Will this plea work here in The Basement? (snicker, snicker)

roger — February 25, 2013 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Good morning basement undesirables. Not everything is to complain about the dismal status quo of the County in general and its lack of family wage jobs. So here is an idea.

What if The Columbian starts an award program of the business that produces more jobs for a determined period of time. Another award for the business that offers the best work conditions. Another that represent more achievements and sustainable growth, and on and on. To establish a sense of pride especially in local companies.

Maybe I am too disconnected but I don't see these honchos taking pride on anything but barely surviving or maintaining a no growth on purpose or not.

What do you think?

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Sounds...nice.

Washington State

Impact of March 1st Cuts on Middle Class Families, Jobs and Economic Security: Washington

Unless Congress acts by March 1st, a series of automatic cuts—called the sequester—will take effect that threaten hundreds of thousands of middle class jobs, and cut vital services for children, seniors, people with mental illness and our men and women in uniform.

There is no question that we need to cut the deficit, but the President believes it should be done in a balanced way that protects investments that the middle class relies on. Already, the President has worked with Congress to reduce the deficit by more than $2.5 trillion, but there’s more to do.

The President has put forward a balanced plan to not only avoid the harmful effects of the sequester but also to reduce the deficit by more than $4 trillion in total. The President’s plan meets Republicans more than halfway and includes twice as many spending cuts as it does tax revenue from the wealthy. For details on the President’s plan click here.

Unfortunately, many Republicans in Congress refuse to ask the wealthy to pay a little more by closing tax loopholes so that we can protect investments that are helping grow our economy and keep our country safe. By not asking the wealthy to pay a little more, Republicans are forcing our children, seniors, troops, military families and the entire middle class to bear the burden of deficit reduction.

The President is determined to cut spending and reduce the deficit in a balanced way, but he won’t stick the middle class with the bill. The President is willing to compromise, but on behalf the middle class he cannot accept a deal that undercuts their economic security.

Our economy is continuing to strengthen but we cannot afford a self-inflicted wound from Washington. Republicans should compromise and meet the President in the middle. We cannot simply cut our way to prosperity, and if Republicans continue to insist on an unreasonable, cuts-only approach, Washington risks paying the price.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sequester-factsheets/Washington.pdf

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What is it with these creepy old perverts not keeping their robes zipped.

Keith O'Brien Resigns: Top UK Cardinal Will Skip Papal Conclave Over Allegations Of Misconduct

LONDON -- Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Britain's highest-ranking Catholic leader, says he is resigning as archbishop in the wake of misconduct allegations and will be skipping the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

The cardinal said in a statement Monday that he will not attend because he doesn't want media attention focused on him during the important session in Rome.

Experts said the decision not to attend the papal conclave is unprecedented; never before has a cardinal stayed away from a conclave because of personal scandal, according to Vatican historian Ambrogio Piazzoni, the vice prefect of the Vatican library.

Read more @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/25/uk-cardinal-resigns_n_2758151.html

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Nail,

Refinance the interest on the national debt to grow the economy and end of story. Interest is a great portion of the debt and it will grow exponentially. They need to pressure the ones that hold that debt.

Somehow, that possibility is not spoken of....they have chosen "pain", pain for the 47% and beyond. We can refinance mortgages, why not the debt?

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 8:33 a.m.

U.S. treasury bonds already have a negative yield, how to you renegotiate when you are paying less than nothing?

http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield

frobert — February 25, 2013 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Boy oh boy...just got done reading the manifesto of comments on the Columbian article "C-Tran seeks direction on light rail." My favorite reaction by the folks who posted was by the few who thought the title to the article was some kind of joke.

Yeah...the joke's on us...the citizens of Clark County if we're stuck paying for that 40 blocks of LRT to a dead end for sure. Hopefully that dead end won't include the death of a city, but it sure sounds like it's going to greatly inhibit city growth, possibly destroy it with 10-14 years of construction nightmares.

What I find so ironic is this. The federal government is willing to shell out $$$ for the light rail segment of the crossing, but the structure itself...to build something which will increase mobility of traffic and freight, we have to come up with our share first with local taxes, fees and tolls before they even consider putting another dime into it...yet they're teasing the brains of the US citizens with the March 1st deadline of major federal tax cuts looming and what that would mean to us as a nation.

Only in Uhmereekuh!

goldenoldie — February 25, 2013 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

We can refinance mortgages, why not the debt?

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 8:33 a.m.

Good question holy and I have no answers. Why not allow targeted re-financing of homes as Obama has put forward? Closing some of these corporate loopholes would make a good start.

It used to be a recently President was allowed to enact his agenda to a large degree. If not for anything else, respect for our process and the office itself. No longer from the right. Look at the social agenda's RW states are forcing people into. They're laws continually being overturned yet they march on.

I think Occupy made a difference in that they reinforced the narrative regarding wealth disparity and corporate greed. Romney was put forward and solidified middle class beliefs about corporate greed/elitism at the expense of 47%.

These out of touch wealthy politicians (mostly or all from the right) and right wing pundits are actually selling this sequestration snake oil to their devout followers.

I think it's a republican bluff. DOD will be hit hard. Wait till members of Congress, many in the south, start losing defense contracts and laying off tens of thousands from their states.

Republican leadership will come around and accept a balanced package.

Yet again we have another self inflicted wound to demonstrate lousy governance. We are embarrassing ourselves on the world stage. Democracy failing. Extremist RW ideologues are having their day.

It'll be over with in a few years, if not for any other reason age & demographics.

I still get a little surprised at the value many conservatives place with shysters like Beck & Limbaugh. So many need a loud brash voice to validate their belief systems and reenforce of out of touch conservative ideology. I guess it helps some swallow their message if they think they're...funny or something? I don't get the whole political circus entertainment thing.

But I think Beck has finally found his niche. WWE. Perfect!

His costume should be a giant condom.

Glenn Beck Challenged To WWE 'Raw' Appearance

Glenn Beck has a new adversary in the form of the WWE.

The conservative radio host slammed the organization earlier this week over their new Tea Party-inspired villain “Jack Swagger” and his racist manager "Zeb Colter." Beck, along with other conservatives, was offended by the portrayal, which he alleged "demonized" the Tea Party.

"I can take it from a lot of people," he complained. "I can't take it from the stupid wrestling people."

The WWE responded by inviting Beck to appear on "Monday Night Raw" in a statement on Friday. "Beck references WWE as 'stupid wrestling people,' ... WWE is giving Beck the opportunity to address our 14 million weekly viewers and our global fan base, as he believes we are offending our 'conservative' fans with this storyline," the organization said.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/24/glenn-beck-wwe-raw-challenged_n_2753563.html

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

President Obama himself is most responsible for the sequester and it's outcomes/ Yes right from the Huff Post.....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-k-black/obama-sequestration_b_2758602.html

vanwadreamer — February 25, 2013 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I so wish our government would stop treating us like we're puppets on a string. But then again...

We're the ones who voted them in and have allowed them to manipulate us...to tie us to the strings they're holding in the first place.

Big BIG sigh................................................................................

goldenoldie — February 25, 2013 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Frobert

This stuff is certainly above my head identifying what is what. I have heard pundits on business news always refer to a 6% interest on government debt.

Then I look at your numbers, the I look at my numbers and I am confused:

http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/rates/pd/avg/2013/2013_01.htm

Regardless, when you are in a crisis, you negotiate. These guys are not negotiating, they want to cut everything. The huff has a chart state by state of the impact of the sequester and it seems peanuts in the global scheme of things. Check out Washington and Oregon here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/24/sequester-states_n_2755181.html

So I say, enough already....

Where are the jobs? No jobs, no country! Or does anybody think that we can weasel this one on a debt fight?

Legal Jobs solve everything! The underground economy can solve this problem in a snap of a second. Hello?

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

vanwa, from the EXACT same article. Anybody can cut and paste and take out of context.

"In fairness, the Republicans did "start it" by threatening to cause the U.S. to default on its debts in 2011. Their actions were grotesquely irresponsible and anti-American. It is also true that the Republicans often supported the sequester."

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 10:16 a.m.

I looked at the list of cuts, looks like (to me) that all those "second amendment" supporters are going to have to step up and secure our borders for free. I'm sure they won't mind.

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 10:44 a.m.

Not borrowing more money is not the same as default, that was just propaganda.

frobert — February 25, 2013 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 10:53 a.m.

These small cuts of less than 3% of the budget, will not effect necessary services unless the administration makes sure they do for political reasons.

frobert — February 25, 2013 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Washington State is looking for a "Tolling Auditor!"

This new public servant position will make between $55,000 and $72,000 a year to make sure bridge and road tolls (relatively new to our state) are fair.

By the way, if you like responsible journalism, this Crosscut website is one of the best sources for Seattle area news:

link text

manthou — February 25, 2013 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Weird thing. I was reading the article about the wealthy and zip codes in Clark County.

Truth is that proportionally and based on the number of properties (acreage with a mansion), there aren't too many.

I would be more interested to have added to that article a list of the 100 wealthiest people in Clark County, what is their net worth and how they got there.....and....why are they here where there is nothing, absolutely nothing to do "culturally" wise...No famous theater, No music venue but a not covered amphitheater for the weather, no Stadium, no infrastructure, no art museum, no nothing...that a filthy rich guy could want to entertain his mind.

Hmmmmmmm

Wait! There is tax evasion and avoidance and Portland has what Vancouver doesn't and a stone throw away...LOL Besides light rail is coming and that would bring the gangs to brush praire and hockinson or ctran will carry them for the big loot.

Did you hear thieves? Straight to BP and Hockinson..there is where the gold filled safes are...hahahahahah

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

'm sure they won't mind. hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 10:53 a.m.

NO, they won't. Just don't start bleeding-heart stuff when they do.

DeeLittle — February 25, 2013 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What do you consider rich besides the normal doo dads...

The man has to have his own Helicopter plus pad at home, fly it to add to his pride and a serious yacht.

Not many of those in Vancouver, there aren't. So The Columbian classification of rich is a little bit stretched...and skewed...

Rich is a person that at least a billion dollars worth.

holycrapola — February 25, 2013 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

frobert — February 25, 2013 at 11:12 a.m.

Well that one opinion.

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I guess it helps some swallow their message if they think they're...funny or something? I don't get the whole political circus entertainment thing. -- nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 9:12 a.m.

Quite a bizarre statement to make considering your frequent links to Colbert, Maher, The Onion and others.

I see where someone on FB recently stated that the number of PEOPLE using Max continues to increase.

That conflicts with the most recent TriMet report:

MAX ridership decreased 7 percent in the last quarter of 2012 compared to the previous year, likely due to the fare increase and ending the Free Rail Zone.

http://www.trimet.org/annualreport/index.htm Page three.

Also stated was the figure of 130,000 PEOPLE using Max on a daily basis. Once again, I’d like to know where that figure comes from. Once again note the difference between the number of PEOPLE and the number of RIDERSHIPS. Figuring the metro area population and subtracting out all of those who do not work and would have no need for a daily commute; there is no way that figure can be correct.

I tried to be a little more timely with my comment on this, but as some of you noted, there were some problems with this web site yesterday.

kn_dalai — February 25, 2013 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Straight from the horse's mouth -

Trimet Ridership reports:

December 2012 - Weekday fixed route boardings were 286,410 in December, 5.0% below the prior year’s level. Rides were up on bus and WES commuter rail (+1.1%, +4.1% respectively), but were down 14.1% on MAX. Weekend ridership was up 12.4% on buses and down 6.5% on MAX from the previous year. Overall weekly system fixed route rides were 3.6% below the prior year’s level.

November 2012 - Weekday fixed route boardings were 315,100 in November, 1.5% below the prior year’s level. Rides were up on bus and WES commuter rail (+2.1%, +5.6% respectively), but were down 7.2% on MAX. Weekend ridership was up 5.9% on buses and down 7.0% on MAX. Overall weekly system fixed route rides were 1.2% below the prior year’s level.

October 2012 - Weekday fixed route boardings were 336,100 in October, 0.4% below the prior year’s level. Rides were up on bus and WES commuter rail (+2.8%, +10.1% respectively), but were down 5.5% on MAX. Weekend ridership was up 1.4% on buses and down 10.8% on MAX. Overall weekly system fixed route rides were 1.1% below the prior year’s level.

http://trimet.org/about/performance.htm

goldenoldie — February 25, 2013 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Anybody able to find the 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for C-Tran? Their website only shows up to 2011. Are they hiding something???

goldenoldie — February 25, 2013 at 5:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I'm not making this stuff up, folks. TriMet is having issues. They're facing major hurdles in the future.

TriMet is facing a budget shortfall -

http://trimet.org/choices/why-is-there-a-budget-shortfall.htm

The state of TriMet's woes (Read the entire article. There's a lot of "ifs" included in their planning.)-

http://media.trimet.org/the-state-of-trimet-agency-lays-out-fy14-budget-outlook/

I've always believed in mass transit as a way to get around town - was even a dedicated rider for years as I commuted to college and work on a daily basis...have even promoted commuter rail in the past, but seriously...to those who promote MAX to Vancouver...

we CAN do better than that!!!

goldenoldie — February 25, 2013 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Quite a bizarre statement to make considering your frequent links to Colbert, Maher, The Onion and others.

You're smarter than this. Onion news, Colbert, etc. aren't taken seriously and have little influence on Capital Hill.

Wordplay all you will, Rush is taken seriously by many on the right. You know-the hero thing.

Out of your own mouth, "Considering Rush’s “in” with Republicans,..."

I wasn't going to address this as your statement is obviously silly, but since you quoted me...

Funny what some deem relevant. Perhaps it's for lack of substance.

Regardless, Rush is becoming less meaningful with time.

As is the Republican party.

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 3:27 p.m.

"Well that one opinion."

Politico is not exactly a right wing publication and their opinion seems to be closer to mine.

