What Really Makes Liberals Mad?
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I confess, I've never watched "Dancing With the Stars." The idea of has-been and never-were pseudo-celebrities shaking their booties has just never had that much appeal to me.
Lately, however, it's been impossible to escape the coverage across all forms of media regarding the participation of Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol on the show.
TV viewers and entertainment journalists began noting that Miss Palin and her partner, Mark Ballas, kept surviving the cut despite what the show's pro judges, and many watchers, considered weaker performances. Talk began to circulate that viewers were voting for Bristol not out of any particular appreciation for her terpsichorean talents but out of support for her mother, the Resigning Woman.
Some even suggested that the followers of Mama Grizzly were gaming the voting system, rumors that were fed when right-wing radio host Tammy Bruce organized what she called "Operation Bristol" and the wingnut website HillBuzz noted that, while you had to provide an e-mail address to vote online, you didn't have to provide a real one, which allowed people to vote multiple times.
Nonsense, said the show's producer. DWTS, he claimed, uses "a number of security checks" to prevent voter fraud via the Web, text and phone calls.
Still, some people remained suspicious. One particularly irate viewer actually shot his TV out of frustration, shouting "The politics! The politics!"
I certainly understand his frustration at the politicization of the pure and ancient art of the dance on a show that once featured Steve-O from "Jackass" doing the cha-cha. But I've got to say that there are so many things that are more worth shooting your TV over. Those commercials with the talking mucus, for example.
The Palins themselves fell back on their real talent: not for dancing, but for stirring up resentment and the furious certainty among their supporters that somewhere, somehow, there's someone out there looking down on them. They may not know who or where, by golly, but you could stick a finger in their imaginary eyes by voting for Bristol, who told an interviewer that if she won, "it would be like giving a big middle finger to people who hate my mom and hate me."
Even when Bristol came in third in the final episode, an anonymous writer at Hillbuzz claimed a moral victory, saying: "You drove the left crazy for three months. Score!"
Dudes, I hate to break it to you, but no one on the left even watches "Dancing with the Stars," and we certainly don't have time to get our mad on about whether or not one of the numerous progeny of the Quitta From Wasilla took home the trophy.
We're too busy figuring out new and fiendish ways to turn your children into Muslims, force them to marry gay abortionists, ban everything from the American diet except tofu and alfalfa sprouts, and destroy capitalism. (That was a joke, people.)
The Palins and the folks at Hillbuzz were only expressing one of the highest ideals of modern conservatism, to wit: Talent doesn't matter. Competence doesn't matter. The only thing that really matters is annoying liberals. If no actual liberals are involved in the issue, then think about what will annoy the liberals you've made up in your head.
It's the same principle that occasionally motivates some idiot to loudly proclaim that he's going to drive a big SUV and eat a steak, not because he likes those things, but "to make liberals angry." The steak and SUV industries appreciate it, and so do the cardiologists and the oil companies. The rest of us just wish you'd get the heck over yourself, when we bother to think about you at all, which isn't often.
But while I've got their attention, let me just say: You know what would really annoy me? If everyone had affordable health care. That would make me absolutely livid. A sane policy for fighting terrorism that guaranteed that terrorist criminals would face trials and that respected the Bill of Rights? That would really make me mad, too.
Dignity and basic rights for people who love differently from me, including the right to serve openly in the military and the right to marry? That would raise my blood pressure something fierce. A tax policy that gave relief to the middle class and made sure millionaires, billionaires and mega-corporations paid their fair share toward keeping this country running? Man, my head might explode from sheer rage.
Get to it, folks. Make me mad.
Dusty Rhoades lives, writes and practices law in Carthage. Contact him at dustyr@nc.rr.com.
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Comments
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Jr. "Get to it, folks. Make me mad." As difficult as it is for me to totally agree with you on this one ~ here you go - I agree with you on every point.
On your Health Care comment...Ohio Congressman John Boehner (pronounced like it sounds) is ready to introduce his version of health care for the homeless and unemployed, those who can't afford Blue Cross and Blue Shield or other plans with stipended CEO's earning three or more million per year; it is the Kevorkian Health Care Solution. Now the Billionaires and Millionaires and wannabes, can keep their Hedgefund portfolios in case they need to crash this nations' economy like the last year of the Bush presidency.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Oh Dusty ~ I fogot...those CEO's and Billionaires will keep their Medicare cards just like those complaining conservatives who whip out their cards at each Doctors visit. Don't suggest they send them back...they will defend those cards with their whole being. They are the entitled wealthy! Not part of the big spending Washington Conservatives ~ like in Carthage!
LB67 2 years, 5 months ago
one of the things that really ticks me off is when cons and tea bags start making jokes because President Obama can't get things done, one of those idiots was laughing the other day when I mentioned that we were moving and I was really glad that we didn't have to worry about deployments for awhile, he said " I thought Obama was going to bring all the troops home, hee hee " when he realized I didn't find his little joke amusing he didn't want to talk about it anymore
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
I have never watched Dancing With The Stars but I would draw the conclusion from the name of the show that "stars" were involved. So my first reaction was: How did Bristol Palin get on it? Does being an unwed mother now qualify as being a "star"? Then I concluded that Bristol was on this show for the same reason Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR's most popular driver yet can't finish any higher than 21st in the points standings. Having a last name that is recognizable is an easy way to cash in. In Junior's case, it sells merchandise. In Bristol's case, it sells a different kind of merchandise, her mother. The Palin's have stumbled into a world of unlimited riches and with the help of good handlers, are making the most of their 15 minutes. You really have to admire what they have accomplished, given what they had to work with. In a way, I hope Sarah runs for President in 2012. I don't think she can win, but if she did, it will be riveting to see what she would do. My feeling is that a presidential run is a win/win for the Palin's. If she looses, an immediate book about it. If she wins, a series of books about it. If she can't wait to cash in on the bigger payoff, she can resign after two years and let her VP take the blame for her administration while writing more books and touring the lucrative speaking circuit. And, of course, there is always a career waiting at Faux News. Somehow, I don't see Dusty getting his wishes anytime soon but it would sure be nice if he did.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
LB67 => that sound you're hearing is my applause....I happened to hit the wrong key on my TV remote and one of the Fox News Talking Heads was commenting on President Obama's injury ~ the mindless moron said Obama must have been hit in the head since taking the presidency. Stupid people make stupid comments. Where was that idiot during the Hedgefund Swaps fiasco? No one can turn a septic tank into a perfume enterprise overnight.
