Posted on Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:01 a.m.
Let's help the far right run the Republican Party off a cliff - vote for Santorum in Michigan's GOP primary
By Letters to the Editor
First: eight years of Republican lies and hypocrisy under Bush and Tom Delay.
Now: four years of GOP dedication to shooting down Obama, no matter how many Americans are caught in the "friendly fire."
That's it. I've had it. I've declared war on the GOP. I'm joining "Operation Hilarity" (Google it), Democrats voting for Santorum in the Michigan Feb 28 primary.
Santorum can't beat Obama. The far right is running the Republican party... off a cliff. So let's give them an extra push.
Charles Roth
Ann Arbor
Comments
Richard C
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
In the 2008 primaries, I voted for McCain because I saw him as being the best of the Republican candidates (this was before his insane VP pick) - AND because it was clear that the state Democrats has bollixed up the primary process and made whatever vote I cast there meaningless. For these primaries - all of the GOP candidates are frankly too scary to consider. Sure, voting in the Democrat primary elections will be nearly as meaningless as 2008 - but it will be my (small) part in showing support for President Obama (or at least revulsion at the GOP alternatives.) The Republicans are trying to lead us into war with Iran, and would gut our economy with their mix of austerity, tax cuts for the rich, and financial enslavement of the 99%. If Romney wasn't running away from his record as a moderate Republican, I might consider voting in the Republican primary - but he's clearly trying to accommodate the craziness in the GOP far too much, and so I'm spared any guilt I might feel over crossing the line - as I won't be doing that.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
@ Craig Lounsbury: true, it's become a matter of voting for the lesser of two evils. There's GOT to be a fix for this and the answer involves holding any political party liable for any distortions, untruths or slanders its candidates put forth. BUT - meanwhile, independents are the ones who're really on the war path against the Republicans. Consider: it was ALL Republican government officials who were involved in allowing the real estate, banking and financial industries to perpetrate the fraud which collapsed the entire world economy - AND -protected the perpetrators from prosecution - AND- then made tax payers succumb to an additional trillion dollars in govt. debt. Now if that doesn't DEFINE evil, what does? No Democrat administration has EVER done anything nearly so damaging. Charles Roth is probably right: the only way to go now is to "help" the Republicans self destruct. But there's huge risk involved: G.W. Bush got elected TWICE, even though there were clear signs he was on the road to serious trouble for us. And - many people are still insanely fond of and supporting Sarah Palin - despite her constant - and obvious - appeal to non-thinking "principle" and output of verbal and mental gaffs. So - if someone like Santorum does get the support of the Republican Party for presidential candidate: he could conceivably end up sending us ALL over ANOTHER CLIff.
firstfolio
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
It's so nice that you are all at home composing this so I don't have to hear it at the pub. Really.
Richard Wickboldt
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : midnight
There have been both Republican and Democratic presidents and congress for the past 60 years. During that time both the left (Gulf of Tonkin) and the right (Iraq MADs) lied to us and took us into a long war. Killing many people and helped put us in debt now totaling close to $16 Trillion dollars which equates to approximately the lifetime (40 years) earnings of 7,100,000 workers (families). Please note that is a lifetime of earnings! Yes the Republican conservative extreme right is very scary. So is the Democratic liberal progressive left. Many Ann Arborites just need to look in the mirror. Both left and right seem to have forgotten their education concerning the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Our foundation and law of the land. So as such I will be pulling the lever for Ron Paul come Tuesday. Based upon today's Santorum comments on college education. Proves he is a lunatic. However never forget history. Read and understand the story of Germany and Hitler. Lunatics do come to power!
pearlgirl
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
Daily Kos calls for cancellation of "Operation Hilarity". See <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/16/1065267/-Markos-please-cancel-Operation-Hilarity-" rel='nofollow'>http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/16/1065267/-Markos-please-cancel-Operation-Hilarity-</a> If someone jumps off the bridge of ethics and integrity will you follow? Don't stoop so low. The excess of power and greed is already destroying corporations. Citizens United will be overturned because it is unjust. I prefer to have faith in my fellow Americans who will always believe that truth, justice and freedom is the American way.
