Open thread 3/3

thread

229 Comments

  1. Songbird
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:51 am | Permalink

    Just a few more things I’d like to share regarding this latest, not-very-greatest flu epidemic that’s waylaid our fair city this winter.

    If you are fortunate enough to receive a narcotic (i.e., opioid) cough syrup (i.e., if you’re sick enough to warrant re-writing your will) – just a word of caution:

    Imbibing opiates while you’ve got the flu is a little dicey at first dose. It’s one thing to take these elixirs if you’ve got a back injury – and there’s no flu to be had. But go easy on the cough syrup on the first day. I took my prescribed, two doses (in the exact amount prescribed) about four hours apart on the first day. That was probably unwise, because I awoke the next morning with a massive, mandela drug interaction (I’m on three other meds as well).

    If you see the doctor mid-day, don’t try to take two doses of the cough syrup – just take the first dose at night. On the next and subsequent days, take one in the morning and the other at night – spaced far enough apart to avoid any icky-awful episodes.

    One can only hope that next winter’s flu season won’t be as bad – because this year has s–ked sardine sarcophagus.

    I’m sure ol’ Fast-Buck-Freddie Phelps would say it’s gawd’s way of punishing us godless heathens for our weekid-pedia-esque ways. I only wish I’d saved all my germs, packed ‘em in a Fed Ex box, and shipped ‘em on over to Topeka.

    That’d shut the crap-infested cretin up for good.

  2. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:56 am | Permalink

    Why are most of my comments always “awaiting moderation”? Does the Eagle not appreciate real news from time to time?

  3. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:04 am | Permalink

    Isn’t it great to see the U.S. govt. decsion to buy European is enriching EADS shareholders and decimating boeing and spirit (as well as other main suppliers) shareholders. That’s what America is all about, put the other guy first!

  4. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:14 am | Permalink

    That topic has been on my mind all weekend. Without trying to sound alarmist, that decision (not ours) was as close to treason (outside of bombing us) as our military could get. But then again that’s just my opinion.

  5. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:16 am | Permalink

    But we need to get back to knowing that the U.S. Government is US. And I want to take it back from these devils. that so-called revolt that the hippies did…nothing. Pretty soon…

  6. Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:19 am | Permalink

    Sure, why not – I mean France is known world-wide for their excellence in refueling tanker planes.

    or not…

  7. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:28 am | Permalink

    Sigh…

    Blame Boeing for the loss of the tanker contract. They have had issues of their own creation with their engineers and labor for years. Too busy hunting for another dime to squeeze, they got out R&D’d. But they won’t learn anything from it.

  8. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:33 am | Permalink

    Boeing is, according to JR, just decent enough to build fences now (and just virtual fences at that).

  9. Ken
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 8:46 am | Permalink

    Maybe it’s our way of rewarding the French for electing a USA friendly president —- we almost gave our ports to Dubai didn’t we —- I wonder why the other big plane manufacturers (Lockheed ?/ ) didn’t bid the job —-

  10. writerdog
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:44 am | Permalink

    Ken I can not swear to it, but I think I heard something about Lockheed did put a bid in.
    Contrary to the prevailing mindset, manufacturing is the heart of any strong economy.
    This country took a wrong turn years ago and we are paying for it now. The lopsided trade agreements, the moving of manufacturing over seas and the over regulating of business has cause the lost of our power within the world. The United States slipped behind while holding to a false premise that somehow just because it was American business that it was the best. It has become like loaning money to a drunk brother, just because he is kin does not mean it is true he will pay you back. Nor just because it is an American company does it mean you will get the best investment.

  11. Great Estates
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:35 am | Permalink

    It’s all water under the bridge now boys. May the best man won. Maybe if Boeing hadn’t had their hands in the air force cookie jar, trying to bribe their way into contracts, things might have been different. The deal is over but apparently as reflected in the crying still going on the Weblog is correct – it has been a bitter pill to swallow.

    But look on the bright side. Franch has socialized healthcare, rated as one of the best in the world. The government also owns the utilities and is much closer to energy independence than we will ever dream of. Maybe they will build some nuclear power plants in America next.

    Don’t beat up a fellow socialist too badly now.

  12. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:06 am | Permalink

    Boeing screwed the pooch and they have no one to blame but themselves.

    They blew it.

    They had EVERYTHING going for them and nothing going against them, and they STILL managed to mess it up.

    I am saddened and disheartened by seeing the contract go overseas, but Boeing is responsible for this disaster, not the Air Force.

  13. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:25 am | Permalink

    Once again we see the high cost of benefits play an important part in the awarding of another contract. Take the blinders off. When an American corporation has to factor in higher wages and benefits cost then their overhead will be higher. Always has always will be.

    Do we want all of the corp. taxes we would have collected from Boeing now going to build the French infrastructure while our own goes untended? Great move and if we allow it to happen then we deserve what we get. Thirty years of propping up the French economy – thirty years of seeing more jobs go over seas – thirty years of watching out own cost of living go up. Your choice. If you don’t want this – flood every senator and congressman that has anything to do with this decision with emails, phone calls, letters whatever. Shut down the phone banks. We have the power to change this but we have to act now.

  14. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:40 am | Permalink

    Let me clarify ksgrm’s remarks,

    “If you don’t want what is best for our men and women in uniform – if you don’t want the best equipement to win in combat – if you want an inferior product for the defense of this nation -

    email your congressmen.”

  15. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:44 am | Permalink

    “Move ten battalions to the border with Colombian immediately,” he said to his defense minister. “We don’t want war, but we are not going to allow the North American empire, which is their master, and their puppy-dog President Uribe and the Colombian oligarchy to come divide us, to weaken us. We are not going to allow it.”
    The Venezuelan president then gave orders to his foreign minister to close the Venezuelan embassy in Bogota and withdraw all the officials that work there, bringing relations between the countries to their lowest point in recent history.
    Chavez sharply criticized Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, accusing him of leading a “criminal” government, and warned the Colombian leader that any kind of incursion into Venezuelan territory on the part of the Colombian military would be a cause for war between the two countries.

    http://www.venezuelanalysis.com

  16. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:49 am | Permalink

    THAT’S a great attitude ksgrm! Absolutely the right thing to say and what we need to do! Thanks for understanding love of country and your countrymen and women.

    Good business ain’t always “about the bottom line”.

  17. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:50 am | Permalink

    Sol, bankers love playing chess with us, don’t they?

    We’re in trouble.

  18. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:52 am | Permalink

    AMway what do you base your opinion on? Airbus has never built a tanker. Their own planes the 350 have a very high ‘maintenance required’ record. Just because they are foreign makes them better. In what way?

    It is this attitude that will doom our country to mediocrity.

  19. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:53 am | Permalink

    The Air Force gets the budget cuts next go around.

  20. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:54 am | Permalink

    “Good business ain’t always “about the bottom line”.

    This isn’t just business – it’s about the best equipement for our military men and women.

    Good luck with your letter writing. I’m sure everyone in Wichita can make a difference.

    And you obviously are not a businessman.

  21. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:55 am | Permalink

    A stable and working middle class would be a pretty decent “defense” as well?

  22. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:56 am | Permalink

    “Although Airbuses have been involved in a number of major crashes – 11 in 12 years with the loss of more than 1,400 lives”

    Is this the reliabile plane you were talking about. This is the plane that dropped an engine into a NY neighborhood while taking off from JFK a few year ago. Major cracks in the structure were found.

    This is the best plane for our military because????

  23. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:58 am | Permalink

    American Way,

    It is never about “the best” for our men and women.

    It is about the best feasible equipment.

    There are certainly a multitude of things which would be the “best” for our men and women, but trying to field a military with over 1 million men and women in it would be insane.

  24. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:58 am | Permalink

    Kgrm, good grief do you want me to repost from the thread dedicated to this subject? Go back and read the facts. You have just posted two items out of dozens and with that you have the wisdom to know what is best for America’s military defense?

    I’m sure every time, every town in America looses a military contract the thought process is the same:

    Because it is made here, it is better than there.
    That doesn’t hold any intelligent information, or any observation or evaluation of facts.

  25. Blah
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:00 pm | Permalink

    It’s come to a sad state of affairs when the Canadian Dollar is equal to, or as of last night, worth a penny more than the US Dollar.

    Economy needs help and it can’t wait for a new president.

  26. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:00 pm | Permalink

    Amway I am indeed a business woman. I recognize that the bottom line isn’t necessarily the final decision maker. I have nothing to do with the aerospace industry other than residing in Wichita. But as an American I see a very bad decision made by our politicians and AF bigwigs.

    We have a standard of living in this country we have become comfortable with. A decision like this will help drive that down. Do we want American jobs to allow our blue collar workers to have a good standard of living or do we want to help build the EURO? You decide.

  27. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:01 pm | Permalink

    If everyone would just step back and take off their blinders – our focus on Boeing Wichita it might add a little better perspective on this for you.

    Our DoD is tasked with making decisions which will affect the war-fighting ability of our armed forces. Much of that, and probably most of it, involves projecting force deep into lands beyond a US controlled airstrip.

    These tankers exist to project air power. Air power in support of our combat forces: our young men and women on the ground for much of it.

    Do you want the best for them? What product will provide the greater ability to project our air power and succeed?

    That is the real picture, which unfortunately is not what I’m reading in most posts above.

    This decision was YEARS in the making. The military considered the political forces on them – had to know the impact and pressure on them to “buy American”. But despite that they picked a product they felt was best for winning in combat.

    Again, take the blinders off. The Northrop-EADS tanker was ranked superior in 4 of 5 categories.
    Northrop’s product is bigger, newer, has GREATER CAPACITY IN FUEL, PASSENGERS, AND CARGO.

    Years in the planning, and years of evaluation.
    Our men and women serving do NOT need another political decision. They need the bestest product money can buy.

    Similiar to the MRAP vehicles in Iraq, which we all attacked the pentegon and Bush for NOT buying and rushing to our troops for IED protection. Do you want the best, or politically best?

    Look outside yourself and Wichita.

  28. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:01 pm | Permalink

    American Way?…my ass.

    I suppose we’re back to eating “French Fries” instead of “Freedom Fries”?

    So much for that idiot, O’ Liellys’ France boycott…

  29. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:02 pm | Permalink

    “It is never about “the best” for our men and women.”

    Nathan, when it comes to providing equipment for our men and women in uniform – it should always be about what is best for them to succeed in combat.

    Locate, closewith and destroy the enemy, or repell his attack using fire and close combat (or something like that).

  30. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:02 pm | Permalink

    AMway I did a very quick search to show you Airbus doesn’t have a good reliability rating. You need to do your own research. You made a bold statement that this was the best tanker for our military. I asked you based on what? You attack my statement with backup but still have nothing to back up your statement.

  31. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:03 pm | Permalink

    It ain’t about “Wichita”, try our Nation. Does it say to the world, “the US makes soo shitty of a plane, that their own military won’t buy them”?

  32. Blah
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:03 pm | Permalink

    American military should fly in American planes.. period.

    We dont need a larger more fuel thirsty aircraft, we need an all around efficiently sized and economic plane. The Boeing deal provided just that.

    And why take chances on an Airbus that has known technical issues like oh the landing gear breaking off. This has happened 4 times now.

