyone had just stayed home in the first place....singing Christmas carols around the old Spinet and sharing a cup of "homemade" egg nog with grandpa (who is now "Snowbirding" back and forth from Florida...and only here for summer) this might not have spun so out of control in the first place.

But hey...how about a MALL BOYCOTT for those who want to take back Christmas? Everyone stay home next year and make your own presents. Invite friends over to trim the tree and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" (Black and white version only).
Let's see if you can actually withstand the pressures thrown at you from magazines, internet ads, circulars, TV and radio, billboards, credit card companies and...your kids!
Oh, and look out for that old Easter Bunny ...He's coming to get ya soon!

Merry Merry...
JCRapp/RappCity

My Two Cents:

You are quite right about those winters in the Holy Land.
And the annual "Census" day that the Roman occupiers of biblical Israel demanded was generally held AFTER the last harvests of the season. Asking people like Joseph and Mary to travel long distances, while crops were still in the ground, would have been stupid of the Romans to ask...especially since they lived on a share of them.

So, late September, is the guess many scholars have generally come to accept as the real birth of Jesus. It also coincides with other post harvest holidays in the Old Testament like the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashona), and the soon to follow "Succoth," the Jewish Harvest Feast, about a week or so later.

As I said in my original blog, the Mother Church was very smart when it came to letting some pagan traditions remain in order to get converts. Those festive Saturnalia/Solstice celebrations were not about to be given up by the masses. So a new "inclusive" birthday was found for Jesus, and it just "happened" to fall in the middle of people already celebrating.
I don't think (and neither did the Church obviously) that the actual day of Christ's birth was as important as acknowledging that it happened.

Enjoy the day...
JCRapp/RappCity

epiphany:
The music stopped because the "celebration" of the "Winter Solstice" was over for the Pagans. The shortest day of the year, Dec 21st, is now known as the first day of winter. Many think STONEHENGE was a calendar to calculate the winter and spring solstices.

And yes, Christ was indeed a Jew. He followed traditional Jewish law (Except, for those new ideas that upset his elders). His disciples were Jews too (with a few conflicting stories about Paul). I've have never really been convinced he wanted to start a new religion, just maybe bring some enlightenment to the old one. His followers "evolved" it all into a new one.
People forget that for the first 50 -100 years after Jesus died most "Christians" were Jews. The "Christians" tossed to the Lions existed closer to 200 -300 AD - prior to the conversion of Rome.
You're right that It's important to remind people of what binds us together. A religion based on that early "connection" exists today. "Messianic Jews" (often called "Jews for Jesus") are, however, not well liked by mainstream Jews or Christians. A shame...
Merry Christmas!
JCRapp/RappCity

hohoho:

I know many people that now look at religion as you now do.
I have always loved reading up on "other" religions. As a matter of fact, Comparative Religion was one of my favorite college courses.

But, those that truly believe in traditional ways should always be respected for those beliefs.
Unfortunately, traditional believers often are offended and perhaps even threatened by people who do not choose a particluar relgion (especially the one feeling offended) to join. Although many unaffiliated folks share a strong belief in God, they are often, sadly, harassed and chastised by those who do "belong." It's ironic. Those that themselves have been persecuted can often become the persecutors.

I am sure God will sort it all out and all the many entrance gates to Heaven.

As for sacrifice: I think I discovered it earliest origins this summer in my garden.
I had one tomato partially eaten by bugs, so I plucked it, then left it stuck between the vines as a 'sacrifice" to the bugs (hoping they would leave the rest of the vine alone). I ended up doing it with a pepper or two a

PeterP:

Albert and Victoria seem to have begun enjoying their tree around the same time it arrived over here. Hmmm... there must be some connection. ;>

Although the modern version of Santa may have been updated in the 1800's (along with a new name), the old fellow was culled from old legends and folklore melded together from at least half a dozen countries across Europe. Some of his "posse of elves" and eventually those reindeer joined him along his journey through the ages.
He was introduced in to Rudolph in the USA by Cowboy Gene Autry.

Ahh... Camels and Christmas. If you toss in that donkey, it comes closer to what the first Christians in the Middle East probably saw than anything we in the west have since come up with since.

And that mean old Post Office! Talk about Grinches!
As for me, I think there's plenty of room for Christmas to be celebrated both in Church AND with a Lime Rickey, just like you used to do yourself (after viewing the department store windows).

Smile. :) It's Christmas.


JCRapp/RappCity

Magical Eye:

TY and HO HO HO.
I shall return...


JCRapp/RappCity

O'Brien...As usual, a good read and much to discuss.
I read with amused amazement about Delahunt and Chavez. And I do admit to a slight chuckle over what Robertson might have say about it too: "Massachusetts is now in league with the Devil!"

Gadfly... Well said!

And AMEN to Peace on Earth and God's love for all of us foolish, silly and oddball mortals.

Sean:

I understand what you are saying, "The Japanese children, per se, didn't develop resistance -- the *virus* developed resistance after the children were treated with Tamiflu."

Of course it is the virus. I suppose I did not say it well.
Thank goodness it became non transmissable.
But, who knows how it may mutate somewhere else. Maybe this was an isolated mutation. It could mutate into a more agressively contagious flu as well I suppose.

I do want to say I appreciate your clarifying the 70% rate was for the "amantadanes" and not Tamiflu.
I did, however, mention the resistance to the "amantadanes", and how Relenza was a good viable drug ...(coming out in nsal spray and intravenous forms soon).

I think the "mixup"with my mentioning Tamiflu along with the "amantadanes" seems to be in the report I got.
The newsletter hazily inferred that Tamiflu was also involved.
Between the writing and translations in this newsletter(they report from around the world..sometimes English not being a first language), either I must have slightly misread that line ... or they mumbled in that area.
So thanks for the clarification.

However, in any case, it is the whole idea of the resistance factor that is my main point here.
I, in no way am expert enough to differentiate classes of drugs, only able to pass on what seems to be important information.
BUT, If my blog had the effect of you stopping by and furthering the knowledge about useable and non useable drugs for this flu, then it did its job and that is, as Martha says,"A good thing."

As for you "harping," No problem. It is good you are "exacting."
Your "homework" on this subject , only convinces me further that you would be such an asset to the readers of these pages in keeping us updated on correct facts ...medical items and terms being so complicated and all with your own blog. :)

Although the list of useless drugs to fight this virus will keep growing, there is not much we ordinary folk can do...
The doctors and scientists will hopefully be better able to keep accounts of which, individual drugs are good and bad for this horrid bug.
And hopefully will have enough MONEY with which to do it.

As for Tamiflu. You bet I have some!
Got it last week, and suggest others follow suit too.
Even if this "pandemic" never arrives, better, "safe than sorry."
I cannot imagine wanting to go out (or being allowed out in Quarantine situations) so we may be on our own if this thing breaks open.

Working hard before winter sets in...so much to do...but hope to post new blog this week.

Stick around Sean...

Sean:

From what I get from how you explain the "resistance" factor to TAMIFLU, the Japanese children developed resistance AFTER being treated with it.
That fits with what I was saying. No problems there.
But, it still does not assure, as you mention, that a resistant strain won't evolve and get around. Sadly...

I wonder, if the children who developed the TAMIFLU resistant strains of the "bug" after having the flu...and being cured.....could be infected again as the H5N1 mutates? Hmm....

As for your odds of a TAMIFLU resistant strain less likely to emerge due to less tranmissibilty because of the neuramaninidase conservation, let's hope you are right.

As I mentioned in my last comment, the Senate approved a new Bill to fight the "possible" pandemic.....and I guess the House approved it ....as President Bush announced his plans to spend the 8 Billion on it yesterday (Thank goodness a start at least).
In his speech, however, he mentioned 1 Billion for stockpiling, whereas my Senate Bill mentioned more...BUT...I guess that's Politics. Compromise, compromise.

The 70 per cent rate of RESISTANCE to TAMIFLU that I mentioned, was noted in the LANCET medical journal.
I recieve a newsletter from a major American university that picked up the story quoting two reports in "The Lancet" medical journal this month saying that resistance to anti-influenza drugs was growing worldwide.

"In places such as China, drug resistance exceeded 70 percent, suggesting that drugs like amantadine and rimantadine will probably no longer be effective for treatment or as a preventive in a pandemic outbreak of flu," the report said.

The story also quotes "William Chui, honorary associate professor with the Department of Pharmacology at the Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, telling Reuters News Agency:
"There are now resistant H5N1 strains [isolates] appearing, and we can't totally rely on one drug (Tamiflu)."
According to the rest of the story, Chui was referring to the Tamiflu-resistant strain of H5N1 [avian influenza] in Viet Nam. He also said general viral resistance to Tamiflu was growing in Japan, where doctors habitually prescribe the drug to fight common influenza.
The Reuters story, dated Sept. 30th, had a Byline: Tan Ee Lyn.

Hope that helps clarify. Scary as it is.

Peter:

I will certainly look at the Marbury/Madison decision. It sounds interesting. TY.

As for our Founding Fathers intents however, we may always disagree.

When the Colonies got together (after much debate, argument and dissention), and finally agreed on a Constitution for this new country, none of them had any idea, "How big this thing might get." At that time there were no states. Just thirteen colonies.
So, what they did was create a document that could grow with the times.

The Bill of Rights was the first important document that grew out of it.
That document does override state's rights by its very nature.
But, it is the fabric that holds our entire nation together.

By the early 19th century the Federalists you speak of began to try and unify what were then colonies ...with the addition of more territories...into a UNITED states. Not an easy task.

Circuit courts were created to handle disputes and to bring law to parts of our loosely knit country that did not even have local governments.
Without a Judicial "Center," this nation would never have been able to survive past that time and into what was a real Republic by the time of President Lincoln (I have doubts we even could today).

And then we all know what happened with Lincoln...

The southern states decided to "SECEDE" from the union because they did not like the idea of states rights being dictated by Washington (many still don't).

The matter of secession itself was always the biggest challenge.
Slavery may not have been part of the original intent of the Federal Goverments crackdown on the seceding south, but it soon was added to the list, and grew in importance, as one of the things states would have to take orders from Washington about.
And Washington said, "No more slaves!"
It certainly compounded the situation ...and eventually we had that "awful" war over it.

Guess who won?

Incidentally, one of the most overlooked items the Federal Goverment used to unite this country together were the interstate commerce laws.
They became the backbone of our nations growing economy, and to this day are most important in getting goods 3,000 miles without obstacles from each state at their borders. At one time each state could tax and obstruct any commerce passing through it.

Some Fed laws and Supreme Court decisions have been necessary.

Rosa Parks is the first woman to ever be honored by "laying in state" at the Capital Rotunda this week.
She has an honor guard.
If not for FEDERAL Intervention in her state, black people would still be riding on the back of a bus.