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
It would be riviting to see what Sarah would do if she became President?! No, it would be REVOLTING, SICK, and DANGEROUS. She'd be shooting thru the windows of her Limo killing little squirrels out of their nests as her motorcade drove along Penn. Ave., she'd throw out her finger to any Democrat she had to encounter at The Capital, and she'd have a mish mash of words in a stupid incoherant speech she'd deliver to "The Nation." No thanks. But, Sarah is going to make sure no matter what, that her face and her families face's stay in front of the tv cameras to get the DUMB and DUMBER American populace to believe she has "what it takes" to become President. George Bush was used in the same way, so it's NOT impossible. There are fewer and fewer people left in this country with any common sense anymore. Thanks Dusty for reminding me of just how ignorant people have become. I was trying to get over it after the fiasco on Nov 2nd.
OldPilot 2 years, 5 months ago
Excellent column! Bravo!
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
"What Really Makes Liberals Mad?"
All things Palin make liberals mad, well I think they were "mad" long before the Palins came on the scene.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
Thanks, Old Pilot!
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
Sarah Palin doesn't make me mad. But, shallow, greedy, narrow-minded dim-wits do.
nothingspecial 2 years, 5 months ago
a) For every example of a Republican or Tea Party person being an idiot you dig up, there are at least an equal number of Democrat examples (Remember you guys get the credit for Jerry Springer, Peoples Court, and the Bachelor). That is the kind of argument you'll only win within your followers minds.
b) When the people vote for a Democrat two years ago they're brilliant. When they make a sweeping vote against the Democratic agenda two years later (or don't even bother going to the polls) they're morons again. Whatever makes you feel better.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
" (Remember you guys get the credit for Jerry Springer, Peoples Court, and the Bachelor)."
WHAT!?
That is utterly absurd.
" That is the kind of argument you'll only win within your followers minds."
I have followers? Awesome.
"b) When the people vote for a Democrat two years ago they're brilliant. When they make a sweeping vote against the Democratic agenda two years later (or don't even bother going to the polls) they're morons again. Whatever makes you feel better."
Unfortunately for you, nothing seems to make you feel anything but bitter, judging by your posts here. Sad.
KarenH 2 years, 5 months ago
DR- I must say that I am amazed how you can call anyone bitter when I can NEVER read one of your post here that isn't hateful. The only time you are not calling others names is on the rare occasions when you feel that your opinion is complimented- it is rare. I just can't believe that this paper allows you to call it's readers names. It would seem to be bad for their business. I guess it might be like the child who acts out in public- they feel any attention is better than no attention at all. I must say that I for one have had enough of your bad attitude and it makes reading posts here feel more like bulling that exchangeing ideas and information. No one ever accused lawyers of being "nice guys" but you, sir, go too far.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
The paper also allows its readers to call me and other alleged liberals names, Karen, and post all manner of bitter and hateful slams at "leftys" and "libs", but you don't seem to have any problem with that. At least I've never seen you object to it.
So pardon me if, as usual, I don't take your one-sided, partisan, and fake-pious hand wringing very seriously.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
Some comments:
http://www.thepilot.com/marketplace/users/fugitiveguy/comments/#c23687
"the lefties have always had a crush on evil despots, Mao, Che, Uncle Ho and I guess Hussein (Saddam, not BarryO)."
Where was your outrage about name calling then, Karen?
"Maybe the leftist moonbats can finally get over their Bush derangement syndrome."
Where were you then, Karen?
http://www.thepilot.com/marketplace/users/Behan/comments/?page=2#c20556
"Another dull, childish DR column."
Didn't see you there complaining about name calling, Karen.
I treat people with exactly the same respect they treat me. No more, no less. If people try to engage me in actual debate, I do the same. People who sputter and rant about "libs" and "leftys" and accuse everyone who disagrees with them as being an "O-bot" or "politically correct" get the snark, as do hypocrites who like to wring their hands about how 'hateful" liberals are while completely ignoring the vitriol of the wingnut contingent here.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
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dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
I've had posts removed too, Toda.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
I was nice until DR called me a wingnut, it caused me to snap. Prior to that I was a pacifist.
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
Several of mine have been removed. I still don't understand why, since I was speaking the TRUTH! I do kinda like "MOONBAT" though. So endearing.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
What makes Liberals angry? I'll start: 1. God. 2. Hard work. 3. Strength. 4. Honor. 5. Fairness. 6. Unborn children. 7. The military. 8. Earned income.
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman, I believe cj11 does have a grip and it is making you uncomfortable.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
dustyrhoades says... I've had posts removed too, Toda
Yea ~ we all seem to be chastised on occaison...was that the one about the Pilot Police wearing their "bitchy Britches"? They removed the one where I told Clodfelter he need glasses. That's really a bad remark and I can see how that may have insulted his self-esteem. Personally I didn't know he wore corrective lenses...never met he or she.
Don't worry too much about Karen H., I give her mirgrain headaches and then she throws temper tantrums.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
"mauiman, I believe cj11 does have a grip and it is making you uncomfortable."