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/obamas-sequester-talk-a-readers-guide-88066.html?ml=al_1

frobert — February 25, 2013 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What was it Harry O'Callaghan said about opinions? Truer words never spoken.

Cracks are appearing...if we sequester it won't last two months.

Lindsey Graham Backs Sequester Compromise With New Revenue

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Monday said he would support a sequestration replacement bill that raises $600 billion in additional revenue if Democrats agree to unspecified entitlement reforms.

During an interview with CNN, the South Carolina Republican hinted there may be a last-ditch, grand bargain attempt to avert the sequester-related budget cuts set to begin March 1. Graham muddied a GOP talking point in the process.

Graham called sequestration irresponsible and the byproduct of a political system that bucks hard choices. He had tough words for his own party too, accusing House Republicans of using budgetary tricks to make their sequester replacement plan work, and chastising Senate Republicans for not presenting a plan of their own.

"We're the party of fiscal conservatism. Have we put together a plan to cut $20 billion between March and October?" Graham said. "No, the House passed a plan to substitute sequestration. The Senate Republicans have yet to offer a plan. ... But the House used savings outside of the 2013 window. If you think this is that easy, I challenge any member of Congress to come up with a proposal to cut $85 billion out of the federal budget between March 1st and Oct. 1st."

But Graham's most remarkable words came when he was asked about an alternate plan, floated by Senate Republicans, to grant President Barack Obama greater authority to target the $85 billion in cuts slated for this year. "We'll criticize everything he does," Graham acknowledged. "We'll say, 'Mr. President, it is now up to you to find this $85 billion in savings and we'll say it’s to make it easier for you.' But every decision he’ll make, we'll criticize."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/25/lindsey-graham-sequester_n_2762133.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 25, 2013 at 5:49 p.m.

What absolute total nonsense. Everything.

Just why is it that you link to Maher?

You’re a liar. You link because you think there is some significance to what that creep says.

Who do you think you’re fooling?

And to think that there are those who give credence to your Marxist pablum. You can not even be honest with yourself.

” Regardless, Rush is becoming less meaningful with time.” You’re a liar. Rush has never had any credence with you. Ever. Just who do you think you're fooling?

“As is the Republican party.” You’re a liar. You have done nothing but lambast Republicans from day number one. Just who do you think you're fooling?

To have honest political debate is fine. But one must first be honest with themselves. Which you are not.

kn_dalai — February 25, 2013 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Vancouvers finest looking for a a white man wearing a white tee shirt. Under six feet tall.. They didn't tell me what he had done but there were plenty of Police looking... Aeound 37th and 38th and Columbua to Grant st

vanwadreamer — February 25, 2013 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Goldie you missed a very informative forum tonight at Sky View High school.We learned almost to much in regards to Tri Met and light rail.The total cost for the crc which just is a conservative estimate is in the 6 billion range and still climbing.MS Couch realy knows what she talks about.The good thing is she uses Tri Met and C-Trans own facts and figures.

timerick — February 25, 2013 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

For all of your information go to www.CRCfacts.info.They will explain things far better than I can.

timerick — February 25, 2013 at 10:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick — February 25, 2013 at 10:43 p.m.

I looked at the web site. It's interesting. They had some good information but it doesn't say who is behind it. It always makes me wonder what's going on and who is pulling the strings when there is nobody listed. I looked up the web site and it is registered to a clearing house in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sorry, I don't trust them without more info on who they are.

hawkeye — February 25, 2013 at 11:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hawkeye,

There was someone named Campbell (Trent?) that served as moderator and who said he represented a group of citizens. His statement was that he is a newcomer to this fight - he voted against C-Tran Prop 1, and didn't appreciate hearing that supposedly this was because he didn't want the sales tax.

And David Madore was there - did a little glad handing in the beginning, but really wasn't an active participant. And in fairness, his permanently affixed smile became a bit strained when a couple of old geezers got up and wasted valuable Q&A time singing his praises instead. So - for whatever that observation is worth.

Each of the panel members had some good info. John Charles thinks the Feds should deny the CRC's New Starts funding request to cover light rail - this is due to pending financial collapse of TriMet (as briefed by them last week) and the plan to cut numerous bus routes in the coming few years to make up the shortfall. Tiffany Couch zeroed in on dollars - both the inability of the CRC to account for what's been spent already, and the real costs that will be passed to tolling. She also noted that costs for the interchanges on both sides are being applied to the bridge itself. And another point less seldom aired was made by both Joe Cortright and Tiffany Couch - That what we call the CRC project is only Phase 1. They will cut the interchanges as needed to keep the project under budget, and return to those later. So, all things considered, it is pretty clear that we're only getting part of the picture, and that Cortright's Plaid Pantry report saying the true cost will run up to $10 billion is a lot closer to reality.

roger — February 26, 2013 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

You’re a liar.

Who do you think you’re fooling?

your Marxist pablum

You can not even be honest with yourself.

You’re a liar.

You’re a liar.

kn_dalai — February 25, 2013 at 6:50 p.m.

How do you really feel?

Your childish penchant for name calling and hurtling personal insults are more than uncalled for.

You may disagree and that's all well and good.

But to continuously slander those who disagree with you, myself in this case, is beyond the pale.

You take care.

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 7:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick — February 25, 2013 at 9:49 p.m.

Out of curiosity, what makes you think I didn't attend? I could have been there and kept to myself, just listening to the speakers unless there was something I truly wanted to ask or state. Honestly though, I was not there. Sorry I missed what Ms. Couch had to say.

..

Roger, you said it well when you stated "So, all things considered, it is pretty clear that we're only getting part of the picture...."

Isn't that the type of due process we've received by the powers that be for how long now???

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Trent Campbell is a local business man as are the other ones you see in the short video.This is a group of people that are going to be directly affected by the light rail and brt.I am not sure of man that put the wed site up.But I think I met him last week.I don't know why it was cleared in Scottsdale.But give Trent a call or email and I am sure he can explain.Thanks for looking Hawkeye.

timerick — February 26, 2013 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

kn_dalai, seems to me you've touched a nerve with someone here on the forum with your frank comments of character recognition.

I pity da fool.

You take care now, you hear!!!

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

John Kerry talks to German students about America, his speech should be read by a few here since the pot is always calling the kettle black, but the pot never looks in the mirror to see what color they are.

Secretary of State John Kerry offered a defense of freedom of speech, religion and thought in the United States on Tuesday telling German students that in America “you have a right to be stupid if you want to be.”

“As a country, as a society, we live and breathe the idea of religious freedom and religious tolerance, whatever the religion, and political freedom and political tolerance, whatever the point of view,” Kerry told the students in Berlin, the second stop on his inaugural trip as secretary of state.

“People have sometimes wondered about why our Supreme Court allows one group or another to march in a parade even though it’s the most provocative thing in the world and they carry signs that are an insult to one group or another,” he added.

“The reason is, that’s freedom, freedom of speech. In American you have a right to be stupid – if you want to be,” he said, prompting laughter. “And you have a right to be disconnected to somebody else if you want to be.

“And we tolerate it. We somehow make it through that. Now, I think that’s a virtue. I think that’s something worth fighting for,” he added. “The important thing is to have the tolerance to say, you know, you can have a different point of view.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/26/us-usa-kerry-liberties-idUSBRE91P0HJ20130226

ELISI — February 26, 2013 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Ron Johnson: John Boehner Would Lose Speakership If He Caves On Taxes To Avert Sequester

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) would lose his speakership if he agrees to new tax revenues to avert the across-the-board spending cuts that are set to kick in on March 1.

"I don't quite honestly think that Speaker Boehner would be speaker if that happens," Johnson told Fox News of Boehner caving on taxes as part of a sequester replacement package. "I think he would lose his speakership."

Johnson's comments raise questions about Boehner's leadership post for the second time in as many months. Similar claims made during fiscal cliff talks in December, when some accused Boehner of being more concerned with protecting his job as speaker than with brokering a deal. The pressure on Boehner intensified after his proposal to avoid the fiscal cliff was rejected by members of his own party.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/25/ron-johnson-john-boehner_n_2762693.html

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkeye: The website, www.crcfacts.info, is hosted by "Domains by Proxy." This is a popular way to host a website anonymously.

It is a slick presentation that cost some money to produce: scripts and videos and layout is professional looking and impressive. Nothing amateur about it.

It cost a lot of money to produce.

David Madore could be bankrolling it. That is my best educated guess. No problem with me there. Remember: I love the First Amendment. For everyone.

But I also love transparency. For everyone.

Maybe some enterprising young reporter or grizzled old editor will ask David directly: Did you produce this website?

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Manthou I don't think Madore has anything to do with the video.But there is some big old money involved.It comes from property owners downtown.

timerick — February 26, 2013 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick: You bet. It is very well-done this website. Not cobbled together on a shoestring, for sure. :)

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou, could you explain as to how you located the host for the link you posted @8:44 am.

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou...you ought to check the service listed at the bottom of the link. Seems to me to be pretty self explanatory and not that difficult to develop.

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goldie: google this: whois.net

Then put the domain name in the box where indicated. In this case, I typed crcfacts.info

Sometimes it will ask you to complete a captcha (yep, can't escape that bugger).

You will get a string of information. The domain host in this case is Domains by Proxy in Scottsdale. There is an email for this website via domains by proxy. Identity of the website owner is totally protected from public view.

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I pity da fool. ya and Mr. T says "I pity da titties" when he looks in the mirror too.

To think, that people in downtown Vancouver might be trying to get their voice heard through a website that is .info. Only a person from the area would know that instead of a pseudo personality who is cat-fishing everyone from Seattle.

An award program for businesses...yeah right.Nice thought though but it won't happen.

andrecht — February 26, 2013 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 9:19 a.m.

Thanks for the information. Methinks it's an indirect, automatic set up when they signed onto the .info domain. Remember this too...it's meant as an "informational" site for those seeking what they have to offer.

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

It isn't that most of us are against a new bridge.We just think that the lrt and brt part of it is a total waste of money.3 million and over for a mile of tracks.Plus the O&M for the life of the system.It is a huge amount of money,money we don't have.Also we feel that the CRC has us in the dark as where the money already spent has gone.It seems as though it is only benefiting a few of controlers of Vancouver.These are the same ones that have given us the Hilton,parking garages and now want us to finance the water front development with money we don't have.But they can and will cut services such as police and fire with no problem.Take a look at most of the streets in Vancouver.They are left unrepaired for a reason.They want us to feel the pain and go their way.Then mayby they will throw us a bone or two to make us happy.

timerick — February 26, 2013 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

It's about time! On to the next "crisis".

Update: Senate confirms Hagel as defense secretary by Michael A. Memoli, McClatchy-Tribune

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick: I very much agree that, when the government or an agency wants the citizens to jump on a bandwagon, they neglect valued services to get their attention.

goldie: What makes the website so different are the video productions. Anyone can use WordPress to make a site, but it takes skill and money to produce those video clips. That was what I was referring to as standing out above the usual crowd.

I tracked the video uploads to a guy named Dick Sohn. He often posts on the FB side and is a big volunteer locally in the Republican party. Does not mean he produced them, though.

This is a group effort: way to go! Let's hear it for cooperation! No sarcasm intended, just to be clear.

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Dick Sohn was the videographer of David Madore's endorsements on Madore's website. Some of the business folk who endorsed Madore are also featured on the crcfacts.info site.

No problem with it. Just saying.

I think there are less than six degrees of separation between crcfacts.info and Mr. Madore.

Don't chew my head off for being a good detective.

link text

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

You are right manthou.I know most of the players in the group and most did support Madore myself included.We want to know the truth about the expence of this progect that we don't think is being told to the tax payers.There is a lot of money sitting on the table after the bridge is built.I don't think the average person knows.Roger has a very good idea and still alot do not listen to him either.He is pretty much right on.

timerick — February 26, 2013 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

The latest from Pew Research.

GOP Seen as Principled, But Out of Touch and Too Extreme

OVERVIEW

At a time when the Republican Party’s image is at a historic low, 62% of the public says the GOP is out of touch with the American people, 56% think it is not open to change and 52% say the party is too extreme.

Opinions about the Democratic Party are mixed, but the party is viewed more positively than the GOP in every dimension tested except one. Somewhat more say the Republican Party than the Democratic Party has strong principles (63% vs. 57%).

The national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Feb. 13-18 among 1,504 adults, comes at a time when Republican leaders are debating the party’s future in the wake of Barack Obama’s reelection. The Republican Party’s image has been hit hard over the past decade. In January, just 33% said they viewed the party favorably, among the lowest marks of the last 20 years. The GOP’s favorable rating has not been above 50% since shortly after George W. Bush’s reelection in 2004.

An earlier release from the survey by the Pew Research Center and USA TODAY found that while both party’s congressional leaders receive negative job ratings, just 25% approve of the job performance of GOP leaders, compared with 37% approval for Democratic congressional leaders.

Read more @ http://www.people-press.org/2013/02/26/gop-seen-as-principled-but-out-of-touch-and-too-extreme/

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick, roger et al:

Check out this stunning visual from Oregonlive. Someone, an opponent of the CRC, created a fantastic before and after graphic of Hayden Island/Jantzen Beach.

I wish he would do something similar with downtown Vancouver.

link text

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

From the Bike Oregon website.

If you are worried about aesthetics, as well as finance, this should be a good read:

link text

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Here's an animated image of an elevated view from downtown Vancouver looking South.

Wonder what it would look like at pedestrian level?

link text

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick, I have a copy of the study that was done for the Port coming in email. I hit up Mr. Coleman for it online during the Q&A today. He said that BRT would be more problems than the LRT but neither were a concern.

manthou, if Madore was behind that web site, his name would be ALL over it. He's way too narcissistic to not claim it.

hawkeye — February 26, 2013 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I find the whole text from bike Oregon very distubing.Why has this not been made to the general public?Do you think that Moeller has even seen these renderings?Talk of sheep being lead to slaughter,it looks like our throats have already been cut.How could the CRC have come this far without someone bringing this to light?

timerick — February 26, 2013 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 2:06 p.m.