  33. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:04 pm | Permalink

    American Way,

    Again, using the term best is very misleading.

    If we wanted our troops to have the best, I could easily show you how fielding a million man military would bankrupt us.

    These tankers are probably better. I have not done much reasearch on the difference and I support the DOD’s judgment on this.

    My only argument is with constantly throwing around providing the “best” for our men and women.

  34. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:05 pm | Permalink

    AMway you are defending a prototype. It hasn’t even been built yet but you are lauding it as if it is a fait accompli. Don’t you see the ironey of your own statement?

  35. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:08 pm | Permalink

    ksgrm

    Doesn’t matter what I decide. Doesn’t matter what you decide.

    It matters what the DoD HAS decided in order to win in combat.

    Now, I will NEVER argue against getting some of that
    MONEY for Wichita. I would be on the wrong blog for that wouldn’t I?

    To hell with fair competition and free enterprise – WE WANT IT ALL.

    Just like I own a Honda for reliability. It will outlive a Chevy by more than twice the mileage and I get 44 MPG! Proven reliability. Chevy going broke? Not my concern.

    Our nation deserves the best. You will only ensure further poor performance and reliability if this is overturned.

    But I’m easy. It is Wichita, Kansas which benefits.
    Greed is good!

  36. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:11 pm | Permalink

    Nathan

    Northrop’s product is bigger, newer, has GREATER CAPACITY IN FUEL, PASSENGERS, AND CARGO.

    Carries more fuel, allowing to refuel more jets and allow longer TOT (Time over target). Carries more passengers (less flights arrive on time), and cargo (beans, bandages, badguys, bullets).

    Yep, sounds best to me. (or better if you will)

  37. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:16 pm | Permalink

    Nathan I wouldn’t even give the DoD that much credit. Looking at it from a laymans prespective – Why accounce this late on a Friday night when the most undesireable news items are always released. Why not give the criteria used to make this decision? What items made Airbus superior? Reliability – when we know engines and landing gear have fallen off? Capacity – when the entire plane hasn’t been built yet and know changes will be made to the plans?

  38. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:20 pm | Permalink

    AMway I am just glad that they are meeting on this this morning. I have sent emails and made phone calls. I can tell you that when the amnesty issue was announced that the number of contacts the pols received made them reverse that decision two days later. I have a network of people I can start something rolling with and it goes nation wide. If you think all of the concern is in Wichita you are sadly mistaken.

    The people – you and me – do have the power to change the power wonks in DC if we use it.

  39. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:25 pm | Permalink

    Yeah Ksgrm that’s all we need: another political decision when a military one is needed.

    Just like Vietnam and Iraq.

    Let the politicans decide what is best.

  40. American Way
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:30 pm | Permalink

    We don’t want the best product.
    We don’t want competition.
    We want bribes to really stand for something.

    So what if a few Boeings fall from the sky.

    Screw the troops.

  41. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:31 pm | Permalink

    Why not have a friggin military dictatorship, right UnAmWay? Hell, if they’d just have a draft, then we’d all have a job.

  42. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:37 pm | Permalink

    Good going guys, you got the whole thread shut down. Geez.

    What the heck did you say? Don’t repeat it here!

  43. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:37 pm | Permalink

    “Sundown on the Union”
    Well, my shoes, they come from Singapore,
    My flashlight’s from Taiwan,
    My tablecloth’s from Malaysia,
    My belt buckle’s from the Amazon.
    You know, this shirt I wear comes from the Philippines
    And the car I drive is a Chevrolet,
    It was put together down in Argentina
    By a guy makin’ thirty cents a day.

    Well, it’s sundown on the union
    And what’s made in the U.S.A.
    Sure was a good idea
    ‘Til greed got in the way.

    Well, this silk dress is from Hong Kong
    And the pearls are from Japan.
    Well, the dog collar’s from India
    And the flower pot’s from Pakistan.
    All the furniture, it says “Made in Brazil”
    Where a woman, she slaved for sure
    Bringin’ home thirty cents a day to a family of twelve,
    You know, that’s a lot of money to her.

    Well, it’s sundown on the union
    And what’s made in the U.S.A.
    Sure was a good idea
    ‘Til greed got in the way.

    Well, you know, lots of people complainin’ that there is no work.
    I say, “Why you say that for
    When nothin’ you got is U.S.-made?”
    They don’t make nothin’ here no more,
    You know, capitalism is above the law.
    It say, “It don’t count ‘less it sells.”
    When it costs too much to build it at home
    You just build it cheaper someplace else.

    Well, it’s sundown on the union
    And what’s made in the U.S.A.
    Sure was a good idea
    ‘Til greed got in the way.

    Well, the job that you used to have,
    They gave it to somebody down in El Salvador.
    The unions are big business, friend,
    And they’re goin’ out like a dinosaur.
    They used to grow food in Kansas
    Now they want to grow it on the moon and eat it raw.
    I can see the day coming when even your home garden
    Is gonna be against the law.

    Well, it’s sundown on the union
    And what’s made in the U.S.A.
    Sure was a good idea
    ‘Til greed got in the way.

    Democracy don’t rule the world,
    You’d better get that in your head.
    This world is ruled by violence
    But I guess that’s better left unsaid.
    From Broadway to the Milky Way,
    That’s a lot of territory indeed
    And a man’s gonna do what he has to do
    When he’s got a hungry mouth to feed.

    Well, it’s sundown on the union
    And what’s made in the U.S.A.
    Sure was a good idea
    ‘Til greed got in the way.
    -Bob Dylan

  44. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:39 pm | Permalink

    Those words in themselves were not threatening, but I know you Nathan, what ELSE was said?

  45. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:39 pm | Permalink

    AMway I am still waiting for that proof that Airbus is better. If that is so post the proof. If not quit making that claim with nothing to support it. And by the way this won’t be the first mistake made by the bigwigs – not the fighting men and women – at the DoD. Remember the $600 toilet seats, how about the $500 hammers?

  46. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:40 pm | Permalink

    EDITORS:

    See what you did? All you did was give Doug ammunition to go around making up more lies about me over here.

    And you wonder why I am annoyed?

    Shut it all down.

  47. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Political Mama,

    Nothing. That was it. That was what I said. It was deleted and they let Doug post over and over again about me loving to kill people, calling me crazy, and calling me a liar.

    I am slightly annoyed.

  48. Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    I think it’s quite clear, it’s like telling someone in a bar to meet them in a back alley. It’s either for gay sex or for a fist fight. Nathan is a very violent person and has threatened others in the past, not as bad as the one conservative who threatened to put a bullet in my head. It’s the authoritarian mentality.

  49. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    No, Nathan, they’ll shut YOU down

    Ksgrm, what do you mean there is little protection from STD’s with condoms? Bull. It depends on the STD and where it is located.

  50. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    EDITORS:

    Well? Are you not going to delete this too? Shut down this topic too?

    WS Clark,

    JR is little. I am average. If you were not so scared to meet me, you would know that.

  51. Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:43 pm | Permalink

    “If were not so scared to meet me, you could find out.”

    As I have said, Price, I am not afraid of you, I just don’t LIKE you and I choose not to spend time with people that I do not like.

    But, good job of getting the last thread shutdown – are you going to go for two?

  52. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:43 pm | Permalink

    EDITORS:

    Please delete Doug’s comments saying I am violent, that I am crazy, that I have threated someone, and that I want to kill people.

  53. Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:44 pm | Permalink

    I think I’ll stop posting for today as I don’t need people like Nathan threatening people like WS Clark. Who knows when he’ll deal his fundy rage upon others. His mommy should suspend his AOL account until he learns to grow up.

  54. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:45 pm | Permalink

    Doug,

    Looks like they did delete all your posts as well.

    Thank you EDITORS.

  55. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:45 pm | Permalink

    Someone’s poisoned the well.

  56. Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:53 pm | Permalink

    “Shut it all down.”

    Ah, now we can see your true goal, Price.

  57. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:56 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    Honestly: I don’t want the blog shut down at all.

    It irritated me that of all the posts to delete, they delete mine. It was not a threat in any way at all and was hardly any more insulting that half the crap we had already said.

    All it did was feed Doug so he could go on and on calling me names and saying things about me which are not true and far more than simple name calling.

    Saying I like to kill people, that I am violent, and that I threatened you are all very seriousl things.

    It annoyed me that those stood while my post was deleted.

    I apologize for overreacting, but it did get me upset that all the Editors ultimately did was feed Doug.

    Now it appears as if the things he said have been and are being deleted.

  58. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    Pmom the STD’s protections argument is a well accepted one in the medical field. Things like warts and other external diseases are not affected by a condom.

    Your argument about the expansion of Alexa’s law doesn’t have legs. You are trying to minimize proposed protection for the fetus from illegal drugs and alcohol not the things you mentioned. Eating to many cheeseburgers, sitting on a foam cushion – give me a break.

  59. Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:02 pm | Permalink

    It takes a lot to get a thread shutdown, Price.

    I’ve never done it – you rank right up there with Ian Santiago and a few more of the loons.

  60. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:03 pm | Permalink

    Ok, say that it doesn’t offer protection for genital warts, but that’s not 90% of vd. It still offers protection against many many others.

    Yes my argument about the expansion of alexa’s law IS valid. From me taking a half a glass of wine at dinner while pregnant one time..that could be grounds for charging me even though not a doc in the world would agree that one half glass of wine during pregnancy is harmful.

    I smoked during pregnancy, and if I was on the fence about abortion and knew I couldn’t stop smoking…where do you think I’d end up? In the abortion clinic or in jail?

    Same argument for drugs. By the way, the worst withdrawl in infants doesn’t come from street drugs, but rather women who took legally prescribed drugs from their doctors.

    It is basically making any woman who has a miscarriage up for scrutiny on what she did to cause it. And that aint right.

    I was showing how far the argument could go. If a woman is diabetic and doesn’t control her diet while pregnant, you don’t think they could use this law against her? Come on. Fetus fanatics have no interest in the woman and her life.

  61. Pleefer
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:03 pm | Permalink

    All in all it doesn’t matter about the Boeing deal or lack thereof, Boeing is a Chinese company now anyway.

  62. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:06 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    First of all, “I” didn’t shut the thread down.

    If was a culmination of you, Doug, and myself who did.

    I take my fair share of the blame. I shouldn’t allow myself to get sucked into the same old back and forth crap with you. Then throw Doug into the mix and that doesn’t help anything.

    So, for my part, I apologize. I will do my best from here on out to simply avoid anything other than commenting on the topic and refrain from the back and forth with you.

  63. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:10 pm | Permalink

    How long would McCain be in office before he withdrew the WTO complaint against Airbus subsidies? Kind of talking out of both sides of your mouth to file charges of unfair trade against a company and then turn around and buy their plane over the competition, don’t you think?
    Airbus does not have a proven refueling plane. When Europe wanted a Military transport, they didn’t buy American- they funded he development of their own. When Spirit tried to buy a couple of spun off airbus factories, the Europeans said they would not allow it.
    Who’s the sucker?

  64. Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:12 pm | Permalink

    Nathan, re: the closed thread.

    Of course, I don’t condemn you.

    Here’s where I’m coming from. Goals of Christians are to lead people to Christ. If I show hatred and contempt towards one of the most vulnerable of people, pregnant women, then I would never succeed in God’s mission.