Like the TSA?
Toda: I think it was the "b" word that triggered the removal. Some sites actually do it automatically.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
cj11-based on the enitirety of your post, I think you are describing yourself. I am guilty of getting a little carried away on here from time to time however I don't think either side can claim sole ownership of the high ground. Some, as yourself here are guilty of doing the same thing you claim to abhor, even in the same post no less.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
So Behan basically comes in and says that liberals are lazy atheist freeloaders who hate the military.
I look forward to KarenH rushing in and wagging her finger over how RUDE and ANGRY he's being and how he can't make a point without demonizing people, using personal attacks, or calling names.
Yeah, right.
Karen's "principles" are entirely dependent on who's being attacked. Which means, really, that she has no principles at all on this subject.
marathonman 2 years, 5 months ago
The saying; "out in left field", likely, was coined for you D.R. Nothing you say can be of any consequence to anyone. Particularly when you take a liberal/leftist party line and attempt to make it a fact. I will take exception to only one and jump out - those who earn incredible amounts of money pay taxes. They also provide wherewithall for others to use, or abuse, to live, make a living. Should you tax them egregiously and with contempt - as lefties do - they will withdraw and leave you dangling. Then we, our country, will wind up at the government teet and fail, dramatically, just as other socialist efforts have over the years. Free enterprise wins whenever tried: socialism has failed everytime tried.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
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moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
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marathonman 2 years, 5 months ago
MC7 - I trust you had a thanksgiving thanksgiving. Socialism anything destroys. Government oversight responsibility has declined over the years and the blame can be put at the feet of both parties. However, only conservatism will bring us back from the brink of collapse.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
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Arestorer 2 years, 5 months ago
Why do so many people keep saying that keeping the Bush tax cuts will cause the people with money to raise America out of this recession??? Look at the history of the past 4 years people!!!!!! It didnt and aint working... Those that are complaining the most are the most greedy. Tax cuts to the wealthy has only increased their bank accounts and portfolios.I havent seen it help our country at all..Has anyone else??????
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
"Tax cuts to the wealthy has only increased their bank accounts and portfolios.I havent seen it help our country at all..Has anyone else??????"
Estimates are that the Bush tax cuts have saved 1.7 million jobs.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
"I still firmly believe with all my heart and soul that the majority of conservatives are a bunch of racist homo-phobes"
"6. People who are small minded enough to question honor and integrity without knowing the person."
Both the above comments are by the same poster
Arestorer 2 years, 5 months ago
Estimates are that the Bush tax cuts have saved 1.7 million jobs.
Is this the same estimates(opinions) that Obama used when he said the bail-out saved MILLIONS OF jobs??
Why are so many people still out of work or loosing their homes??
These are numbers(estimates) that the politicians are feeding to the sheep.
I THINK THERE B.S.!
BigE 2 years, 5 months ago
Trust me as a member of the top 1.5% income earners (for most of this decade) and business owner, my tax rate (at least in the range we are speaking) has zero influence on whether I hire an employee. Spending money or investing in the business, e.g., adding employees, is strictly an ROI/risk decision. Will I make money from this person's contribution? How confident am I in their abilities? Are they worth the risk?
At some point, after all the necessities are taking care of, the question of how to spend my disposible income becomes...whether to join another country club or buy a newer Lexus or spend another week on Maui or save a little more for retirement, etc. And... I'm not at the upper end of the 1.5% who receive a significant portion of their dough as capital gains and only pay at the 15% rate!
Really? We are arguing over whether the affluent need more money? And that's a strong Republican position to help the country? Why would the average household (<$50K/yr) want to protect us?
People, think for yourselves, stop allowing the puppet masters from taking advantage of you!
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
"Both the above comments are by the same poster"
And these comments are from you, fugitiveguy:
"the lefties have always had a crush on evil despots, Mao, Che, Uncle Ho and I guess Hussein (Saddam, not BarryO)."
"Isn't it odd that the lefties have no problem with men, women and children being groped and fondled for the illusion of security..."
"No system of taxation will ever seem fair to hard core leftists."
Seems to me that when it comes to people who "question honor and integrity without knowing the person," you're right there in the Top 10. So maybe you should get off your high horse, too.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
DR, of course you would equate those things with baseless accusations of someone being a racist. I could care less what you think of me or maybe I couldn't. I am glad you find me so quotable.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
"the lefties have always had a crush on evil despots, Mao, Che, Uncle Ho and I guess Hussein (Saddam, not BarryO)."
DR, this one must sting really bad since you have quoted me twice in the same day on the same blog.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
It's the quote that most clearly shows your true colors and best exposes your hypocrisy. Expect others to see it often.
greentara13 2 years, 5 months ago
All these so called "stars" are nothing but parasites. And they feed off couch potatoes watching all this drivel on television.
ha ha "Mama Grizzly" love it!
dude, if you want to see radical politics, you should listen to some of my anarchist friends in SFCA. (cannot agree with what they say and it makes me crazy sometimes with their lack of critical thinking skills, but it actually makes more sense than Palin and her cronies)
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
There is no bigger bomb thrower than DR. I am just a pretender by comparison.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
Its not the conservatives who wore the Che t shirts or spat on our troops in the 60's and 70's. So feel free to quote me anytime you like.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
Its not the conservatives that court the likes of Hugo Chavez. Its your wacky lefty pals Danny Glover and Sean Penn.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
My, my, I guess we know what makes fugitiveguy mad.
When a wingnut starts raving about Che Guevara, rehashing the insults of the 60s (when I was in grammar school) and spouting off some nonsensical fantasy about how I must be "pals" with some obscure celebrity, I know I've hit a nerve.