Denise
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 6:59 a.m.
For those liberals that wish to vote in the Republican primary [as well as those GOP that would do the same], you are those people that are ruining this country. Both parties have a system set up to pick our own candidates, and it is supposed to be an HONOR system. Skewing the votes in either party's primaries is about as low as you can go, and yet you call yourselves patriotic Americans? Give me a break ... as far as I am concerned this is equivalent to committing voter fraud. Each voting citizen should have the self respect inside themselves to do what is morally correct. And actually, this may be the biggest problem this country is now facing .... lack of morality. Time to grow up and act like adults instead of like spoiled children that aren't getting their way.
grimmk
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 5:21 a.m.
I like it. Short and sweet. But I'll abstain from voting for that lunatic. See, Republicans? Abstinence works!
bedrog
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.
very cute.
maallen
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 5:04 a.m.
Now that you mentioned it Shepard145, I do find it interesting that the media has been quiet about Obama and 5 more years in the White House comment. "President Obama pressed with confidence about his future at the White House saying, "I've got another five years coming up," when asked why he hasn't passed immigration reform in a radio interview Wednesday with Univision." "The president later echoed the five-year line at a fundraiser in Miami Thursday evening, saying "[I]'m not done yet. I need five more years. We need five more years to reform an immigration system that doesn't work and make sure that we are a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants," he said." Obama also denied in the Univision interview any notion that he didn't follow through on a promise for immigration reform, "I would have only broken my promise if I hadn't tried. But ultimately, I'm one man. You know, we live in a democracy. We don't live in a monarchy. I'm not the king. I'm the president."
greg, too
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:59 a.m.
We really do not win in the current system, no matter which party wins. Until we get a viable third and/or fourth party, we will just keep getting the same crooks in Congress, state office, and the White House. The only difference is their chosen tie color.
shepard145
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:36 a.m.
Interesting that the left wing haters dedicated their vast free time dissecting ever syllable spoken by President George W Bush, our last qualified President, but are numbly silent when it comes to the vast and frequent failures of their hero obama. But we do feel sorry for you obama drones - it must be tough to wake up every day around noon and face another day of job killing, democrat green party eco fraud central planning socialism, hiding from those who might question your rationality. ...unless you're getting a check paid for by those of us still working and the Chinese ... yaaa, change! LOL Winning!! LOL
mavfunn
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 6:03 a.m.
You must not be listening because the sharpest Obama criticisms (coming from those who criticize the actual Obama, not the fantasy version) are from progressives and liberal Democrats. You criticize a mythical Obama created by conservative echo chamber media. Why is this "Obama" who is such a left-wing extremist, green environmentalist, socialist, job-killer, terrorist-appeaser, god-hater so disliked by liberals/progressives?? The answer is because the portrait you paint of Obama in your post is so far divorced from reality. There are legitimate, crucial, significant criticisms to be made of the Obama administration, and tellingly, you cannot even identify an actual reason that isn't make-believe.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 4:32 a.m.
Yep, and just two days ago, Dingell declared that the Republicans were the cause of all the divisiveness. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/john-dingell-this-place-is-about-as-poisonous-as-ive-ever-seen-it-in-my-career/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/john-dingell-this-place-is-about-as-poisonous-as-ive-ever-seen-it-in-my-career/</a> Maybe he needs to read this well thought out and very intellectual piece by Mr. Charles Roth, as well as all the comments from the residents of the country's smartest city.
NoSUVforMe
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:57 a.m.
Beware of politicians waving a flag or declaring religious superiority. Seems like there was a man in Germany doing the same. My recollection is that it didn't work out too well. Besides, didn't greed used to be a sin? Seems like the GOP turn greed into a path to heaven! In the GOP's view, heaven is full of billionaires, while honest, hard working union workers are doomed to spend eternity with satin.