    The Pro-Abortionists are not the ones that I can reach. However, I can reach the bewildered and scared female seeking to find a solution to her answers or thinks she is finding a solution.

    Are Tiller and Pro-Activists contemptible before God? Yes, of course. However, it is God’s province to find them with contempt, not mine. To fill my heart with hatred towards someone, consumes my being and God’s purpose. God doesn’t ask for soldiers of equal contempt to deal with others of contempt. God asks for those who will listen, tend matters with mercy and understanding.

    I cannot attract those I seek to help, if I angrily yell at them with clenched fist and words of contempt and spite.

    It’s the human beings we have to help, not the Abortion issue. I think sometimes that is forgotten. An issue has no soul to be saved or condemned, it is a many horned demon waiting to consume us by our weaknesses.

  65. Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:13 pm | Permalink

    “If was a culmination of you, Doug, and myself who did.”

    And who did I threaten, Price? No one. I don’t threaten folks – I am not a violent person – I know how to defend myself, but that is as far as it goes.

    As for back and forth – that is what debate is.

  66. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:25 pm | Permalink

    Pmom you and I will never have a rational argument on this subject because you always pull in your own personal experiences which might or might not be relevant here. I’m not condemming you for anything you did while pregnant. As for drinking while pregnant I have never heard the argument you put forth. Could be true but with no proof I would have to doubt it.

    I am not trying to make abortion illegal. I’m just giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.

  67. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:29 pm | Permalink

    Pleefer you are right to a certain extent and unfortunately we will see more and more large companies doing this to duck high corporate tax rates. With the next election looking as if a demo will be in the White House most large oil companies would have to be looking at this. Where does the unfriendly atmosphere we foster here for big business end. When all of our high dollar jobs are gone? When someone who understands how the economy works is elected? This is something we need to look at closely when electing our representatives.

    Amway still waiting for that proof that Airbus is better. Give me anything you have got.

  68. Boxlock
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:38 pm | Permalink

    I spoke with the teacher of a private school recently as I was looking at the students results on the Iowa Basic Skills Test. I commented that the Wichita public school systems spends 12,000+ per student annually to educate kids in public schools according to the Eagle report. I use the word educate loosely by the way here. This teacher said the cost per student for their school was between $6500 and <$7000!!!! Much, much less than 12+K public schools spend of taxpayers money, and those students scores on the Iowa tests were consistently in the upper 90th percentiles across the subject and grade levels. Simply tremendously better than what the public schools are doing. I realize it is not a totally level playing field, his school has a lot of involved parents, but the difference is striking and frightening for the public schools performance.
    We are not getting our money’s worth now, we can not continue to just throw more money at the schools and expect anything to change. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result, and that’s what USD 259 is doing.
    We must vote this bond issue down convincingly to defeat.

  69. Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:38 pm | Permalink

    “Amway still waiting for that proof that Airbus is better.”

    I’m not AmWay but, the Air Force DID select Airbus over Boeing – why was that?

  70. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:48 pm | Permalink

    How could my pregnancy NOT be relevant to this discussion KsGrm? Are there not millions of women out there who are just like me?

    If I were a republican, I could rationalize my situation as unique, and therefore I would be different from all those other distainful women.

    But I’m not, I’m a democrat, which looks at what rights are extended to me, should be extended to others who may have the same situation as myself, or a different situation.

    You’re not wanting to merely give a voice grm, at least be honest. You’re just like all the others who want to chip away at women’s rights till we’re back pregnant and at home under our husband’s thumbs where we belong. Not trusted to make our own decisions.

  71. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 1:57 pm | Permalink

    KsGrm —
    Ever hear of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome??

  72. Vaughn Tolle
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    Well, Boxlock, it would be interesting to find out how much 259 spends for only those students who would be admitted to the private school in question. The $12,000 average, IIRC, includes, but is not limited to, transportation (does the private school you visited provide transportation); the additional funding the district receives for special education students (most private schools either do not accept special ed students, other than gifted, or those whose disabilities, if any, are not major); students who are “at risk” due to poverty (how many “poor” students attend the private school?). Not to mention that the students at the private school likely are within the top two quartiles in ability, most likely within the top one, as opposed to the district who must accept all students.

    Not to say that the private school doesn’t do a great job with their students for the tuition paid; most do. It seems to me, however, that if one wants to compare costs, one should try, to the extent possible, compare apples to apples. The $12,000 per in the district compared to $6500 – $7,000 per in the private school does not.

  73. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    Nathan, by equating abortion with killing a 5 year old child, you really are equating abortion with murder. Why do you keep denying this? It is not a rational denial!

  74. Steven Davis
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm | Permalink

    Is there a point in having an abortion thread? What would that be?

  75. Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:01 pm | Permalink

    Post count for ad revenue Steven Davis. :)

    oops, gonna be late for appointment….

    zipppppppppppppppppppppppp

  76. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:02 pm | Permalink

    It must have gotten more out of hand than usual. It was shut down. Perhaps WE Blog is finally getting serious.

  77. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:05 pm | Permalink

    Pmom don’t presume to know what I am trying to do why telling me that I want to take away your rights. If I were a democrat I would know what you were trying to say. Yeah?? This is demo logic Pmom. I said what I meant to say and your can either agree or disagree but your cant apply a new meaning to what I said.

    :: Hi Sugar, haven’t heard from you for a while. What exactly were you trying to say? What thinking person hasn’t heard of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? I’ll go you one better and tell you that both Doil Lane and Donnie Wacker the murderers of Nancy Shewmaker a few years back were a product of this exact thing. Now what was your point?

  78. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:07 pm | Permalink

    Steven I would have to agree with you on this one. We were actually discussing the tanker deal here before the abortion thread moved over.

  79. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:07 pm | Permalink

    You mentioned, KsGrm, that you were not familiar with what PMama was talking about regarding drinking and being pregnant. What were YOU talking about?

  80. NN
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:07 pm | Permalink

    Blah: The Canadian loonie has usually been within 10% of the greenback, the last few years saw it vastly undervalued by the guys in red suspeners resulting in a flood of imports. Several times it has exceeded the greenback usually when the price of energy goes nuts. It was up to about $1.07 a few months ago. When it settles down to about 94 cents US we’ll now things are back to normal.

  81. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:08 pm | Permalink

    Oh, and before you get off on another tangent, I am Not Sugar! Got it?

  82. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:09 pm | Permalink

    “As for drinking while pregnant I have never heard the argument you put forth. Could be true but with no proof I would have to doubt it.”

    There you go : sugar : putting your two cents worth where it wasn’t needed. Pmom said a small glass of wine a day was medically ok. I said what is posted above. Where in your mind did you come up with the idea I didn’t know the effect of alcohol on an unborn child?

  83. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:10 pm | Permalink

    I realize some people have personality disorders. Of course you are not Sugar (wink,wink).

  84. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:14 pm | Permalink

    Well, the idea of the glass of wine has been around for many years. Fetal alcohol syndrome normally has to do with “distilled” spirits, as opposed to “fermented” type alcohol. I guess thats what I was trying to figure out. I am not attacking; just wanted to make sure you guys were on the same page. OK??

    And once again, I am NOT Sugar, so stop your nonsense now, before you get started on stupidity!

  85. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:17 pm | Permalink

    :: where do you get these things. It is the alcohol content. I haven’t heard of a difference being made between distilled or fermented spirits.

  86. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:21 pm | Permalink

    Distillation is a non-natural process. Fermentation is a natural occurence. There is something like a 34% difference in alcohol content between whiskey and wine. 6% as opposed to 80 Proof. 6% natural fermentation. 40% distilled content. Major difference in digestive process.

  87. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:22 pm | Permalink

    Wine is also recommended for some patients with a high cholesterol problem.

  88. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:24 pm | Permalink

    :: we are talking about pregnant women here. Not cardiovascular patients. You are mixing apples and oranges – a typical Chas argument style. Do you happen to know him?

  89. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:32 pm | Permalink

    I just threw in the cholesterol thing for an added emphasis, and since many pregnant women tend to have an increase in cholesterol during the gestational period. You know, like the tendency to have increased blood sugar counts during pregnancy?

  90. : :
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:34 pm | Permalink

    No, KsGrm, I dont know Chas. All I know is that Chas. is one of the sort of regular posters on this Blog. Now, are you over your paranoia attack? I hope so. Because I dont want to keep telling you over and over — I am : : I am not Sugar. I am not Chas. Do you think you might be able to comprehend that? Thank you!

  91. Grundy
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:47 pm | Permalink

    “Wine is also recommended for some patients with a high cholesterol problem.”

    But only red wine. Something about the tannins from the grape skin. Wine is O.K., it just doesn’t go with college basketball games.

    Or you ever sit down on the couch with a salami sandwich, a cut of limburger cheese – and wine?

    It just isn’t right I tell ya.

    Beer. It does a heart good.

  92. Grundy
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:48 pm | Permalink

    Hey guys~! Sugars on the phone and wants to know what kind of wine to bring over for the football game!

    Naaa. It isn’t right.

  93. Grundy
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:49 pm | Permalink

    Gotta photo of my wife balancing a glass of red wine on her pregnant belly. Worked fine – until the baby got big enough to kick.

  94. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:56 pm | Permalink

    Ksgrm. as you can see boeing was prepared to build on the 777 platform, but apparently the Airforce wanted a smaller tanker, at least up until they decided they didn’t a few weeks ago. From the Seattle times:Tuesday, September 26, 2006 – Page updated at 12:27 PM

    E-mail article Print view

    Also on seattletimes.com

    Tech Tracks blog
    News and perspectives from our tech team.Brier Dudley’s blog
    A critical look at tech and business issues.

    777 to be Boeing’s alternative proposal for tanker
    By Dominic Gates

    Seattle Times aerospace reporter

    Related

    Air Force tanker options
    Air Force causes stir by invoking WTO case

    At an Air Force Association conference today in Washington, D.C., Boeing will make public for the first time a proposed U.S. Air Force refueling tanker based on its very large 777 commercial passenger jet — a potential alternative to a midsize 767 tanker.

    According to a draft request for proposal (RFP) the Air Force issued Monday, the government requires a tanker that can double as a troop carrier and supply plane.

    The proposed 777 tanker would have a much larger capacity for fuel, troops or cargo than either the currently offered 767 tanker or a rival offer based on the Airbus A330.

    Boeing said a 777 tanker would have a maximum fuel capacity of “more than 350,000 pounds,” though a company source indicated it could stretch to more than 400,000 pounds of fuel. The Airbus tanker has a maximum fuel capacity of 250,000 pounds.

    Boeing tanker spokesman Bill Barksdale said unveiling the 777 option is intended to convince observers the company is serious about providing an alternative to the original 767 tanker if the Air Force wants a bigger airplane.

    But Barksdale said Boeing doesn’t yet have a preference, despite having already sunk about $1 billion into developing the 767 variant.

    “We haven’t picked a platform,” Barksdale said. “We are taking our time with this. We want to make sure we understand what [the Air Force] wants.”
    As John likes to say ‘The Fix is In’

  95. RD
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

    Almost 30 years ago, my ob told me that a glass of wine or of beer each evening wouldn’t hurt me or the baby and might be beneficial.

    Less than a year ago, my daughter’s ob told her the same.

    A glass of wine or a beer a day does not cause FAS. Who is saying it does?

  96. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

    Phantom anyone who looks closely at this will smell a rat. The specs were changed midway through the process and Boeing wasn’t told about it. The four criteria points haven’t been released yet and many are asking for them. Yes the fix is in and if the email McCain got yesterday plus the fact that his campaign headquarters stopped taking questions about this topic is any indicator – I see a long second look being given to this contract.

  97. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:05 pm | Permalink

    RD I just asked my daughters in law, one of whom is a medical assistant, what they were told about alcohol. They both said no alcohol, no smoking period. Guess some docs just look at this differently.

  98. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:10 pm | Permalink

    This was the most current CDC release on the subject. It seems they confer with my DIL’s docs.

    Alcohol Consumption Among Women Who Are Pregnant or Who Might Become Pregnant — United States, 2002

    Alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with health problems that adversely affect the mother and fetus (1,2); no level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been determined safe (3). Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is recognized as the foremost preventable condition involving neurobehavioral and developmental abnormalities (1). Women who drink during pregnancy place themselves at risk for having a child with FAS or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)

  99. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:14 pm | Permalink

    Well well

    Hank whines about the blog and it’s Nathan as usual causing trouble.

  100. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:17 pm | Permalink

    JR that is a cheap shot and there were three people involved in that dust up. We have had so many ‘new comers’ this weekend who even knows who is here anymore. It’s getting to be a huge drag and not worth the effort.

  101. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:21 pm | Permalink

    I think McCain just armed any dem. pres. opponent. This is going to end up biting him in the butt.
    http://riehlworldview.com/

  102. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:21 pm | Permalink

    I didn’t address Nathan until he took a shot at me there ksgrm. And there aren’t any new comers about. Just one or two people playing with nics.

  103. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:29 pm | Permalink

    Phantom you are right about McCain. I will be voting Obama and hope in 4 years he will show voters what his inexperience will do.

    JR what happened over the weekend with Door King and the many new nics wasn’t pretty. It was low class and he and his ilk should be kicked off in my OHO. I was disgusted by the whole exchange and didn’t even blog. If that is the kind of dialogue the editors want then I guess they have it.

  104. RD
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:35 pm | Permalink

    Guess some docs just look at this differently.

    Maybe more than just “some”, ksgrm. Or maybe those “some” understand and know the patients they’ve told this would not abuse alcohol.

    OTOH, neither my daughter(s) nor I did much drinking when pregnant. One or two drinks during a 9 month period did no harm.

    Now if you want to move on to smoking, here’s a good one for you. Of my 4, I smoked with the first 3. With the last, I had quit several months before becoming pregnant. The health industry says that smaller birth weight is a result of smoking during pregnancy. My 4th was the smallest. Smoking, it is said, can also cause birth defects. My 4th was born without a soft spot. Freaky, huh?

  105. RD
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:38 pm | Permalink

    Except for me, I have a twenty one year old that is a product of a high speed blow out.

    My 4-year-old grandson is the same, WS. :)

  106. parkay
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:51 pm | Permalink

    Anti-American tree-hugging French actress Marion Cotillard, 32, accused American shadow government or business interests or both of conspiratorial lies, arson, and mass murder in the 9/11 attacks, as well as world-wide fraud pretending to land men on the moon.
    Ahh, the French again. Do they all have brains on drugs?

  107. parkay
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:53 pm | Permalink

    “I cannot make a choice for a woman, particularly a black or brown or poor pregnant woman. . . . I personally am opposed to abortion, but I will not judge anybody else’s right in that regard because I am not a woman and I could never face the actual reality of it.”
    . . . Hollywood Democrat activist actor Martin Sheen, in a 2003 interview, who probably would never personally own and abuse slaves, either, while not judging anyone else’s right to do so, just like he doesn’t judge abortion mills for targeting the black race
    . . .
    Funny, I don’t remember peacenik Hollywood actor Martin Sheen denouncing any abortion mills, abortionist quacks, or pro-abortion Democrats. But he’s getting the Laetare Medal at Notre Dame, partly because somebody says Sheen is pro-life. Sheen has been listed as a supporter of Feminists for Life and of Seamless Garment Network, a network which, some might say, looks for excuses to vote for pro-abortion Democrats by lowering the priority of pro-life issues in favor of other diversionary “humanitarian” issues, like government handouts and animal “rights” being fronted to keep abortion mill profits high. Sheen is noted for campaigning for such extremely pro-abortion candidates as Howard “Howler” Dean and John “Flip-Flop” Kerry.

  108. Posted March 3, 2008 at 3:55 pm | Permalink

    You’re melting down there Parkay… that happens often with fake butter!! LOL

  109. Posted March 3, 2008 at 4:08 pm | Permalink

    “parkay” brings up –

    “…John “Flip-Flop” Kerry.

    Oh, and I can feel your outrage at “Flip-Flops.”

    Like when John W. McBush declared evangelical Republicans as “agents of hate” until he embraced Jerry Falwell and John Hagee? Or like when he opposed Shrub’s tax-cuts for the ultra-rich until McCain supported them? Or like how the Arizona senator broke under the torture of Republic Party zealots and voted *in favor* of torture after 35 years of vocally opposing it?

    The “Straight Talk Express” sure seems to zig-zag a lot.

  110. Kansas
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 4:16 pm | Permalink

    So is Parkay jealous of Martin Sheen for getting a prestigious award from Notre Dame?

    If Sheen says he’s pro-life then he is.

    McCain says he’s pro-life now when he used to be proChoice so what!?

  111. parkay
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 4:29 pm | Permalink

    In a decision entered Friday, U.S. District Judge David H. Coar, a leftist, activist, baby-hating puppet of the ACLU, rejected a request from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to dissolve a 1996 order that put the state’s parental notification law on hold. Underage mothers will continue flocking to Illinois, now that the chances of any enforcement of the law enacted by the state’s elected legislators in 1984 appear gone.
    Currently, 35 states have parental notification or permission laws restricting abortion, and most states enforce them. The ACLU says that parental notification or consent laws should not be enacted or enforced, because of fears held by some underage mothers of abuse, neglect or being tossed from the house – the exact fears often exploited to coerce young mothers into filthy, unsafe abortion mills.

  112. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 4:43 pm | Permalink

    Tanker Contract:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7354103

    Reuters Monday March 3 2008 By Andrea Shalal-Esa
    WASHINGTON, March 3 (Reuters) – Boeing Co failed to beat Northrop Grumman Corp in any of the key criteria in the $35 billion tanker aircraft competition won by Northrop and its European partner, according to a defense analyst with close ties to the Air Force.

    “This was not a close outcome in any sense of the term,” the analyst, Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute, told Reuters. “Northrop won decisively and completely, and Boeing simply was not competitive in the major measures.”

    Thompson said in a report on Monday that Boeing matched the appeal of the Northrop bid only in the area of proposal risk. And that came only after Air Force reviewers pressed Boeing to stretch out its aggressive development schedule for a new version of its 767 jet, which in turn added cost.

    In fact, the Boeing proposal was initially rated as “high-risk” because reviewers were concerned that Boeing’s proposal to build a new version of the 767, using parts from other versions, would cost more than expected.

    Northrop proposed a tanker based on the Airbus A330 aircraft built by Europe’s EADS. The Northrop-EADS team won decisively in four of the five criteria set by the Air Force: mission capability, past performance, price, and an integrated fleet assessment, according to Thompson.

    MORE PLANES SOONER

    Thompson’s report provided more detailed information than the Air Force did on Friday, including an assessment by Air Force reviewers that buying the Boeing tanker would have resulted in a much slower tanker replacement rate.

    “The reviewers concluded that if they funded the Northrop Grumman proposal, they could have 49 superior tankers operating by 2013, whereas if they funded the Boeing proposal, they would have only 19 considerably less capable planes in that year,” Thompson said.

    Northrop got higher ratings due to “satisfactory” execution on six programs deemed relevant to the tanker competition.

    Boeing had expected to face tough competition from Northrop on cost, but it compounded its problems by failing to adequately explain its assumptions in calculating the cost of developing a tanker, Thompson said.

    “The resulting low confidence in Boeing cost projections undercut its claims of lower life-cycle costs,” he said.

    Northrop also did better on a complicated computer model designed to compare how the competing planes would fare in an operational setting using a realistic wartime scenario.
    The review found Northrop could accomplish specified missions with nearly two dozen fewer planes than the Boeing proposal, considered a “big advantage,” Thompson said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; editing by John Wallace)

  113. Posted March 3, 2008 at 4:51 pm | Permalink

    Well Max, the Air Force will just have to wait when that Euro priced EADS Air Frame is built in France.

    Then, when it gets the dog squeeze beat out it due to not to a price raise, but when the Euro is valued more than the dollar.

    Then the men in blue will be back at the Pentagon, setting up a committee asking for more funds from Congress. :)

  114. Boxlock
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 4:59 pm | Permalink

    Vaughn Tolle Posted March 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm
    “compare apples to apples. The $12,000 per in the district compared to $6500 – $7,000 per in the private school does not.”

    I said it wasn’t a level playing field but the differences are shockingly excessive.
    I’m sick and tired of paying more and more and more for the same rotten apples.
    Why are we paying for all that’s not directly related to teaching that is provided by public schools that the private schools do not yet the private schools are beating them at everything.

  115. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:01 pm | Permalink

    The cost savings of Northrup vs Boeing is $55 BILLION.

    I have a two-part solution:

    - 1.1 million Kansas residents in and around Wichita will be given $50,000 for doing nothing. (That is $55 BILLION in savings given away)

    - The military will get the larger capacity, more fuel efficient, tanker delivered faster for the same price they would have paid for the Boeing plane.

    So, the military gets the best tanker, and Kansas residents get $55 Billion in Government free money.

    Happy now?

  116. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:01 pm | Permalink

    If anyone was causing trouble, it was Doug.

    WS Clark and I were doing our usual banter and Doug was on the sidelines taking shots.

    I made a comment which was in no way a threat. the editors deleted it. Doug began to do his usual taking everything out of context and make up crap to throw and did.

    I was annoyed with the Editors for basically giving Doug ammo and then not deleting the crap Doug was saying about me.

    Eventually the Editors did delete that crap from Doug too.

    I already said that I apologize for my part in going back in forth with them in meaningless antics.

  117. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:02 pm | Permalink

    That’s right Reg. that’s how the procurement system works. Just get your foot in the door, can always get more.

  118. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:05 pm | Permalink

    Boxer, Vaughn clearly outlined a number of differences in the cost for the private versus the public school expenses… Your comparison is still obviously apples to oranges… Level the playing field, and see what you come up with…

  119. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:05 pm | Permalink

    “WS Clark and I were doing our usual banter ”

    None of my posts were yanked………………..

  120. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:06 pm | Permalink

    Say Regular, I really wish an American company made the best tanker aircraft. But that isn’t the case.

    And so do we award contracts to 2nd rate American companies and continue the welfare for the big rich mean evil corporations?

    Do 2nd rate companies figure out how to compete and be the best, or are they allowed to be mediocre and still get government contracts?

    I can here the libs now:

    “I’m for Mediocre!”

    “I’m for Mediocre!”

    “I’m for Mediocre!”

  121. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:13 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    Why don’t grow up. You are little more than that stupid kid in the back of every bus who doesn’t do anything but taunt other kids and throw things at cars just trying to start something.

    I am the kid who can’t help but stand up to the idiots like you.

    And here we are again…. sigh.

  122. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:14 pm | Permalink

    “It’s a cost issue,” retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney, a FOX military analyst, said. “The cost savings of the Northrop airplane is $55 billion.” The Air Force can retire more KC-135s faster because the new KC-30 has double the hauling capacity.

    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,334190,00.html

  123. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:14 pm | Permalink

    Specifications KC-767 KC-45
    —————————————————————
    Passenger version Boeing 767-200 Airbus A330
    Crew 3 3
    Length 159ft 2in 192 ft 11 in
    Wingspan 156ft 1in 197 ft 10 in
    Height 52ft 57 ft
    Payloads:
    – Passengers 190 226
    – Pallets (463L) 19 32
    – Aeromedical evacuation 97 patients 113 staff(Patients or staff)
    Max fuel capacity: 202,000+ lbs 250,000 lbs
    Max takeoff weight: 400,000+ lbs Not available
    Engine NA (GE’s CF6-80E1A4B with 72,000 lb thrust)

    http://uk.reuters.com/article/hotStocksNews/idUKL0348442520080303

  124. Vaughn Tolle
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:16 pm | Permalink

    Boxlock, I understand what you are saying. What I’m trying to get to isn’t that the district is or is not doing a good job with many of its students (it isn’t, IMO, but I think that there are many reasons for that, not all within the control of USD 259). If the playing field was leveled, with only the same students in the district as are in the private school, I’d speculate that: 1) There would not be an average of $12,000 per student being spent, but less; 2) the performance of those in USD 259 would be comparable to those in private schools. What, then, would happen to the other students?

    There are some things that 259 does well; Special Ed is one of them. There are many questions, though, that I have about what is happening to Joe or Jane Average student. While we can discuss at length our perceptions of what is and is not going well, and, BTW, I do not believe the State Assessment results are accurate reflections thereof but that’s with which we are stuck, the one thing that “Grading Our Schools” makes abundantly clear: those schools with a high population of students who are defined as being “in poverty” are not doing well on State Assessments. That, I think you might concede, is not a problem for most if not all the private schools.

    Is this alone a good reason to not vote for the Bond Issue in the upcoming May 6 election? It may be for you and others; I’ve other problems with the same, as have been posted before.

  125. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:16 pm | Permalink

    25% more fuel capacity on the Airbus vs the Boeing.

  126. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm | Permalink

    Dunno Max, during my tenure in the Air Force, I can’t say I have ever seen or heard of a French aircraft tanker equivalent to what the Air Force had in inventory.

    So I can’t say if the French have the best tanker, because I’ve never seen nor heard of any. :D

  127. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:18 pm | Permalink

    “I am the kid who can’t help but stand up to the idiots like you.”

    And WHO got the thread taken down because he couldn’t control his violent tendencies?

    Not me.

    Who could it be now? Who had their posts deleted?

    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm……………..

    Could it be the violent Marine fundamentalist?

  128. Vaughn Tolle
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:21 pm | Permalink

    BTW, Boxlock, many of the things being paid for by USD 259 which are not, in your opinion, directly related to teaching are things that are mandated by federal and state law, Special Ed being one of these (including the costs of transportation of these students). Similarly, “free and reduced lunch” is something that the private schools don’t deal with. Transportation is another; there are statutory provisions that deal with transportation that apply to the public schools. I think these are things to which you refer, and if I’m wrong, you will let me know what it is with which you are concerned.

  129. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm | Permalink

    One issue which comes to mind regarding this is parts.

    25-40 years from now when the Airbus is our primary refueling source in the air, will our parts supply be ok?

    Having been to several countries and seeing their military equipment, I have seen first hand what happens 20 years after the fact.

    Sure, Russia has sold a ton of military equipment to other countries, but if those countries don’t have an active supply chain of parts to fix them and keep them operational they are worthless.

    I am not saying this would happen to us, but just a thought.

    When I was in Argentina training with their military for a couple of days, they only had two operation Amphibious assault vehicles. Neither could go in the water.

    That was out of around 100 vehicles we sold them a decade before.

    Most of that was probably due to their own inability to afford the parts, but if we didn’t want to give them any parts it would hurt.

    I also argued that it was kind of a good reason to be the supplier of military planes and other equipment to other countries as well.

    If they ever got out of hand, we cut off the parts.

    Those planes don’t fly for very long without parts.

  130. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm | Permalink

    Regular we are seeing the result of Sherman anti-trust not being enforced.

    Boeing and MD merge and that’s allowed. Didn’t lesson competition did it?

    Northrup used to be American.

    Where’s Lockheed now?

    Makes me sick, but look at the specs on my link, and review the pros/cons and cost and time savings.

    It’s a no brainer. Unless you are for corporate welfare. Giving Boeing the contract even if they didn’t EARN it.

    What?

    Corporate “welfare” creates jobs in America?

    Say it isn’t so!

  131. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:24 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    What was violent or threatening about my post?

  132. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:25 pm | Permalink

    Anyone driving only 100% made in America cars today?

    What?

    You buy the Toyotas because they get better mileage and have fewer break downs?

    How un-American of you!

    Yet you don’t like it when the DOD does the same thing. Hmmmm…..

  133. Max
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:25 pm | Permalink

    Nathan, you really think Clark would know?

  134. Vaughn Tolle
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:28 pm | Permalink

    Regular, while I was in the Air Force, there wasn’t anything in the inventory of tankers which had any “French Connection”. Taking a look at the wiki article on the Airbus proposal (are the Brits still involved with EADS?), it appears that the Brits, the Aussies, and at least one of the Arab states (which one escapes me, I think the Saudis) are ahead of the U.S. in line for the tanker based on the Airbus frame. The question which then occurs is whether, due to this international flavor, it (the Airbus tanker) has advantages for contemplated future ops with foreign allied forces, in addition to the larger capacity, etc., listed by Max above.

  135. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:30 pm | Permalink

    I change my statement.

    There was nothing violent or threatening about my post.

  136. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm | Permalink

    “What was violent or threatening about my post?”

    Damn, Price, they deleted it so how would I know. I do know that shortly after that, they shut down the thread after deleting just your posts.

    Even this mean old foul mouthed liberal never got a threat shutdown.

    In fact, the only threads that I have known to have been shutdown have been taken off because of the comments by CONservatives.

    What does that tell you?

    I bet you are secretly PROUD of yourself for getting the thread shutdown, Price, after all, you wanted them all to be shutdown.

    So much for your dedication to the Constitution – the First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech, etc.

    Loser.

  137. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:39 pm | Permalink

    Max what you are saying could be true. But you and I don’t know that do we. If I told you I could landscape your yard for 50% less that Surburban Landscaping would you give me the contract?

    Now I have never landscaped a yard in my life but I planted a veg garden a few years ago. It didn’t do bad. The blooms kept falling off the vines and my melons and cucumbers looked a little funny (no one told me not to plant together).

    Do you get my point? All Airbus has is a prototype. They haven’t built anything yet.

  138. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:39 pm | Permalink

    Sometimes bigger isn’t always better. They learned that lesson with the C5A Galaxy.

    Besides, I’m unsure if the EADS aircraft can handle all the smaller runways around the world –
    – especially for the medics.

    The reason being, I’ve sat in operations and watch the “Nightingales” take off to destinations unknown to most, but known in operations to do pick up of sick or injured embassy, department of State, DoD, etc. etc. that had to land at very small Airports. Not sure if the giant EADS can take off or land in these places.

    The thought that occurs to me right away are the “wake turbulent” created by a larger aircraft. Flying a jet fighter behind a huge aircraft that leaves an “air wake stream” the size of a football field is going to be challenging for refueling.

    The other thing are re-building and re-training “kit managers.” The kit managers are located in maintenance depots like Tinker AFB and etc. What they do is keep essential parts for the various systems on a particular aircraft. It’s mostly automated now, but they still have to know that when they get widget X it is actually the same widget X, the maintenance supervisor is asking for.

    Re-training the maintenance personnel will be required as well. I’m sure the Avionics on the EADS is different from the Boeing KC series. This means new Tech Specs being written, engineering standards, new Technical training at the military schools, new tools, new procedures for flight checks, etc. etc. – this will all be new money that will be required.

    Plus, the pilots and the aircrew members will need to be re-trained – more money.

    Since the EADS is going to be the new “Nightingale,” the medics are going to want to test stability, vibration, altitude shift and cabin pressure stabilization, EMI from the cabin on their medical electronics, and etc. Of course, more retraining for the medics on retraining.

    Lots of extra dollars, perhaps in the billions, that wasn’t included in the contract that the Air Force will have to plead to Congress to get, because it’s not currently a programmed budget item.

    The thought of the paperwork, new regulations, technical specification manuals and etc. is enough to make my head spin.

    Glad I’m retired. :D

  139. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:48 pm | Permalink

    Reg that is the one point where the AF said the Boeing product was best in. It could use smaller runways and therefore would have more versitility and be able to be located closer to the action.

  140. Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:59 pm | Permalink

    HANK Price gets a meeting with Brownlee to “end the ugliness and profanity” on the Blog and who is going to be the first regular poster to be banned – why Hank’s own little boy, NATHAN Price, because he can’t control his violent tendencies.

    Somehow, there is some poetic justice in there.

  141. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 5:59 pm | Permalink

    If you didn’t see what someone posted, yet you still went on to say that it was violent and further speculated about it…

    I’d say that would make you a liar.

  142. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:00 pm | Permalink

    I was not violent nor do I have violent tendencies.

    WS Clark, you are a liar. And if anyone is the first to get banned, I have my money on MonkyHawk, Doug, Apophis, and you.

  143. Robot I
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:04 pm | Permalink

    Danger Will Robinson!

    Blog poster meltdown!

    Danger! Danger!

  144. Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:08 pm | Permalink

    Quit provoking Nathan, WSClark.

    No one appreciates your constant taunting and provocations. Yeah you’re good at it, what an accomplishment…

  145. Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:19 pm | Permalink

    Boeing proposed a slower, smaller tanker with less range than the competition. Boeing was counting on “buy American” jingoism. And frankly, there’s a case to be made to have American taxpayers’ money go for American-made products.

    But Boeing couldn’t come up with a better product for the money.

    Especially since there hasn’t been a new mass-produced air tanker designed in 50 years, the whole argument that the French (or anyone else) haven’t “designed a tanker” loses a bit of its credibility.

  146. Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:27 pm | Permalink

    French Champagne is better too, but I’m not paying the price difference for a ‘name.’

    Experience matters when it comes to military equipment because of the MIL SPECs involved.

    If EADS keeps the bid, they are going to walk into the night mare of dealing with MIL SPEC (military specification) requirements which can be maddening.
    There is stuff that military does and tests for, that no one else in the world does or requires.

  147. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:29 pm | Permalink

    Oh, so now McCain isn’t certain what he thinks about the tanker deal! It’s already biting him in the butt! At least the dems. put American labor first.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080303/air_force_tankers_mccain.html?.v=1

  148. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm | Permalink

    Don’t forget, Hillary, Daily Show, tonight…be there!

  149. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:34 pm | Permalink

    The real cost will come with the spares (parts) I’ve seen companies sell the primary aircraft at nearly break even knowing the real profit would come further down the supply chain. And, when it’s 3 dollars to a euro we’ll pay through the nose.

  150. Kansas
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:39 pm | Permalink

    While details of the decision are not fully clear, “it is troubling that the Bush administration would award the second-largest Pentagon contract in our nation’s history to a team that includes a European firm that our government is simultaneously suing at the (World Trade Organization) for receiving illegal subsidies,” Clinton said.

  151. P Herroni
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 6:45 pm | Permalink

    Next, America will be buying Russian Migs.

    I can picture the US Air Force name on the side of a Mig-29.

  152. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:04 pm | Permalink

    Long as they paint a Big American Flag on the tail, Max would be ok with it.

  153. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:18 pm | Permalink

    A few yrs. ago the Senate on a voice vote stripped out language that would disallow a company that had been govt. subsidized to bid on the tanker (wonder how Pat& Sam voted on that one!). They also took out language that the bidder would have to do an evaluation on how a trade dispute between America and their home country would affect deliverability.
    There had to be a compelling reason to do it on a voice vote basis.

  154. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:48 pm | Permalink

    Wonder if Herbert had a fit on the PEW center giving the admin a b-. Probably wants to recall her for not getting an a+.

  155. Steven Davis
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 7:49 pm | Permalink

    “I’ll go you one better and tell you that both Doil Lane and Donnie Wacker the murderers of Nancy Shewmaker a few years back were a product of this exact thing. Now what was your point?”

    Three questions:

    1) I have enough information to believe this might be true. Grm, what is your source on this?
    2) Wasn’t Shewmaker spelled Shoemaker? Not being critical just trying to remember.
    3) I recall Doil Lane had been extradited to Texas on a murder there. Was he executed? – He and Wacker were maybe not retarded, but not far from that, and they do execute retarded people in Texas. Must make ‘em proud in the Lone Star state.

  156. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    Here’s more on the fallout/reaction to the EADS win.
    http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKN0337436220080304?rpc=44

  157. Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:28 pm | Permalink

    Well, Good night; Good luck;
    And God Bless;
    Whatever you conceive God to be!

    Blessings All!!

  158. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:29 pm | Permalink

    I think I’m outta here too.

  159. Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:33 pm | Permalink

    “If you didn’t see what someone posted, yet you still went on to say that it was violent and further speculated about it…”

    I read what others posted about your comments – obviously it was over the line because they deleted your post and shutdown the thread, Price.

    “WS Clark, you are a liar.”

    Apparently not, Price, YOU were the one that got the thread shutdown and you SEEM proud of that fact.

    “Quit provoking Nathan, WSClark”

    Aw, Uncle McCreepy is sticking up for that poor, mistreated little boy, Nathan Price.

    What a nice Uncle…………………….

    Yeah, right.

    /sarcasm/

  160. Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:35 pm | Permalink

    “No one appreciates your constant taunting and provocations.”

    Now that takes a HUGE amount of gall to post. The absolute worst at taunting and provocation accuses another?

    Wow?!?!?!?

    Some people have no shame…………… McCreepy…

  161. Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:45 pm | Permalink

    I take that back, taunting and provocation are the only things WSClark is good at.

  162. Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:50 pm | Permalink

    “I take that back, taunting and provocation are the only things WSClark is good at.”

    What’s the matter, Oh Creepy One – is it tough to take that someone – a radical leftist lib – can beat you at your own game?

    The whole time you have been on the Blog, you have taken the approach that no amount of taunting from you is too much, no amount of provocation is beneath you, and NOW you are going to take the high road? Where were you when Price got the Abortion thread shutdown?

    What nic are you going to switch to next, McCreepy?

  163. Posted March 3, 2008 at 9:53 pm | Permalink

    Hopeless and the inability to change…

  164. Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:05 pm | Permalink

    “Hopeless and the inability to change…”

    Like you would EVER change, McCreepy. You would just switch to a different nic, like you have done so many times in the past, and then plead ignorance when called on it.

    And just when did you decide to change your approach, Oh Creepy One?

    Ten minutes ago?

  165. Phantom
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:27 pm | Permalink

    VT if you are still around, we were speculating on this the other day, here’s some ancedotal evidence that people are just walking away.
    Facing Default, Some Walk Out on New Homes

    By JOHN LELAND
    Published: February 29, 2008
    ( Isn’t a modified contract better than THIS for the lender and America? )

    When Raymond Zulueta went into default on his mortgage last year, he did what a lot of people do. He worried.

    In a declining housing market, he owed more than the house was worth, and his mortgage payments, even on an interest-only loan, had shot up to $2,600, more than he could afford. “I was terrified,” said Mr. Zulueta, who services automated teller machines for an armored car company in the San Francisco area.

    Then in January he learned about a new company in San Diego called You Walk Away that does just what its name says. For $995, it helps people walk away from their homes, ceding them to the banks in foreclosure.

    Last week he moved into a three-bedroom rental home for $1,200 a month, less than half the cost of his mortgage. The old house is now the lender’s problem. “They took the negativity out of my life,” Mr. Zulueta said of You Walk Away. “I was stressing over nothing.”

    You Walk Away is a small sign of broad changes in the way many Americans look at housing. In an era in which new types of loans allowed many home buyers to move in with little or no down payment, and to cash out any equity by refinancing, the meaning of homeownership and foreclosure have changed, economists and housing experts say.

    Last year the median down payment on home purchases was 9 percent, down from 20 percent in 1989, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. Twenty-nine percent of buyers put no money down. For first-time home buyers, the median was 2 percent. And many borrowed more than the price of the home in order to cover closing costs.

    “I think I could make a case that some borrowers were ‘renting’ (with risk), rather than owning,” Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, said in an e-mail message.

    For some people, then, foreclosure becomes something akin to eviction — a traumatic event, and a blow to one’s credit record, but not one that involves loss of life savings or of years spent scrimping to buy the home.

    “There certainly appears to be more willingness on the part of borrowers to walk away from mortgages,” said John Mechem, spokesman for the Mortgage Bankers Association, who noted that in the past, many would try to save their homes.

    In recent months top executives from Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wachovia have all described a new willingness by borrowers to walk away from mortgages.

    Carrie Newhouse, a real estate agent who also works as a loss mitigation consultant for mortgage lenders in Minneapolis-St. Paul, said she saw many homeowners who looked at foreclosure as a first option, preferable to dealing with their lender. “I’ve had people say to me, ‘My house isn’t worth what I owe, why should I continue to make payments on it?’ ” Mrs. Newhouse said.

    “You bought an adjustable rate mortgage and you’re mad the bank is adjusting the rate,” she said. “And sometimes the bank people who call these consumers aren’t really nice. Not that the bank has the responsibility to be your friend, but a lot are just so uncooperative.”

    The same sorts of loans that drove the real estate boom now change the nature of foreclosure, giving borrowers incentives to walk away, said Todd Sinai, an associate professor of real estate at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

    “There’s a whole lot of people who would’ve been stuck as renters without these exotic loan products,” Professor Sinai said. “Now it’s like they can do their renting from the bank, and if house values go up, they become the owner. If they go down, you have the choice to give the house back to the bank. You aren’t any worse off than renting, and you got a chance to do extremely well. If it’s heads I win, tails the bank loses, it’s worth the gamble.”

    In the boom market, homeowners took their winnings, withdrawing $800 billion in equity from their homes in 2005 alone, according to RGE Monitor, an online financial research firm.

    Since the Depression, American government policy has encouraged homeownership as an absolute good. It protects people from increases in rent and allows them to build equity as they pay off their mortgages. And it creates stability in communities, because owners are invested in their neighbors.

    But new types of loans like interest-only mortgages and cash-out refinance loans mean buyers do not pay down their mortgages. And adjustable rate mortgages, which accounted for 39 percent of mortgages written in 2006, expose owners to rent-like rises in their housing costs.

    The value of homeownership, then, has increasingly shifted to the home’s likelihood to rise in value, like any other investment. And when investments go bad, people tend to walk away.

    “When people don’t have skin in the game, they behave like they don’t have skin in the game,” said Karl E. Case, a professor of economics at Wellesley College, who conducts regular surveys of borrowers as a founding partner of Fiserv Case Shiller Weiss, a real estate research firm.

    Though many states give banks recourse to sue borrowers for their losses, Mr. Case said, in practice it’s not often done “It’s tough to do recourse,” he said. “It’s costly, and the amount of people’s nonhousing wealth tends to be pretty slim.”

    Christian Menegatti, lead analyst at RGE Monitor, said the firm predicted more homeowners would walk away from their homes if prices continued to drop, regardless of their financial circumstances. If home prices drop an additional 10 percent, Mr. Menegatti said, 20 million households will owe more than the value of their homes.

    “Will everyone walk out?” he said. “No. But there’s been a cultural shift. Buying a house used to be like entering a marriage, a commitment for life. Now, if you see something better, you go back into the dating market.”

    When homeowners see houses identical to their own selling for much less than they owe, Mr. Menegatti said, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see five or six million homeowners walk away.”

    For Raymond Zulueta, the decision to go into foreclosure, and to hire You Walk Away, brought him peace of mind. The company assured him that in California he was not liable for his debt, and provided sessions with a lawyer and an accountant, as well as enrollment with a credit repair agency. He stopped paying his mortgage and used the money to pay down other debts.

    Consumer advocates and others question the value of You Walk Away’s service.

    “We are more interested in servicers and borrowers coming to mutual resolutions through loan remediation,” said Kevin Stein, associate director of the nonprofit California Reinvestment Coalition. “Even though we are not seeing good outcomes, we’re not willing to throw up our hands and say people should walk away from their homes based on the advice of a company that stands to profit from foreclosure.”

    Jon Maddux, a founder of You Walk Away, said the company’s services were not for everybody and were meant as a last resort. The company opened for business in January and says it has just over 200 clients in six states.

    “It’s not a moral decision,” Mr. Maddux said of foreclosure. “The moral decision is, ‘I need to pay my kids’ health insurance or my car payment so I can get to work.’ They made a bad decision, but they shouldn’t make more bad ones just because they have this loan.”

    Mr. Zulueta said he felt he had let down the lender, himself, and his family. There’s even a buiness that helps you do it.

    “But you got to move on,” he said. “I know in a few years my credit’s going to be fine. If I want to get another house, it’s going to be there. I’m not the only one who went through this. I know I’m working the system, but you got to do what you got to do. There’s always loopholes.”

  166. Steven Davis
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:29 pm | Permalink

    Sorry James,

    Clark is calling it right on this one.

    “The whole time you have been on the Blog, you have taken the approach that no amount of taunting from you is too much, no amount of provocation is beneath you, and NOW you are going to take the high road? Where were you when Price got the Abortion thread shutdown?”

    McLuer, your hypocrysy knows no bounds. Of course that is an unnecessary reminder for any sentient being who reads this rag of a blog.

  167. Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:33 pm | Permalink

    I think I was at a Doctor’s appointment when that thread was shut down.

    You don’t have to believe me if I want to change Steven Davis. I really don’t care.

    Remember, it was you and several others who thrashed at me daily. I think you are mad just because I fought back and didn’t lay down. It was just me against all of you radicals.

    In the future, you will be ignored as will the others.

    As for WSClark, he always wants to get in the last insult, the last cut or the last put down. He can have the honor or should I say the dishonor.

  168. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:40 pm | Permalink

    Now if you really want to “reform” James, you will need to admit to and renounce your pretender nics.

  169. Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:43 pm | Permalink

    Whatever you want to believe JR.

    This is the only nic I use on this blog.

    Not my problem if you don’t wish to believe it. That was the problem before, I got blamed for other nics and it was me.

    Door King admitted the other week of being half a dozen or more nics and he said he didn’t name the all the others. Perhaps you should look in his direction if you want to satisfy your “nic” quota.

    Frankly JR, everyone is tired of your accusations and if you haven’t noticed, they are making fun of you for accusing every other nic of being me.

    And you still don’t get the message.

    Whatever…

  170. Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:44 pm | Permalink

    I got blamed for other nics and it was me.

    should read it wasn’t me. heh – so much for preview. :)

  171. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:47 pm | Permalink

    Unless someone has a direct line to the Editors and their reasoning for shutting down the abortion thread on the blog, you can hardly begin to say it was only my fault for it being shut down.

    From the past, it is fair to say, that it was the fact that WS Clark, Doug, and myself were turning it into nothing but going back and forth while not talking about the topic.

    That is what usually gets a thread shut down.

    I have already apologized for my part in that.

    Meanwhile WS Clark is still over here droning on about how it was all my fault.

    In one sentence he is able to say I was being violent, in the next when questioned on what I did violent he says he didn’t see the comment, when questioned on that he says he heard it from others reactions, and then he still seems to know it was me who got it shut down.

    Typical. He doesn’t have to answer for any of his lies about me when questioned and wont take any responsibility for his part in what happened either.

    I didn’t say anything violent. I am not proud it got shut down. I have already apologized several times for my part in that.

  172. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:53 pm | Permalink

    “This is the only nic I use on this blog.”

    You have also used:

    “Kansas”

    “Republican”

    “Republikhan”

    and “JM”

    And that is to name just a few.

    You have also advocated that nics should not matter and threatened to “destroy the blog”.

    And the only posters “tired” of me are folks I really do not care about. Those that are part of the problem or only wish to appease the troublemakers?

  173. Posted March 3, 2008 at 10:59 pm | Permalink

    Yes JR on the old blog, get over it.

    Again, yet another Radical Lib dredging up the past for the purpose of what exactly?

    That’s the only thing you Radicals have anymore JR.

    That is, you throw dirt in people faces for what purpose? To piss them off or exactly what?

    Like I said, get over it. This isn’t your personal hate blog JR.

  174. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:07 pm | Permalink

    “From the past, it is fair to say, that it was the fact that WS Clark, Doug, and myself were turning it into nothing but going back and forth while not talking about the topic.”

    That happens ever single day on the Blog and the threads are not shutdown, Price, and you know that.

    It was YOUR posts that were deleted and then shortly afterwards the thread was shutdown.

    If it makes you feel good to try to blame me, then have at it, but you know that it was your posts that got the thread canceled.

    You can spin all you want, but it is obvious that one person alone is responsible for the thread being pulled and that was Nathan Price.

    I guess that means that part of the “ugliness” that your father wants to eliminate is you.

    Have fun with that one.

  175. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:09 pm | Permalink

    Someone said…

    “What is past is prologue”

    My own take on that is once a nic switcher always a nic switcher there Jimmy Max.

    You can of course appeal to Hank. Maybe he will put in a good word for you with the editors.

  176. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:09 pm | Permalink

    “I got blamed for other nics and it was me.”

    Damn, after over a year and a half, finally, something honest from McCluer.

    Wonders will never cease…………..

  177. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    Really? How do you know that? Any proof for your claims?

    Many of Dougs posts were deleted as well.

    Did the Editors share with you that it was me alone which shut down that thread?

    Same old WS Clark, just full of crap.

  178. cosmos
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

    JImmyMac posted March 3, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    Yes JR on the old blog, get over it.

    This is the WE Blog.

    What was the name of the “old blog”?

  179. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:12 pm | Permalink

    Whoops!!!! McCreepy retracted that statement…….

    I guess we are still waiting for an honest statement from the Creepy One.

    By the way, McCluer, how long were you in Mississippi?

    Ten minutes?

  180. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:14 pm | Permalink

    “Really? How do you know that? Any proof for your claims?”

    Which posts of mine were deleted, oh violent Marine fundamentalist?

    None.

    When was the thread shutdown?

    Seconds after YOUR posts were deleted.

    Cause = effect = conclusion………

  181. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:15 pm | Permalink

    Roll in your hate boys, it’s all you have anymore.

    Me? I’m going to bed.

  182. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:16 pm | Permalink

    Good catch WS.

    In fairness, I did not see the comments on the closed and much deleted thread. I CAN attest to the fact that Nathan’s posts have deteriorated to little more that lies and attacks.

  183. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:17 pm | Permalink

    Yet another who can’t seem to understand the difference between correlation and cause.

    For as old as you are, I would expect you to grasp some basic fundamentals of logic. Guess not.

    Yet again you call me a violent Marine.

    What did I say which was violent?

  184. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:17 pm | Permalink

    JR,

    What lies have I told?

  185. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:19 pm | Permalink

    “What did I say which was violent?”

    Obviously something – everyone commented on it and it was deleted then they shutdown the thread.

    What other proof do you need?

  186. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:19 pm | Permalink

    Me too Regular.

    I am willing to make a bet. It is open to JR and WS Clark.

    I bet that either of them will be changing their ways on posting here or be some of the first warned and blocked once the Eagle makes us log in.

    What do you think Regular?

  187. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:20 pm | Permalink

    “fundamentals of logic”

    And you know the fundamentals of logic, Price?

    Dang, that is rich…………… Seen any dinosaurs lately, Price?

  188. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:20 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    Obviously not that obvious. The Editors could have deleted it for any number of reasons, not simply because it could have been violent.

    Once again, you jump to whatever conclusion fits your little imagination of hate.

  189. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:21 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    Have you seen any dinosaurs lately?

  190. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:21 pm | Permalink

    I’ll not give your lies further voice through repetition Nathan.

  191. ksgrm
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:22 pm | Permalink

    Nathan on my way to bed and just shutting down the computer. Saw what has been going on. Some advise. You will never have a normal conversation with either JR or WS on this. They live for controversy. They can’t contribute to a blog so they try to destroy it. They baited you and you fell in their trap. Don’t blame you. I have done it in the past also. No more. I am with Regular. They can taunt all day and I no longer care. Love to have good discussions. There are plenty of good people on here to do that with. Just play with the good guys and leave the rest alone.

  192. Nathan
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:23 pm | Permalink

    WS Clark,

    You just demonstrated that you do not understand that correclation does not imply causation.

    That is some very basic logic and debate stuff there.

  193. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:24 pm | Permalink

    “I bet that either of them will be changing their ways on posting here or be some of the first warned and blocked once the Eagle makes us log in.”

    You have to be kidding, Price. You and McCreepy are two of the worst offenders here and you want to bet on US changing?

    The speed limit is sixty five – I drive sixty five miles an hour.

    If they lower the speed limit, I will drive at the new limit.

    You, on the other hand, think that because you are a good little boy, you can drive at ninety miles an hour.

    They proved you wrong this afternoon, now didn’t they, Price?

  194. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:26 pm | Permalink

    “I bet that either of them will be changing their ways on posting here or be some of the first warned and blocked once the Eagle makes us log in.”

    Privy to daddy’s deal with the editors are you Nathan?

    You better have daddy tend to his and your pal James. Will he be given special dispensation?

    I only use one nic here.

  195. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:26 pm | Permalink

    “Have you seen any dinosaurs lately?”

    Only in museums, Price.

    “I am with Regular.”

    When did your son leave the Navy, KSGrm?

    Was it before or after the Cole incident?

  196. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:27 pm | Permalink

    What is “correclation” Price?

  197. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:30 pm | Permalink

    “The Editors could have deleted it for any number of reasons, not simply because it could have been violent.”

    Let’s see – violent threat deleted – thread shutdown – Editors shut it down because????????????????

    Too much back and forth off topic?

    Not likely…………………………….

  198. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:32 pm | Permalink

    Why don’t you REPEAT the post that was deleted, Price? Maybe you can go for two today – you have another twenty five minutes before midnight.

    Go ahead – show us what you posted – they deleted it so quickly that most of us missed it.

  199. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:36 pm | Permalink

    Yes nathan, if it was worth saying earlier why not say it again?

  200. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:41 pm | Permalink

    This aggravates me, we asked for something to get done forever ago and we were ignored, and precious Hank strolls in when HE”S fed up with it, and everything is gonna change for him?

    What a bunch of crap.

    You know, I should just shut up and say thanks Hank, but I’m somewhat miffed that your opinion means more than all of us who boycotted.

  201. J R
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:44 pm | Permalink

    Maybe part of hank’s deal with the editors was for them to play babysitter for nathan’s posts?

  202. Political_mama
    Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:52 pm | Permalink

    I truly hope the deal wasn’t that he gets to play moderator. We had that on the SJ blogs, there were handpicked blogger moderators, and a few decided censorship other people was more important than discourse.

  203. Posted March 3, 2008 at 11:57 pm | Permalink

    The Editors are going to have to be very good… I think there are already a hand full of bloggers here who have the capability of hacking the WE Blog system already… I have no idea how it is done, but I have been assured it can be done… And I am not being paranoid!

  204. Political_mama
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:06 am | Permalink

    By ANDALE GROSS
    Associated Press Writer

    Advertisement

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Johnson County grand jury has refused to issue an indictment against Planned Parenthood after investigating the agency’s clinic in suburban Kansas City.

    Planned Parenthood officials said the grand jury’s verdict of “no true bill” was announced in court Monday evening.

    Abortion opponents, through a petition, had forced the court to convene the panel and investigate whether Planned Parenthood’s Overland Park, Kan., clinic violated state restrictions on abortion. They also wanted to see whether the clinic was illegally trafficking in fetal tissue.

    “We are once again vindicated, as we have been any time there is an objective review of these allegations,” said Peter Brownlie, president and chief executive officer for Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri. “The jury investigated all of the allegations that were in the petition that resulted in the grand jury being formed, and they found no evidence of any wrongdoing.”

    Planned Parenthood attorney Pedro Irigonegaray said of Monday’s verdict, “It gives me great faith in the justice system and the people of Kansas.”

    Those who called for the grand jury were upset with the outcome. They believe the grand jury’s case was weakened because the panel did not get all the records it initially sought. The jury convened in December, but saw its investigation delayed for more than a month while it waited on records from Planned Parenthood.

    “Planned Parenthood cannot claim they are free of any indictment, because the full evidence never reached the grand jury,” said Tim Golba, spokesman for the LIFE (Life Is for Everyone) Coalition, the anti-abortion collaborative that petitioned for the grand jury.

    The jurors issued a subpoena in January seeking the records of 16 clinic patients, but Planned Parenthood was concerned that information in the records would identify the patients.

    Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline, who has started his own separate investigation into Planned Parenthood, asked District Judge Kevin Moriarty to make the agency and its clinic abide by the subpoena.

    Kline also asked for the grand jury’s investigation to be extended, given the delay over records.

    In the end, Planned Parenthood was allowed to turn over a limited number of records – ones relevant to the grand jury’s questions about parental notice and informed consent. Jurors wanted to determine whether the clinic complied with state laws on these issues.

    The law requires a parent or guardian of a minor seeking an abortion to be notified, and that a woman must be given information about the procedure or alternatives 24 hours before an abortion is performed.

    Kline spokesman Brian Burgess declined to comment Monday. Burgess said Kline, who is working on a murder trial, was unavailable for comment.

    Cheryl Sullenger, spokeswoman with Operation Rescue, one of the groups in the LIFE Coalition, said she isn’t surprised by the grand jury’s verdict. She said jurors didn’t appear to seriously investigate all of the allegations.

    “We’ve been considering a second grand jury effort,” Sullenger said. “That’s something that’s on the table right now.”‘

    Brownlie said he expected abortion opponents to claim the grand jury’s work was tainted.

    “Any time a decision is different from the one they want, they will claim it’s because of some nefarious doings,” he said. “The only people who continue to insist that there’s criminal wrongdoing are people who have a political agenda.”

    Associated Press writer John Hanna in Topeka, Kan., contributed to this report.

    © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

    Parkay, what was it you were saying again?

    That’s now HOW many Grand Juries? And HOW many times you’ve lost?

    It’s time that abortion providers start fighting back. Sue the pants off the orgs that keep harassing them.

    That means you Parkay.

  205. J R
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:08 am | Permalink

    “WS Clark, you are a liar. And if anyone is the first to get banned, I have my money on MonkyHawk, Doug, Apophis, and you.”

    From a post by nathan earlier today.

    Why does Nathan bet on posters being banned? Did daddy make a deal?

    heh You can bet also if Hank has his way with the editors that I will be banned too.

    Why didn’t the boycott before get a hearing with the editors? Now I didn’t support it. But what is hank’s special priveledge here?

    I guess we will see.

  206. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:11 am | Permalink

    Well, the justice system has spoken. Now we shall see how long it is before some other group presents another petition for yet another grand jury investigation. And so it goes….

  207. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:12 am | Permalink

    If they keep on re-convening this grand jury, how long does it get to continue before it is determined to be harrassment?

  208. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:13 am | Permalink

    If Hank becomes the monitor/censor of the Blog, then the Blog will die – maybe that is what the Price’s want.

    After all, NATHAN did say that he wanted them all to be shutdown.

  209. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:18 am | Permalink

    The Eagle isnt stupid enough to name Hank as a Blog Monitor… He also has a rather colorful history of blog entries… I am sure he has been reported by others somewhere along the line!!

  210. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:20 am | Permalink

    “Planned Parenthood officials said the grand jury’s verdict of “no true bill” was announced in court Monday evening.”

    One down – one to go – this is a witch hunt and it is about time that reasonable people step up.

    They did in JoCo and they will soon do the same in SedgCo.

    Thank God that some people have some sense.

  211. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:22 am | Permalink

    I quite agree Clark… but will most likely be castigated for agreeing with you and/or the grand jury… We know who the castigators are! LOL

  212. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:23 am | Permalink

    I’m going back to bed… the meds have kicked in again… later all!!

  213. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:24 am | Permalink

    Just as an aside, I predict that this blog will no longer exist in about thirty days or so due to the violent threats from the Right Wingers.

    The Eagle does not want to be responsible for the violent acts that some have advocated, so that will be the end of it.

    Folks like N. Price should be proud of themselves – they have defeated that pesky old First Amendment all by themselves.

    Yeah!!!!!!!

    Losers.

  214. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:26 am | Permalink

    Clark, I hope you are wrong, but it COULD happen!! Night now… meds are really kicking now… cant keep eyes open any more for tonite!!

  215. Political_mama
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    The scary thing about it is, they can be proven innocent over and over again, and they don’t have the whole double jeopardy law to protect them like in a real court. Second, it’ll take only ONE grand jury of the ‘right’ people to turn it all around and open the door for the OR folks, no matter how many times they’ve been found innocent.
    That’s what OR is banking on, they’re waiting to roll snake eyes.

    Lets get citizen grand juries outlawed in Kansas. Sucks that Christian terrorists are ruining a normally good decent democratic process.

  216. Political_mama
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:30 am | Permalink

    Come on WS, rise above it will ya?

  217. Nathan
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:36 am | Permalink

    Politcal Mama,

    It was nothing special about my father other than he was the envoy for many voices.

    My father represented over 20 seperate posters on this blog who are all to some degree or another fed up with the antics which go on here.

    He asked for people to email him and to work on a solution together. That is exactly what happened.

    Did JR, WS Clark, or you (Political Mama) bother to email him like over 20 others did?

    They were posters from all sides of the spectrum too, not just right wingers either.

  218. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    “That’s what OR is banking on, they’re waiting to roll snake eyes.”

    You are right on that point, P Mom.

    “Come on WS, rise above it will ya”

    You are wrong on that point, P Mom.

    I will back off when they do – not until.

    I never fire until fired upon, but when I do, I go for the kill shot.

    Sorry, but that is just how I am.

    I have a deep respect for you, P Mom, for all that you have been through and all that you have overcome and accomplished, but I disagree with you on this point. The right wingers will never be happy until they have silenced all dissent.

    And I can never be silenced.

  219. cosmos
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:48 am | Permalink

    ksgrm posted March 3, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    I am with Regular.

    ksgrm,

    1. Who posted this?
    http://blogs.kansas.com/weblog/2007/05/open_thread_25-4/#comment-239232

    2. What is the name of the blog where it’s posted? Is it an “old blog”, different than this blog?

    3. Prove that you are “with Regular”, by providing a link for the last paragraph of that post.

  220. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:50 am | Permalink

    “My father represented over 20 seperate posters on this blog who are all to some degree or another fed up with the antics which go on here.”

    Like threatening violence and getting a thread shutdown?

    Like that, Price?

    What antics are YOU going to stop when Daddy has his say over what happens on the Blog, Price?

    Are you going to stop calling people ignorant, stupid and lacking in the ability to read?

    Are you going to stop threatening people with a challenge to go ten rounds with you?

    Are you going to stop threatening violence?

    Are you going to denounce the multiple nic’ers like your good buddy Regular?

    Are you going to have more threads shutdown?

    What are you going to do, Price?

    I have NEVER had a thread shutdown because of something I posted. Can you say the same, Price?

    Of course not – it happened just this afternoon.

    Look in the mirror, Price, you are the guilty one.

  221. Posted March 4, 2008 at 12:55 am | Permalink

    “Did JR, WS Clark, or you (Political Mama) bother to email him like over 20 others did?”

    Ah, no, I didn’t want a Price to have my real e-mail addy.

    Self-protection, you know?

    Kind of like you and your little popgun, Price.

  222. Political_mama
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 1:01 am | Permalink

    And we too, once represented more than 20 bloggers who were fed up by the right. Why do you get more clout than we did?

    We begged for this intervention, and we were left unheard. I’m pissed off that this is what it takes, when one of your own side starts this crap then goes off whining that you don’t like the rules YOU put into play.

    No, I won’t join with you.

    And I get tired of the whole thing, but I do agree with WS, it’s only wrong when WE do it back to you. That’s why he’s so relentless.

    I’ve got people on my hometown blog, conservatives I considered myself to be friends with, who refuse to renounce another neocon blogger who portrayed Michelle Obama speaking as an uneducates slave woman. I begged borrowed and PLEADED with my con friends to denounce this. Instead, they reinforced him.

    This is what you get when you ally with Republicans. They stand together even when they’re dead wrong.

  223. cosmos
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 1:02 am | Permalink

    Nathan posted March 4, 2008 at 12:36 am

    It was nothing special about my father other than he was the envoy for many voices.

    You’re right Nathan. He is “nothing special”.

    http://blogs.kansas.com/weblog/2008/03/open-thread-31/#comment-305423

    http://blogs.kansas.com/weblog/2008/03/open-thread-31/#comment-305583

    He, and you, are not good “envoys”.

  224. Posted March 4, 2008 at 1:07 am | Permalink

    Flame wars are boring. I don’t do them.

    But times have arisen that I’ve had to slap “Nathan” and “Hank Price” in the face with their own words; to shove their noses (like with an incontinent puppy) in their own droppings.

    Yeah, right. I was real eager to join “Hank Price’s” little vendetta against people who’ve proven themselves with facts, evidence, logic, and wit to reveal the utter stupidity of most contemporary conservative political philosophy and policy.

    “Nathan” shows all the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. “Hank Price” demonstrates that “Nathan” probably had pre-traumatic stress disorder, due to “Hank Price’s” parenting.

  225. Nathan
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 1:19 am | Permalink

    Political Mama,

    I don’t know what special treatment my father is getting. What special treatment do you think he is getting?

    All he did was meet with one of the Editors and talk about what is happening on the blog.

    My dad is a pretty nice guy, very charming, and fun to be around. Perhaps that is why the Editors would have found him to be a very amiable person to meet with.

    Everything from your post shows nothing about wanting a change for the better. It is all about blaming the right.

    That was not what this was about at all. Not interested in blame or attacking the left. This was posters from all sides who simply want change.

    Lets look at what this topic has been with WS Clark, MonkeyHawk, and JR at the helm. Nothing but the same old droning on with personal attacks.

    I am not even going back and forth with any of them like usual and they still drone on.

    If that is what you want, more power to you. Set up a meeting with one of the Editors and tell them what you want with the blog then. Don’t sit here pouting about some supposed special treatment my father is getting.

  226. Posted March 4, 2008 at 1:30 am | Permalink

    And Nathan’s goal is to get the Blog shutdown, just like he got the abortion thread shutdown. He has already stated that he wants to “shut them all down.”

    If you can’t debate with facts, just SILENCE the opposition.

    Right, Price?

  227. Posted March 4, 2008 at 1:33 am | Permalink

    And on that happy note, I am done for the night.

    Sweet dreams, ya’ll!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  228. Political_mama
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 6:28 am | Permalink

    Nathan, don’t sit here and tell me that Hank just up and decided that this was teh right thing, It was the result of a spat he had on the board. as long as others were getting it, hey, that was great. And you have dished it out too son.

    Yeah I get truly aggravated to go through a whole day of back and forth tit for tat posts. It’s stupid. I wish both sides would just stop it.
    And we wonder why gangs never stop killing each other, swear to god your testosterone on both sides just won’t let your chest puffing stop.

    Brownlie knows where I stand, as I stood and made my belief very clear at the meetup, that we needed moderation, a babysitter if you will. Then again later when I protested the board. The worst one is Regular and Doorking, and at least one of those is on your side.

    I thought ya’ll were going to take your ball and go home. Is that the argument that you made when we left?

  229. Steven Davis
    Posted March 4, 2008 at 6:53 am | Permalink

    “You don’t have to believe me if I want to change…”

    This is not the first time you said you were going to change, leave the blog, etc. None of it ever happens. More noise, and no action from James, big surprise there.