I think if they went with the design by Mr. Peterson, you wouldn't see what those pictures depicted. He has the best design out there but the CRC is closed to his work even though he designed it for free.

OK, you guys know I'm not a fan of DM, but this is a pretty good video.

hawkeye — February 26, 2013 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

If it is David Madore running that website about crc... why not ask him yourself instead of going into speculation? The information is not that bad on the site- it's good to listen to all sides instead of assuming.

Too Narcissistic? Have you talked to Madore face to face? Do you know him personally? Whether anyone likes it or not in political eyes, each person is doing what they feel is best and there will always be someone complaining about how it isn't right.

Here is something interesting article about Fannie Mae.

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2008/09/bush-called-for-reform-of-fannie-mae/

andrecht — February 26, 2013 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 10:21 a.m.

I think it's great that you are taking the time out to try to find out who is behind an informational site but I have to ask you something. Yeah, I know...another "but" comment, so if you could just bear with me for a little longer on the subject at hand, it would be appreciated.

My question to you is simple. Is there anything on the informational site which you deem as inaccurate information? If so, please explain. There's nothing I hate worse than a propaganda-based blog filled with untruths. I expect facts on a website and I'm sure others do too especially when looking for the truth. Thanks ahead of time, manthou.

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 26, 2013 at 2:06 p.m.

Looks like the Inn at the Quay has disappeared from the picture in the "after" shot. Is that part of the plan to remove it??? How many jobs will be lost as a result???

goldenoldie — February 26, 2013 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

We were all told not one dime of the new Healthcare plan would NOT add a dime to the deficit I came across this...

GAO Report: Obamacare Adds $6.2 Trillion to Long-Term Deficit

Obamacare will increase the long-term federal deficit by $6.2 trillion, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released today.

Senator Jeff Sessions (R., Ala.), who requested the report, revealed the findings this morning at a Senate Budget Committee hearing. The report, he said, “confirms everything critics and Republicans were saying about the faults of this bill,” and “dramatically proves that the promises made assuring the nation that the largest new entitlement program in history would not add one dime to the deficit were false.”

President Obama and other Democrats attempted to win support for the health-care bill by touting it as a fiscally responsible enterprise. “I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits — either now or in the future,” Obama told a joint-session of Congress in September 2009. “I will not sign it if it adds one dime to the deficit, now or in the future, period.”

The new report exposes the “lack of honesty” surrounding such claims, Sessions argued. “The big-government crowd in Washington manipulated the numbers in order to get the financial score they wanted, in order to get their bill passed and to increase power and influence,” he said. “The goal was not truth or financial responsibility, but to pass the bill. This is how a country goes broke.”

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/341589/gao-report-obamacare-adds-62-trillion-long-term-deficit-andrew-stiles

Link to said report here..

http://global.nationalreview.com/pdf/gao_022613.pdf

ELISI — February 26, 2013 at 4:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ELISI — February 26, 2013 at 4:26 p.m.

Sorry ELISI, I tune out whenever someone mentions "Obamacare". It's the Affordable Healthcare Act.

hawkeye — February 26, 2013 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Why Hawkeye do you "tune it out" when all the media and even the elected to the Pres. himself has called it Obamacare?

touchy touchy...

ELISI — February 26, 2013 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Oh and Hawkeye, the second link is to the GAO report, you know the Government Accountability Office so if you don't like what is said in the first link go to the second..

ELISI — February 26, 2013 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

As a conservative pundit-Sowell-noted the GAO has missed every revenue projection since day !. I'd pick a better source.

mrd — February 26, 2013 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Change comes hard for many.

http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-facts.php

http://politicalirony.com/2013/01/30/obamacare-saves-money/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/05/obamacare-health-insurance-rules_n_2247380.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/05/nation/la-na-insurance-savings-20121205

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-08-30/hey-paul-ryan-obamacare-doesnt-steal-from-medicare

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/chris-christie-to-take-obamacare-medicaid-expansion-88105.html

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-22/opinions/37232975_1_medicaid-expansion-obamacare-rick-scott

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Another dittohead speaks...

Tom Casperson, GOP Lawmaker, Questions Obama's Birthplace

A Republican lawmaker questioned President Obama's birthplace on Tuesday, joining the ranks of conservative "birthers" who have raised doubts about the validity of the president's birth certificate.

During an appearance on Michael Patrick Shiels' radio show, Michigan state Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) was asked if he believed that the president was born in the United States.

"Don't know," Casperson replied, in a clip recorded by progressive watchdog group Progress Michigan.

Casperson said that he thought it was "strange" that the mainstream media has not explored the issue.

"Based on everything everybody's saying, I don't know because it seems like that issue was dropped immediately as far as major media went," he said. "My gut tells me if had been a different president, like say George W. Bush, they'd have been digging into that like there was no tomorrow and trying to get to the bottom of it, which they really never did try to get to the bottom of, so it became a conspiracy theory and no big deal."

He continued, "I think it's strange, again, that it's not being looked at by certain groups that normally would."

Although the president was born in Hawaii, his birthplace has long been a topic of debate among some conservative conspiracy theorists. In 2011, the White House responded by releasing Obama's long-form birth certificate, but the move did little to quiet the most fervent birthers.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/tom-casperson-obama_n_2769715.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

[I think many of us find it weird when terms are used such as Socialist, Communist, Communitarian, Marxist, Statist, Birtherism, etc., I know I've had to look up a couple definitions to figure out what the hell a few are speaking about. (always to find little to no significance with context or def.)

The right has quite a sub culture, to include being quite studious about presenting authoritative lingo inspired up by RW extremists digging for $$$. Lots of coffee mugs and gold up in them there hills! ;)

This link provides a window into what drives low info conservative thinking such as our friend in Michigan espouses.]

http://obamareleaseyourrecords.blogspot.com/

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 9:16 p.m.

Now that is a good example of a "strawman" fallacy, maybe you are getting those logical fallacies figured out.

frobert — February 26, 2013 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

frobert — February 26, 2013 at 10:44 p.m.

To review.

nailingit — February 23, 2013 at 10:10 a.m.

nailingit — February 23, 2013 at 4:08 p.m.

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 10:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Roger & timerick-

I sent each of you a file in your FB messages. It includes a pdf file from the Port of Vancouver they emailed me. Just a FYI.

hawkeye — February 26, 2013 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

andrecht — February 26, 2013 at 4 p.m

Have I talked to him face to face? No. Why, is that a requirement? I've seen many videos of him and had many hours of conversations with him online. I think I have a pretty good bead on him.

You seem to be defending him. Why? Are you physically attached to him in some way?

And who are you?

hawkeye — February 26, 2013 at 11:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XknlAUcjZN4

1988 Republican presidential candidate Pat Robertson.

Just last September Romney was campaigning with Pat.

Conservatives..........anyway.........:)

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hey, it's been awhile! :)))

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

From the gold diggers mouth.

Hard to understand why anyone, even evangelicals, would place trust in this guy again.

Conservatives.......anyway.......

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 26, 2013 at 10:58 p.m.

So why are we reviewing you getting your logical fallacies all wrong and than you whining about having it pointed out?

frobert — February 27, 2013 at 12:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick — February 26, 2013 at 10:49 a.m.

Back when The Columbian started the facebook project, the Basement side had several subforums covering different topics. There was one dealing with Downtown Vancouver development planning (I forget the exact name) - It was mostly Manthou and me, with an occasional post from others. We discussed many of the concerns that you and others are bringing up. I'm and estsider and rarely go downtown - Much of what I had to say came from reading about the various projects listed on Vancouver's website. http://www.cityofvancouver.us/page.asp?menuid=10464 Manthou applied a much more personal touch - she lives in the area and frequents the businesses/knows the people involved. This forum eventually went by the wayside - too few participants. Also, Manthou believed in a better future for the old downtown, whereas I felt (and still do) that the center of the city has moved to the east, and that the best use for the old downtown would have been to turn over west of the I5 and south of Mill Plain to the Port for a light industrial/business park. And I'm still not connecting on how to build a nice highrise community and park adjacent to a railroad track, the metal scrapyard by the AmTrak station, a very large bridge, and in the flight path of PDX. That sounds, to my East Coast upbringing, more like where one would find the projects.

roger — February 27, 2013 at 5:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roger @ 5:32 am: You have an excellent memory! Good summary.

goldenoldie @ 4:15 pm: I am not as versed in the anti-CRC/light rail debate as you and others here, based on the most recent information that is emerging. However, I am trying to catch up. So, I do not know what facts are accurate on the crcfacts.info website. I certainly know that Tiffany Couch knows how to support her assertions with facts because her excellent business relies on that. Passionate, honest opinion abounds there, too. I am not discounting it, just trying to separate the "signal" from the "noise" as Nate Silver advises.

I worked in a field that required we make our decisions based on evidence, not emotion, so that follows me.

Bottom line: I am not ready to take a hard stand one way or the other anymore. New information has caught my eye and I am mulling it over. I won't be arguing here with any certainty for awhile. Just observing and taking notes. :)

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 6:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hawkeye,

Received the Port study. The most obvious conclusion I can draw is from what's depicted in the bar graph - that trucking traffic to/from the Port will no longer find Mill Plain a viable option; that 4th Plain will become the route of choice; and that those on both 39th Street and 78th Street can expect an increase in truck traffic.

Didn't Vancouver just spend a few dollars in the past 5-10 years to make Mill Plain the trucking route to the Port? If they were already planning for LRT to the downtown area at that time, then that upgrade made no sense. Which leads me to wonder about something. MANTHOU (just yelling to get your attention) - hopefully you can provide a historical perspective. Early on, wasn't the LRT track supposed to run up I5 - perhaps to the 99th Street park and ride or the fairgrounds? If so, when did this detour to downtown Vancouver get into the plan? And if after the Mill Plain upgrade, then does the timing work to explain the split where Leavitt decided to run against Pollard? A lot of supposition here, but if on track, then the people in your neighborhood should be doing everything possible to help kill this LRT plan and to get Mayor Leavitt out of office. Since I've been here, there's been a lot of money and work put into the old houses over there - won't the neighborhood take a major hit with livability?

roger — February 27, 2013 at 6:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Fox News Ratings: O'Reilly, Hannity See Huge Drop-Off In February Demo Numbers

There was good news and bad news for Fox News in the February cable news ratings.

The good news? Fox News once again had the top 13 programs — much better than January, where it failed to sweep the top 10 for the first time in years and had its lowest ratings in the all-important A25-54 demo since 2001. "Special Report" also celebrated 50 months as the top-rated show in its hour.

The bad news? Shep Smith, Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity all saw huge drops in the demo from the same point in 2012. Hannity fell a staggering 35 percent from 2012, and O'Reilly fell 26 percent. It was the two mens' worst performance in the demo since 2006 and 2008, respectively. True, 2012 was an election year — but even though MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz and Chris Matthews also saw their ratings decrease, their ratings fell by much smaller percentages.

Several CNN programs, including Anderson Cooper's and Erin Burnett's, bucked this trend by growing their ratings. CNN also touted the much slimmer gap between itself and MSNBC as compared to 2012. Even so, MSNBC topped CNN in total day, primetime and in the demo.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/fox-news-ratings-february-oreilly-hannity_n_2768265.html

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 6:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roger: Oh, many of my neighbors are actually losing homes to the CRC project on I Street between 27th and 39th, according to CRC documents. They have been in limbo for years and are very much against this project. Our neighborhood specifically was instrumental in getting the original LR line route scrapped by going door to door to businesses along that route (Main Street) talking to neighbors and filling our neighborhood meetings with concerned residents when the CRC folks were invited.

LRT was originally designed to go north and south on one street only: Main. It was going to end at a huge Park and Ride at about 44th: Kiggins Bowl area. We assume that this would have made expansion north along I-5 easier.

I preferred the final route chosen with one exception: should have gone east on McLoughlin (mostly businesses) and not 17th (which is all residential). The reason Pat Campbell gave for the final choice: Pride of ownership was more evident on McLoughlin. In other words, no one who owns these "shacks" will likely have the resources to fight us. :)

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 6:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roger: To continue the discussion...

Downtown neighborhood homes continue to sell quickly and continue to be refurbished and resold. They are attracting young families and retirees who want to park their cars and walk and enjoy the shops, galleries, restaurants, etc. Just from my observations, this trend is not slowing.

That said, I do not know how desirable this area will be during the years of construction. I know I am not looking forward to navigating the mess personally. Right now, for instance, Elie Kassab is developing his apartments and retail on E 13th, on the old Burgerville site. Residents of Academy Square condos are enduring foundation-shattering vibrations as the footings are being dug, as well as reduced parking spaces and noise. I would think this sort of thing would be amplified immensely during the LR line work.

I half-jokingly suggested to my husband that maybe Orenco Station in Hillsboro might be a better retirement community. The MAX line is already there. It has a quaint urban lifestyle with a high walking score, affordable town homes and condos, and it is closer to the northern Oregon coast. He was not amused. He has fallen in love with Vantucky.

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 7:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

One more thing: During the initial CRC meetings with neighborhoods downtown, there was a lot of noise and protests from the participants then. But we could have used more and I am sorely puzzled about this: where were all the downtown businesses then? Honestly, they were meagerly represented.

timerick: maybe you can answer that. Were you aware of the Main Street route that was scrapped after neighbors squealed? I don't think your business is on Main, but it is nearly there.

That is not an accusation, just a question that has puzzled me. The CRC is claiming that so many people are just now waking up and are late to the party. We are too far gone to go back now, in other words.

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

(sorry to barge in guys, no intent to be rude)

This is quite the exchange.

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit: And I apologizing for being a Forum hog this morning. I try to moderate myself so no one else has to.....