Mitch Smith
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
I got no one to vote for I see all of the as spend thrifts.
baitm
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.
glad to hear others have the same idea. republicans have played a mean spirited scorched earth policy in this state for too long. they have made war on teachers , taxed seniors , and rooted for americans to fail. all because republicans want the presidency. well, people can still taste that bush presidency. yeah theone that tanked the economy and blamed eveyone but the greedy wallstreet bankers which got bailed with no reforms. no, working americans are not to blame for the economy. taking away any chance for repubs to win the presidency is my pleasure!
DonBee
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
The scary thing is that President Obama had NO CHANCE against Hilary Clinton and absolutely no chance against John McCain. Some Republicans decided to help President Obama in the primaries in the last election cycle. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Those of you who vote for Santorum in the primary, had better be ready to have him in the White House for at least 4 years, because, you know it COULD HAPPEN if he is the candidate. You had best vote for who you can live with in the White House, because they may end up there. Right now, I want a "none of the above" choice on the ballot. None of these people in any party belong in the White House.
Steven Harper Piziks
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
I love it! The Republicans did the same thing by getting Geoffrey Fieger to run against Engler, so now the Democrats can turn the tables!
A2James
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.
The GOP race is comedy (dark comedy?) at its finest! Romney is King Flip-Flopper who isn't worthy of his father's gubernatorial successes, Gingrich is clinging to a not very impressive past as Speaker Of The House, Santorum is not presidential material, and Ron Paul is too erratic, despite his consistency on certain issues. We need a legitimate three-party system in the country more than ever, instead of getting the same rhetoric. What happened to REAL moderates? I would truly side with Republicans if they concentrated on economic reform and didn't concentrate on issues that have no business whatsoever in big government, such as curtailing liberties to satisfy other people's personal beliefs...
Roadman
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
In 1980, the moderate George H.W. Bush was defeated by the conservative Ronald Reagan in the primaries . Reagan pummeled incumbent Jimmy Carter in 1980 and took 49 of 50 states in 1984. Do not believe Santorum will be a pushover of he gets the GOP nomination.
bedrog
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:51 p.m.
Do you mean the reagan who out -machoed milquetoast carter about the iranian hostage crisis and then sold guns to the ayatollahs .??..or who invaded lebanon to put down hizbollah and then cut and ran after a suicide attack ?? that one?? Anyway...if santorum does get the nomination ( possible) and then wins the presidency ( impossible, short of an epidemic of lobotomies) , the U.s will effectively have become "iran west" ( although with a slightly different flavor of fanatic bigotry)...which will probably be just fine with you given the company you keep. But i'm not losing sleep over that happening.
katmando
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.
75% of the deficit came about when Republicans held the White house and at least one house of congress, the healthcare plan they call Obama care is 60% Republican ideas from the 80s and 90s, a big reason that Obama, they don't tell you that one reason Obama's budget the first was so much more than Bushs was that he added the cost of the 2 wars, bust didn't count that cost into his budgets.
katmando
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
The far should be called the American Taliban they love shoving their brand of religous belief down the Americans throats and call it freedom of religion.
rulieg
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
yeah, how dare those Catholics say they don't want to provide FREE birth control for everyone? what, like it's a sin or something? oh wait...
bedrog
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
katmando: the far what??? you've left us hanging!! Actually both the far left ( and there are those , like the GREENS, way lefter than the Democratic party) and the far right ( which is most of the republican party nowadays ) are both taliban-like so youve got it covered either way.
Peter
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
I would expect nothing less from an Ann Arbor Liberal...
Steven Harper Piziks
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
Why, thank you!
Chase Ingersoll
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
Democrats and Republicans - Rhetoric and Reality: <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=wGtJ66o3EyIC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false" rel='nofollow'>http://books.google.com/books?id=wGtJ66o3EyIC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false</a> This text references 100's of studies on the differences between Republicans and Democrats, including but not limited to basic political knowledge, income levels, marriage rates, wedlock birth rates, church attendance, smoking rates, health, etc. Statistically the differences are significant and can only lead one to conclude that political divide is not the cause of, but is rather a result of significant cultural differences. Chase Ingersoll
Bcar
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
didnt obama have 2 years with democrats in control of both houses, and the oval office? sure did get a lot done in those two years... but I guess its easier to blame someone else...
rulieg
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
you know what I find interesting? Obama always whines about how he "inherited" the bad economy from Bush. but do you ever hear him mention that he also "inherited" the intel apparatus that allowed him to get Osama bin Laden? not so much.