Drew:

Harriet Miers was a "Glorified attorney," which is why she is now gone.

Normally (and hopefully) we pick Suprme Court justices that have experience, not just in everday legal matters, but in interpreting the constitution when it comes to cases that TEST it.
We need good legal minds who have dealt constitutional questions before, and are aware of how important their ultimate decisions will be.

Some of us still (actually) have such high regard for the Supreme Court we often find their decisions more fair than legislation passed by Pork Barrel politicians trying to get re-elected.
That's the reason we appoint these judges for life; So they don't need to kiss up to anyone when it comes to important decisions.

You again mention MAJORITY VOTE as being a true democracy.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Founding Fathers even enacted (what some say we don't need anymore) the Electoral College to PREVENT majority votes for Presidents.
I will admit that subject needs a little discussion these days, but to enact MAJORITY VOTE is not a very good way to run a Democracy.

If this country were run that way, minorities would have no rights, schools would still be segregated and other things you may not think of might even come back to bite you in the behind.

Remember, there are more WOMEN than men in this country.
The ERA might get passed with a Majority vote by women.
Abortion could very well be voted IN and, as we know, women are less scared of Gays than men are, so women might use thier majority vote to say YES to Gay Marriage.
Who knows?

For one thing, if the Majority took a vote today, BUSH would be out of a job and the troops would be on their way home from Iraq too.

It's easy to say Majority Rules in the schoolyard, but when real lives and, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," as guranteed in the Constitution, are on the line we need a group (NINE) of intelligent, educated, non partisan, non greedy people to look at the law and decide what fits into that definition of Freedom...according to that document.

Of course both sides of the aisle are going to try and get their own nominees on the court. As usual.
But, over the years, it ends up balancing out.

But, one hopes, that no matter the religion, the party affiliations or leanings of these people, once they take the oath of the High Court they come to realize the true significance of what it really means to sit there ...and use their votes in favor of the constitution...and not for any personal or partisan politics.
Yes, that is idealistic.
But I still hold onto a shred of belief that America can redeem herself and get back on track as the great nation it is meant to be.
And the Supreme Court is one of the GREAT institutions of that great nation.
To get rid of it ....iwould plunge us into chaos and mob rule..perhaps eventually even fascism.....and THAT is not the America we once were and could be again.

Be careful what you wish for.

Sean:

Thanks for your good manners as well as your keen mind.
If your facts are newer or more specific than mine, I am always open to hearing it.

Antivirals, amantadine etc., have been overused for sure, and resistance is certainly high, but I hope some use may still be found for them.
The 70% resistance rate to Tamiflu that I mentioned, just concerned the Chinese, and some close neighbors.

As you said, TAMIFLU may not be as resisant in people who never used it, although, the viruses travel further than we do.
We can at least hope it works on those of us who never touched the stuff.

Hey, I'm getting MY stockpile of Tamiflu if I can.
I'm willing to gamble it "might" work, despite any controversy. :)

Relenza might end up a good back-up, and sounds like it may have some promise (as an inhalant or in an intravenous way), but, as you also say, it could be hard to produce in large quantity.
However, some good news I heard this week was that some smaller companies are being
sub-contracted by the Big Boys to help out..and share the production. Let's hope it's true.

That six to twelve month vaccine problem still exists, but, like you, I think our first line of defense has to be a drug to lessen the severity of the actual virus as it attacks.

As for you having a blog?
I just think you have some interesting things to say, and you say them well. I am sure many would like to hear you "chatting" on a variety of subjects on these pages. Not just about the flu.
Hey, I would be interested in local plant pathologies, biology and related subjects here on Cape Cod (and other places).
At any rate, please visit again. You are always welcome.

To ALL THOSE who said I should not "politicize" the Avian Flu:

The U.S. Senate approved an EIGHT BILLION dollar appropration this week to start the fight against Bird Flu.
Senators Tom Harkin from Iowa and Barack Obama from IL, were just a few of the Senators that warned this pandemic could be worse than terrorism and just as devastating to our economy as well our people backed it. Doing nothing is no longer an option.

Now, all we have to do is see if the House of Reps. backs the bill too.

The breakdown of the money is this: $3.3 billion for approximately 120 million doses of vaccine (as it is "Hopefully" created), and another $3 billion for Anti Viral drugs ...to be given as people got sick. The money would cover for about 1/2 the does for the American population.
The rest would be spent to help hospitals deal with the rush, and to track human outbreaks.

This is a good start. But we are no doubt going to need much more than $8 billion before this is through.
Let's hope the House or Reps. finds agreeing with the Senate just a Bipartisan smart move.

Kiwi:

You bet the antibiotics in feed are killing us (long range).
I, myself now buy natural beef (sans hormones and anibiotics), but as I said in my blog, free-range chicken eaters may be in for a "dry" period.
Yup, those farm raised salmon will do us in as well now...sadly for me ...who LOVES Salmon, but can't afford Alaskan as often as I would like. But I would not touch the stuff now.
....It figures they tell us salmon is the healthiest fish we can eat....and then they poison it!
Grrrrrrr.....

You said, (about Viacam nasal spray to ward off colds):
>>> "Well come on man whats wrong with eucalyptis oil in a bowl of hot water, or some honey or propalis or vicks cough lollies or good old chicken soup!"

Hog Wild:

I am very happy you made it through such a bad experience with the flu. It sounds like Boston had a bad, bad, bug that year.
But you do make a good point, in that we did not pop pills like candy for everything back then. It very well could be the reason you lived. Love, care and as you say, a little "blessing" never hurts either.
You bet we need to stay on our "elected" (meaning they work for us) officials to stay on target with this important issue.
Thanks for the comments and stay well.

Doc:

Hmmm, I wonder if "Monkey Syndrome" has something to do with us descending from them. Hmmm...

Dubya is STILL not "convinced" about Global Warming. He, and a group of scientists (Probably "Intelligent Design" Scientists) are still "studying it ...which actually sounds even scarier than Global Warming to me.
But Bush IS sure Harriet Miers was the perfect choice for the Supreme Court.
And I bet he still thinks so, even though everyone but his mother (and maybe her too) pushed him to let her "resign," which she FINALLY did today! Yee-Ha!

Sean:

Vonnegut was being facetious ...albeit, as always, with a grain of philosophical wimsy and truth. BUT, he has amused me for decades with his wonderful musings on the absurdities and oddities of life, people, the earth, other planets and the whole universe.

The HOT ZONE idea of "amplification" of the human form, and how it might be starting to "wear" on the nerves of good old Mother Nature is interesting, but I tend to view things more like you do.

I have believed for years that the living earth, and all it sprouts (including us) are part of one living organism.
Where most people believe we are ON the earth, I have always seen us as OF the earth (Not a popular view in many circles..LOL).

I agree that the mutation of viruses is a good example of evolution.
We can see it now, whereas first peas and then the fruit fly were about as deep as we could go just a few decades ago (both with quick life cycles...or generations).
We used the peas to show genetics and how it could be manipulated, and the flies to see how evolution creates or changes genetics to test pesticides and medicines.
The debates over higher animal lab testing is a big one however.

And I wish more people would at least START understanding that the more forests and jungles in the tropics (from the Amazon to the African Equatorial areas), we cut down, the more viruses we are going to see. We are invading their sacred lands, and they have no choice but to declare war on us.
We are opening a Pandora's Box of viruses that would have been very happy to be left alone (now I am being facetious).

Atually, a new report, out this week, claims that with even a little SLIGHT heating from Global warming , we can expect to see some invasions , of not just more viruses, but more and more insects (mosquitos anyone) and bugs all over our now comfortable human habitats.

But, back to us.
I sometimes think we people probably ARE a virus ...The Human Virus...in the basic sense of what a virus really is. We just got big.
I even think our fears about other people (racism, ethnic differences and religion...as well as fear of Martians et al) come from instincive worrying that someone or something plans to find an antibiotic or antiviral for all of us.

Sometimes I also think we are just prgrammed to do it to ourselves. Perhaps it is ingrained in our DNA.

Some radical scientific theories (yes radical scientists as well as radical religionists) have shown "hints" (not results) that civilizations ...and even some species ...can grow only so much before caving back in on themselves...much like Supernova's.
As I said, radical, but nonetheless interesting.

And that is not a far a stretch from those who believe that the Big Bang itself (and we are microcosms of it) may one day stop expanding, and head backwards towards a new nucleus.

I was awed, back in my twenties, after reading books by the great Jesuit Priest and Scientist, Pierre Teilhard (who held about 8 Phd's). He died way back in1953, but not before always getting into trouble with the Church in Rome for his scientific views.
He saw ALL matter in either a "Life" or "Pre-life "state (He was a "little" ahead of his time).
Even a rock, was alive to him...just not yet in a living state.

He made me look at things differently (especially rocks).
He showed me the "Within" (now called the quantum world..but only atomic in his day) and the "Without" ...the planets and stars and other matter of the universe ... all matter and made of the same basic elements as us.

Ironically, he saw all of his science as a way the human race was coming together into a form that would be unified in Christ.
One of the reasons the Pope sent him to NYC (getting him out of his homeland in France) instead of Excommunicating him. :)

Yup, those flying dinosaurs sure are pretty.

Get yourself a Blog you interesting man. I will visit often.

Sean:

TAMIFLU was the first drug I mentioned in my above blog. And how it is no longer working due to overuse in Asia. I also wrote that China has about the highest rate of resistance to ALL antivirals due to overuse (70% resistance to TAMIFLU).

I also spoke a bit about the new forms (inhalants and injections after exposure) they are working for on Relenza, as well as the overwhelming odds of human to human infection happening in the near future, and it taking at least 6 months from that time on to make any successful vaccine since we need to see the final mutated form.

As for eggs not being of much value in the near future, I also mentioned that scientists are currently working on in vitro products to culture the virus for vaccine.

I very much appreciate your compliments about my blog humor, but am now wondering if you read my entire blog or just "perused" it, since I have covered many of the things you mention in this particular comment.
But, Sean, you ARE very in touch with what is happening (your last comment on natural remedies is very interesting) which leads me to say this:
I will soon move on to OTHER subjects after this blog, but I think CapeCodToday would be well served by YOU contacting our editor in chief, and doing a Blog yourself.
You write well, know much and the blog public could use updates on bird flu, as well as many other diseases and subjects in science that you are knowledgeable in).

It would be very valuable thing to check in on your blog and get some interesting scientific facts about a lot of things.
Your intellect and education are not only important assets, but enjoyable as well.
Think about it.

*It's too bad I can't use any grapefruit products (due to interaction with a drug I am taking), but, yes, there ARE so many other natural remedies to many of life's ills.