One thing of interest in The Seattle Times today. The "new" 520 bridge will need expensive repairs. WA Department of Transportation is admitting to the flaws. Ouch:

link text

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit: And I apologizing for being a Forum hog this morning. I try to moderate myself so no one else has to.....

manthou- If one has to apologize for hogging the forum, than the forum will have to lift the ceiling on the 3000 character limit to abide my confessions. :)

Your thoughts on any matter are appreciated, and being personally impacted by this project (CRC) your thoughts weigh more than most.

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roger — February 27, 2013 at 6:40 a.m

I re-read the pdf I sent you and realized that the study with the graph did NOT include LRT or BRT in it's estimation. Actually, that wasn't taken into consideration at all. I don't think they have studied that. Figure 4 does not include HCT and reflects their previous statement. I really don't know what they were studying.

hawkeye — February 27, 2013 at 8:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

This virus has run it's course.

Ghosts of the Tea Party

The movement's most popular leaders from a 2010 poll have all either lost their jobs -- or fled

Who are the names that come to mind when you think about leaders of the Tea Party movement? Maybe Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Jim DeMint, Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann? Those were the most popular leaders listed by self-identified Tea Party activists in a 2010 Washington Post poll, at the height of the movement. You could add to that list a handful of other congressmen, especially outspoken Reps. Steve King, Allen West and Joe Walsh, among others.

And then you’d realize that every single one of them either lost their job or abandoned being a voice of the movement.

The 2012 election was devastating for the outspoken leaders in Congress. Allen West lost after a protracted battle, Joe Walsh was trounced by rising star Tammy Duckworth, and Ron Paul retired. Other, lesser-known members like Roscoe Barlett also lost. The two House Tea Party Caucus members who ran for the Senate last year both lost — Reps. Denny Rehberg in Montana and Todd Akin in Missouri.

Meanwhile Jim DeMint, the most prominent Tea Party leader in the Senate, who funded primary challenges against more moderate Republicans, left the Senate a month after the election to head the Heritage Foundation.

As for Bachmann, the founder of the Tea Party Caucus, she’s gone almost completely silent, as MinnPost noted last week. Since the November election, she hasn’t done any national television, has appeared on the radio only once, and has ducked most interview requests. Instead, those close to her say she’s focusing on the quotidian work of a legislator — advancing bills and helping constituents — instead of the more exciting work of being a national movement leader and media star.

Read more @ http://www.salon.com/2013/02/27/tea_party_exile/singleton/

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 6:37 a.m.

I will give you the respect you deserve Manthou...as this crossing project is definitely something we all must patiently review as individuals and decide for ourselves what is best for our own personal situations. We may not be able to change the decisions of the powers that be, although I believe we should have some say as voters in the project...but enough of that. Since you've put the cards on the table so to speak, mentioning that you are stating you won't take a stance in the discussion...it is time for me to come forward as well. I know I've been rather tough with you in the discussion for which I apologize, but emotion comes to play when a project of this magnitude affects our daily life, our very existence. It truly is not typical of my demeanor away from the forum discussions. I"m actually a happy go-lucky, friendly soul. I am glad you are taking the time to review the information as it flows in...and it's forever developing, BELIEVE me. Many times, I've had to take a sidestep away from this project and all that comes with it.

Now, it's time for me to come to the plate and tell you as well as everyone else my stance in this project and how it came to be. Our environment and global climate is the number one combined concern in my life beyond the scope of the health and well being of my family and friends. Always has been, always will be. When I first heard of the project, I thought it was a good one...till I read the specifics of the project, who it would affect, where it would be placed and why...and the cost to implement.

to be continued -

goldenoldie — February 27, 2013 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

continued from 8:57 am

Manthou...the cards didn't add up as far as I'm concerned. Questions arose..The issue of eminent domain peeved me, especially with the stories we heard of families with multiple generations in their homes...being forced out for this project. And for what??? So TriMet could cross into our state, putting our transit system at risk with TriMet's debts? I asked myself, just how would 40 blocks of rail help our county? What would improve our traffic mobility in OUR community with OUR transit service? How would the the financial impact hit my life? Would it be affordable? Do we need light rail as an improvement for environmental purposes? What impact would 40 blocks of light rail have on the air we breathe??? How many businesses would shut down in the process due to the construction? What would we be looking at with regards to traffic tie-ups in the process or even after Light Rail was up and running? I thought...what an eyesore with all the overhead lines...and where's the energy source? How would that affect our environment???

So as you can see, I just gave a sampling of what questions filled my head as I began checking into the information online, at meetings, through word of mouth, etc...and now, the information flowing in has supported my opinion tenfold. It's truly difficult to find the actual facts at times as somewhere, someone is putting their spin into the discussion, tainting the actual physical data...hence the reason why I asked if you found the link as inaccurate.

I'm not mentioning this so that it can be a discussion to answer my questions...just sharing what formed my opinion that the current crossing project is NOT the best project of improvement, environmentally OR with regards to traffic mobility for our region.

goldenoldie — February 27, 2013 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkeye — February 27, 2013 at 8:07 a.m.

There was a brief blurb saying they didn't know the impact of construction on the times - those were without LRT factored in. The little chart at the very end is a comparison between LRT and BRT for the expected delay at one intersection - LRT is a bit faster, but we're just talking seconds - probably why he told you there's really not much difference.

The impact, in my mind, isn't as much from a single occurrence - it'll be a cumulative one. I use turning from Airport Way left to 82nd - 4 runs per hour only causes a moderate inconvenience - a person may wait an extra 3-5 minutes. But 8 runs per hour would cause traffic to back up; especially when the barrier stays down because a run is going the other way a couple of minutes after the first one. Also the traffic there is posted at 45 mph, while the traffic in downtown is what - about 25 mph? This would lead to longer backup times.

roger — February 27, 2013 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Manthou:Way back when I first started here 15th st. was a dead end stopping at D st.Then came the Mill Plain off ramp from I5.My partner and I went to all the meetings and tried to fight the project.Obviusly we were defeated.So we asked about parking and traffic lights then.At first there was not going to be parking on 15th.Then George Propstra came to our defence and we got our parking.We were told then by the city that the traffic lights on Mill Plain would be set at 25 miles per hr.as you come off I5.How has that worked.And yes the light rail line was to go up main st. to Kiggins there was a trailer park there then.The trailer park was removed and then the light rail was removed.I do not remember why.You can imagine the mess that will be created when the hundreds of trucks that come off Mill Plain try to cross Broadway and then Washington streets everytime a train goes through.This only one of my concerns and I do have many.

timerick — February 27, 2013 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hawkeye I looked at the graphs.I assume the times are for each time a train pass's up Broadway and then down Washington.Now multiply that by at least 16 trips on each st. during peak hours.

timerick — February 27, 2013 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I guess it's where you get your stats, HUH??? Kinda like the GOA...Hum..

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/02/26/cable-news-ratings-for-monday-february-25-2013/170864/

http://press.foxnews.com/2012/01/fox-news-channel-marks-decade-as-the-number-one-cable-news-network/

http://www.gao.gov/

vanwadreamer — February 27, 2013 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timerick: You have been at your location a long, long time and have seen a lot of trial balloons crash and pop. Makes me wonder if we will even know what we will have in the end.

Light rail trains do have signal dominance and I expect freight traffic to self-route itself to Fourth Plain or 39th due to frustration.

I hate to lose any downtown businesses over this. I imagine there will be some relocations and some closure when we learn how this project is finalized.

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 27, 2013 at 12:30 p.m

I fear that if the truck traffic is moved to Fourth Plain, they are going to have to widen the street. Now, how many houses and businesses are you going to lose? That many trucks using that street will destroy it further. Actually, none of the streets going to the Port are in good shape and will need to be rebuilt.

hawkeye — February 27, 2013 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Sequester is real important for Obama as he is calling a meeting of his top aides on March 1st..the day the sequester cuts start.... Yawning big time here... The real affect to our government will be only half what the obama adminstraion is reporting or 1% of our budget not even 2%.. The average JOE is dealing with over 4% less in there average paychecks this year for a variety of reasons. Higher taxes really....

Lets see he put us in more debt than everrrr, change our credit rating, Led us up to the fabeled cliff and now the Sequester.. It just goes on and on and on....He is such a peach to listen to these days... Wait till we all feel the burden and "miss promises" of OBAMACARE... And some of us here complain about the CRC project... Which one will end up affecting us more.. Obama or the CRC if Built???

vanwadreamer — February 27, 2013 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

You are right Hawkeye.Remember 4th Plain was a 2 lane east 2 west before they built the Mill Plain extention.But the city wanted a center turn lane.They thought it would impede heavy truck traffic.It didn't work,they still use 4th plain.As far as widening 4th plain I don't know for sure but I believe there are some houses along there that are on the historic regester.And 39th st. has a lot of opposition from the Lincoln neiborhood.

timerick — February 27, 2013 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Roger to back to your post @ 5:32 this morning.I remember the other forums of intrest.At that time I was posting under I believe terick.Goldie and I had some very good conversations.And it seemed we were both interested in LRT and BRT.I attended several meetings.But I believe they put the meeting together just to make us think that we were involved.It always seemed that their minds were made up.Our suggestions always fell on deaf ears.It seems as though that is happening now.The big difference is that now the opposition has more influence and a lot more people with money and power behind it.Also people are starting to see how many business's and homes are going to be hit with the LRT track.It could cause the loss of hundereds of job's.I for one do not want to see that happen.And yes I have a lot to lose also.Mayby after 47 years of being here it is time for us to go.But I was hoping to have my son's keep this thing going for another 60 years.

timerick — February 27, 2013 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Now this explains a lot!!!

http://wweek.com/portland/article-20317-the_woman_behind_the_bridge.html

hawkeye — February 27, 2013 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

No I do not know Madore at all, I have never met him. I am just saying instead of speculating just see if you (Or anyone) can ask him. If you think it's a requirement, that's fine. But just think, would you really want him coming on a Social Media type of forum and dissing you personally? I guess though being in the public eye, some form of scrutiny will happen. It's all good though. Karma has a funny way of working...

Whoa Hannity and Rep. Ellison- see now that is why I don't like to watch shows such as that. That was quite an exchange between the two. It was intriguing and I laughed at I am not a Republican I am a Conservative- is there a bloody difference?

andrecht — February 27, 2013 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

As for who I am? I'm a bot from India....LOL HAHAHAHA

andrecht — February 27, 2013 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hawk - thanks very much for that link. It makes me sick!!!!!! Sure explains what drives all this crap. Why can't we get someone in power look into all this? Are they all paid off somehow?

luvithere — February 27, 2013 at 7:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

It was intriguing and I laughed at I am not a Republican I am a Conservative- is there a bloody difference?

andrecht — February 27, 2013 at 5:17 p.m.

andrecht- Great question! BTW welcome to this odd collective aka the basement.

They would do this nationwide if given the chance...

Texas Ten Commandments Resolution Calls For Prayer, Religious Displays In Schools

Texas state Rep. Phil Stephenson (R) filed a resolution on Monday calling for more "acknowledgement" of Christianity in public schools, encouraging Ten Commandments displays, prayer, and use of the word "God."

"The overwhelming of majority of voters in the 2010 Republican Party Primary Election voted in favor of the public acknowledgement of God, and the 2012 platform of the Republican Party of Texas affirms 'that the public acknowledgement of God is undeniable in our history and is vital to our freedom, prosperity, and strength,'" reads the resolution. "Reflecting our history as a religious people, prayers, including the use of the word 'God,' at public gatherings and displays of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings are acknowledgements of the counting and important role of our religious tradition."

The resolution states that schools and other public institutions should not face "hostility" from government over displays of faith.

Read more @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/texas-ten-commandments-resolution_n_2776479.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

There's hope after all!

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

luvithere — February 27, 2013 at 7:46 p.m.

Makes you crazy, doesn't it?

You ever watch that show "Scandal"? It's got Kerry Washington, soooo good. It kind of reminds me of this.

hawkeye — February 27, 2013 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hawkeye:My god why has this not come out before.Is Moeller involved in this? This is more corrupt than I thought.What was hidden from us by our city and county?

timerick — February 27, 2013 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

And did you guys notice who wrote the article? None other than our own Andrea Damewood! Now I know why she left. Good for her. I wonder if Lou has seen this?

hawkeye — February 27, 2013 at 10:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Yes, Hawk, it sure does. My first question is this: why in the world does the C not ever report any of this? Asleep at the wheel or in cahoots with it all? Is there an underlying cause for their silence on all this corruption? And how can we get somebody elected (beside our own county wanna-be king who has no power) and higher up to finally stand up and ask the right questions? Call for an investigation?

And what's this crap with having to pay companies for profit loss? uh? say what? Because the bridge height is screwed up? If they go ahead with this mess, then the height must be fixed. I refuse as a taxpayer to compensate these companies for such an error. Unbelievable.

Bed time. Good night.

luvithere — February 27, 2013 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I am sure he has, Hawk; if not, he will soon. Grumble grumble, something needs to give here soon.

luvithere — February 27, 2013 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 10:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 27, 2013 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I've started my e-mail campaign against the CRC - sending my own, and encouraging others to do likewise. I'm focusing in on our WA State Senate for now - I think there's enough "wanting to oppose" there already to stop our $450 million payout that this will help sway them to action. I use this link, click on the map, and read a little about the Senator. If they sound like a possibility - the e-mail gets sent. http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/ Up front sentence is please oppose the Columbia River Crossing project in its current blah blah blah - Then 3 or 4 reasons why. I'm already hearing back - though not in her District, Sen Rivers sent a quick turnaround from her blackberry saying she's with us!

roger — February 28, 2013 at 5:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

The more newspapers a region has, the better informed the public.

Seattle is a poorer city in that regard, since the loss of the Post-Intelligencer.

I love the Willamette Week's gritty perspective and know that it produces responsible journalism. Good for Andrea Damewood for seizing an opportunity to spread her wings and show her chops in another venue.