Arborcomment
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
Shut, don't forget Obamacare. He also said something along the lines of if he can't fix the economy in three years, he'd be a one term President.
katmando
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
he didn't have a filibuster proof senate like Bush did 96 so far in 3 years which more than the last 40 years combined!
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Actually he did. He helped stabalize our economy and the auto industry...amongst other things
L. C. Burgundy
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Publishing this kind of bland partisan political cheerleading really is beneath annarbor.com.
Mitch Smith
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
It should be, but it is the same old story.
justcurious
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:31 a.m.
It should be, but isn't. It's right up there with the dog hating reporter they used to have.
Bryan
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
Wait....What are Conservatives smoking? I keep waiting for someone to say the GOP stance on women's health, general healthcare, tax policy, economic policy, foreign policy, etc is just one big joke. But they are serious! This opinion piece is WAY short on facts but a couple things are clear. 1) The GOP wants to forget ANY history whatsoever. Well my question is: If it took 8 years to destroy an economy, evaporate a surplus, and plunge our country into debt and depression, how many years should it take to get us out and why do YOU really think a Republican President would have done things any faster? 2) The GOP is lucky Democrats don't practice the brand of politics that the Republican Party employs. If so, Democrats would be accusing the Republicans of trying to return us to the 1950s: No more Healthcare, no more reproductive rights for women and what's next? No more Civil Rights?! Sure, that's ridiculous but it's grounded in a lot more truth than the GOP spouts on cable news DAILY.
rulieg
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
1) how can you say the GOP wants to forget history? I thought the whole party was mired in the old white guy past! 2) you apparently don't ever a) listen to liberal politicians, b) read any political news articles on huffpo or the Nation or similar places, or c) ever listen to pundits and politicos on MSBC or CNN. because this is *precisely* what they are saying: "accusing the Republicans of trying to return us to the 1950s: No more Healthcare, no more reproductive rights for women and what's next? No more Civil Rights". I don't think it's going to fly. people know better than that, despite the best efforts of the MSM to spin it for Obama.
A2transplant
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
Hey, here's a crazy idea: Let's vote for the individual that best represents our personal viewpoints. Oh, right...OUR guy/gal would never win. So, let's just be "realistic" and settle for less. Looks like we did...no wonder the pickings are so slim. Here's our bed, time to lay in it.
Jimbo
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
I did this in 2008 and voted for Obama thinking nobody was dumb enough to elect this empty suit to the oval office. Oops!
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Then you must NOT be registered in Michigan to vote...cuz President Obama wasn't on the primary ballot due to us having an early primary...HMMMM
scott
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
This is the worst thing I've ever read ever. That said, I agree 100%.....
pest
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
This isn't an opinion piece - it's hate mail.
Martin Church
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
Becareful of what you wish for. it may turn a round and kick you in the gulut. I personally liked Cain, but the media did him in. and I like Palin and Bachman, but again the media did them in before I could vote. Now I am down to a crazy man, an old foggy and two people the media just love. where are the choices I had a few months ago. the Liberal media killed them off and still have to vet the other parties. and I am still waiting to see who will run for congress. go ahead and Vote for Santorum. You will be joining me in chosing the better of the big 4, and then in November we will retire this current batch of senators and do nothing members of the house. Remember so fat the house has passed three budgets, the Senate has not passed a budget in the last three years almost 4 and the preseident still has nothing to sign. even his last budget had no cuts except in the increase in spending. Unlike my personal budget that has had a 25% cut in spending to match my 30% percent cut in wages.
mavfunn
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
There isn't a "Liberal media" to blame for vacuous, ignorant candidates being exposed as vacuous, ignorant candidates by their own words and actions. Apparently they can't be held accountable for their own idiocy.