Ross 2 years, 5 months ago
What makes Conservatives angry? I'll start:
Ross 2 years, 5 months ago
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fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
DR, you have never made me mad I hate to dissapoint you. You have made me laugh many, many times though. You know darn well everything I said at 640, 643 and 645 is accurate and you also know that I use the word pals as a figure of speech although I think you, Danny and Sean would get along in grand fashion.
nothingspecial 2 years, 5 months ago
You Democrats are so good at personally attacking folks who don't agree with you. I agree, it's a much better strategy for you all than actually trying to sell us on your ideas...
KarenH 2 years, 5 months ago
DR-You have gotten so upset that I could "dare" to not think you are a great guy , you did not get the point. I am not upset that posters here have opinions that are different than mine, as you obviously do. I also do not write articles for a newspaper that have my name,address and occupation printed for all to see so that I can feel very clever indeed when I call readers "wingnuts". Do what you will, I just don't have it in me to read the "same story, different day" rants you produce. Toda wants to say that I was 'mean' to him too, all I said was that pointlessness makes my head hurt. I have enough stress in my life without a bout of"I know you are...but what am I". Your opinion of my principles don't ruffle my feathers, unprincipaled is not the worst I've read from your pen. I simply don't want to read it over and over again.
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
nothingspecial, fugitiveguy and James: yuk it up folks. Your day of reckoning is fast approaching. Your team takes the field Jan. 3 and we'll be looking for prosperity, employment, lower taxes, smaller government, no illegals, no deficits, balanced budgets and politicians that have term limits. Once your new team authorizes the nuking of Iran and North Korea, all the terrorists should line up and surrender since they will see that this new team are really bad mothers that don't intend to take any more crap. Next, the team can take our country back...from China and insist that they take all of our gays, unemployed, uninsured and anyone not following the approved religion. On the 7th day, the conservatives can rest.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
I see mauiman has already started the excusifying.
Of course, if the economy does rebound (and it's showing signs of doing so), suddenly it'll be all the doing of the "team" he now says "doesn't have the ball"
Karen: I'm not upset, I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy of getting all indignant over "name calling" from posters on one side while giving everyone else who does it a pass. It's not true unhappiness with the "tone" of my remarks, it's just a weak and irrelevant response from someone who can't think of anything on topic to say.
"I also do not write articles for a newspaper that have my name,address and occupation printed for all to see so that I can feel very clever indeed when I call readers "wingnuts"
No, you don't. You hide behind a "screen name." I take responsibility for my words and their consequences. Unlike you. I tend to be a lot more courteous to people who actually act like people instead of aliases. You might consider that.
nothingspecial 2 years, 5 months ago
Actually Karen I think you got it right. All they can do is fish for more "I know you are but what am I's" Again, no good ideas, just attacks.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
"All they can do is fish for more "I know you are but what am I's" Again, no good ideas, just attacks."
"a) For every example of a Republican or Tea Party person being an idiot you dig up, there are at least an equal number of Democrat examples "
Both of these comments are by the same poster.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Ross: Charming, indeed. I offer my deepest gratitude for you showing the world the end result of a failed public education system.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
"It's funny how Sarah Palin and her family are under such scrutiny and attack. Find something better to waste your breath on."
If she wasn't such an obsessive attention seeker, and if the corporate media hadn't decided to let this woman's Twitter feed determine the news agenda, it wouldn't be a problem.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Imagine that, a person obsessed with attention using the media to spout their radical views...
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
Yeah, you nailed it, Behan. I'm just jealous.
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman: Delusional is expecting different results from the thought process that got us into this mess in the first place.
nothingspecial 2 years, 5 months ago
DR, I'm not getting some of your attacks, has to be because I'm no match intellectually I'm sure.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 5 months ago
It doesn't have to do with "matching," NS, it has to do with your own intellectual dishonesty. You don't even see yourself doing the very things you claim to abhor.
But hey, it's what it takes to be what passes for a "conservative" these days, because 21st century "conservatism" has only one principle: IOKIYAR!
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Where does Charlie Rangel fall on the IOKIYA_ scale? Or can we all just agree that childish pseudo-acronyms are best left to struggling ESL students?
teufelhunden 2 years, 5 months ago
Answer to the original question: pretty much everything...geez
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
This piece sheds some light on the frail liberal psyche:
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/253768/why-unhappy-people-become-liberals-dennis-prager
For the hippies out there: "whine on, you miserable diamond."
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Karen H.=> "Toda wants to say that I was 'mean' to him too" like I care what you think about my opinions regarding TPo3 spending us into bankruptcy. Wake up...no one is listening or researching, or reading, or attempting to asertain facts. Just spouting off like Joe G. Never addresses county provided information only what DIL tells him to write or how to think.
For your benefit and others I remain redundant when it comes to the underhanded,unethical, and more that liberal spending in Carthage without an inkling of a planned process...spend and see what happens. I've sure you and the other liberal spenders appreciate Nick Picerno leaving 19.2 million dollars of taxpayers money on the table because of his ego or he couldn't make a decision without Larry and GOP Georges' approval. FYI: When Picerno - Caddell - Melton submit their resignations and leave Carthage, my posts will be far and in-between. Until then, look to another persons opinions in keeping with a proposed 300 million in spending...watch the news sometime regarding our nations economy.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Behan says... Ross: Charming, indeed. I offer my deepest gratitude for you showing the world the end result of a failed public education system.
Well spoken Sir.