Kiwi:

You are so right about Americans expecting the Government to arrive ...like the Cavalry in old westerns.
I grew up in New York City, where it is still a way of life to think nothing can happen to you ...and if it does, it will be fixed by those in charge. And it usually was. When I was a kid anyway.

"Rural" folk (not suburban) have always had a better handle on real emergency situations. Unfortunately, those hearty rural folk didn't have the same proximity to good doctors, libraries and good paying jobs. A delicate balance. But that has certainly been improved by the internet.

The Boy Scout code makes total sense to me.
Just looking at the east coast of Florida shows that the advice of THREE days of food and water is less than adequate in these times.
A good deal of problems down there are from people who took NO advice (although the East coast of the state had no idea they would be hit so badly by Wilma...but could have considered it).
I do think, however, that it's time for the Government to re-access their usual advice ...and tell people to have supplies for 7-10 days.

As for shaking hands, I try to avoid it and keep little hand wipes at my place of business.
If somone sneezes at the supermarket I have been known to hold my breath and run.

People rebuilding in dangerous natural disaster zones, was the subject of a comedy routine Jackie Mason did (In his Broadway show).
He humorously asked why people kept rebuilding homes after tornadoes, if every year those houses got lifted up , torn apart and blown all over town ...again and again.
The answer he got was: "Because our roots are here." Haha!

I have previously spoken of rich developers who are currently still building homes on "pretty" beaches and wetlands.
Some, sadly, with what is called "interest only" loans, where they borow, build, then rent these homes, while paying ONLY interest on the loans. They make a lot of money doing this.
Very often, by the time a storm wipes out the house, they have already made the price of the home over five times!
What do they care about the environment or Cape Cod?

And WE end up paying for the cleanups. Even for the rich.
And we also lose more and more wetlands and coastlines from erosion.
I completely agree local and state governments needs stronger restrictions in precarious wetland areas.
But, as long as local government is as susceptible to corruption as is Washington ...it is still a long road upward.
Get out and "VOTE" has been my clarion call.

You are indeed an idealist. But that's OK. We have pessimists galore.
Don't change. We need more people who can, "see" the good place if we are ever to get there.

Sean:

It seems mutation is doing a fine job spreading this new flu in many directions.
Interspecies flu happened with those pigs a few years back too (Swine flu), but the neurological aspects you speak of are indeed alarming.

Pneumonia is a big worry with this flu, espeically when no antibiotics can keep it in the upper respiratory tracts. Only bacertial pneumonia shots are even available to people now ...not any kind of viral one, even for viruses we know.

Interstingly, the new OTC drug for humans, that the FDA approved about 2-3 years ago called VIACAM, was created to keep viruses in the sinus area and not to let them drop down to the lungs etc.
I have been usng it myself (when I first feel a cold coming on, and find it works remarkably well).
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could find a derivative of that form of treatment for this bug?
Reading your words makes me think that the RELENZA drug I mentioned in my blog (the one to be inhaled or injected) might be based on that same idea. Hmmm....

I subscribe to a handful of emerging infectious disease newsletters, and try and keep up on more than the newsstand press on a lot disease (check my past blogs). But, you seem to be an expert in molecular biology...something I never got to as life got in the way.

But I have heard of varying strains of the H5N1...and, as I said in my last article, it seems to be the N1 part that is really baffling the scientists. They are having a tough time getting a handle on it, and as a result, we have to wait for a vaccine because of all the mutations.
We need money for treatment as well as vaccines. Some new antivirals too would be great!

Thanks for the input.
Stop by some more. We can always use updates.

El Greco:

LOL. Thanks for the laughs.
I just may pour myself a little Wild stuff tonight.
Hmmm... Maybe we can marinate the Thanksgiving Turkey in it.
You might be really on to something there!

Watch These Birds:

Although you are very welcome here, I think you made a wrong turn at Blog Chowder.
The Wind Farm Blog is the one right before this one.
We are talking about SICK birds and Avian Flu here, not windmill hacked birds.
But, please feel free to stop by anytime.

AvianFluFish:

Yes, somoene already mentioned using the windmills as tools against birds ...about thirteen comments ago. And, incidentally, the fish have enough problems of their own.
You try being a fish in one of the disappearing estuaries on the cape, swimming in mercury, Pcb's, raw sewage and oxygen starved water filled with algae.
Yup, we got the fish covered already.

Kiwi:

You said, "Is it any wonder the world is fighting back!"
Not to me.
I quoted Kurt Vonnegut here a few blogs ago. He was out promoting his new book on TV when he said, "The Earths' immune system is trying everything to get rid of us."
Makes perfect sense to me.

Go back and read a few of my blogs (July/August) and see that I have spent countless hours writing about the Overbuilding of Cape Cod and how it is killing our environment.
Before Katrina even hit New Orleans I was complaining about all the "Trophy Homes" and condos being built on marshes and wetlands here on Cape. How we will be open and defenseless to the elements and high rising water without protective barrier lands.

Those out of town 40B developers have caused me to wince for a long time now.
They just toss them up, with no thought to sewage problems in our towns and then head home to Andover, or Ct. or Newport or wherever. Not here!
The nitrogen from these units septic systems are already killing fish and the most Codders are already drinking bottled water themselves.
Mashpee had the biggest fishkill in its history this summer.

Stick around. I like you.

Drew:

As you would say, "You had me ... up to a point."

Yes, we all need to listen and learn. About a lot of things.
But, having read a bit already on this subject, and seeing the disregard our Federal Governement has shown when it comes to protecting us from AIDS, Floods, Hurricanes and other life threatening situations, I still have very serious doubts they will come through for us on the upcoming pandemic.

"Politicizing a flu outbreak that has not yet occurred is pathetic," you said.

Everything important is politically involved if you need action. And, as Mr. Cavanaugh said, this flu is a pretty sure bet ... and this nation is FAR from prepared to deal with millions of people falling over in the streets.
That may sound dramatic to you, but, again, go read about the 1918 flu pandemic. That is exactly what happened.
To call attention to this, and wonder what our Government is going to do about it, is not a "Diversion" Drew, but a necessity!

Protocol? Sure. But I have seen none yet in Washington.
We need to be making plans now for what is ahead. Not ignoring it.

And furthermore, You come here often enough to disagree with me to know i don't "Pull" comments based on a protocol of opinion. The only two posts every removed were due to profanity. And those folks are more than welcome to clean it up and put it back.

You ARE a flame thrower aren't you?

Another word you use is "Pathetic." That is a word i would use for our current Administration, and their efforts to thwart this coming sickness.

They are so wrapped up in themselves (especially their own legal problems now), their friends, their obligations to their corporate "backers," and making sure they get all their "agenda" pushed through before a Democrat gets his hands on the Oval office again that our voices and health mean nothing to them.
If you think you mean a thing to George Bush, other than as a potential "Grunt" on the front line (if you are uner 40), you have a wake up call coming.

And today the nation celebrated a MILESTONE: Our 2,000th soldier has died.

One thing you do have right Drew: The Wildlife people are watching this situation very carefully ...and DESPITE the fact that they have lost a lot of money, staff and tools due to cuts from Bush and the Beltway Boys!

PS Drew: You think we have money to spare in Washington? What stats have you been reading? Bush came into office with the LARGEST budget surplus in our history, and has now put us in the HIGHEST DEFICIT in our nations history.
And you think we have enough money?
As we speak Bush is negotiating LOANS from China of all places, as well as from other countries.
Experts agree we are on the verge of inflation..and that is usually followed by a recession.
Home sales have slowed, utilities and food have doubled in price and natural and man made disasters are hitting us left and right.
And you support tax cuts for Donald trump?
Do you live at home by any chance? When was the last time you bought some pork chops?
Amazing.....

Sean:

The very fact that someone with your background is here, discussing H5N1 with the rest of us gives me great satisfaction.

Although I often pepper even serious things with humor in my ramblings (it tends to make more people with ADD sit still longer...joke, joke...), I usually try and pick subjects that I think need to be talked about.
When that happens, I feel I have done a good job.

I agree with you that panic is not the answer.
Like you, I also think people just need to be more aware.
Especially with all the birds we have on Cape Cod.

Your suggestions of where to get even MORE information helps us all.
Thanks for your input on a very important subject.
Stop by again.

A Favor?
Can all of you Anonymous people at least number yourselves so we can all keep clear which phantom I am speaking to? TY.

To one of them:
We usually don't get our drugs from Europe. We usually get them from Canada. Only the drug manufacturers (and their political puppets (who get big bucks for their election campaigns) are the ones saying Canada has inferior drugs.
BUT, Canadian drugs should not be confused with buying drugs over the internet. THAT is still dangerous.

TWO Cents is right too.

Kiwi:

Subject matter and "PC" has nothing to do with deleting comments here.
If you will scroll up, you will see that I just don't want this space filled with profanity.
Anyone that uses it, will have their comment removed. So far I've removed a "Pro" comment, and a "Con" comment. I don't discriminate. And I don't like losing the comments either, but, since this IS my blog, I have every right to ask that "hard" profanity not be used.
There are enough regular words and slang as well as punctuation to get ANY point across.

Also: No outright HATE speeches will be allowed, as well as actual personal attacks against anyone here (especially if they include racial and religious slurs).
Disagreements are part of debate and discussion, and can be fruitful.
But we can still stay on the fringes of "civil" by intellectually bashing each other with facts and opinions.

As for your current comments on the flu Kiwi:
I completey agree with you.
The US, as I mentioned in my Blog, is far down on the waiting list for antiviral because of thinking once more that a HUGE disease was "Over there" and not our problem.
The same thinking we had when Reagan was in office and AIDS was decimating Africa and Haiti (and Gay people at home).
Hey, it took bombing Hawaii to get us into World War 2!

I don't think it absurd at all to think that the filthy rich and powerful of many nations think of "Thinning the herd" now and then. Disease is a good way. So are troops without enough gear to protect them.

Come on back and visit again. Sorry for any misunderstandings.

My Two Cents:

First off thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my piece.
No matter what's happening around us, we still need to have a laugh.
And I got a good laugh from you as well over your "Keeper of the Grammar" comment. Hahahaha...

I do find it distrubing that my Blog was not even UP NINETY seconds before one of the "Anonymous" family happily pounced on a typo and a careless grammatical mistake I made as an excuse to ridicule me. It doesn't bother me much for myself, but it is a symptom and type of behavior that is a sign of the times.
Some venom and hate are alive and well on the Cape, but hopefully we can still work around it and provide some alternatives to it.
We here are STILL, all in all, in better shape than a lot of the rest of the country when it comes to intolerance.

Some of what we see here is probably teen "angst." The need to lash out immaturely and innapropriately for attention, instead of learning how to use words (that he seens to be able to spell), in useful discussion.