Arborcomment
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
Sparty, if the agreement negates the need for a 2012 and 2013 budget being submitted, then why did Obama submit his, and why is the house working on theirs? You need to quit reading Reid's excuse/talking points.
Sparty
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Actually several trillion dollars have been cut from the deficit under the budget outline passed for 2012 and 2013 by the Congress and signed by the President. Yes, this negates the need for a formal budget to be approved for either year as spending targets have already been set and approved. Your facts are outdated, better ask Fox News to update their talking points.
Jacob Bodnar
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
I actually find it pretty laughable that AnnArbor.com even published this. No facts, no real argument, no real opinion. I mean seriously, this is what passes as a letter to the editor nowadays?
justcurious
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
Unfortunately, I am not surprised in the least. They don't operate like a real news organization at times. I guess they are showing their "liberalness", or something.
G. Orwell
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.
Dear Mr. Roth, The fact is, Democrats = Republics. Like most people, you have been fooled into believing Democrats and Republics oppose one another to give the impression you have representation. This duopoly is also used to divide and conquer. Even though Bush and Obama's policies of war, torture, and support for banks and lobbyists are the same, you embrace Obama and despise Bush. Only person that is the anti-corrupt establishment is Ron Paul. The only anti-war, anti-big bank, pro-Constitution candidate. That is why he is hated by both the Democrats and Republicans. Particularly the neo-cons.
bedrog
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:47 p.m.
see mine to craig lounsbury above. It goes double for Paul...every bit as bad as santorum , but for different reality- opposed reasons.
genetracy
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
More left wing hate speech.
genetracy
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.
The left has always considered anyone who disagrees with them as a racist. homophobe, sexist, etc. There is never meaningful dialogue with anyone from the left.
Donald Martin
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
Far, far outdone on an almost daily basis by right wing hate speech.
Andy Price
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.
Wow. The bar for "hate speech" has gotten really low.
genetracy
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
Hillary would have been a better president.
bhall
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
So what was Rush Limbaugh's diatribe four years ago trying to get ditto heads to vote for Hillary late in the primary season to drag it out for Obama? Hhhmmmm. Me thinks thou protests too much!
Brad
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
Something else to keep in mind - if you vote in the primary it will become a matter of PUBLIC record. Anybody so inclined could look that up and may not appreciate that the vote you cast for Santorum was "strategic" rather than simply "insane". Like a future employer, for example. I sure wouldn't want my "permanent record" stained with Santorum.
Brad
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
My bad - you're right, it's only the party. Making it only slighly less of a stain.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
More "qaulity facts" from the posters at AA.com. Really? WHO you vote for is a matter of public record? Really? Might want to check that factoid, maybe it's just the party you vote for.
Top Cat
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
Now here is a line of thinking that would make Jefferson and Madison proud of the citizens of the Republic they worked so hard to create.
C. S. Gass
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
You know, an opinion piece shouldn't consist solely of opinions. You are 'allowed' to have facts in them. You might remember that next time you put crayon to construction paper, Mr. Roth. There is only one choice for America's survival. Ron Paul. Sure Santorum is nuts. He's about pushing a radical religious agenda down the throats of US citizens. Obama is exactly the same, but with a radical atheist agenda. And before someone goes off on separation of church and state (which isn't in the Constitution, by the way), I'd say this: The US Constitution Protects freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion. So I could tolerate Santorum over Obama, but not by much. Romney and Obama are both liberals/progressives and thus opponents of personal freedom. Gingrich, well, he might be better, slightly, than Santorum and Romney, but he's no Paul. Paul is the only one who has a grasp on the financial cliff we are, as a nation, about to leap from and that, is going to end us all. Religious zealotry notwithstanding.