Vancouver has a new monthly newspaper: The Vancouver Vector. It is a little raw yet, but good for them for adding to the news buffett menu.

link text

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 5:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Andrea's article is superb - I see some have already read it. I strongly encourage everyone to go to Willamette Week's website and take about 10-15 minutes to read and digest. It's an excellent account of how one person, under contract to the CRC's lead David Evans and Associates, has been able to influence the State gov't to support this project. A surprising part was to learn that Metro Commissioner Bob Stacey, who has opposed the project because he believes WA State is getting over and because he wants I205 tolled, was strongarmed by her into supporting the project. http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-20317-the_woman_behind_the_bridge.html

roger — February 28, 2013 at 5:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Sadly, roger, this sort of lobbying and conflict-of-interest is part and parcel of our governments: city, county, state, and federal.

Most of it does not get the press it deserves.

I, too, am enormously impressed with Andrea Damewood's research and reporting. It appears to me to be fair. It certainly is informative.

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 6:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Good to see folks are waking up and have detected the skunk smell reverberating around the crossing project. Crooked as a Three-Dollar Bill, I tell ya! Glad to know Andrea Damewood is still doing what she does best! There's hope for the news world yet!

Thanks Andrea.

(Lou, you lost a good one!)

goldenoldie — February 28, 2013 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 5:26 a.m.

I didn't know about the Vector. I like it. Kinda has underground appeal yet at the same time..

Good article about pot. Better than I have seen in the C.

http://www.vancouvervector.com/local/through-the-haze-we-clear-the-smoke-around-the-new-marijuana-laws/

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit: I see how the Vancouver Vector is patterned after the weeklies Portland Mercury and Seattle's The Stranger.

I love that fresh, sometimes foul-mouthed, perspective on local happenings. Kind of like what HBO offers cable viewers: more spice on the menu. :)

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Thank you Roger. This was one of Ms. Damewood's finest articles to date. Ya, Lou, you let a good one get away. I would hope that The Columbian would do a thorough follow-up on this. This information is to big to come between competitive newspapers.

I hope that Patricia McCaig is brought up on charges of not registering as a lobbyist. Judging by this revealing article she is in direct violation.

One has to wonder why this person had so much power to influence so many powerful politicians. Did she have something on them that would be better left untold?

The state of Oregon should, if they aren't already, do some grand jury investigation. She has made sure that there wasn't any transparency to her actions. She knew the laws concerning registering as a lobbyist and she tried to cover her tracks. Right now I believe she is going into full damage control mode.

I have also 'spammed' our state legislation and also on the federal level. All I got was a bunch of form responses.

As far as the politicians involved they are, as one, spineless. They can be bought if you use the right methods. Especially Mr. Stacey !!!

JohnCasey — February 28, 2013 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Good morning my dear basement undesirables!

Yes indeed, The Columbian lost a good one. Good for us that Andrea Damewood is only a click away and continues doing investigative reporting that to me is the only journalism worth its weight in gold. Her article chasing those culprits called lobbyists was superb. I thank you lady!

But let's get back to basics.....

Humans are social in nature and creatures of habit. When the habit is stopped, change comes, after all the bitching, they adapt to the new reality. That is an historical fact.

Now, you as a human see this unstoppable big project coming that solves not much until the bottle neck at the Rose Quarter is dealt with. Then it will make sense if it speeds up travel. The light rail portion to me is looking 30 years down the road, is visionary, providing that growth comes with it.

Having said that, here we are, baby boomers most of us with a few years of working life left if not already semi-retired or retired already. Would we be crossing the new bridge on a daily basis? Probably not.

So, what are you bitching about? You came from somewhere like all of us, didn't you. Most likely so. What did we do when where we came from wasn't as good? You moved! So you can say, I don't want to move anymore. Here is fine. But hey, if you rely on a job, your days are counted anyway. If you don't, you may want to look for a cheaper place to live because progress brings cost, higher cost of living anyway.

So, I say to all the whiners, worry about your reality and survival for the rest of your days. Don't waste time fighting fights that are already lost. There are plenty of places in America even near Vancouver where yo can live even a better life that you are living today especially if you are on the last third of your life.

Carry on, move on, master your reality...

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

For those of you who have followed Bob Woodward's complaint that he was "threatened" by a POTUS staffer, Politico has obtained and released the full email exchange, which paints an entirely different picture.

The whole truth ended up in pieces on Woodward's cutting room floor.

Shame on his experienced (and opportunistic) journalist's soul.

link text

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

http://www.vancouvervector.com/local/through-the-haze-we-clear-the-smoke-around-the-new-marijuana-laws/

Eh, I didn't read anything I didn't already know. I do take exception to the following though:

"Q: What’s the difference between medical and recreational marijuana?

"The primary difference is which set of laws are at play. Medical marijuana is still governed by medical marijuana rules while recreational marijuana use is governed by the laws approved by Initiative 502."

That is not the primary difference. The primary difference is intent. A person using cannabis medicinally may well do so without experiencing the psychoactive effect. The intent of the administration is to mitigate issues due to malady.

Recreational use is all about catching a buzz, just like drinking alcohol.

Yeah, I know they're writing more of the legal implications, but... still...

Along those same lines (wait, that's coke, isn't it? ;^) I just sent off a kite to the County Commission.

It appears (from the Columbo article) Madore's conscience seems to think liver and kidney failures in sick people following recommended pharmaceutical dosages is just fine. A person growing and using a benign plant in order to mitigate the side effects (up to and including death) of prescribed medications weighs heavy upon the man.

Interesting.

What I also find interesting is the Commission getting all entangled in a state law what doesn't have a darned thing to do with any municipality's purview. Who cares what ten people do in the privacy of ones home?

Should a store open up calling itself a collective send in the task force. Commercial dispensing isn't legal in this state - I don't care what they do up north - it aint.

In my opinion, both Clark County and the city of Vancouver have gone to pot.

http://capndrift.wordpress.com/

Drift — February 28, 2013 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 8:21 a.m.

A much needed perspective.

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola: I will second nailingit's bravo to you. We create our own reality. Unproductive complaining is addicting (and fun), but harmful to one's health.

I do think it is good to exercise our first amendment rights, however.

Use 'em or lose 'em. :)

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 8:41 a.m.

A high level staffer told a respected reporter and registered democrat that he would "regret" printing the truth. I don't see any way you can paint Woodward as the problem. I think this was sheer stupidity on the part of the staffer, Woodward has brought down a President before.

frobert — February 28, 2013 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

frobert: You have a point. However, Woodward capitalized on this by not revealing the entire context so that you and I can decide how bad this threat was for ourselves.

He greased the skids with his point of view first.

Let me grease my own. I don't want journalists interpreting news for me :)

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

No kidding. I was thinking. The only reason a person may have to live around this area on their last third of their life could be just to be nearby a doctor and a hospital, since the grand kids and kids can visit them anywhere in this day in age. But if you have been doing well, or so so and have good health. Get the hell out of dodge. This is an issue for our kids and their kids. It is not our fight.

Here is something that caught my attention and what an interesting way to exercise population control. It is happening all over the world and it will have devastating consequences on a large scale perhaps curving world population.

Now they say (whoever reports on the news) that the police usually catches about 5-10% of the drug traffic statistically. Well, how about half a ton of meth?

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/world/asia/australia-drugs-seizure/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

What is the total quantity of meth getting into Australia and other countries? And the Chinese are the manufacturers not Joe HillBilly out of a Kentucky or Missouri?

So, on a geo/political/economically strategy point of view, there is the 21st Century weapon of mass destruction. Destroy the brain, crime goes with it and as a result, destroy a country.

On the other hand, nobody bothers to do a serious analysis of the effect of pharmaceutical drugs on humans. On the 5pm news we see a lot of medications and a fast run around on side effects. Has anyone quantifyed the damage that a medication can do to a human? Solving one problem but creating others and its financial cost on the person, family and society. What about the cost of processed foods.

Just thinking about different things and how important is to get back to basics. I am reading a book that is called what Einstein told his cook. Here this guy explains "the chemistry" of food. It is an eye opener and worth the read. It goes to the molecular level....for the ones into chemistry.

I am tossing all these things on the table so you know that what we can control is within our own bubble. Since we have limited time left, make the best out of it and focus on that.

I see all these experts wasting countless hours on this CRC/LRT thing and I truly wonder... What is in it for them. We know about the lobbyists and engineering firms, the politicians, etc. They have a vested interest. But how about us? Hell, screw them, just don't pay the damn toll. Bankrupt them. Supply and demand. Capitalism. Bankrupt them.

Same with drugs. Bankrupt the dealer. Bankrupt the pharma by living a healthy life.

It all boils down to "personal responsibility" and us choosing our own lifestyle. Then we are gone and that is certain.

I know what I wrote is all over the place but somehow all the dots connect in my opinion. I can choose not to buy a new bridge and/or light rail by changing my reality and make it not a victim of theirs....

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

The union denied any wrongdoing and accused the company of making up a story to use as a pretext to freeze out workers. -- http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/fe...

Right. And Madonna is a virgin.

Reminds me of that very nice man in longview, who had such a pleasant discussion with the news crew last year.

Reap what you sow. If you want to use the force of government to collectively bargain, then collectively pay the price when one of your fellow collectivists does wrong.

Oh - and talk about trying to help the economy get better. That's right, you just go ahead and shut everything down.

kn_dalai — February 28, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

At least the old Republican line of raising taxes on "job creators will hurt the economy" has fallen by the wayside.

Now it's stealing.

Nice tan Boehner.

John Boehner Compares Tax Proposals Of White House To Stealing (VIDEO)

WASHINGTON -- House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) declared Thursday that seeking more revenue in order to reduce the federal deficit or to replace sequestration's pending budget cuts is tantamount to stealing from Americans. Boehner was asked why House Republicans are ruling out any further tax hikes to fix America's finances, when the more than $2 trillion in deficit reduction passed over the last two years is weighted in favor of cuts over revenue by a ratio of more than two to one.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/28/john-boehner-taxes-stealing_n_2782608.html

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

The GOP’s Cynical Slog Strategy

This entire year is likely to consist of Congress setting up a series of deadlines. That’s great news for Republicans—which is why Obama needs to break the cycle.

Whatever happens as this week ends, it establishes a pattern you’d better get used to. In legislative terms, this year is going to consist pretty entirely of one deadline following another in this long national slog. It’s going to happen this way, yes, because the two sides can’t agree on the big questions. But at bottom it’s going to happen because the Republicans are perfectly happy to let it happen this way. Stalemate and the appearance of incompetence suit them. They don’t even on some level really want a deal, even one that’s more than half on their terms. And you know what? Sadly, they’re probably right to think all this. One of these days, sometime this year, Barack Obama is going to have to rip the curtain open and expose their strategy for what it is and force the Great Showdown.

Here’s where we are. We have the March 1 sequester deadline, which we’re probably going to pass. Next up comes March 28, when the agencies of government run out of money and Congress has to pass new continuing resolutions to fund them. Then, by April 15, when most Americans think about their tax deadline, Congress has to pass a budget resolution, or they don’t get their paychecks. Something tells us they’ll find a way to meet that one, but with some of these people, who knows? Then, on or about May 19, we’ll hit the debt ceiling again, and it will need to be raised.

..

All this will hurt Republicans. They know this. But as long as it hurts Obama too, they don’t care. Bear in mind here the words of Mike Lofgren, the former GOP congressional staffer who left his party in disgust in 2011. At the time, he wrote a big Goodbye to All That piece (from which I quoted), where he said the following: “A couple of years ago, a Republican committee staff director told me candidly (and proudly) what the method was to all this obstruction and disruption. Should Republicans succeed in obstructing the Senate from doing its job, it would further lower Congress’s generic favorability rating among the American people. By sabotaging the reputation of an institution of government, the party that is programmatically against government would come out the relative winner.”

• See more at: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/28/the-gop-s-cynical-slog-strategy.html#sthash.OtBoHDav.dpuf

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Great news for our schools & future!

“Majority rule is a foundation of our system of government," Inslee said in a statement. "Alexander Hamilton understood this and warned that giving ‘the minority a negative upon the majority’ would cause ‘tedious delays; continual negotiation and intrigue; contemptible compromises of the public good.’ James Madison understood this. And the framers of Washington’s constitution had vigorous debate on the issue and were deliberate in embedding the principle of majority rule in our constitution."

State Supreme Court strikes down two-thirds legislative vote for raising taxes by Associated Press

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 8:21 a.m.

Interesting narrative you shared, holyc. I understand your perspective but in all honesty, you failed to include a bit of information in your post for which I'm more than happy to share.

First point - My family has lived in this region (P/V) since 1896. We were here before light rail and have vivid memories (as well as documented historic information) of what Portland and Vancouver once was...and just for the record, Vancouver...Clark County in fact...was its own bustling community in which Portlanders used to enjoy visiting...even looked forward to the trips. Remember that Vancouver was the first stopping point for most merchants if you read up in history of the region. Portland grew from us, not us from them. We are not their sleeper community and anybody with heritage will agree with me.

I have witnessed the planners' transformation...the "vision" as you called it. Well holyc...even a vision can be a nightmare and in the case of light rail to Vancouver, the nightmare will spread like whooping cough in a schoolhouse of non-vaccinated children.

Have you ever driven from downtown Gresham on Burnside, through to downtown Portland near West 23rd? If you have, then maybe you'd like to describe in detail what that "vision of the future" is like today. holyc.

Second Point - Folks such as myself...family-oriented people with adult children and grandchildren who will carry on our legacy; the same adult children who utilize I-5 in their commute to jobs in Hillsboro and Oregon City because of lack of jobs here in Vancouver, thanks in part to the misrepresentation of our local leaders...the same adult children who will never utilize light rail as long as they live.