But, sadly, there are also some adults out there who use harassment of others to bolster their own bad self images. By finding fault with others it seems to make them feel more important than they obviously are in life (Ya want fries with that burger?).
It is a shame that anyone with enough education to correct my blog in 90 seconds, is not spending their time using their knowledge constructively.

And as for Cape people thinking they are immune. It is not exclusive to us.
My "Floridian" father wasn't worried a bit about hurricane Wilma on Sunday.
He was sure it would never touch him. Well, as it turned out, at age 85, he ended up having his first encounter of the "scary kind" when Wilma paid him an unexpected visit. He's OK, but I don't think dad will ever feel the same about hurricanes again.
And so it is with pandemics too.
It just sometimes takes a good scare to make people realize how vulnerable they really are, AND that the government doesn't really give a damn.

Good to hear from you again.

Ron Grube (Old Coot):

You do make a decent point about immigrants possibly bringing in diseases if they come into our country without exams.
BUT tell me how many "White, middle class, Europeans" landing in this country at JFK, Logan and LAX are getting medical exams before landing?
Anyone of them could be bringing in TB, Flu's and other contagious diseases as they wander around our cities and towns.

Here on the Cape, International tourism is a big money maker in the summer.
Do we give everyone who comes here on vacation an exam?

It's all in the perspective.
I am sure Mexicans (and others who sneak in) would probably not bother to come, if Americans did not hire them when they got here.

Incidentally, your spelling may not be good, but I suspect even Linguist would agree with me that you do get your point across.
Thanks for stopping by.

Any Mouse:

Pandemics are forgotten like the rest of history it seems.
The 1918 pandemic is as much ancient history to some as is World War 2 or Segregation.

I do know we need to wait for the virus to arrive in its final form before we make a useful vaccine, but meanwhile we certainly need more research going on for antidotes.
We need more money for that ASAP.

Only so many chicken eggs are available (and chickens who get sick are currently being destroyed by the millions).
So I was pleased to hear that research is now also going on for a kind of "in vitro" form of artifical egg.
I heard about it on the news yesterday. It sounds promising.

Profits don't concern me as much as the thought of seeing millions of people coughing themselves to death around me.

But as you might imagine from my Blog, I AM for more government money spent on science. As much as they need ...to find the cure!

(Bone-Head in Chief" Hmmm... an interesting name...)

Linguist:

LOL!

Windfarmer:

Chuckle...

B Keil:

Speaking of grammar. I seem to recognize yours.
People don't realize that "style" is part of how we write too.
It is very easy to disntinguish, even under a beard.

To the nameless people who visit this space just to hear themselves type:

Type louder. I still can't hear you.

To those not worried about Avian Flu:

Good luck.

To ALL:
Although comments are always welcome (pro or con) and discussion is encouraged here, profanity is not.
Anyone using it will have their post removed.

To the reader who liked my words but not the reference to Halliburton and tax cuts:

I feel that this administration has wasted so much money on favors (contracts and Pork) and tax cuts for their friends, that now that we really need extra money for emergencies, we will be forced to borrow it...further expanding our deficit and national debt.
That's not good.

Do we really have to cut funding for the CDC, Medicare, Social Security and school lunches (just to name a few) to pay our bills or have something for a "Rainy Day?" Not when some Fat Cats are still making "questionable" fortunes off our backs every minute.
Sometimes even those Fat Cats need to cough up some help.

Our country could, if well managed, well afford to be stay out of debt. This administration is like a kid with a credit card.

Just my opinion.

Thanks for writing.

Christopher:

Thanks for the kind words.
H5N1 certainly does need to be taken seriously.
It is a shame so many won't..until it's too late.

To the two guys from the TYPO Police and Anonymous.
Haven't you got better things to do?
This is all you get from me. Enjoy these few words.

Drew:

Opps, missed this one. I got sidetracked.

You said: "our founders were more concerned with our Executive and Legislative branches in creating their "checks and balances" JC. I don't think they could have predicted (without collapsing into hysterics) that our State Courts and Supreme Court would be "legislating" and twisting law to suit present day ethical and moral questions."

I just wanted to let you know I disagree.

The whole point of the, Constitution "Experiment" was that the THREE branches of Government would keep in other in check.
No TWO could run off with the country (Like a President and a friendly Congress. And thank goodness for that!
Fascism would be right behind any President who had that much control.

State courts were not even discusses back them.
The Feds would simply not interfere with states rights to run themselves as they wanted back in 1776.

But, again, the LAW (whether enacted by legislation and signed by the President, or by Judges, who have upheld or overturned them) has always got to be looked at in the context of the times.
That is why our constitution is flexible enough to see the law as a "living" thing...subject to change, and offer tools to do it.
That is why our form of government has so many solutions to problems that cause revolutions in countries with no similar documents.
It is a beautiful thing. And all three parts make ONE.

A Different One:

Let me first say that your letter before this last one was not very clear about your complaints.
The way it was written, seemed that you were quoting me with words said by others.
Try and explain yourself a little clearer next time.

But you do blame me for the "discussion" going on here and that is ridiculous!
Even more ridiculous is your saying that I, "choose to endorse" offensive comments by "sniggering" with those that write them.

First of all, I have no idea what "sniggering" is (I never heard it on Cape Cod), but I'm sure I am not interested in doing it with with anyone here.

Secondly, I do allow people to post comments in response to my BLOGS.
Occasionally I agree with some comments, and very often I disagree.
The same goes for the writers of the comments.
That is what the comment space is for.

Sometimes the commentors themselves get into their own conversations. That's OK too.
That's where I say it is GOOD when people with differing opinions feel free to discuss things.

But nowhere have I ever gotten behind religious bashing or encouraged anyone else to put down anyone's religion.
That is absurd.

You have misread my words, or not read them thoroughly. Try a good re-read...first of the original blog,then my comments. You will find my thoughts mostly political, with a few pesonal "sentiments" on the abuses of the Rich and Powerful in our society.
I am also someone who strongly believes in the separation of Church/Synagogue/Mosque and state.

Let me add this for you calling me names:
Name calling is offensive too.

If this Blog and comment space displeases you, feel free to leave anytime.
It's STILL a free country. The last I looked anyway.
Thanks for stopping by.

Drew:

I totally agree.
Ridiculing another persons religion is not a nice thing to do.

Drew:

You quote me first: "Religion should certainly NOT be an obstacle for anyone wanting to do public service."

And then you ask:

"Is that your opinion JC, or someone else's? "

Of course it is mine. Why else would I say it?

I will add that then "pushing" your own religious views on others ... once in power ... is another story.

Sometimes you worry me Drew....

A Different One:

You say:
>>>"You are the hypocrite - about Pentecostals and other people of faith. Just because you do not agree with a persons ideas is no reason to permit rudeness which comes close to blasphemy, like your crack about a painting on a church ceiling."<

First of all I an not the one who even mentioned Evangelicals and Triceratops.
I also never mentioned Pentacostalists, Belly buttons, or Adam and Eve in relation to any of the above.
These were comments made by others on this Blog.
However, if you find them offensive, feel free to address whomever you like on the matter.

I still will say, however, that aIthough agree that singling our particular religions might be offensive to some, I also think the reason for it is that the particular religion mentioned is the same as the President and most of his cabinet.
And I think a lot of people are very scared that one of the basic duties of Evangelicals is to try and convert others to THEIR beliefs.
But in this particluar case....not by Religion....but by National Law.

As for rudeness, I don't like rudeness myself. But this is a public BLOG, and people are free (to a degree) to say what they feel. It is the very nature of the Blog to have it that way.
For instance, you had the right in this space to get facts wrong and call em a hypocrite.

I would suggest you talk to our editor. Perhaps you should write a Blog too. That way you would have a forum to say what you want to say about the things that you see as unfair and in need of change.

Come back soon...

First of all let's make sure that everyone knows that I am JC too. JCRappCity. Not to be confused with those who wish to call Jesus "JC."
OK Good.

Now ...Peter says ...about my wanting Bush Impeached:
>>>"Well, yes, of course you do. Tricky that you have no grounds and all..."
Peter, I don't need tricks. Bush is making soldiers disappear and trying to make the Constitution disappear too...(with smoke and mirrors), not me.

Peter also asked, "...if you would apologize for your characterization of Bush's supporters as mindless robots who can only follow orders, since it appears that it is they who are determindly breaking ranks over this issue, demonstrating intellectual capacity you claim they do not have."

I offer no apology, and do not recall calling any of BUSH's supporters mindless robots.
As a matter of fact, Bush's supporters are leaving him in droves. The latest polls show Bush with only a 39% approval rating. The LOWEST rate of any president in over 80 years!
So, dumb they are not. MOST are smart enough to jump ship before the sink.
If you stay aboard...please keep a life preserver handy.

I will, however, clarify thatI think too many people were fooled and abused by Bush and his "Handlers." They tried to pushing so many agenda's through him it's no wonder he looks more and more like Swiss cheese each day.

Manipulating voters by getting radical religious leaders to mix religion and politics ...so seamlessly that they look like one thing...is the real TRICKERY here.

But, yet, I do find Bush, himself, a little short on brainpower.
I don't think he can speak without a writer, make a decision without Cheney or Rove or even change his underwear without Laura!

Drew:

You suggest that, " ...Some have proposed we remedy this by a constitutional amendment. This amendment would allow a majority vote of both Houses of Congress to overrule federal or state court decisions."

Drew, our system already has that written into the Constitution. That is what makes it such a great document!

The "Checks and Balances" we hear about all the time, concern the three branches of Government.
They are based on being able to change things in one part of government if one part sees injustice being done in another.

Many "Laws" have gone back to Congress (it works the same way in most states as well), for new legislation to be voted on and passed ..thereby creating new laws that, in some cases override High Court decisions.
I think however, they need a QUORUM or a 2/3 vote to do this though ...rather than a simple majority
Then this new law must be signed by the President to take effect.
But the two branches CAN and HAVE overturned the High Court.

The only problem is, when it goes too far, and Congress wants to take every issue to the peope ...for Majority votes on Constitutional amendments.
We can't just go around changing the constitution everytime we disagree about something..
And we can't let ourselves decide extremely sensitive issues by majority vote (If we did, we would still have segregation).

By the same token, if legislation is proved to be unconstitutional, the Supreme Court may overrule the Congress and the President and toss out a law.

This is why it is SO important that a Judge sitting on the Supreme Court be knowledgeable in how tri-dimensional Democracy works.
We have good system. And it works well. IF we play by the rules and don't stack the decks EITHER way!

Miers hasn't got a clue ...as seen in her recent answers to Congressional questions.
She has also shown us this week that her mind is already made up on the abortion issue (her 1989 vote).
We need educated, clear thinking and OPEN MINDED people on the most important court in our country. Even if they ARE religious.

Religion should certainly NOT be an obstacle for anyone wanting to do public service.
We just need to know they will consider the views of other faiths as well as their own when making important decisions for all of us.
That is a true Democracy.