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
Here's some of what Joe Scarborough had to say about Sarah Palin in POLITICO: "This is one Republican who would prefer that the former half-term governor promote her reality shows and hawk her books without demeaning the reputations of President Reagan and Bush(she dismissed Reagan as just an actor and Bush as a blue blood). These great men dedicated their lives to public service and are too good to be fodder for her gaudy sideshow." He also told the Republicans to "Man up" when it comes to answering the question of whether or not she is qualifed to be President. Joe says, "she is not." I think this is so funny. The daughter can't dance, and Sarah doesn't know how to read a newspaper. What a country! It's a race to the bottom to see who'll enter the next Presidential race. Maybe what we need instead is an American THUNDERDOME! "Two men enter and one man leaves." The winner is the next Prez! Oh, it might also be "Two women enter and one woman leaves". Lovin' it.
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
Wow. Sarah Palin is smarter than me? I don't think so. She can out debate me? Perhaps. Women like Sarah who was a former beauty queen and basketball player, (not a cheerleader too?) is a typical conceeded schmoozer. I knew plenty of them in school. While those girls were "dating" every football player on the team, I was busy studying the stock market news in the WSJ(I owned stock in McDonalds and Playboy at age 16), I was my High School Newspaper Editor and Reporter, I was the Beta Club Treasurer, I was "Artist in Residence" whenever handmade signs or posters needed to be made, and I graduated with Honors. Stuck-Up Girls like Sarah are a dime a dozen, they'll never change. I still don't know how this happened but I went on a double-date with our Homecoming Queen/ Miss Springfield(don't want to expose the real town). She was dating the Captain of the Football Team and she wanted me to go out with his best friend. I said yes because I wanted to get out of our town and have a nice free dinner and movie. We weren't even friends! I was sorta the "entertainment" to that dull crew that Saturday nite, with my Art, History, Business sense and my "HIPPIE" humor. I definately made them laugh but I think they also wanted to be looked at as being "With it and cool" by bringing me along in my HIPPIE GARB(it was 1970). We never spoke again after that. She was quite busy trying to get into the Miss America Pagent(she never made it). To this day it was one of the strangest things I've ever done because I have always been so different than those types. I guess My INTERESTING PERSONALITY was in demand to those who couldn't quite understand the meanings of alot of things. Sarah is definately a TEAM PLAYER, and absolutely value's shallowness over substance. Be glad there are some women out there like me who value intellect over looks. I'll put my good life and experiences up to hers any day. Sarah's so busy beating fish in the head and getting her makeup just right for her TV show.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Moonchild: I can see how you were such a popular gal. Your recanting of your exciting youth is nothing at all like dental surgery sans anesthesia. Will you be available for my next get-together? People must be magically drawn to your INTERESTING PERSONALITY and RANDOM use OF CapitALIZATIon.
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Sorry James: Community organizer, you say? Why was I not informed of this astounding qualification earlier!?!
Well, hope and change it is, with a side order of something we can all believe in! Throw in a bag of weed and a few capital letters for the old hippie and we can have ourselves a revolution party that would make ol' Che proud.
This is all on the house, right? It's just that I'm a little short this week--you know, the new health care costs and all....
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Sweet!
This whole "earning an income," "paying your bills," "taking care of your family," and "contributing to society" nonsense was getting old anyway. Now that hope and change is in the house, it's easy street from here on out!
Behan 2 years, 5 months ago
Moonchild, as you are someone who takes great pride in having studied "the stock market news in the WSJ," serving as "the High School Newspaper Editor and Reporter," and acting as the "Beta Club Treasurer," I am pleased to inform you that--after a brief review of your credentials--you are actually more qualified than Obama. Congrats!
leftfield 2 years, 5 months ago
I'll tell you what makes this Liberal mad..... Fox News in local restaurants and businesses. I mean come on, Ledo Pizza opens up, I go in kinda of excited to try the new food and I look up and see that Fake News is playing on the TV. I politely finished my sub-par pizza and made my way to the exit, never to return to the establishment.
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
I've had difficulty in "understanding" how many of you try to think and/or understand things. But Behan has made me "see the light too!" While my PAST might have been boring to read, I wrote it to EXPALIN why I believe what I do about Sarah(and so many others like her). The point of my post was that I was NOT a popular and exciting person(FREAK?). I was introverted and studious. I went on a few dates but never had a boyfriend like all those "other girls". Those VERY POPULAR people(athletes, cheerleaders, beauty queens) swirled around in the same circles believing and knowing almost identical simplistic information. The Beauty Queen and her Football Hero were the most popular people in school. They were nice while on this date and seemed to enjoy my company(No drugs or Alcohol consumed). But I felt so odd because they mostly asked me my opinion/beliefs on a lot of topics as if some of my "smarts" might rub off on them....like they were just totally UNABLE to GRASP KNOWLEDGE! Enter Sarah Palin and those of similar mindset. They seem to be unable to have a truly LOGICAL thought. Now, Sarah is not stupid, she can make money but moneymaking is NOT a gauge to happiness, intelligence or even to real success. So Behan.....bored again? Did you play FOOTBALL in High School?
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
James started this when he said that Sarah Palin was such the Smarty compared to me. Just wanted to defend myself since I find Sarah's narrowminded beliefs disturbing. I'm no genius(HaHa)and I'm not any better than anyone else, I just find it to be a terrible thing to put Sarah Palin on such a high pedestal when her "deficits" actually outweigh her "strengths". Not holding onto the past either; it's just kind of remarkable how certain people maintain similar and limited mindsets throughout the years. And as far as that "HANDS-ON, HARD WORK" way of life goes....I've done my share. I can beat a fish in the head and kill it much better than Dear Sarah tried to do, just now prefer NOT to. I went fishing a lot with my Dad, rode horses/cleaned stalls, plowed gardens, refurbished four houses and two garages, worked a job, raised my son, went to college at nite...........Life is special and great, but it's sad to see so many people waste it on so many trivial, hurtful, and uninformed beliefs.
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman: Perhaps my comments were simply paraphrasing what the right has been saying about the current administration for the past two years. It took the conservative right and their magnificent leadership 8 years to bankrupt the country and then they wanted to blame it all on the last 2 years of that administration for all the problems (you know the two years that they didn't control congress). Days after the Obama administration takes office, the conservatives have transferred all responsibility on to the new administration and criticise why it hasn't been corrected yet, citing Obama's lack of experience for not immediately solving all the problems and refusing to offer any support for the programs proposed to help correct the crisis they caused. I know my knowledge of how government works must be far inferior to yours, knowing that you were employed by the government for quite a few years. I believe the part you were employed by worked like this: They told you what to do and you did it. How can you top an educational background on the workings of government that's better than that. All I got was 16 years of education and 43 years of working for a paycheck and I never got to go to Maui.
BigE 2 years, 5 months ago
James and Behan- Bravo! Thank you for displaying the mature, rational, fact-based, intelligent banter that shows for once and for all why America will be great again. Your leadership and examples make me proud to call you fellow citizens. When Brazil, Russia, India, and China decide to take us out economically, I will be comforted knowing that you are there by my side.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
I agree with CJ11 and dustyrhoades
fugitiveguy 2 years, 5 months ago
"But I felt so odd because they mostly asked me my opinion/beliefs on a lot of topics as if some of my "smarts" might rub off on them....like they were just totally UNABLE to GRASP KNOWLEDGE!"
Which is precisely why I (and likely many others) engage you from time to time.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
ChiefHammer says... @moonchild And as for Obama the community organizer and 1 year Senator he has proven to be a total failure so what is your point
Perhaps we as Americans need new faces in Washington as opposed to the do nothing grid locking John Bone-r dogs. Where were all you bellyaching conservatives when billions were being spent on Star Wars ~ $500. Hammers ~ $3000. toilet seats ~ a million dollars for space ink pens that would write upside down ~ Alaskan bridge to no-where ~ million dollar airports with only a Congressman flying in two times a year! Chief have you not ever heard of pork barrel politics? It’s wasteful spending by Congress.
What about the worthless paper now known as toxic paper that was being traded by Wall Street Brokerage Houses by un-regulated Hedgefunds?
That crippled our economy - that Bush left on Obama's plate ~ an economy on the brink of total failure/collapse ~ something not even China would do to the American People - Bush did! Why didn't you conservatives step up to the plate and encourage Dubba to let his regulators do their jobs ~ perhaps had Obama had the surplus left to Bush, his administration wouldn't be targeted by mindless soothsayers like you.
What part doesn't some of you understand that Bush left us in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression? There hasn’t been this many American citizens out of work since the Great Depression. Now John Bone-r wants to put over 2 million families out on the street, and cut social services. In the words of Ross Perot, that huge sucking sound is our jobs going across our borders. Didn’t John Bone-r support that trade arrangement called NAFTA?
Perhaps "hot-body" Palin can be given the same problems, if she wins in 2014. Then let's see who bears the responsibility for a crappy economy! Blame it all on Obama while millions are starving thanks to a Republican Senate – the do nothings. BTW: did you hear the open mic by one of the new Senators that it is all rigged…very well spoken….
None 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman=> give me a break ~ and Bush was a what? A weekend pilot who flew enough to get his ratings! Didn’t Texas politics and Daddy have something to do with his military career and lack thereof? And wasn't he the Great Leader who stood on an aircraft carrier deck after 9/11 and was quoted as say, "Job well done, mission accomplished?" and dumped the entire mess he created on President Obama’s lap? I think so. And wasn't he the Commander-in-Chief with all his military experience, who invaded Iraq looking for those pseudo-weapons of mass destruction? Even his political spin machine couldn’t cover that one up ~ but we are still paying billions’ a year now on Obama’s watch. Why not blame Bushes poor judgment on Obama? He’s getting credit for the rest of Dubba’s brain-farts.
BigE 2 years, 5 months ago
Guess I need to add the :P symbol the next time I type sarcasm.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Big E => try this one ¿[;-) for logical thinkers who present in-your-face facts as opposed to keyboard magic that elementary students consider factual information, or political grandstanding.
Sally244 2 years, 5 months ago
Great article Dusty.
This is hysterical reading, and if our little community represents the rest of the country you'd think we were in a cyber civil war of name calling. Or at least a good fight on the playground. Is anything ever going to get done or is everyone just going to dig their heels in and be so stubborn that nothing will change.
Obviously I'm a liberal and don't really care if someone is religious, agnostic, gay, straight, for or against abortion. All I know is that none of these things should be brought into our politics. There are so many things that this country needs to do, all these issues are just getting in the way.
marathonman 2 years, 5 months ago
D.R. says: "A sane policy for fighting terrorism that guaranteed that terrorist criminals would face trials and that respected the Bill of Rights? " It is not a great article. It confuses those who read the print media for guidance. Tongue in cheek is great at a cocktail party, not in the print media. Terrorists: If you believe you are on solid ground to say these things in the print media and you give us your name so that we know it is you, tell of your background that gives you rights beyond the constitution - which Liberals believe is dated - to say something as egregious as this quote. Terrorists are just that no different than recidivist criminals and for whom a trial is a joke. "Tort law is almost a joke today with plea bargains intended to give all involved a win to continue to justify their roles in juris prudence". I have no background in law. I have quite an extensive background in fighting terrorists all around the world. Now its your turn D.R.
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
And just what names do you call the GOP Leadership who are threatening to BLOCK all Dems legislation until the tax cuts for the rich are extended? I can't write the words here but they are more than appropriate for them.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman says... "Obama has No leadership qualities or traits."