Do you honestly believe those of us who have stood up against light rail into Vancouver are doing it for ourselves? Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe...it's something we're fighting for our future generations so that they may continue to afford living and commuting in our community??? We need to bring back the jobs infrastructure to Vancouver...what once was. By building the current design at 116', we will destroy at least THREE million-dollar industries, Holyc. Figure how many jobs would be lost as a result of the current design!

Third Point - Is it right to lay claim that just because some of us are in our final third of our lives, that we shouldn't have a say in the matter?

So there you have it, holyc...a few case points I had to share with you and the rest.

goldenoldie — February 28, 2013 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Ad nauseam.

soapbox4u — February 28, 2013 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Goldenoldie,

I hear your points but times have changed. Families are split up like never before since women lib took hold. 60% or higher divorce rate. For life jobs hardly exist anymore. Everything is project based and temporary worker based.

Vancouver has always been a dorm town, besides almost extinct HP, large companies are a hand full. That has to change and infrastructure plus building capacity will enable so.

It takes two earning a living to continue "the american dream" and even then with these devastating economic cycles, maybe the whole family will have to live in one house to make ends meet "mexican and asian" style.

It is not our fight Goldie. Our kids and grand kids have to assume the responsibility of their own future in my opinion. If they don't do the fighting, they deserve nothing. That is the american way.

A common denominator in these meetings (CRC and others) are old hags that will have a heart attack before the bridge or light rail is built...LOL You see almost no young people giving the fight and perhaps not even concerned with it. They live in a different "dimension" and that is what "we" do not understand or get. Their world is different. They are chasing something with all the technology tools they were born and raised with and no "north". There they are, at the mercy of the market doing stupid jobs and not buying into what we think is the dream.

As a matter of fact, I personally think that the dream is all BS. It is the jungle out there and there are predators eating the prey. We are the prey. If lucky, working for peanuts and nothing else. Some pretending to do the right thing with their 401k not realizing that they will never see that money. Never. That money belongs to the banks to include their houses or diluted in taxes and fee payments.

Obamacare will set in and employers will drop health insurance plans or go the temporary worker to the max so "all" the burden will be dropped on the worker. No more employer contribution concerning healthcare. You just wait.

I say, find a small town, buy some little land, and get the hell out of dodge. You will be way better off. Staying will only increase the price and reduce the benefits.

I heard this today...

A pessimist is only an informed optimist....

;)

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 8:21 a.m.

"The light rail portion to me is looking 30 years down the road, is visionary, providing that growth comes with it."

Building for a maybe future without fixing the problem of today doesn't make a lot of sense. The CRC project is all about keeping cars from driving to Portland - we're supposed to build parking garages here and take our commuter rail across the river. A nice little solution if I worked at Oak and 1st, but not so much in just about any other part of town. Widening from two lanes to three is more important. Trying to figure some way to unclog where OR26/OR30/I405/I84 all run together is more important.

"Don't waste time fighting fights that are already lost."

That's what they'd like everyone to think, isn't it? Defeatism solves nothing. And this fight is far from over - plenty of hurdles to go, and missing just one brings the whole project down.

" If you don't, you may want to look for a cheaper place to live because progress brings cost, higher cost of living anyway."

Equating progress with higher cost is an irrelevance; progress is moving on to something better. Progress to some is getting back to being a quiet suburban town with a quality lifestyle - without having to move to Battle Ground, Hockinson, or towns half way to Longview.

roger — February 28, 2013 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Manthou - A curious conversation between Woodward and Sperling. I'd like to see/hear what transpired before, to prompt the apology. And Sperling makes a curious statement that can be interpreted in different ways. "I agree there are more than one side to our first disagreement, but again think this latter issue is different. Not out to argue and argue on this latter point. Just my sincere advice."

Sperling was explaining the Administration's view on sequestration and on the Repub's position. And as Woodward's response says, Bob had the opportunity to speak to all sides and gain all perspectives. So just what is this business of Sperling giving "advice"?

Some of the "bloodiest" battles I've witnessed while in the military and working for two states and our federal gov't have been waged in a very "polite" manner.

roger — February 28, 2013 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I say, find a small town, buy some little land, and get the hell out of dodge. You will be way better off. Staying will only increase the price and reduce the benefits.

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 12:47 p.m.

So is this a recommendation by you to anyone who has already lived the first two third of their lives??? You'd actually recommend people in this age group to leave everything behind...insinuating staying here as the cause of prices to increase and benefits to reduce??? Are you serious???

Maybe you'd better explain yourself.

goldenoldie — February 28, 2013 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Roger,

If the young people do not get involved which are the ones that will reap the benefits or failures of the CRC/LRT, what is the point? You need to start there. If the feeling was of urgent "concern", they would be on the street, in the meetings, in social media, in their campuses...everywhere! That is not the case. They are playing video games, don't vote or having a joint plus a couple of beers then chasing some "womin" around. That is the reality.

I would be spreading the info and involvement everywhere ASAP. Like a life and death situation. That is not happening. 50 old people in a room doesn't cut it!

On the other subject, any city that grows becomes more expensive to live on. Tomorrow you may not be in the cul-de-sac and you may have a tower besides you. Jobs equal growth.

Progress is moving to something better. Yes, indeed, but to the one that can afford it. The low wage person won't be able to afford it so he will need mass transit.

As I said. 50 old people will not bring down a project that so far has already spent all that money and so many jobs depend on it. No way, no how. You need to involve everybody.
Everybody is MIA so far.

About those business that will lose income because of the height of the bridge, they ought to start yelling and screaming really loud right now and putting money in a media effort to bring awareness.

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

soapbox4u — February 28, 2013 at 12:08 p.m.

A visit to your local pharmacy might be beneficial... ;P

goldenoldie — February 28, 2013 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roger: You said it.

I love being in a Federal courtroom in Canada (not as a defendant or plaintiff, now) and hearing the oh-so proper barristers say some of the nastiest things to the opponent with this genteel label: "My learned friend."

The press is getting knocked around in a variety of arenas right now, not just from the POTUS. A NC editor resigned after having the gall to request public records from the sheriff (who denied the legal request) on gun permit owners. I believe he felt threatened (an understatement about the blowback).

manthou — February 28, 2013 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola,

Well, I've been in contact with a couple of our political types who seem to think they can stop the project. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

roger — February 28, 2013 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

OK, holycrapola, you've got me all fired up now. Going to have to post (for the 3rd or 4th time) one of the greatest songs by THE greatest live rock show ever. (But I'm the old man now, so I'm not buying it anymore.)

roger — February 28, 2013 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Andrew Sullivan, Gay Catholic Blogger, Speculates Pope Is Gay

A prominent Catholic and gay blogger has renewed speculation that the outgoing Pope Benedict may be secretly gay.

Following the announcement that Benedict will not go into hidden retirement but will instead continue living in the Vatican with trusted secretary Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, The Dish's Andrew Sullivan penned a post titled, "Two Popes, One Secretary," in which he speculates that "something truly weird going on."

The 56-year-old Gaenswein, dubbed "Gorgeous Georg" by the Italian media, was recently featured on the cover of Italian Vogue, according to the New York Daily News. Vanity Fair, which did not interview the archbishop for the article, titled its piece: "Father Georg - It's not a sin to be beautiful."

"So Benedict’s handsome male companion will continue to live with him, while working for the other Pope during the day," Sullivan writes. "Are we supposed to think that’s, well, a normal arrangement?"

Clearly, Sullivan does not.

In a past column, Sullivan concluded that it "seems pretty obvious" that "the current Pope is a gay man," albeit one who has not "explored his sexuality, or has violated his own strictures on the matter." Detailing the close relationship between His Holiness and the papal right-hand man, Sullivan's column cites Colm Tóibín's tabloid-esque review of Angelo Quattrocchi's book The Pope Is Not Gay.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/andrew-sullivan-pope-is-gay_n_2776603.html

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Go Zags!!! Just need to beat BYU and Portland, and they'll be number 1 in the nation this Sunday. And now I've got a real problem - I want them to take it all, but am thinking Indiana or Miami for when I send in my pool selections (money riding on that).

roger — February 28, 2013 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Good one Roger! :)

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 6:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Wow! The drug war has taken a new meaning. The mexicans are using cannons to shoot their dope across the border. If that is not a declaration of war, I don't know what is it.

What is wrong with our government. I would have leveled that area a long time ago and have a dead man zone. Anyone that crosses the line or uses a cannon heading to the US, Drone dead.

They have to be in it, they can't be that incompetent. Un freaking believable!

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/us/border-smugglers-cannon/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 6:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Alrighty Holy C aka our old familiar kitty cat. Somebody has to call you out on this statement of yours. Goldie, Manthou - hello? You missed it???

"hear your points but times have changed. Families are split up like never before since women lib took hold. 60% or higher divorce rate. For life jobs hardly exist anymore."

You back to blaming women's lib for all the ills or what? Prefer us back in the kitchen, cooking your meal, bringing you your brewski? Your wifey aware of your ill feelings towards females? I do remember that I have pointed this male chauvinism out to you on a few occasions.

You are a bad and naughty boy, HC. And stop bashing the olden ones. Not like you are 25 years old. And I wouldn't trade my hard-earned wisdom for anything. Wrinkles maybe, but not the wisdom.What do you want us all to do? Go to the ice?

All in good fun, HC.

luvithere — February 28, 2013 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I would have leveled that area a long time ago and have a dead man zone.

Would that be the 2000 mile long border? :))

Kill em' all!?!

Holy crap!

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Where are the back pocket carrying constitutionalists about this? (I'm sure quietly cheering) Let the Fed decide what's best, not based on Congressional voting records, but speculative assumption as to motivations involved. Amazing.

Scalia needs to step down. This isn't the first time this activist conservative blowhard judge has stepped in it.

Conservatives...

The Voting Rights Act

Antonin Scalia’s uber-activism

So why not let the people’s elected representatives handle the matter of racial discrimination and voting? Why, in this case, does Mr Scalia believe he should substitute his views for those of legislators? Members of Congress, after all, considered 12,000 pages worth of testimony in 2006, which showed "pervasive discrimination" in the covered districts. As Justice Elena Kagan said yesterday to Burt Rein, the attorney for the petitioner, “that’s a big, new power that you are giving us...the power now to decide whether racial discrimination has been solved. I did not think that that fell within our bailiwick.”

For a justice who sniffs out closet activism even in his fellow conservative justices—in 2007 he criticised Chief Justice John Roberts for exercising "faux judicial restraint"—Mr Scalia apparently finds the Voting Rights Act to be a uniquely egregious specimen of legislative incompetence. While Mr Scalia has voted to overturn congressional laws from time to time, such as in City of Boerne v Flores (which got a brief mention during Wednesday’s argument), never has he couched his judicial activism in such cynical terms. We cannot trust the Congress to legislate earnestly on questions of race, Mr Scalia implied, because senators and representatives feel bound to uphold “racial entitlements” that their forebears have enacted. Political correctness rules.

Read more @ http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2013/02/voting-rights-act

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 7:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I like a meal cooked and someone bringing me my brew. If you obey, you will be blessed.

Thanks Nailingit- I still wonder but yet if I listen to all politics I get a headache when they all start going off of what party they are.

andrecht — February 28, 2013 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I'm convinced. A litmus test enforced to hold public office with "God" at the center of conversation.

This is the type of population control we need. Let's start controlling this strain of idiocy from populating government.

Chuck Hagel Confirmation May Incur God's Judgment, Family Research Council Suggests

A conservative Christian lobbying group has claimed that the confirmation of Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense may incur God's judgment.

Hagel was sworn in as secretary of defense Wednesday after an intense confirmation battle ended in a 58 to 41 vote Tuesday.

Hagel has been criticized by many conservative politicians and organizations as being anti-Israel and soft on Iran.

The Family Research Council, formerly part of James Dobson's Focus on the Family organization, warned supporters that Hagel's confirmation shows America is forgetting about "God's covenant with Abraham: to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/28/chuck-hagel-confirmation-gods-judgement-family-research-council_n_2783718.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&ir=Religion

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

if I listen to all politics I get a headache when they all start going off of what party they are.

andrecht — February 28, 2013 at 8:05 p.m.

I hear you andrecht. Unfortunately it's the nature of the beast.

800 mils of ibuprofen can dent it! :)

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 8:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bob Woodward trolled us (and we got played)

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/02/28/bob-woodward-trolled-us-and-we-got-played/#ixzz2MGL2eH1A

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — February 28, 2013 at 9:17 p.m.

As Sheldon would say ----- BAZINGA!

hawkeye — February 28, 2013 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — February 28, 2013 at 12:47 p.m.

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sails.

-William Arthur Ward

We need realism in the game. People are often judged as pessimists because they see issues which they know, based on conclusions they've derived on facts as they were presented. Some facts do not surface till it's almost too late...ALMOST!

It's okay to be optimistic...nothing wrong with that aspect, but to set a vision on what might look to be as a good thing, rarely if ever turns out the way it was intended as the unexpected consequences always bites a government and a community in the back side. Ten years from now...chances are the folks who made the decision in their government positions, to go ahead with the increased taxation/tolls and debts won't be around to see the results. They'll be off somewhere, enjoying the life of Riley, leaving the local community stunned and broken.

You know the old cliche' glass half full versus half empty...

Well my fellow forum friend, that half full glass is an optimistic view, but a realist will tell you not to fill it to the brim as something is bound to spill out if you tip it. Pessimist? No...fact-based conclusion. Realist? Yes.

A blend of all three traits is needed for anything to become something which is feasible for everyone.

goldenoldie — March 1, 2013 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Luvithere

FYI ignore some misspellings but it is as clear as daylight...

http://www.essortment.com/married-womens-employment-gender-socialization-divorce-rates-36461.html

Now, I am not responsible for reality, just a tiny part of it in my own microcosm.

On the other hand, to aid with your "nostalgia"....LOL

holycrapola — March 1, 2013 at 7:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

luvithere — February 28, 2013 at 7:02 p.m.

Regarding the women's lib movement comment by holyc...