The Old Professor:
TY. Clear thinking may get us through the days ahead. Come on back.

A Different One:

I have not seen any real "Christian bashing" either in my blog or in the words of others in these comments.

I have seen, however, some frustrated people who are very upset (and I can relate) that one religious group wants to speak for all of us.
And yes, that group are the "Radical Right Fringe Group" of Christianty. Not your basic mainstream Christians.

You are seeing reaction to politics trying to use religion to force their views and morals on others.
Although a little "HEATED" at times, it is called freedom of Speech.

But, I HAVE also seen a lot of GOOD discussion here about very obvious attempts by the current administration trying to override the Constitutional protection of a distinct "Seperation of Church and State."

If anything, Mr. Bush has brought much criticism on himself by his failure to accept the views or "applications" for jobs from anyone outside his inner circle of his own religious beliefs.

If Senator Lieberman had gotten into the White House, and only appointed Jews to his cabinet and the Supreme Court, you would hear screaming MUCH louder than you are hearing now. Even from Secularists!

I cannot even imagine the outcry if a Buddhist got the Oval Office.

No matter the religion: Intolerance and "Religious Theocracy" has no place in Washington DC.

You say, "Anyone who is truly born again knows better than to be superior, and pride is a sin."

Tell that to your President, not me.

Peter:

I say the Liberals are just beig quiet on Miers because they don't need to do or say anything more. Let the Conservatives tear her down for them.

As for your still strong support of Bush: >>>"From those who routinely slam us as BushBots or brainwashed scum, where is the apology?< <<

I wouldn't think of apologizing over anything I have said about Bush.
I think he ought to be IMPEACHED!
Most of his hand-picked buddies are being indicted as we speak, and that is only the tip of the iceberg!
I can't wait until Rumsfeld gets HIS subpeona.

This is the WORST and most inept Administration in the history of the United States, and the sooner it is gone, the better off we all will be.
And THAT is non partisan.
Show me a GOOD Republican and I would consider voting for them as well as a Democrat.

Ducq:

You are so right that, "Unqualified means unqualified, no matter how you slice it!"
I also agree that positions of extreme authrotity need to be "earned"...the old fashioned way. :>

Hey, "Some of my best friends," are Born Again people. And I like them too!
And most of them are good, kind hearted, nice people who would give you the shirt off their back.
They also respect people who think differently than they do (but then again...we are in Massachusetts...LOL).
And most of them are WAY less judgemental than these, "Professionally and Politically" Born Again types trying to create a "Corporate Theocracy" (Imagine how that might work...).

If you think the Pledge of Allegiance may be in trouble now... Wait until we have to pledge allegiance to God and the CEO of America!
Nope....We have to stop that train! In its tracks!
Thanks for writing. :)

Anonymous:
I'm ot sure what to say about the painting you saw at the Church, but thanks for the compliment. Y'all come back now...

My God:

I too have imgained Dubya in Nero garb....fiddling, fiddling, fiddling...

Razfrat:

I agree. This is not funny at all.
We all need to talk more, share opinions, and make sure people who are NOT aware of what is going on (Moving towards Theocracy), get the chance to see other opinions....and make educated decisions in future elections (if we still have them...arghhhh).

We need to remind people how important a VOTE is.
Too many people toss out opinions and complaints ...without every doing a thing about it, in the VOTING booth, where it counts!

It is not funny that people still don't realize that when they vote for a President, they are also voting for a Cabinet and (often) a Supreme Court as well. They are voting an AGENDA that reaches far beyond Pennsylvania Ave.

And in this case, the agenda reaches far beyond POLITICAL territory... into the Religious values of those in charge.

Madison Avenue is very good at stepping in and making politcal figures into people we would "Love to go bowling or fishing with, " when all the time they are just disguising Professional Politcos in, "Everyman" clothing.

From our local selectmen and mayors in our home towns..to the state legislatures, the Congress of the US, and all they way to the White House, WE, the People do make a difference.

Any time we can open a forum of discussion on this, I think it's good.

Joey:

Thanks for a good laugh. :)
Yes, it would be nice to know that some of our Highest Legal minds believed the world was older than 5,000 years old (5766 to be exact).

Fisheye:

Deciding current law based on the history of the Bible...instead of the Constitution scares me.
Only a few of those Commandments are illegal.
The rest are "optional" in todays legal system.

I certainly would not want the Suprme Court telling me that I am going to jail for "coveting" or "cussing."
And let's not even get into the SEVENTY SIX (count em) Abominations!

Abhi:

I know of no Bush "Plots," but I do worry that Bush and his POSSE have an "agenda" to try and numb the nation with religious fervor...while they drain all the oil from our backyards and the money from our wallets.

Anon:

Let's keep America FREE. I agree.

To all the Hateful Anonymous's:

Attacking me, especially with ridiculous accusations and hateful, uneducated words and thoughts, only fuels my determination to try and work towards improving education in our schools.


SmartLady:

Thanks for writing. I shall check out your link soon.

To the NICE Anonymous: (Note: People...please use names..even if you make them up. TY)

Look, I wouldn't care if Ms. Miers were an Athiest, a Jew, A Buddhist, a Christian or a Witch Doctor, I still believe she is not qualified to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States.
No matter how it gets presented, Bush chose a "friend" with the same religious views as himself, to decide legal matters on the highest court in the Nation.
Even that would not be so bad, if she had ONE shred of ability or experience.

Some have even called her a "Tabula Rosa."
That would be the other extreme ...a blank slate ...and that worries me too.
We need someone on that court that can be non partisan, non beholding and interpret law with an open mind.

TODD:

Thanks for letting me know about Google.
I guess people are talking about Miers a lot, and we just fell in there somewhere.
Thanks for the plug.

HOPING:

You hit the nail on the head!
Miers has yet to even be confirmed, but one of the blocks that might hold her back is the nebulous nature of her positions.
Bush seems sure she will vote his agenda (which scares Dems) and the Dems feel sure she will vote along the "very" conservative lines of the Church she belongs to, which is totally Pro Life. And yet the Far Right wants her opinions before she even sees the cases!

If, as you "Hope" (and I join you) she breaks with the people in control, we might see some Independent thought from this woman in the shadows.
Let's just hope (again IF she makes it all the way to the court) that she also has clarity of thought, and can vote LAW independent of her religious views.

LCV:

Good point.
I am sure he is trying to keep his base solid as he faces an unsure future.
Perhaps Bush feels that he can leave a legacy (other than a political mess), by changing the Supreme Court to as many Conservatives as he can before he leaves office.
What concerns me still however, is why he chose Miers, when there is no shortage of experienced Conservative minds out there ...with a lot more experience.
That is where this could be seen as handing out favors to loyalists to me and many others.

Prosapio:

Good one. Thanks.

It's Like Watching a Train Wreck:

Your keen awareness of Ms. Miers and her quotes is refreshing in a world of misquotes and misinformation.
Becoming one of the TOP 50 lawyers BECAUSE she was picked by Bush is hilarious on one hand...scary on the other.
Thanks for writing. Come on back.

docphyl:

I imagine there will always be "Affirmative Action" rumors..when a Black person reaches such high stature.
Justice Marshall was, however, extremely qualified for the position, whether White or Black. He was certainly "next in turn" so to speak anyway. Marshall had succesfully argued before the court a few times, and was a walking source of Constitutional Law.
Johnson "nudging" out Clark sounds good to those who want to believe it was necessary, but Supreme Court Justices don't just "step aside" as favors to the President. The job is too good. Thanks for writing.

Jas:

Miers did show her true brainpower to me as well when she called Bush one of the most "brilliant" people she has ever met.

To ALL Anonyomous People who use name calling instead of intelligent comment: Read a book sometime and grow up.

Anonymous:

Good to see you "out and about."

Miers might have gotten a clerkship, had she applied. Who knows.

Peter:

I am very glad you also found this subject important.
Who is Kos?

As for SNL, I find all satirical political shows fun. Laughter is a good thing.
But if I ever feel the need to quote a comic I give credit where it is due (Check my blogs and see).

I happen to have my own sense of humor, and I think people enjoy it.
Nice to hear from you.

Peter:

Very often Presidents (and Governors)sign "Packages" with many bills included in them.

Congress usually sends it to the President to get a piece of unpopular legislation passed along with other more popular things making the bill look prettier.

The process is older than you and I.

The "Line Item Veto" issue has been fought over these, "strung together" bills from Congress.

Most PORK gets passed in this type of packaged legislation.

I DO think ONE part of Bush's energy bill is wrong. We DO need to preserve more National Land from greedy Oil Barons.

But, don't automatically ASSUME I am against the whole bill (although I need to get out my microscope before deciding on the rest of it).

And please don't put words in my mouth ...like "Evil," when you are only ASSUMING my positions on things.
Tsk Tsk.

I am VERY MUCH in favor of finding alternative sources of energy (Solar and Wind included) to make things easier and cheaper and cleaner for this country.
But, if the President is using the dubious tactic of offering us something GOOD (solar and wind credits) if we accept something terribly BAD
...Then I might need to reject the whole thing.

Peter:

You ask if I have any "substantiation" that Bennett is a racist
...and if the President is drinking.

Let me take the second part about Bush first:
Aboslutely not. None.
And I wish I could have gotten the above post in quicker.
I was joking.

But, let's not totally dismiss the fact that it is always a big possibility for relapse when someone has an admitted alcohol problem (which he has admitted).
And Bush is, first and foremost a man; A human being.
The pressures this guy must be under are immense!
Nixon and Johnson needed a "nip" to get them through quite often (Others had other vices to let off steam).
Many of our first ladies, from Bess Truman to Mamie Eisenhower to Pat Nixon(Whoknows how many others in history) have been known to have drinking problems as well (God bless Betty Ford for admitting it..and trying to help others).

As for Bill Bennett:

If a woman stood on a street corner in an extremely short skirt, wearing very, very, very high
heels ...then leaned into my car window, to ask if I wanted, "To Party," it would'nt take much thought to hear those words ...and know what she (or even he) meant.

When a man says (paraphrase) that there would be less crime if "black" babies (not simpley "babies") were aborted, I assume him to be a racist. Yes. Absolutely.

I think the most telling part of his statement was when he added insult to injury by saying that it may be reprehensible...but it would still lower crime.
He cemented himself with that line.

The man's OWN words, by there very nature, substantiate the facts.
This is not second hand knowledge. Someone else did not tell us he said this.
He said it on the air, for everyone to hear.

People can debate what they THINK he meant to say for years.....but what he actually said, is now a matter of fact and history.
If it just "slipped out," I feel even sorrier for him.

And yes. Byrd could be considered racist as well. But at least he admitted he hated black people. I don't care for him either.
Racism is NOT a Partisan issue.

Let's move on already.

Supermarket Mom:
I had not even see the Rag Mags when I wrote my comment.
I swear.
I just assumed...by Bush's actions ...and made a joke.
But, I am laughing now.

Bush would HAVE to be one of THREE things to be letting everything happening to him be unfolding as it is: Drunk, stupid, or just incompetent. Take your pick.

To hear him, saying he is back on the trail of Osama Bin Laden this week has perked my ears up.
In the past Bush said of Bin Laden: "He can run..but he can't hide."
Well, Mr. President...To quote Jon Stewart --- "He HAS been hiding...for FOUR years"!

Hey...about you and Peter Porcupine: I know he asked when your "two headed offspring" would be delivered, but let's forgive him as we forgive Laura and George, Teddy and Bill and all the others in the public spotlight that have Mucked Up over the years.
Keep on writing. You are always so up on current events.

Peter:
I would hope we can have discourse here without resorting to "twin headed babies" in alien wombs when responding to women with differing opinions.....even if the Enquirer is part of the subject.

While it might not be ideal for Supermom to bring up Laura Bush's accidental killing of a passenger in her car, it is equally distasteful to constantly hear Kennedy's lost passenger story from Anti-Liberals.
Bill Bennett already spewed forth enough venom about Kennedy to last a while.

Hey, why don't we let Laura and Kennedy off the hook already?
Had they both served time.....they'd even be out by now.
She may have been drinking... He may have been scared....
But it is SERIOUSLY the past....and we have more important things to worry about these days.

Incidentally, Sen. Kennedy..(I speak as someone LUCKY enough to live in MA) despite his own shortcomings and mistakes, has dedicated his life to, and given more for this state (and trying for the country) than any other TEN politicians in the past 40 years!
Massachusetts STILL has the best and most affordable medical programs in the country... as well as some of the best social programs every created.
What state is better to live in than this one?
I love Massachusetts ... and Kennedy has a lot to do with WHY.

Now....as for the other thing: I have not seen a President on the front page of the Enquirer since Clinton and Monica.
The paper IS (as I hope most know by now) owned by Ultra Conservative, Rupert Murdoch, who also owns FOX News and the NY Post.

I say putting Mr. Bush on the cover of one of his Rag Mags just goes to prove that MONEY is more important than his own political pick for President.

I guess even Murdoch feels it's time to cut and run.

Drew:
Your original defense of Bennett made a lot more sense than your current ramblings.
At least, at first glance, Bennett might have fooled you too.
But to still defend him, even when your own President has condemned his words, is just stubborness ...as far as I can see.

ANYONE who preaches morality to others...(especially while sitting on Presidential committees pushing their own views on the public) ...and then does not live up to those things himself is always going to OPEN the door to becoming a hypocrite.
And he pushed the door wide open.

Semantics only goes so far in defending a bad deed(like Clinton saying "Is" may have a few different meanings).
But after careful scrutiny, by the media, the President even the best Conservative Cirlces in this country, Bennett(even if agreed with privately) has been deemed "Out of Line."

You just can't write a book about VIRTUE while gambling and being a racist. It will come back and BITE you!

The man is a HYPOCRITE ...and that won't change ...even if you defended him from today to the end of time.

Let him go to Gamblers
Anonymous ...Then he can join Rush Limbaugh at Narcotics Anonymous for a coffee break. The two of them can meet up with Gordon Liddy at Felons Anonymous on their way to pick up Dubya at Alcoholics Anonymous.

Then they can all stop by some Grand Juries on the way home and check out how Karl Rove, Bill Frist and Tom DeLay are doing with their indictments ....and "possible" indictments.

Aren't you tired of all these Power Brokers telling YOU what to do....and then doing whatever THEY please?
Aren't you tired of being lied to?

This administrations' ship is sinking fast ....Grab a life preserver.

Helen:

I have often wondered why Dubya is so hard to find and/or slow to react while on vacation or when disasters hit.
It very well could be they need to "sober him up" first.
It sure would explain a lot else too. HA!

Peter:

At least Grant showed up for the war. :)

Hey...who's buried in Grant's tomb? JC (RappCity)

Lil Girl:

Your uncle (sadly) was quite right that Bennett 'slipped' and told the truth.
As for your uncle himself, I'm glad it sparked some conversation and that you were able to enlighten him a bit. Good for you.
I do hope you meant your "Biggest Prayers" were for a more educated "Next Generation," rather than just the folks under 80 (right?).

My real hopes lay with those from 1-60 (well, maybe 1-30 really, haha,).
Thanks for writing.

Chowdah:
Your thanking Bill Bennett has given me my biggest laugh of the day. Thank you.

Anonymous in CAPS:
A few very good thoughts, but they would have been easier to read in regular font instead of Caps. Thanks for writing.

Peter: No matter the topic or the opinion, your wit is amusing. :)

I have something to say:
Thanks for the comments.

Anonymous from the UK:
You said: " ...typing in 'Bill Bennett' to google will reveal a whole host of conservative sites that back up his opinions and say that he was simply misquoted. I find that 'morally reprehensible.' There is no defence to such crass and racist remarks - this is a man who was a prominent republican politician not so long ago - what does that say about other republicans? - do their opinions wildly vary from Bennetts? < <<

Good point. These "Good "Ol Boys" could use some corraling.
You also said: "Republicans now embrace blacks who are able to 'act white'"

You bet they do! They offer them the "American Dream" ...based on the old CLASS and MONEY ideals.

I can understand some minority folks agreeing with Republicans (NOT Right Wing Conservatives) on certain issues; I do too.
But I still scratch my head when I see Black people (especially those who are somewhat "comfortable"), standing side by side with people just one step away from a white sheeted wardrobe.
It amazes me.

Those Log Cabin Gay people vote Republican too (another scratch).

Hey, I'm sure, at the beginning, some German Jews thought Hitler was an OK guy too.
As some defenders of Hitler still claim today (when not bashing Kennedy), "He DID help the ecomony at least." (Hoo Boy...)

I can only hope the real motives of the minority people who stick with radical right wingers are just to try and change society from "within."

Thanks for writing, and Peace to you too. JC (RappCity)

Original Anonymous (You change names like socks):

Your obviously don't grasp the connection in preaching MORALS to all of us on one hand, while gambling away EIGHT million dollars on the other.

And on top of that, the man comes out with such a RACIST statement ...showing an even a deeper moral deficiency.

And when caught in this moral trap he brought about himself, he pulls the oldest (and tiredest) Republican/Conservative trick in the book: Blame a Democrat who did something wrong.

If the only thing Conservatives can do ...when accused of wrongdoing is to point to another mans actions (of over thirty years ago), they SHOULD be ashamed of themselves!

Other than being downright offensive, it simply avoids the issues by shifting blame, and it just WON'T WASH anymore.

Conservatives need to start accepting the same responsibitly they expect from Liberals and stop screaming "Kennedy" every time they do something wrong and get caught!
It's's not only ridiculous already, it's insane!

I'm not perfect. But, I also do not go around telling other people how to live their lives either. Bill Bennett has done just that, and with Washington backing too(which I am sure is gone for good now)!

He's cooked his goose this time.... thankfully. JC (RappCity)

Sister of Anonymous:

I got the Racist part right.

You are now, just as your sibling Anonymous did, putting your own SPIN on Bennett's words....and not just quoting him, but telling us what you THINK he meant to say.

I am talking about what he DID say.

Bennett himself said about FREAKONOMICS: "You know, one of the arguments in this book Freakonomics that they make is that the declining crime rate, you know, they deal with this hypothesis, that one of the reasons crime is down is that abortion is up."

The "Hypothesis" you speak of is clearly stated in the book: "...crime is down...abortion is up."
Only Mr. Bennett's quote of the book mentions the abortion of BLACK babies.

Bennett's "message" is very clear. To those who heard it ...sans background noise and rhetoric.

You are defending a man who hypocritically spent years preaching morals and then disgraced himself by his own immoral words and deeds.

You say, "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."
Your last thought is the only one I agree with.... and, ironically, the one Bennett sorely needs to learn.

JC (RappCity

Ruddy....LOL... if it works...sure.

JC

Bravo one and all!

This is exactly what I was talking about; Hitting the comment button.
Whether to commend me, debate me, chide me, or stand beside me ...THIS is the place to do it. That's all I've been saying all along. Thank you (even those who disagree with me).

Now, as for specifics:

Sulla:
My "Opinions" and I thank you ...for letting me know, I "may have them."

Have you considered the possibility that you just don't like me?
Perhaps if you just didn't read my Blogs (which you always disagree with anyway) you'd enjoy the day more. But, then again, don't construe that as my telling you not to come around.
Everyone is always welcome here in RappCity. Have a nice day.


Andrew:
Nothing you have said yet has offended me. It can't.
First of all, I take criticism in stride. It goes with the territory.
Secondly, nothing you've said yet makes sense to me, so it can't offend.
We are all here exercising free speech. Aren't we?
(Drew...Andrew... Hmmmmmm).

Peter:
I only wrote this Blog to make a point: That (IMHO), personal critiques and personal objections to Blogs belong on the COMMENT pages of these Blogs ...Where we are right now. :)
I just felt that it needed to be said ...because if we make every comment we have about other peopler's Blogs ... into Blogs of our own ...on the "Main Blog Page" ... it would "Blog UP" the whole forum.
It would also change the nature of this place. And, I think, not for the better.

Lawrence:
Thank you for your level head, and good sense of color.
I certainly hope you stick around and continue to speak out in favor of intelligence.

Cape Gal:

You're a righteous woman! Thanks for the encouragement and I sure hope to see you again.

All:
Notice that I had no need to even mention any names in my Blog. It was written for anyone who cared enough to read my opinions on what I will now term, "Blogger Etiquette."

Some issues are never going to be agreed upon. I would never expect everyone to agree with everything I say. That would be impossible.
I may be an optimist, but I'm not Pollyanna ... Ha!
....Of course if it were possible ...it would mean that everyone would also want ...a New President, a New Congress, Protected Wetlands, An end to the War...and ...definitely a PONY.

Anyone who ever wants to have a word with me, about me, or with others on the subject of me, can always drop by and leave a comment. I encourage it.
The door is always open. You don't even need to knock.
Let 's just try and maintain some civility. JC (RappCity)

Drew:

You certainly have a right to disagree and debate anything I say, day and night, night and day, 24/7. Go for it.

I just suggested you find some "original" ideas of your own for your BLOGS, and not use Blogs as comment space.

You even quoted me saying in MY blog:
"Now in my humble opinion (hit comment for yours)..."

So "Comment" away, but don't pretend that your BLOGS (which are just reprinted comments from here) are original in any way.

Try some Action instead of Re-action. You might enjoy it.

As for your personal life, I knew nothing of it until you mentioned it. To everyone.

In the words of a very famous man, "There you go again..."

Have a nice day Drew. JC

Cape Gal:

Thank you for understanding the nature of Blogging, and the freedom it affords us ALL to "expound" our personal views.
You are very right that some people just complain and do nothing. Some even complain and don't VOTE!
I think if this administration passes any new amendments, the first one should be:
"If you don't vote, you lose the Constitutional right to complain"!

Jammie and Mary:

Some people will never understand about the environment.
Controlled cutting of trees (even controlled burns) can be a good tool when overgrowth and dense brush are fire hazards. But to cut down whole forests for McDonalds etc.(which is poisoning us anyway), and to rid ourselves of perfectly healthy trees (it happens a lot..and often illegally here on Cape Cod) just for a better view of the Sound or the Bay just ain't right!

It's a good thing Hurricane Rita sent her EYE over the empty marshes and wetlands of Sabine Pass (on the border of LA and TX). People around those parts have (so far) been smart enough not to build on them.

Had the eye passed a little west, over Galveston (One Lucky Puppy), hundreds of million dollars of expensive
beachfront property, and the adjoining neighborhoods would have been destroyed ...causing a major tragedy.

Thanks for writing. It's refreshing to see some real Intelligent Design. JC

OH, and one more thing Drew:

Congrats on the Baby! Great idea.

But if you and the GF are serious about adopting, I do hope you realize that orphans from white families are very hard to find. Some people wait years and even pay small fortunes for them. But, I am sure some underprivilidged baby of another ethnicity or color might be available immediately. Good luck on that.

OH, and have you thought of MARRYING your fiance' before having this baby (or even before having sex)?
That might be something "Moral" to consider.

And lastly Drew, this was not a debate until you began one.
My blog was not about poor people and the welfare state. It was mostly about Global Warming and a lousy Administration. The only mention of welfare I made was "Corporate Welfare", which you may have mistaken as the "other" kind.

As for attacks on "Faith based" programs, nobody but YOU has mentioned the subject either.

Perhaps instead of attacking me, you should consider channeling your thoughts, outrage and anger into an "Original" Blog of your own, and stop feeding your own negativity here in RappCity. Just MY "opinion" again.
JC (RappCity)

Again,everyone, I will confine my comments to the "comment" page instead of "blogging up" the main page just to see my name in print.

Drew: You said in your last public oratory about me: " Now maybe I am wrong, but I take this attack as maligning people who get their news from the local pulpit (or anywhere else that conflicts with his or her narrow minded views). The rest of the dialogue I will let you judge for yourselves."

Yes Drew, you ARE wrong. About me. And about what I said; Both literally and figuratively.

You misread my words. I never said people whose views contrast with mine got their news from a pulpit or the "Murdoch" news.
What I DID say, was that many
uneducated people are fed, and rely on, sources of information handed to them by only those they trust (and sometimes that is the pulpit and the one paper in their towns).

Some people do not even have ACCESS to the opposing views from the press that you and I are fortunate enough to share - even if we disagree.
Still others are often "culturally" afraid to even venture OUT of their own yards, fearing it would alienate them from family and neighbors (even their Churches or Synagogues or Mosques or whatever) if they had a dissenting thought.
That is what I meant by the "Barn."

People who don't even understand puns and metaphors frighten me even more than people who disagree with me.

And to my friend Sulla, who said I am in need of oxygen to be a happier person and not, "...transfixed by the glow of a CRT screen and trading conspiracy theories with others who have a much time on their hands as you," what, may I ask are YOU doing here, wading through all of this disucssion on such a sunny day? Don't YOU have something better to occupy YOUR time than trading jabs with Freedom of Speech? Y'all come back now, y'he-ah? JC (RappCity)

My Original Comments to Drew from his Comments(which he also made into a Blog)
Drew said: "I am curious about your population control philosophy. Is that really the answer? Abortion and the morning after pill?"

No, I don't think the "Answer" to population control is abortion.
I do not take abortion lightly.
But I do think a woman does have the right to decide what to do with her own body.
And current law still gives women that right (up to around 12 to 14 weeks).
I respect those who don't not agree, but have a real problem with radical fringe groups who even condone murdering doctors that perform abortions!

Speaking of Radical: Late Term Abortions have now cleverly been renamed "Partial Birth Abortions" by the same great Radical Right Wing Marketing people that also gave us the term "Pro Life" to be used instead of Anti-Abortion.

This group has gone way overboard making Late Term Abortion, oops, I mean "partial Birth Abortion" the Poster Child, and symbol for the whole anti-abortion movement.
That is really "over the wall," but I am sadly concerned that marketing does win out, and at least a few innocent and uneducated will hear the rhetoric and advertising slogans instead of truth!

FLASH: Late Term Abortion is ALREADY against the law, and has been for many,many years.
It is only allowed if a mothers life is in imminent danger.

In the not so distant past, the only group that firmly stood against late term abortion (as a unified body) was the Catholic Church, which for centuries felt the life of the child was more important than the life of the mother (Wonder why there are less Nuns these days?).
An excellent old movie called The Cardinal was about that subject.

But even the Catholic Church considered it a Religious matter, not a secular legal one. They never took to the streets to force their views on everyone else.

But the radical anti-abortion groups that march today,showing photos of dead fetuses are not just against "late term" abortion. They are against ALL abortion rights for women.
Many rabid anti-abortionists would very easily sacrifice the life of the mother if it threatened the birth of the child.
Thank goodness late term abortion is still considered a MEDICAL decision.
Although some uninformed (or extremely radical) people actually think women are "Sneaking into abortion clinics in the dark of night to get rid of eight and nine month old fetuses." Nonsense!
No woman in her right mind would wait that long to have an abortion, even if she could!

The only women even considered for that type of abortion would, as I said, most likely die as a result of the childbirth. If a natural birth is not possible, and if a C-section cannot be done, a choice must be made. And as of now, it is only legal for a doctor to make that decision (And only under those extreme conditions).

Anti-Abortion radicals would have us believe women are lining up for this invasive and extensive surgery, as well as paying doctors fortunes to do it for them.
That is out and out HOGWASH!

To those who would rather see a woman die before stopping the birth of a baby, I say get some therapy!


Womens lives have always been cheap, but
beleive me, if MEN got pregnant, abortion would not only be free, it would be available on every corner!

Next subject: As for seeing bodies on our own sidewalks Drew got into a monologue on, "Underlying issues.....and poor people being "conditioned" to being poor and," having someone else do it for them"

I'm sorry, but when a national disaster in the form of a monster like Katrina happens, saving lives is much more important (and American) than jumping on a soapbox and screaming about welfare why people are poor. I find that statement not only ludicrous, but misplaced, mis-timed, and without substance. Walk a mile in someone elses shoes Drew.

And as for your comment:
"I am saying that we are not addressing the real problems ...teenage pregnancy, absentee fathers, welfare reliance and dropout rates.... We have a whole segment of our population caught in a cycle of degeneracy....These are all symptoms of a disease that nobody likes to admit plagues America: decaying moral values...."

Drew,I think part of the answer to those "problems" is that you ought to volunteer a lot more of your spare time to thelocal Boys and Girls Clubs. Perhaps you might even consider ADOPTING some of the unwanted babies those nasty teenage girls are having.

I always find it amusing when people care so much for the fetus, but when the fetus comes out, and ends up on Welfare or on Drugs, these same people (who force them to be born) won't lift a finger to help them. Those poor babies are not to blame!
If moral decay is present in this country, it's found in the people who ignore those "born" fetuses who now have names!

Note: Venezuela supplies us with a major portion of our oil.
And, Drew, by now you've heard that your hero Pat Robertson (whom you say is, "More concious of the deterioration of our values...and our nations moral fibre...)" recently called for the assasination of the President of that country. That not only embarrased most of his followers but even Washington.

Personally, I find the very people who point fingers and pass moral judments on others the most decaying segment of America. JC RappCity

Drew,
I had my answer to your initial comments all laid out and ready to go when your last comment popped up:

>>>"It is people like you who push those of us in the middle, further and further to the right. Explain to me why it is that 200,000 Hispanics in the same economic and transportation situation were able to get out.

Now, I don't want to be too "judgemental" myself, but if you call yourself someone in the "Middle" after a statement like that, I think you need to get a compass and a map.JC

Well, Nice to see some discussion going on. Thank you all for coming.
I was a little shocked to see Drew's comments on the Chowder page, but I shall stay with protocol and answer comments the best I can right here.

First off to Alan in Liverpool. Misguided for sure. I like Tony. But I often wonder if Mr.Blair sometimes regrets not having kept just a little more distance from Mr. Bush. Ha!

Former Cape Codder... Ayup Back atchya! Come on back one of these days. The leaves are gonna turn soon...

To the 2nd Anonymous: TY and well said.

Paul: I thank you for explaining that most of the people caught in the flood had jobs and paid taxes. People need to know that even poor people work too. They just have certain handicaps (physical, mental, social, racial or educational) that sometimes just keep them from getting a condo on the dry side of town. JC (Rappcity)

Cap't Willy:
All I can say is facts are facts. Just about everything I said about the levees and Bush has come out as true this week. And even Bush has HAD to take responsibility (for the first time in his life I am sure)for the breakdown in communication and leadership in time of crisis. Especially LEADERSHIP.

If you did read my blog carefully..(I spoke of Brian Williams comments on traveling around in the flood) I noted that the past four administrations have had "monies" set aside to fix the levee/dam system in New Orleans.
Even if you leave out fixing all the OTHER dams and levees(many, many, millions)that needed work, it still get down to the mere TWO MILLION DOLLARS that was supposed to be spent this past spring to shore up the now infamous 17th st. levee that broke and flooded the city.
And THAT money was recalled by the Bush administration and given to the Homeland Security Dept, despite many warnings that the levee was in disrepair and anything more than a CAT 3 storm would break it.
And we have now all seen how well Homeland Security Chief Chertoff worked in unison with now EX FEMA head Michael Brown when a disaster hit.

If Clinton had been in charge of this rescue mission, conservatives would be calling for a beheading.

As for Pork Barrel spending, it is now going to be investigated by the independent 9/11 Commission...made up of five Democrats and five Republicans. They are a good group. Let's wait and see what they have to report. It should be very interesting.

Those of you who want to defend this administration and its selfish, greedy, intolerant agenda, go right ahead.
But don't expect those of us who actually read books, as well as daily newspapers and magazines, and even watch boring old C-Span - as well as the "Raggy" conservative news outlets owned by Rupert Murdoch (like the NY POST, FOX news and his crowning glory The National Enquirer) to be fooled by nonsensical accusations and name calling.

This administration is a joke! And a sad, bad one to boot.
When Joe Scarboroguh and Bill O'Reilly even start saying Bush and his posse messed up...it's time to smell the coffee.

It's time for a serious change in leadership. Oops, I mean it is time to GET some leadership! JC

Greg: Good reporting on an incredibly important subject. And you win points for "outing" Anonymous as well. Cynthia and Scott have been going blog to blog flinging hostility at anyone and everyone making sense.
However, after reading what they both had to say here, I've got to admit I'm beginning to to support their arguments. That Australian newspaper article on Global Warming as a "Religion", added to the comments from the "Expert" from NOAA were almost enough to make me cross over, but I think the idea that, depsite the earth getting warmer, winter in Worcester is still cold, put me over the edge.
I have shut off MSNBC for the last time, and will, from now on, get all my news and iinformation from FOX , The National Enquirer, and the "Papers down there." Oh, and one more thing: "Rupert Murdoch for President"!

Joon, thanks, and I honestly don't know if the "Big Diggers" are the ones hired for New Orleans. All I know is more than one company will now probably be needed (But you can bet which one of those companies will be right in there).
And Nan, I also meant to comment before on what you said, >>>"...sure wasn't the poor folk who'd been there for generations in modest or skimpy homes. (they knew that their marshland and glades acted like a sponge and would absorb a ton of water...but with the BIG WHITE BUILDINGS on them were crippled to do the job!"<<< You nailed what I have been saying from day one! Thanks. JC

Thank you Gladys, and the others who have indeed weathered a few storms themselves and come through with their hearts and brains intact.

To the name-calling others (anonymous or otherwise), let me just say this ONCE (that should be enough if you really listen).

Although I have recently singled out, commented on, (and reported others opinions as well as my own) about who bungled what, who screwed up where etc., when the largest natural disaster in the history of our country hit, I have NO partisan fences around whom I might compain about next. Not now, not ever!
If Bill Clinton's administration been in charge of FEMA during this catastrophic event (and he had named an incompetent "buddy" with no credentials and a falsified resume as its Chief), I would be complaining about that just as much.

My REAL point all along (and almost lost by way of much of this nonsensical name calling and BOO HOOING) is, that, as a country, we had better Wake Up and smell the coffee when it comes to the Coastal Areas of America. Either that or all of us living on or near the coastline will end up smelling a very HIGH tide very soon!
We need to come together and work as a team to make sure the Republicans, as well as the Democrats, listen to all of us! Here on Cape Cod that could mean saving our homes as well as our lives! JC

Ahhh, My old friend Anonymous is back. It is always nice to see the person "Who dare not speak his own name," defending the "Right Knights in Shining Aluminum."

Hey, I agree, "New Orleans is lead by a Mayor who is a Democrat, as is the Governor." See, we are off to a good start.
But, you also say, >>>When Bush offered help, she (the Gov) said she'd 'have to think about it.' 24 hours later, she accepted. When FEMA did show up at the Superdome with food, they were instructed by local officials that they did NOT want the food distributed there. They were trying to get the people out, not attract more.< <<

That is just not true! The Superdome began flooding the night people arrived. The power went out, and the heat was almost 100 degrees in the SuperTomb. Over the next two days the place began to fill with water, and those that tried to leave were stopped at the door (by M-16's) and told to remain.
The food distribution (for the whole city of New Orleans)was not stopped until about 6 days later, when the Troops DID finally arive and wanted to clear out the rest of the city. THOSE are the facts! The Governor wanted to send the Guard troops in from day one, but was prevented by FEMA, who was the liason with the Federal government. THAT is why Michael Brown has been relieved of his duty as Chief, and sent back to Washington. he ought to be fired...but you would have him get a medal. We are at war. When at war, there are often conflicts of interest over troop deployment. But, in the face of such a major disaster, the mismanagement, in this case, between the Feds and the State came from incompetence at FEMA and among people with no experience in rescue and relief being in charge.
Know what you are talking about... It helps.
And, by the way, if "99% of all media" is leftist, where do you get your information? JC

Joon in Florida:
Florida is very vulnerable. We all know that, as surely as we all knew that a "Big One" could take out New Orleans. But, what are we doing about it?
I know people in Vero Beach and Barefoot Bay whose lives will never be the same after Hurricane Charley last year.
And yet, the developers keep building and building. They cut down trees, fill in swamps and marhses and wetlands, artificially create "temporary" beaches to attract more investment and tourists (The fast buck), and don't give a damn what happens next.
Most of them don't live anywhere near where they are selling homes to trusting people.
The whole southern third of Florida is nothing more than a big marsh. As we speak the Everglades is expanding every minute. What used to be a pretty ride through Alligator Alley (trying to spot one) is now becoming a "Condo Race." Filling in the land artificially, and putting apartment complexes on top will only HASTEN the demise of those precious wetlands, and furthermore, endanger the protection of other communities when, not IF another Cat 4 or 5 storm hits.Stay well and thanks for visiting.
And NAN...thanks for the kind words and noticing the WPA idea in my piece. It just might work too! JC

Scott:
As of today, your Hero George Bush has an approval rating of only 40%. While I am the first to point out (read my past few articles) that the state of Louisiana should have been more prepared (as well as FEMA and other Feds_, let us not forget that Mississipi (devastated as well by Katrina) has two very powerful Republican politicians of their own (Governor Haley Barbour, and House Majority Leader Trent Lott), both of whom were brought to tears and also blamed FEMA, the slow response of the National Guard (and ultimately Bush) for a mismanaged rescue and relief effort.
Yes, Florida escaped some serious hurricanes last year. And it was not because of Jeb Bush! He is not that powerful!
The state was just fortunate this time around. But let's not forget Florida's, Hurricane Andrew nine years ago. It too was monstrously devastating. But relief and aid were quickly available to those in need. We cannot stop hurricanes, but we can respond to them in responsible ways. It's time for the PARTISAN politics to stop, and for BOTH parties to work together making sure we protect our coastlines, marshes, wetlands and beaches from the the greedy developers (many friends with this current administration..since you ask) that turn natural events into national disaters.
Pick up a National Geographic instead of a National Review sometime. Thanks for writing.

ARutledge:
I do think a headline can "hook" people in to the more important story. I am glad it brought you here. Thanks for the link.
Wally you mention impeaching Bush... Well, perhaps Congress might eventually find the time to listen to your reasons after the war is over, the disaster down south is under control, and the confirmation hearings for our next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (while no one is looking) are finished. Until then...
Thanks for writing.
JC

Brookline:
I am sure many under age fifty don't have a clue as to who Shecky Green is (a comic from the old school,last seen on the Ed Sullivan Show), however, TY for your support.
As for your suggestions for future discourse on: "Dubya, the Media, and Race Relations", I am sure many others are "On it" (other than myself).
MY take is that we will be hearing a lot more about the inadequacies of the current administration in days to come.
And as for your comment about "Country Clubbers", first noticing the POOR in America, I can only say that someday (I hope), they be shocked, as they sit in their HUMMERS, and service stations actually refuse to even serve them!
Even RICH people (Can you say Bill Maher?) drive the Toyota Prius!).
Thanks for writing.

Greg,
I commented first on the front page, but am realizing it's better to comment here.
I just want to say BRAVO! You managed to put the facts of this very important issue into a piece of beautifully executed journalistic prose.
People need to be told. As often as is necessary. And Warned. As often as possible... until they listen.
Thanks for using your "Superpowers" for the good of all.
JC (RappCity)

Mark, Mark. Why waste time calling me names when the poor Governor of Louisiana practically begged for National Guard troops that did not show up. Well, not as fast as they could have anyway. And Why? Because the Federal Government had to OK the order since most of the National Guard are either headed for Iraq, or just came back and are getting some well deserved rest! Those that were not wounded or killed over there anyway.
Did you even know that the President has been sending our National Guard overseas to fight?
If there is an idiot around, you might try looking for him on Pennslyvania Ave. in DC.
Pick up a newspaper once in a while and get your facts straight. Name calling is not nice. Especially when you don't know what you are talking about.
Didn't your mother ever teach you that?
But thanks for writing.

To my ever faithful reader, "Anonymous" I say this: Go home! The South needs you now. Whatever are you doing here in New England? For goodness sake, you may catch something intelligent.
But thanks for writing and I'm sure I'll see you soon.

HillBilly:
Nice to hear from you, but I doubt you read my story very carefully.
I clearly stated that, "The people in New Orleans have always known this could happen, and yet, have always chosen to stay.."
Yes,there have been breaches in the levees before, and I mentioned the fact that the Army Corp. of Engineers (A Federal Agency)was supposed to do more work fixing them. Until their budget was cut. Problems with the levees date back to the1920's. I also said that people have tried to tame the water with levees, dams and sea walls for many years." What part of that is unclear?
Your rush to label me only shows your "Canned" rhetoric as a product of the Conservative dry goods store. That's your choice. But at a time like this, we need better responses than name calling to deal with major problems in our beloved country. We need to stick together, and hope that our President does something useful down in the Gulf today. TY for writing, and please stay in school.

Well, first of all, thanks for all the comments and taking the time to stop by.

I want to UPDATE my answer to the Anonymous person who mentioned it is ILLEGAL in the US for anyone but the "Feds" to check Beef for Mad Cow disease.
I previously answered that at least in the USA it is not illegal to TALK about or "disseminate" Mad Cow information to our hearts content (as opposed to China). THAT was my original point. But, as I RE-READ your letter, I find I do AGREE that we should allow meat producers and packers in the USA to test for MAD COW just as they are doing in Japan. Perhaps it should also be done under the watchful eyes of INDEPENDENT observers too.
Of course we will ALL get the bill for all this in the end (poor choice of words perhaps?).
I suppose, in the future, more people will be eating chicken and fish (OH WAIT..THAT brings us back to THAT subject again......Nevahmind). :>
(Personally, I have been buying the natural, grain fed, NON hormone NON antibiotically drugged beef for a while now. It IS expensive, but it is still costs less than a Supersized Big Mac with fries and a shake). Thanks for the comment.

To the reader who thinks I am overblowing deadly estimates on Avian flu, I want to say that I use the BEST sources before I would pass on such information. WHO, CDC, NIH and Harvard Medical School are just some. These experts (and many others) found that humans have NO antibodies for this new virus! Immediate work on prevention and vaccines seems the only way to try and stop what (YES) has been compared to the 1918 flu pandemic in he making. The bug hit Japan this week. Also: Reuters AlertNet, Thu14 Jul 2005: "Avian influenza has killed another Vietnamese resident and infected 3 more, taking the country's toll to 40 -- half of them killed since the H5N1 virus returned in December [2004]. The Vietnamese Health Ministry fears outbreaks could turn into an epidemic in the winter."
HEY....I'm as scared as anyone, but let's face facts, and make sure our governement cares more for us than they did for AIDS victims in Africa!
Thanks for writing.
JC Rapp