And you have the mordacity to say Dubha did? Let's not forget the last boo haw for the Texas Oil Cartel before leaving office ~ five dollars a gallon for fuel! Nice retirement plan and Halliburton who provided all the fuel for Bushes two wars…change subjects all you want, the topic of Bush being one of the stupidest Presidents this nation has ever seen remains a fact.
You left out the part about the letter being circulated by repubs' to vote against any proposals from the White House...new faces same ole rhetoric; party of no except when it comes to Billionaires tax breaks and IRS loopholes.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Met with Lindsey Morris from Howard Cobles office today at the Southern Pines Police department. A truely brilliant lady, who took notes to share with Congressman Coble. I suggested that she may consider running next time...much younger and has mobility.
Sadly - I am of the opinion, the old republican party of NO is engrained in Howards' feeble mind and changing his votes is akin to raising the dead....
Mrs. Morris didn't say that ~ I just did.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
BTW: I did propose that Mrs. Morris share with the good Congressman, the new Republican Plan by Bone'r and McConnell for the Kavorkian Health Care Solution for the poor, unemployed, and those who are without quality health care. Then only the wealthy will be left to run the country...can't wait when they have to wait on customers at Wal Mart....
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman: Guess you use that moniker because it sounds cooler than Molokaiman. If the military are not government employees, who pays you? I know, we all feel like our jobs are important and the world couldn't do without us. My job helped provide you with the tools to do your job. We all are capable of determining what makes a great leader and it's not the same for everyone. Hitler had an entire country believing in his goals. Was he a great leader? Jim Jones convinced all his followers to drink the kool aid. Was that being a great leader? Were JFK or Reagan great leaders? Was the commanding officer who convinced his men to march into battle and almost certain death a great leader? Is the President of a country who wants all of its citizens to have basic health care a great leader? Are the heads of corporations who pull jobs out of their home country so that profits increase and bonuses increase a great leader? I guess the answers lie on what side of the fence you are sitting and how these things effect you. And speaking of how things effect you, I can only conclude that you spent 30 years in the military because you enjoyed the overall experience and there were more "upsides" than "downsides".
MooreNorth 2 years, 5 months ago
I'm removing my comment before the site staff does it for me.
marathonman 2 years, 5 months ago
MC7 - " BLOCK all Dems legislation until the tax cuts for the rich are extended.." Well, the Dems want to legalize all illegal immigrants,(Dream Act), not good for our country. Just this one Liberal item is enough for the Reps to shut down the government. It is so egregious. Secondly, and I hate to repeat myself, tax cuts cause folks to take chances, small business, in order to make money. That is how a free enterprise system works. Taxing those who achieve kills the country; those who achieve create the wealth which gives jobs, gives money for those who wish a loan, gives money to charity - where there are many jobs now and would be lost should you Libs get your wish to tax those who provide that money - gives money as venture capital to small businesses. On and on, I could go but you Libs hate those who achieve so bad that you would will the country to failure so that you can feel better about yourselves. Finally, Obama is not who you think he is. He is not anyone who cares about you, only about his mission which is as the puppet of those who would overthrow the greatest country on earth!
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
"Taxing those who achieve kills the country": Where in this world did you come up with that one? Our tax rate was very high during the most active and succesful economic time of our history(the 40's-60's). These lies continue to make "the people" out there think that the rich still need a tax break; NOT so that they can flow that money into our economy but to hoard it into their Trust Accounts for a "Rainy Day". That "Rainy Day" has NOTHING to do with moving this country forward either but has more to do with having extremely expensive GRANITE COUNTERTOPS put in their remodeled cook's kitchen and having a handmade cedar shake, DOGGIE HOUSE built for their pampered pooch. While that keeps the Carpenters and Tile Makers still working, those home improvements mostly only improve their bottom-line and NOT Americas.
JER 2 years, 5 months ago
mauiman: You are certainly entitled to your opinion on President Obama. If you feel that style trumps substance, that is your choice. I am facinated in your reaction to being called a government employee. Is it a case of wanting to distance yourself from the dreaded word "government"?
listenup 2 years, 5 months ago
There is a simple blanket term for both all conservatives and all liberals: SORE LOSERS. Both sides need to realize that at one time or another, your side will not win. Grow up and handle it.
Here is how it works folks...every 4 years we have an election, at that time one person becomes the president. One election your guy may win, the other time the other side's guy may win. If the country votes somebody in THEY ARE YOUR PRESIDENT. Support them until your next chance to change the person in office.
Every time the power switches sides after the country chooses a winner the other side whines and whines until they win the next time. The loosing side calls the winner "unfit" or awful and says "he is not MY president, so I will not support him"...then when their guy wins, the same people yell at the other side for saying the same thing, but this time say "you are not supporting your president??, that's un-american".
You are all sore loosers. Both sides.
Liberals: George W. won the election twice, he was our president, that is in the past, whatever he did then that you did not like, it's time to get over it.
Conservatives: Obama won. He is your current president, be an American and support your duly elected leader, you will have a chance to change the roster in 2 more years.
Everybody quit the whining and be ready to vote, it is the only thing that matters. The majority will be in control, it's our system so get used to it.
We as a county have an embarrassingly low voting rate, and an even more embarrassingly high complaining rate.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
None 2 years, 5 months ago
Correction:"we [were] handed to me"
marathonman 2 years, 5 months ago
MC7 - where do you think those rich folks keep their money, in jars, in a hole in the back yard, in the basement under a stone!?!?!? And if they do have upgraded stuff in their homes, did not someone make those things, did not someone install those things, did not someone think of how to make those things, did not someone advertise those things....your hate and venom just spilled over and engulfed you. No, without those who have achieved and continue to do so, we are not exchanging ideas and opinions here today. Take it away and give it to the government, such as has been done in the USSR, Cuba, China, Venezuela, etc.... and soon you have nothing and we are not having this conversation.
hardluck21006 2 years, 5 months ago
TODA: "What part doesn't some of you understand that Bush left us in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression? There hasn’t been this many American citizens out of work since the Great Depression" You have got to be kidding me. I guess you were tokening on the big one during the 70's when Carter was pres. You must not remember 21% unemployment, inflation thru the roof, gas shortage. Maybe it was I that was dreaming all of that while I unemployed. NAFTA was signed by buddy Bill. man, I am still dreaming. Now I am dreaming that I heard that Hussain kicked all the weapons inspectors out during the Clinton administration and that the UN did nothing about their resolutions. Man someone wake me in 2 years when this nightmare ends. Tks
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
Everyone in America is supposed to have the opportunity to "Get Rich" if they want to "Get Rich". I have absolutely no feelings or beliefs that disagree with that and I have said so many, many times in these postings. But you marathonman seem to NOT UNDERSTAND my statements to that effect. Others who agree with you, you can understand but NOT me. WHY? Because I believe in having a more even playing field when it comes to the opportunities for everyone to "GET RICH"? How do you think George W. Bush got into Yale and Harvard? Because he was smart?! NO, because Daddy was rich and paid those schools off! Someone out there who was probably very, very smart but not so wealthy got BUMPED into having to attend a less expensive college. Anyone who gets to put those colleges on their resume "goes to the top of the list" no matter. My son with two degrees from State and City Universities is seeing it first hand. He's working his way up in his field in a very tough place(NYC)but has noticed quite often how those IVY LEAGERS get "chosen" simply because of having gone to one of those schools. Actual "smarts" not even considered. He's making it and is still doing very well none the less(Three promotions in 2 yrs). I do feel a little bad because he just didn't have parents rich enough to be able to give him college bribe money to get him into Harvard. I've had a great professional career with a good salary but never aimed to get rich. My son says he wants to be rich and I tell him thats fine. I know that life is not totally fair but if it could be it should at least be here in America .
None 2 years, 5 months ago
hardluck21006 says..."I guess you were tokening on the big one during the 70's" ~ funny man you still must be on a purple micro-dot trip since you are now in 2010 and Bush just dumped a load two years ago on Obama!
Carter was one of those as well...Not defending him at all. Move forward or shall we discuss Harry S. Truman?
None 2 years, 5 months ago
ChiefHammer says... Toda as is in Dusty Rhoades use of the term Tea Bagger was obscene your constant reference to Congresman [Congressman] Boehner as Bone'r is right at that level also
DR Jr. and I differ on opinions ever so oftan - like on Lane Carters Gold Bar Hilton and TPo3 on a bankruptcy spending spree that makes Washington quiver.
And every time I referred to Tea baggers, Mother Teresa of The Pilot removed my efforts to express freedom of speech.
Aw yes ~ Ohio Congressman John Boehner - let's sound it out: B - long O - h - ner. Bone'r! That guy and Glenn the "nut case" Beck are one in the same. Have you heard the latest Chief, Bone'r wants to borrow several Billion from the Chinese so Congress can give the Gates ~ Buffet's ~ Murdock’s...a tax break! Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have said publicly they are more than willing to pay more taxes because they can afford it and contribute to our ailing economy.
But Bone'r isn't having any of that...We need more Chinese money! While the unemployed can move into the streets, become candidates for the Republican health care bill “Kevorkian Health Care Solution” while Mauiman gets his free health care courteousy of the American Taxpayer down at Fort Bragg. Less tax on food at the PBX… while we pay out the bottom in taxes here in Poorer County.
And the whinny TEA – DEE’s party isn't lining up at the post office to send their Medicare cards back to Social Security. Just visit one of the local Doctors’ Offices or Pharmacies and see the golf attired whip out those freebie government cards...need a few extra Washington’s’ for drinks with golfing buddies at the club house....Well ~ Repubs’ got what they wanted – total gridlock and the former family earners are broke and destitute, out of work, no medical care, schools in a crisis next year, services to those who need them the most, some of you can thank the wealthy Republicans ~ can you say Indiana style voting?
None 2 years, 5 months ago
ChiefHammer says... Oh - by the way ~ MT of The Pilot did remove my whimsical satire when I equate Bone'r with an imagined visual image of a phallic symbol ~ you know like ancient Greek Art in the Romanesque Period. They had them hanging and standing everywhere…the art works that is….
moonchild7 2 years, 5 months ago
I absolutley believe in affirmative action. The "Playing Field" had sorta favored WHITE MEN for such a long time(forever)that no one else could get into the GOOD SCHOOLS. That "Life's Not Fair" idiom for people wanting to go to college who never could, was struck down by a court to at least declare, "We're gonna make it more fair when it comes to allowing some of those who would never get to go to college to now be able to go." Did Daddy Bush have to use the Affirmative "Palm Greasing" Action to get George out of the house and up to New Haven?....then Boston? My son was able to attend college, he didn't have any obstacles preventing him from going and he's overcoming the lack of an Ivy League reference on his resume. No one should be prevented from attending college if they want to and are able to make the grades. If life was "FAIR" George would have been lucky to have gotten into Texas U.
Todo 2 years, 5 months ago
LOL...Dusty...great article! I am a conservative, but you are always fair and have a sharp sense of humor,even though I disagree with most of your viewpoints. You are close to a master in the art of stirring! That's what sells papers!
All the concern over Palin matters not. I am not supposed to give away secrets, but here's a tip...The GOP has a foolproof plan to rid the country of most liberals anyway. 2 months before the next election, we are going to hide all the food stamps under workboots . They will never find them and starve! Yes, it is drastic, but it will work. There...now you will have to rely on the working people to win the election. I bid to you, there may not be enough left.
Todo 2 years, 5 months ago
Are we in Kansas?