I brushed it off and figured it was meant as a reference to an era filled with confusion, frustration...mayhem. Oh wait...aren't we still living in that era? Women still aren't making comparable wages to men...women who perform their job skills at the same capacity as men. Either way, the comment was easily conceived as highly sexist, but then again...our fellow forum dweller IS after all, sharing prejudicial comments towards seniors as well.

And who is this andrect fella??? Obey??? Blessed??? Talk about caveman mentality!!!

sigh...

I'm still trying to figure out why they burned perfectly good bras back then during the uprising of protests FOR fairness and equality.

Guess they didn't know the prices would skyrocket to what they are today, lol.

goldenoldie — March 1, 2013 at 7:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I see today is National Unplugging Day! With the weather hitting the 60's today, looks like I just might join in on the fun...and get some sun (if it decides to come out from behind the clouds).

Later gators!!!

goldenoldie — March 1, 2013 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

holycrapola — March 1, 2013 at 7:17 a.m.

lolololololololol!!!!!!

I'm just a smilin' as I close the computer for the day!!!

goldenoldie — March 1, 2013 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Gold - had to laugh about your comment 7:24am. Got that right about bras.

You are correct in what you said up there. We must forgive HC, he made sexist comments all along anyway and never really caught on to his own words and how he comes across. We call that boobie envy.

He is, as my four-yr old daughter said so many years ago: "just a boy. What does he know?"

Enjoy the sun everybody.

luvithere — March 1, 2013 at 7:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

"Drone Dead."

Have you coined that, HC? I like it. It has a certain ring to it.

Next weekend I need to pop over to the hobby shop. The battery eliminator circuit in my drone has failed. The flight controls are operational, but the motor... she no go.

My drone is dead ;^0

The "drug war" is, and always has been, fueled by the United Corporations of America, HC. Everyone knows that, sheesh.

Drift — March 1, 2013 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Kinda sad when 57% of registered Voters actually think the sequester is a good idea.. I also think most of us probably 70% use the sequester methodology on a monthly basis or we should in order to balance our own books...

Nail- Question.. You believe that Obama won the past election by a pretty good margin right.. You know the voters voted and Obama won Right... You beleive in majority rule???

vanwadreamer — March 1, 2013 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

You beleive in majority rule???

vanwadreamer — March 1, 2013 at 10:09 a.m.

When it comes to voting and some other things. Not sure of your intent, but it would do you some good to stop watching Fox News.

More Americans would prefer to avoid sequester, poll finds

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57571695/more-americans-would-prefer-to-avoid-sequester-poll-finds/

nailingit — March 1, 2013 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — March 1, 2013 at 10:19 a.m

I think vanwa was thinking that 57% of registered Republican'ts think the sequester is a good idea. If only to piss off the President and the rest of us that know better.

As for using "sequester policy" in paying my bills every month, nope. Paid in full every month. I don't overextend.

hawkeye — March 1, 2013 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

@hawkeye — March 1, 2013 at 10:57 a.m.

I think vanwa was thinking that 57% of registered Republican'ts think the sequester is a good idea.

Naw. Like most things conservatives post, they can be traced back to Fox News, Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh. (with the exception of one or two hard core conspiracists basement dwellers, than you're getting into the real smut dredging. ;)

It's part of the Fox bubble. The poll was done by some start up group who started a polling business in 2010. Accuracy has never detoured Fox from being "fair & balanced".

A new Fox News national poll shows 57 percent of voters think the “only way” to control the deficit is through actions like the automatic cuts because lawmakers are unable to do it on their own. Some 29 percent have confidence that Congress has the know-how and power to make it happen.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/02/28/fox-news-poll-voters-say-sequester-needed-because-congress-cant-make-cuts/#ixzz2MJshuLt9

nailingit — March 1, 2013 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Rachel Maddow To Jon Stewart: Scalia A 'Troll ... The Guy On Your Blog Comment Thread Who's Using The N Word' (VIDEO)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/01/rachel-maddow-scalia-jon-stewart_n_2789126.html?ir=Politics&ref=topbar

nailingit — March 1, 2013 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-scalia-and-limbaugh-20120625-001,0,2765853.photo

nailingit — March 1, 2013 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Just for you Fellow american democrats.. I have nothing against you folks even though you think much differently than some of us... Ido hope you all have a wonderfull weekend and hopefully we get to see some sun tomorrow at least....

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/interactive/2013/02/28/fox-news-poll-president-obama-transparency-and-sequester/

Nail- If you yourself called 1000 registered voters of a group of 50/50 dems and R's and got 57% that said they favored something.. Would that not be somewhat scientific???

Fox news is still and has been the "most trusted" news network last 10 years....

vanwadreamer — March 1, 2013 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Got a letter in the mail today from "U S Airlines" telling me that I am "qualified" for an award of two round trip tickets anywhere in the US. Retail value is $1298.00. Certain restrictions apply. Just call this 800 number and talk to "Joy Hill" .

TOTAL SCAM!!! They want to know all your information and you need to sit through a 60 minute "presentation". ----- I DON'T THINK SO!

hawkeye — March 1, 2013 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Most watched as well, by a long shot BTW... I have had a hard time watching the English Bloke lately.. Piers Morgan.. I think he has eaten too much Sheppards pie.... That guy can Bloviate with the best of some of our basement dwellers not to name a few... ...

Nail- You certainly marginalized your answer in regards to voting, why so???.. Oh it doesn't fit your view..so it doesn't work in those situations... ..So the Voters of washington state by a vast mojority voted just last year that a super majority be needed to raise taxes....Now the WA supreme trys to knock that down.. That is against the will of the vast majority of the Voters who voted that in... You are truly out there on this one... Everyone do have a great weekend...

Hawk-

You live the life of a true American.. pay as you go.. Unlike our current Adminstration.. maybe you could give the guy a couple lessons on how to do it, maybe write a book and have him sign it.. Then sell it on ebay and make some money..

vanwadreamer — March 1, 2013 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hawk,

Why not 1298, just step away from the forum a bit and off you go to all parts of the world... It's gotta be better than sittin in front of your telle or PC... Try it... I thought you libs were all about dreams, hope & chance...

vanwadreamer — March 1, 2013 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hey gang, time to give some thanks and be misery free so far...

Thanks for being alive still...

Thanks for having a refrigerator with good nutritious food, no junk!

Thanks for having a roof over my head.

Thanks for having a woman and family that loves me.

Thanks for having grown and healthy kids.

Thanks for the unconditional love and loyalty my dog gives me.

Thanks for being able to enjoy a few possessions.

Thanks for being debt free.

Thanks for being able to have hobbies and enjoy them.

Thanks for being able to speak my mind on these forums and drop my morning turd on them regularly...(very important) LOL

Thanks for being able to play and hear music.

Thanks for not living in a country like Siria or others where violence is forced on innocent people on a massive scale.

Thanks for being an American.

Thanks for not being a politician and endure the worst job in the world where everybody thinks that you a crook.

Thanks for not having to work after 30 years in the rat race.

Thanks for being able to do as I please.

Thanks for being able to shut off the world if I want and hide from all the bad energy.

Thanks for not wearing a watch in 6 years.

Thanks for having an interest to start volunteering.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I feel way better now!

I am a lucky man. Not rich because I would hate to be rich. I don't want to occupy my mind on keeping or multiplying that senseless money and quest to nowhere, and worry that someone is stealing from me or mismanaging my possessions. Peace of mind is my kind of wealth!

Other than that, how come the weatherman still has a job? Where is the freaking sun? :)

holycrapola — March 1, 2013 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2013/mar/01/barack-obama/barack-obama-says-majority-american-people-agree-m/

vanwa- I know I've linked to these sites before. Stanford, Maryland etc. studies that show Fox dittoheads are not only misinformed, but you'd be smarter if you never watched any news at all than having watched Fox.

sigh...

One more time. It's like watching a kid start to step in front of a bus. You wanna do something.

I'm not trying to change your mind. You're in the tank for Fox and the republican party for some reason. Maybe someone eles will benefit. Anyway, here's a few links to chew on.

BTW vanwa- Did you have this same voice of government fiscal responsibility in 2003, 04, 05 , 06, 07....?

Pay as you go unlike the current administration...how about the many admins before this one who spent much more in government. Your whining screams of a double standard.

Shaped by the nonsense you watch on Fox. ;)

http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2011/knowless/

http://www.examiner.com/article/univ-of-maryland-study-finds-fox-news-viewers-to-be-misinformed-on-key-issues

http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/brunitedstatescanadara/671.php?nid=&id=&pnt=671&lb=

http://mediamatters.org/research/2011/06/22/jon-stewart-gets-it-right-about-fox-news/180787#5

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2011/11/22/374434/fox-news-viewers-misinformed-study-jon-stewart/

nailingit — March 1, 2013 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

VANWAWA-you do realize it's the STATE'S rep that OK the budgets. It's the CONGRESS's budget your beloved House passes. The governors nor the prez pass a budget-the yo-yos in the respective houses do that chit. Talk to them-as if you ever could or will.

Care less about a news source-they all suck. As long as it's easier-read cheaper-to get info from a "press conference", that's what we'll get. Who gives a rip anyway? The government simply figures that into the equation. Think about it-all the media is corporate owned, and they rely on press releases-almost totally. Want real, investigative reporting? Look on an international site. You won't find it in the US.

I suggest Al Jazzera English.

mrd — March 1, 2013 at 6:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

who give a rip? I do.

the media may be 'corporate owned', but the truth is out there if you bother to look for it.

i wouldn't trust al jazeria to publish truth any more than i'd trust goebbles.

all you have to do is open your eyes and look at what's happening. if that doesn't tell you reality, you're hopeless.

DeeLittle — March 1, 2013 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Did Scalia design this?

http://www.commondreams.org/further/2013/02/28-1

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Four reasons Republicans are embracing the 'sequester'

Republicans, it is clear, are conflicted on the "sequester." Some, particularly those from districts heavy with military installations and troops, are clawing tooth-and-nail to head off the $85 billion in cuts scheduled to begin March 1. The vast majority, however, say that a 2.4 percent reduction to federal spending – even one as unappealing as the sequester – is better than no reductions at all.

How did Republicans come to embrace the sequester? Here are four reasons.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/DC-Decoder/2013/0227/Four-reasons-Republicans-are-embracing-the-sequester/There-will-be-cuts?nav=635533-csm_article-promoLink

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Goldenoldie- Cavemen mentality? Yes that's it. But I still love my stuff served to me.

If people would stop thinking "me, me, me," then maybe divorce rates wouldn't be so high. And women wonder why their men run off and cheat. Stop the me complex and liberation junk learn how to fix a relationship instead of letting the guy bust his backside off because you want equality.

DeeLittle- Yes the truth is out there- it's not on the internet, not in a newspaper, and definitely not on the T.V. It's called getting out and making a difference.

I have a question for all, how come almost all the websites linked on here are either based on dem tards or re(p) tards? Full facts would be nice, not just one side.

andrecht — March 2, 2013 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

A shout out to Jim Moeller for commenting in the C. His thoughtful comments are continually trolled by low info ideological clowns.

I've almost stopped reading the C's FB comments all together. I get embarrassed for our community.

I'll be glad when this rabid faction of the tea party dies altogether.

It won't be long.

Life expectancy can be a progressive's best friend, and a conservatives worst enemy.

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

I have a question for all, how come almost all the websites linked on here are either based on dem tards or re(p) tards? Full facts would be nice, not just one side.

andrecht — March 2, 2013 at 8:35 a.m. (

Check out CS Monitor I just referenced, as it seems to be somewhat non-partisan. Viewing our politicians as a tard reenforces the blurring of the lines many do.

There is blame to go around, but understanding the 5 W's goes a long way.

I mean, how does one write a historical account of invading Iraq without seeming partisan in the long run?

As a people, we need to understand what motivates politicians and party we support, and pay attention to laws that are enacted.

It's not always about $$$ & power.

Not always anyway...:)

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

andrecht — March 2, 2013 at 8:35 a.m. (

My main criteria for news is accuracy, which one can achieve with a non-biased or a biased publication. Most journalistic endeavors have a slant, if ever so slight. It's human nature to be passionate about truth. It's also human nature to lie, misinform and bend the truth to suit ideological preferences. That's why caring about truth/accuracy is so important. Cross referencing with mainstream publications can be a good thing.

Mother Jones no doubt maintains a liberal slant, but so what? Truth & accuracy is paramount imo. Remember the 47% recording? MJ relayed truth from the horses mouth.

MAPS: Did Your Congressmember Vote Against The Violence Against Women Act? After a year and a half delay, VAWA reauthorization passed Thursday. Here's how your elected officials voted.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/03/violence-against-women-act-reauthorization-house-senate-votes

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 8:43 a.m.

"A shout out to Jim Moeller for commenting in the C. His thoughtful comments are continually trolled by low info ideological clowns."

Jim Moeller delivers general statements about an ideal future - many of those "ideological clowns" are dealing in hard data, which tends to discount Jim's vision.

"I've almost stopped reading the C's FB comments all together. I get embarrassed for our community."

Then how can you make the preceding statement?

But I do agree that Jim deserves accolades for continuing to show up on The Columbian's facebook page. Right or wrong, he continues to interact with the people.

Many of us here in the Basement have chosen to join the facebook side because that's where issues of local importance are discussed. This forum tends to cover national and political topics - important in their own right, but ones we have much less chance of influencing public opinion on than with those discussions over there.

roger — March 2, 2013 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

You're in the tank!

You're one of the ones saying Moeller is trying to bankrupt us and feel high minded enough to school him on matters.

roger, your comments used to be much more meaningful in my opinion. Now you're just spouting the same anti CRC crap that puts the tucky in Van.

many of those "ideological clowns" are dealing in hard data,

Your comments are damn near 99% speculative. Even this moring you're giving out death tolls and and dolling out "facts" how an earthquake would impact our community. I've been in a few and you never know how they are going to shake out. What The ....