1bit
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.
jean: I think your assessment is spot on. Huntsman would beat Obama in a general election. Unfortunately, he was much too sane to be nominated by his own party.e
mavfunn
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
"Obama is exactly the same, but with a radical atheist agenda." It's hard not to lol at that one. I guess it's another opinion that decided to neglect facts.... It's easy to come up with good reasons to support Ron Paul. That support gets tarnished by people making wildly inaccurate manipulations such as the one quoted. "The US Constitution Protects freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion." You cannot reasonably have one without the other. Maybe it doesn't seem obvious at first, but it's worth some contemplation rather than merely recycling garbage talking points.
jeanarrett
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
"Paul is the only one who has a grasp on the financial cliff we are, as a nation, about to leap from and that, is going to end us all. Religious zealotry notwithstanding." No, actually, that was Huntsman, but no one gave him a chance.
bhall
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.
My god, I'm shocked, shocked really, to see an opinion piece containing opinions. Usually when I watch Faux News it's opinions labled as news. So bravo to AnnArbor.com!
mun
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
Careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
Technojunkie
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
Yeah, because what we need is 4 more years of $1+ Trillion deficits. And letting Democrat Jon Corzine walk away after stealing over a $billion from his clients. Ever larger Wall Street bailouts. And getting involved in even more wars (Libya, more soon). Look, if you really want to scare the crap out of the Establishment wings of both parties could you at least vote for Ron Paul?
hank
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
Voting for Paul is like getting a absentee ballot and then stuffing it in the trash.
aawolve
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
You honestly believe that republicans would give less to Wall St, and keep us out of war? These are goals they don't even pretend to be interested in, you haven't been watching your Fox.
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
........whatever.....
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Bin Laden is dead. GM is alive. Obama 2012
justcurious
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
hear, hear!
bunnyabbot
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
This is an example of people having no morals. Regardless of what others are doing or saying or what you perceive them as doing or saying or what you are upset about the government is doing or saying. Personal morals should still be everyones goal to have. Saddly it isn't. Vote for who you want to win because you want them to be in office, not in some sad attempt to mess things up out of your hatred or ignorance or prejudices. Forget that other people might do it. Or just be a lemur.
rulieg
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
what I find sad is the visceral hatred of the liberals on this board. they don't just disagree with the Republican candidates, they despise them. as people. you get the sense that they would spit in their faces if they encountered any of the candidates. the libs say vile things about the Republicans, impugn them in every way, call them names, accuse them of saying wacky things they never said. and most of all, the liberals enjoy making fun of their faith. fortunately, that's safe; they're all Christians, and everyone knows that you can say the most disgusting things about Christians and they won't behead you or burn your house down or anything. we all like to talk about how "the parties are both the same"--well in this aspect, they're not. the Republicans think the Democrats are wrong; the Democrats think the Republicans are evil. and we wonder why the country is so divided...
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
All is fair in love and war. So...since the Repubicans have turned this into an all out war against the President and the middle class...I'd have to say this is fair.
Sparty
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Santorum is friends with Satan isn't he? He says that Satan is doing this and Satan is doing that, so I thought they were friends ?
bunnyabbot
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
if everyone was choosing to do the right thing there would be no room for the Devil to squeeze in.
justcurious
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
Good post, I admit.
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Oh goody!!! Someone put this out there! I voted for Santorum yesterday via absentee ballot since I'll be out of town for the primary. I actually felt a little naughty walking out of there with my Cheeshire Grin. LOL!!!
Arborcomment
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
And still looking liekkio, WRAMC commander relived of duty in Feb 2007. Entire facility to be moved into Bethesda Naval Medical Center and new facility on Ft. Belvior Va. under the previously decided 2005 Base Realignment And Closure Commission recommendations.
Arborcomment
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
Let's see indeed liekkio, "Extricated our soldiers out of Iraq". He followed the exact timetable set out in the Iraqi Accords signed by Bush in 2008 - despite campaign assurances it would be sooner. "Set a schedule for withdrawal from Afghanistan". After a 30,000 troop surge. The Taliban really like the schedule being announced as well. "Finally got Osama bin Laden exterminated" - came up on his watch, years of work by the intelligence community. Credit for ordering the raid - but was the only option that met military and political criteria (a body and not rubble). How's GITMO?
Jake C
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
It is correct that Obama was not the one who pulled the trigger and killed Osama. Bravo to Seal Team 6. Yet, if Seal Team 6 had been all killed in some horrible booby trap, who would have gotten the blame for the botched operation? Yep, Obama would have. So Obama gets the blame if things go bad, yet gets no credit if things go right. Sounds about right for our current state of political animosity.
BC
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
@Greggy_D Obama called the shots on that one, and gave the go-ahead despite advice not to do so. I'd say he is very much responsible. Get your facts straight.
liekkio
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
At least both of the events really happened. G.W. Bush has the dubious honor of taking credit for something that didn't. "Mission accomplished", remember?
Greggy_D
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
Obama taking credit for finding bin Laden is like George H.W. Bush taking credit for the fall of the Berlin Wall. Neither man had ANYTHING to do with the outcome. They just happened to be President at the right time.
liekkio
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
"What has Obama done for the soldiers? " Let's see. Obama: - Extricated our soldiers out of Iraq (a $3 trillion war started by his predecessor under false pretenses) - Set a schedule for withdrawal from Afghanistan (you know, the place where soldiers get killed, and about 4-6 billions a month are spent with no tangible results to show for it; the second longest war in American history). - FINALLY got Osama bin Laden exterminated (on the "most wanted terrorists" list since 2001) - Had the scandalous conditions at WRAMC corrected - Pushed for Jobs Bill For Military Veterans
justcurious
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
I see you have a soldier as your icon. What has Obama done for the soldiers? Ask Ron Paul.
Brad
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
A "santorum-eating" grin perhaps?
smokeblwr
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
That would be like voting for Hitler in 1928 because you know....he'd NEVER beat my candidate in the final election.
1bit
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.
I don't care for Santorum, and honestly have used the word "despicable" a couple times lately regarding some of the things he has said and implied, but comparing him to Hitler is uncalled for. The analogy you used was a mistake. Use of these analogies by the right and left are misguided. It is common, though, in cyberspace and is called Godwin's law.
smokeblwr
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
I guess allz I was sayin' was be careful who you vote for.
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
Hitler was not a candidate for president of Germany in 1928. In fact Hitler never made it beyond the 35% point in the '32 presidential elections. A weak Hindenburg was talked into appointing Hitler as chancellor as part of a (soon to fail) coalition government. Hitler failed to secure power through democratic means.
TanMan
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
Great opinion piece. The only thing it was missing was, you know, facts and stuff.
David Briegel
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
I think the far right deserves to live under the theocracy they seem to desire. Think how much fun it will be for the Catholics, Baptists, Protestants and Mormon's, all religions of peace and love, tear each other apart as they argue over whose interpretation of the bible is the one that is the truth and the light!! Which version of heaven and hell shall we believe? And then at the end of 4 yrs of insanity, America can take it's rightful place as a world leader when sanity is restored!!
bedrog
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
David...we'd have to live here through their internecine crusades. No thanks...better to defeat them out of the gate.
liekkio
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
@ David. "And then at the end of 4 yrs of insanity, America can". You are quite an optimist.
Kafkaland
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
The thought of a wave of santorum, in every sense of the word, washing over the state and country is such a disgusting thought that I cannot do myself to do this. The Jello alternative is easier to stomach, if we actually have to swallow one of them come November.
David Briegel
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
great piece of writing. ( I mistyped writhing!)
robert bowman
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
Yep, this illustrates the level of hate the liberals posses. Obama's billion-dollar reelection machine is at it again. This time they are taking their deceptive attacks and "kill Romney" campaign to Michigan. With less than one week from the Republican primary, they have purchased $238,000 worth of air time to attack Mitt Romney. You read that right. That's $238,000 in negative attacks from President Obama's liberal allies aimed at voters in Michigan's Republican primary. And why are they desperately attempting to tip the scale in the Republican primary eight months before the general election? Because the last thing President Obama wants to do is run against Mitt Romney.
Donald Martin
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.
Hate is far from exclusive to "the liberals".
cmotdibbler
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
If these comments qualify as liberal "hate", I invite you to go over to Fox and pick a story, it really doesn't matter which one and read the comments since even a story about an animal attacking a child in Asia is somehow Obama's fault. There are people typing (in all caps) how liberals thinking people should be exterminated in most painful way possible. Somehow, crossing over to republican side doesn't compare.
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
Well I'll tell you Terry Bowman...the longer "8 months" these clowns beat each other up the better for "US".
Jake C
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:52 p.m.
Why should the Democrats bother to buy $238,000 worth of negative attack ads when the other Republican candidates' Super PACs have been spending far more than that on negative attack ads on each other?
David Briegel
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
We fear neither! But you guys really deserve Santorum!!
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
when it comes to lies and hypocrisy unfortunately I don't see much difference between the 2 major parties.
bedrog
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:14 p.m.
rulierulierulie...you are so unfair to obama,...esp re. the badly misnamed " arab spring" ( where he has been justifiably cautios) as we have indeed discussed before.. and there was that bin laden thing . but nevermind. let's just keep our eye on the common ball.
rulieg
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
ah, Bedrog, my good friend! let me respectfully disagree: "one party...allows a woman some degree of rights over her own body...the other not." --it's not about access and you know it. it's about free stuff. one party thinks religious freedom is not as important as forcing a church to fund free birth control pills. that party has apparently never read the constitution, even tho' its leader claims to have taught classes on the subject. "one party sort of acknowledges scientific truths about evolution and global warming...the other not." that same party takes on faith (pun intended) any "science" put in front of them that proves their preconceived AGW notions, even when it's been proven to be junk science, and the numbers proven to have been cooked. (you got me on the evolution thing tho. even the Pope has said that evolution is consistent with the Church's reading of the Bible. if he can say that, can't the GOP come around?) "both parties recognize the dangers from religious fanatics abroad, but one would give up the farm to those at home." we've had THIS conversation before. Barack Obama never met an Islamic dictator he didn't like. the way he's mishandled the so-called "Arab Spring" has been disgraceful. and the way we're headed, unless Israel intervenes, Iran will go nuclear under Obama. no thanks. President Romney may not turn out to be another Lincoln, but the Carter Redux we've got in there now has got to go.
rulieg
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
well, one of the differences is the MSM is actively helping one party spread their lies, while trying their best to portray the other party as extremist loonies. this despite the fact that the average American voter is far closer philosophically to Republicans than Democrats. we in A2 tend to forget that, living in this liberal bubble as we do.
bedrog
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
ohmigod...one party, oh I dunno, allows a woman some degree of rights over her own body...the other not. one party sort of acknowledges scientific truths about evolution and global warming...the other not. one party perhaps overexpends too much for social welfare and depletes the treasury , but the 'prudence about deficits' in the other doesnt seem to extend to oveexpending on limitless overbreeding and depletion of the worlds resource base. both parties recognize the dangers from religious fanatics abroad, but one would give up the farm to those at home. No differences??? unbelievable!!
justcurious
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
Craig, you are absolutely right, once again.
Brad
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
Yeah, but once you factor in insanity ... and nothing says "insane" quite like phrases such as "man-on-dog".
David Briegel
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
I really love ya Craig, but you should pay closer attention. "The truth is whatever they will believe." Are you sure your phone isn't tapped! lol
Rob
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
I've been tempted to do exactly this, but the American electorate is so irrational right now I can say with certainty that Obama would beat Santorum in the general election.
Bak
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Unfortunately, both parties are one in the same. No prosecution of any major players of Citi, BAC, or even anyone from MF Global. Just puny settlements, the price of doing business so long as government gets it's cut. There is no "hilarity" involved.
seekingsun
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
tempting, but so scary. what if he wins and then wins again? thanks, but I like the nineteenth amendment.... rather go for the guy who seems to be posing as a conservative. he'll be much tougher to beat in the general, but doesn't seem insane. plus, the thought of all that frothyness - eew.
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
C'mon...live a little : )