Consider that if a train is on the lower eastern span when this quake hits, the rail cars will slam around inside the lower level encasing - everyone will die. Same with the pedestrians and bicyclists on the other span. And if the bridge spans start swaying during the 4-5 minute duration of this quake, then the odds are everything will collapse.

Do you really think...

we have much less chance of influencing public opinion on than with those discussions over there.

...you or anyone else have much influence on public policy because they rant on FaceBook or the forum? Seriously?

A degree of sycophancy to include atta boys and feeding the paranoid conspiracy filled conservative nuts who actually believe Light Rail could bring an end to our existence. Maybe that.

Anyway roger, I mean no ill intent. A good part of your posts are thoughtful, and your CRC comments used to get some wheels turning. (mine anyway)

Lately they've gone off the tracks.

Now you're just...

...in the tank.

((:BTW, get that forced pop control figured out yet?:))

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nails,

As taught by Sir Basil, pick and choose parts of conversations. That business on earthquakes was in response to the "we're all gonna die" argument proposed by another. The earthquake argument was brought into the mix to scare people into thinking the bridge will come down at any time - we have to replace it immediately. Is some of my response speculation? Sure, but based on previous quakes very possible. But there's a whole lot more fact to what I say than them. I've actually been to engineering websites that indicate the best we can build a bridge would be to withstand an 8.0 (but that's a single level suspension bridge), I've read the report from the 2006 CRC seismic study, and I've read the report from the geologist The Oregonian interviewed concerning the history of Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes.

My comments are 99% speculation? I frequently give sources when dealing with the CRC project. And many of those sources are from the CRC's or C-Tran's web page. Now, one might argue that everything they're using for financial benefits data, traffic and tolling scenarios, etc, is pure speculation, but they're the ones planning on spending several billion dollars - not me.

Nails, you're enamored with an ideology. Join the real world. Building for the future is good, but it has to make sense, and it can't cripple the here and now in the process.

roger — March 2, 2013 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

As taught by Sir Basil, pick and choose parts of conversations.

This is what I mean. Zero substance while insulting someone not even involved with the conversation. Why? It cheapens your argument big time.

Regardless of what you were responding to, you took it upon yourself to broaden your ..expertise. :)

My comments are 99% speculation?

Of course I was addressing opinion rather than sourced articles with credible documentation.

Nails, you're enamored with an ideology

Yeah, I know. I believe in a nation where all are created equal with inalienable rights, as well as a nation who looks to our future while not employing government entities to regulate America's birth rate. :) Seriously.

Not to mention allowing someone to be a community organizer/activist like so many fancy themselves. In regards we certainly have a great model to look to in President Obama.

I just expect it to be done honestly, in the light of day while respecting governmental process and honoring contractual commitments.

Like most of us do. Like honest people do. You've bought into something with a seedy underbelly that sooner more than later will...

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

It might help at the next CRC meeting, you old farts started line dancing to this song.

You would definitely make it on the C, and at the same time you guys wouldn't come across as a bunch of penny pinching senior's who could give a crap about Vancouver's future if it costs you a..penny.

At the very least a video of this event would humanize your cause, while at the same time highlight what this sequester would do to local mental health services.

A win win.

BTW, I'll hire myself out as a PR consultant for a nominal fee.

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

This is pretty good, It came from a guy on the FB side but it's really worth reading.

http://oregoncatalyst.com/22152-crc-sacrifices-real-solution-sake-light-rail.html

I already sent it to Cantwell, Murray, Jamie and Inslee.

hawkeye — March 2, 2013 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Willamette Week is also stepping up their reporting on the CRC.

http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-29837-the_crc_whos_getting_rich.html

Tie this to the Tiffany Couch report that showed how these contractors routinely go over budget, and how there is a lot of the CRC money that can't even be accounted for - not a pretty picture.

roger — March 2, 2013 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Nails, I think you've spent way too much time reading Huff Post and watching the MSNBC evening lineup - a whole lot of noise, but nothing of substance said.

roger — March 2, 2013 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

On the sequester-

In Europe, wasn't it the bankers and their politicians that proposed and implemented the "austerity" BS? The Central Banks and their political cronies? How in the hell is it going to differ in the US? It won't. Read the 'C' today and see how the homeless, the poor, etc are bracing for the cuts. Housing vouchers are already being curtailed. It's coming folks, and if you get a damn dime from the government, prepare to kiss it goodbye.

These folks are going to "balance" the budget (yuk, yuk, wink, wink)on our backs. The only difference (from the European model) is going to be they've hidden stuff so well. As we, just simpletons, argue about hoodunnit, the R's or the D's, it won't matter. It's gonna get done-the banks and the BIG money call the shots-if you think otherwise, Gawd, there must be something I call sell you, perhaps an electronic gizmo, that oughta suffice for ya.

And we'll all suffer, except the 1 or 2 %-can't screw with them, one of these days these "job creators" might actually do so. (yuk,yuk) How long will you buy into that BS?

mrd — March 2, 2013 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Here you go, Nails. Monty Python

roger — March 2, 2013 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roger- Again with the Huffpo when all else....another dig. As you know much of Huffpo reprint stories from credible orgs, in addition Huffpo recieved a Pulitzer last year. Certainly not the end all of pubs, but one that hasn't started charging yet and is varied. Anyway...

Have you registered as a Republican yet?

This the guy who spent 53 Million Dollars this last election cycle trying to buy the Presidency. Romney's bud.

Las Vegas Sands Under Investigation For Corruption, Admits Violations 'Likely'

March 2 (Reuters) - Las Vegas Sands Corp said it "likely" violated the federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which outlaws the bribery of foreign officials, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday.

The filing marks the first disclosure by the casino operator, controlled by founder and billionaire Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, that is was under investigation.

The SEC subpoenaed company documents in February 2011 relating to its compliance with the antibribery act while the U.S. Department of Justice also advised Sands it was conducting an investigation, the company said in its annual report filing.

"There were likely violations of the books and records and internal controls provisions of the FCPA," the company said.

Sands spokesman Ron Reese said on Saturday he had no additional comment beyond the SEC filing.

Read more @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/02/las-vegas-sands-corruption-investigation_n_2797915.html

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mrd- Yes-we are doomed.

As long as people keep griping and committing ourselves to failure.

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Nail, what do you suggest? Stop the griping - and then what? it will all go away? We need to all step up and nail the dudes in charge - gov, banks, you name it. But - how do you get rid of corruption that runs so deep for so long? Mrd is right though. The tea party keeps warning us of European breakdown and that we can't do what they do bla bla bla, but then they want to do exactly the same thing. Austerity. And nothing else.Dumb dumb dumb. Seems to me the filthy rich over there are still filthy rich, and the rest carries the austerity burden and sinks. Dumb dumb dumb

So are we doomed?

luvithere — March 2, 2013 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hey luvit, what up? I think a march on DC is in order when the weather clears. A multi-million march on DC and local state houses. Republican controlled states have not changed one iota with the war on unions, women, abortion access, minorities, the poor etc. Stage sit in's and and demand Congress work until something hammers out. One idea.

Boehner's 113th House is scheduled to work only 126 days this year. With holidays that's about one week on, two weeks off. Ridiculous. They should be working around the clock till something gets accomplished. Instead they take off early to celebrate sequester.

Always good to gripe luvit, but if it's done with resignation to defeat, misery, never changing, cats and dogs living together sky falling context it's non productive.

You can't reason with people who hate government, even when it hurts the majority to include themselves. You can't teach smart. :)) Conservatives want government so small "they can drown it in a bathtub" so long as they overspend on defense, start wars, spend money on tax breaks for the wealthy, build a Mexican fence and keep enough $$$ to wage the war on Christmas. :)

Hopefully we can get Congress turned around the next 6 years or so. Problems exist on both sides, but we know who won't compromise. Conservatives understand this and take pride in it. Again, you can't teach smart, combine this with dittoheads and Ron Paulites/Beck/Birther media...

So are we doomed?

Probably. But I would like to think Americans have more heart than this.

If not more brains.

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

In spite of conservative push back on basic freedoms, such as the right to abortion services, contraception, equal pay, the right to collectively bargain etc., America has come a long way in many areas.

Now Ken Mehlman can come to our great state of Washington, marry someone of same gender and toke a blunt in his backyard without fearing arrest.

That's something I guess. :)

nailingit — March 2, 2013 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

A march on the Capitol, Nail? Count me in! I am in DC shortly for a week, maybe I should get started. Bet you I will see quite a number of people with signs there already. But then, I also bet half of congress will not be there. You know - all that hard work, lots of thinking, bad weather. Probably in need of another vacation, our beloved boys and girls.

luvithere — March 3, 2013 at 5:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

The basement needs a song to bring things to perspective....

;)

holycrapola — March 3, 2013 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Or perhaps some day we will say.... We ain't got the blues anymore....

holycrapola — March 3, 2013 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawkeye — March 1, 2013 at 1:10 p.m.

We received the same garbage...not even worth burning so we shredded it.

goldenoldie — March 3, 2013 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Boy oh boy...just reading a bit of the Huffy news, realized they have a bone to pick with Faux. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to followers of either propaganda tabloid.

goldenoldie — March 3, 2013 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Should be good. Romney blames the media and Ann regrets not being queen. With republicans it's always about optics. Wrap up feces in a nice box, stick a bow on it and sell it to the American people.

It's about policy guys. Policy policy policy. Most of America gets it. It's why republicans were shellacked last November and the Romney's were "shellshocked". Even though the Fox bubble got popped in November, the republican faux noise faithful still ain't gettin' it.

Chris Wallace On Mitt Romney Interview: Former Candidate 'Obviously Thinks He Made Some Mistakes' (VIDEO)

Chris Wallace recently scored Mitt and Ann Romney's first interview since the 2012 election, and is speaking about their reactions to losing in a preview of the exchange. Romney was described as "shellshocked" in the immediate aftermath of his loss to President Obama, and has maintained a relative low profile since November. Wallace's interview with the Romneys will air on "Fox News Sunday."

In a preview, Wallace told Politico's Patrick Gavin that Ann feels the pain of the loss. "I'd say he is in a better place than she is," Wallace said, reflecting on the interview. "Not to say she’s bitter — and she enjoys her life. Look, they live on the beach, north of San Diego and a bunch of their grandkids are around. You know, they’ve got a pretty great life. But she I think feels the pain and the what-ifs and the hurt more than he does. And it comes through in the interview. There’s a lot of emotion that comes through in the interview, and she’s more open about it — the ‘what might have been."

The Fox News host said that Romney "obviously thinks he made some mistakes," but is "very defensive and very supportive of his campaign." He also said Romney pointed to a liberal media bias and a "long and expensive" primary battle as factors in the loss, but described the former candidate as "at ease" and "serene about it."

In the interview, Romney compared the experience to being on a roller coaster. "We were on a roller coaster, exciting and thrilling, ups and downs. But the ride ends," he said. "And then you get off. And it's not like, oh, can't we be on a roller coaster the rest of our life? It's like, no, the ride's over."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/01/chris-wallace-mitt-romney-interview_n_2790798.html

nailingit — March 3, 2013 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Were only doomed if we ecept mediocirty as the best we can do... Not everyone gets a ribbon. We've been doing that too long,, Reward excellence and change failure is the only way to get ourselves out of this rut.... Many voters in every election are ill informed and vote on the spoken words rather than on substance of the candidates records... Many people don't even know much about how government works. They do know if they had a job and lost it due to nothing of there own making they would most likely get some for of Gov't assistance... Funny how that works..They know more about the "free" handouts than they know about the Good Ol USA...

On the CRC project.. I hear that this and that person has drugded up this and that about waste and such or unaccounted money that was spent but nothing has been done about it... I would think if it were really happening there would be some accountability that lawmakers would be clammoring over.. They would be actually investigating.. But I don't see any of that... Why???? Now off to make a little scrambled eggs and toast with PB... Have a great day and listen to Joan before you head off the basement...

This is for all our basement dwelling friends on a cloudy Sun morning..

vanwadreamer — March 3, 2013 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

just read a piece about some fantastic engineering projects in the Mid-East and Far East. These folks are building everything from floating golf courses in the ocean, with the holes connected with clear tunnels among the coral reefs. Man-made islands with buildings over 100 stories.

Back in the good ol' US of A, we can't ever afford to build a stinkin' bridge. Wait until it goes political and see what gets done.

With incomes falling, 4% in January alone, tax receipts will fall, more budget shortfalls, more cuts taking even more money out of the economy, better batten down the hatches as this could be a rough year, actually, it already is.

mrd — March 3, 2013 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Media Fails, Tea Party Wins as "Sequestration" Begins

Flimsy media follows austerity-crazed Congress into "the Vast Inane"

Sequestration is only the start. What they set out to do was not simply change Washington but eviscerate the U.S. government — “drown it in the bathtub,” in the words of their guru Grover Norquist – slashing Social Security and Medicare, ending worker protections we’ve had since the 1930s, eroding civil rights and voting rights, terminating programs that have helped the poor for generations, and making it impossible for the government to invest in our future.

Sequestration grew out of a strategy hatched soon after they took over the House in 2011, to achieve their goals by holding hostage the full faith and credit of the United States – notwithstanding the Constitution’s instruction that the public debt of the United States “not be questioned.”

To avoid default on the public debt, the White House and House Republicans agreed to harsh and arbitrary “sequestered” spending cuts if they couldn’t come up with a more reasonable deal in the interim. But the Tea Partiers had no intention of agreeing to anything more reasonable. They knew the only way to dismember the federal government was through large spending cuts without tax increases.

And Eskow follows by saying, "Let’s call that act what it is: An act of aggression, aimed at the heart of our nation’s social contract. These destructive and needless cuts, whose only purpose is to benefit the wealthy, are a civic crime. And Capitol Hill is the scene of the crime."

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/03/01-0

nailingit — March 3, 2013 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )