GoldenDogs

You always ask the right questions, UCLAN! I did a quick check and Rasmussen has some numbers, though I guess you could question those... but based on their information, which is a national sample and, of course, NOT reflective of national party registrations (maybe I'll see if I can find that later), they claim "baseline targets for adult population" is 40.1% Democrats and 33.1% Republican, with 26.7% Unaffiliated. So, even taking those numbers, and comparing them to those that identified those polled as "leaners", the poll is definitely skewed and, I think, deceiving. Compare... AP Poll Dems 46% -- Rasmussen Dems 40.1% AP Poll Reps 28% -- Rasmussen Reps 33.1% So, based on these numbers, AP shortchanged Republicans by some 5% points and favored polls Democrats 6%... a spread favoring Democrats and President Obama by 11%. I think that is a gross distortion of what the political landscape might be... http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:4YczFE...=clnk&gl=us B

The interesting thing about this poll is that I can't find the breakdown of who was polled, ie: Democrats versus Republicans. That makes a big difference in results of a poll. The only thing offered close to numbers is: Of those who say the country is on the right track in the AP-GfK poll, 73 percent are Democrats, 17 percent are independents and 10 percent are Republicans. So how many Democrats, Republicans, and Independents were polled? Simple question. No answer. I don't believe a poll unless that information is provided. If 70% of those polled were Dems, then you have somewhat of a skewed result, right? Ohhhh... I DID find the numbers!! http://surveys.ap.org/data/GfK/AP-GfK%20Po...9_no%20trav.pdf Initial Party ID 36% were Dems 18% were Reps 26% were Ind. 18% were None Party Leaners ID 46% were Dems 28% were Reps I wish we could get an ACCURATE representation of those polled... Skewed poll, Roman. Thanks for that. B

Ahhh, but it does raise the issue some Obama supporters wish not to discuss -- does Obama seemingly approachable and hospitable tact with rogue governments like those of Hugo Chavez or the Iranian midget really work to his advantage, or does the tact result in confusion around the world regarding American foreign policy and make Obama seem weak in the eyes of the world? I personally think it is a mistake for ANY American President to lower himself by even providing a chance for a photo op with the likes of a dirtbag like Chavez. Does anyone in the Obama administration really believe Chavez WON'T use the opportunity for personal gain? You have to admit, though, it is a distinctive structure, regardless of its television heritage!

Hi Roman! When are people like Limbaugh or Hannity NOT called out? And WHO makes their being called out a problem? I note that your beloved "Crooks and Liars" site very capably calls them out, or CNN and MSNBC, etc., without much fuss. They do it so often, it's old news. But it's funny... I don't see anyone elsewhere in the media except Fox News calling out Keith Olberman or Gaingreen Garofoolio, and only then do they counter their points (usually by making fun of them) because they skewer FOX. Can you name for me, Roman, other legitimate mainstream news organizations that have denounced or criticized, for example, Garafoolow (to hell with the spelling again!!!) for her statements that all Republicans are racists? And, Roman, do you agree with her statements that conservatives are all about white power and hating a black man in the oval office? And, more importantly, how are you doing? Political debate aside... how have you been? We never really talk on a non-political basis and I really want to because I want to get along better with you. I would love a private message to just chat about life and stuff if you are up to it...

<<Once again, Goldendogs is reminded why UCLAN is fast becoming one of his favorite posters!!!>> How do you spell Garafolo's name, anyways? I never did respond to your last post, UCLAN... I think California rocks. However, the heat today did NOT rock. Nor did I enjoy LA traffic Friday afternoon. It was freakin' bumper to bumper the entire way up the 5 from Irvine to Santa Clarita. UGH!! However, I enjoyed the slow trek past "General Hospital"... afforded the opportunity to take yet a few more pictures of the familiar landmark. I sooooo want to stop by USC one day and wander the halls...

Okay, I just read this and am trying to figure out, based on the headline at the non-partisan, fair and balanced "Crooks and Liars" blog... how is it that Rush Limbaugh attacked McCain? There is no "attack", nor making light of McCain's experiences during Vietnam. Limbaugh isn't exactly my favorite commentator, but all I see here is Rush Limbaugh pointing out an inconsistency in McCain's previous statements about torture. Why is that not fair game for discussion? This is the issue I see with politics these days... grotesque double-standard. A piece of crap like Janene Garafolo (not sure of the spelling, but she's a fruitcake so I could care less) claims tea parties are about white power and white hatred of Obama and the left doesn't bat an eye... A piece of crap like Rush Limbaugh makes an observation about John McCain's conflicting statements on torture and some lunatic left-wing blogger makes it seem Limbaugh attacked McCain and his service to his country. If THAT statement qualifies as an attack, then I'd say somebody's got some pretty thin skin!!

Never fear, Scotty... President Obama will make it better when he's done hangin' wit his bud, Hugo...

Thanks UCLAN... Your opinion on this is valuable to me. I had heard that LAUSD is enduring massive layoffs... I personally think we are paying to some degree for years of misuse of funds by school district administrators. Given my proximity to education, it probably isn't politically correct of me to say that, but I think the massive amounts of money shoveled at education the past many years has not yielded satisfactory results here in California. And the blame doesn't totally rest on No Child Left Behind -- when people lean too heavily on NCLB as the cause of all problems, they are being dishonest about things in our state. But that is to discuss another day... We were at Mulholland Middle School about a year ago shooting some promotional stuff for California Streaming and saw some very good teachers doing very good work. Was quite impressive... but there was also a turkey or two in the bunch. For the most part, regardless of how much money is tossed at education, success or failure rests with good teachers and concerned parents. As for bringing tissues for points... BIG MISTAKE. Heck, I'll just stop by and drop a $5 bill Mr. Math's way in exchange for 20 extra credit points... how's about that? LOL! Seriously, I really do believe attaching points to "goods" is ridiculously stupid. My son's success should be measured by the quality of his work, not how many goods he brings to class. And returning to politics so as not to enrage Roman by straying too far off topic, I witnessed a tea party today during my lunch hour. There was a HUGE number of people amassed at a street corner and down the block downtown... people honking to cheer them on. I guess it's true.... there are actually other people who feel we're taxed a tad heavy, particularly here in the Tax and Regulation Capital of America. Ehhh... but we have a beautiful coastline.

Here is an interesting, kind of related story, UCLAN, and I would be interested in your take on this... My wife and I had a bit of a disagreement last night. Our son is 14 and a freshman in high school. He announced last night that he wanted to take three boxes of tissue to class as his algebra teacher was looking for donations. Apparently the school doesn't provide tissue. For each box of tissue brought in by a student, that student received 10 extra credit points. My immediate reaction was "Hell no!!" A better grade for tissue? Then I was a little irritated that the school didn't provide tissue... then I got more irritated that some teachers aren't teacher but, rather, taking classroom time to bitch about the budget issue. My wife was like, "So what? Send some tissue." The boy was immediately defensive and argued with me that his science teacher paid $250 out of his own pocket for a projector bulb. Again, I was like, "What the hell? How do YOU know about your science teacher's personal finances?" With all the fiscal talk in class pushing aside lesson time, no wonder there isn't time for mandatory community service! The boy is taking a box of tissue as I finally just said, "Whatever, do what you want, but in the future, take your own damn tissue to school and let everyone else fend for themselves!" I told my wife later, I'd feel much better about it if he took a box of tissue in and told the teacher he didn't want 10 points for it. I think that's a bigger issue for me... bartering better grades for tissue. What next? Bonus points for toilet paper or tampons? I know the budget crisis is making things tough for educators (as if they weren't already!), but come on... I think this is a bit ridiculous. As for the dude buying a projector bulb, I have money that says he'll get reimbursed for that because, budget crisis or not, if there is some old media that meets a California standard, the district WILL make sure that standard is met and the media viewed... Why a teacher is discussing his personal expenditures with students is beyond me. What next? Bitching about his alimony payments? Anyways... would like your opinion on this one, given your proximity to students...

Thanks, UCLAN. Numbers are numbers... there is no news organization, bias or otherwise, that would cook up government numbers like that. I'm sorry the news isn't so good... But it is the news that IS on the story. Perhaps FOX is every bit on right leaning as CNN and MSNBC are left leaning... but all of them report this type of stuff accurately and fairly.

Hey Roman... I didn't catch the speech... What was it about and what did he say? B

Oh, so you challenge the numbers, Roman? Please cite a source that indicates that the numbers in the story are inaccurate. And, for the record, sir... I would take ANY news source, CNN, MSNBC, etc., over the "Liars and Crooks" blog.

Not so fast, Roman. WASHINGTON -- Retail sales fell unexpectedly in March, delivering a setback to hopes that the economy's steep slide could be bottoming out. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales dipped 1.1 percent in March. It was the biggest decline in three months and a much weaker showing than the 0.3 percent increase that analysts expected. A big drop in auto sales led the overall slump in demand. Sales also plunged at clothing stores, appliance outlets and furniture stores. Just because Obama says things are looking better doesn't just make it so... no matter how hard he wishes his policies are the answer... http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/14...pectedly-march/

I'm about to applaud President Obama TWICE in one day... Yes, I'm feeling well... President Obama's most liberal supporters say they are dismayed and disgusted because this administration is invoking the "state secrets" privilege -- just as former President George W. Bush did -- to shield eavesdropping programs from public exposure. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100da...-secrecy-rules/ Another good call, Mr. President. Sometimes, extraordinary actions must be taken to protect the citizens of our country! I don't know if the proponents of "Change" are as thrilled with this bit of "status quo", but I'm am. Protecting America shouldn't be a partisan issue.

Ahhh, Alpha... you are making it more palatable for me!! Of course, I'm still not sold on the idea. I mean, as long as we (especially here in California) are failing to so much as teach remedial math and English, I think it's ridiculous to throw something else on to an already messy plate. With failing schools and detached students, particularly in low-income areas, community service would be a farce. Now, I'm not saying that such programs don't do some good. I just question the practicality of it all. But getting back to at-risk youth and the more economically-depressed areas, I have seen through my work how involving at-risk youth in community service programs helps THEM... but this is basically a self-worth thing. Every child needs to feel valued and such service gives them that, along with mentoring on some level. But these are very young children. By the time they reach middle school, you're really done and there isn't too much you can do to deter their course. You can try... you can sink money into program after program for middle and high school age kids, and it just doesn't work because the issues with those kids begin and end at home. I've always thought it to be ridiculous that some think that the 6 to 7 hours a kid is at school can have more of an impact on them than the seventeen plus hours a weekday they are at home at potentially with negative influences. Riiiiiight.... Anways, you're awesome Alpha... You're making me think harder about these things.

I applaud President Obama and his decision to allow military force to rescue the sea captain held by Somali pirates! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090412/ap_on_...us_piracy_obama What a kick-ass use of Navy personnel... Impressive work to rescue this man. Obama made the right call and the results were awesome... >>applauds<< Nice to see Obama flex some muscle!

Hi Alpha! I don't disagree with anything you've said... not at all. I absolutely agree that gentle to moderate force is often required and very effective when nudging children in the right direction. However, it is MY job as a parent to a 14 year old boy to teach him these things and, at MY discretion, to engage him in activities I feel are necessary to instill a compassionate nature in him. Fortunately, he is very compassionate, indeed, and looks for ways to help others. I really don't feel it is the place of anyone else to instill morals or values in my kid. Mainly because, as we've seen in headlines across the country on an almost daily basis, those people may not exactly be who you want instilling ANYTHING in your kid. Do you feel, Alpha, that you can trust 100% the educators and government officials in your local schools, etc. to reflect the type of values you wish to see in the children in your lives? If you DO... then message me where it is you live, because I wanna move there! BTW, I LOVE Ms. Cooper's yesteryear picture from Y&R!!! In some way, I feel that as long as she is around, Y&R and soaps in general may somehow continue...

Awww, UCLAN! You make posting fun these days, just as in the past Greg, Jess, and others have. I love California, but things are so screwy these days, what with the budget issues and such. But I can't imagine living anywhere else. I love being close to the beach and the mountains. And the weather... love the weather! The past several days have been particularly beautiful... This next week, I'll be down in the LA area for work and it should be just a beautiful down there...

The topics at hand consist of some left-winger's opinion blog? >>rolls eyes<< The thread continues to deteriorate...

Well, my experience is that those who spot bigotry everywhere are often bigots themselves.

You know, UCLAN, I enjoy pleasant conversation and debate. And I actually don't live in a place of my own thinking and liking... I live in California.

My, my... aren't you a bit touchy, Roman? Why are you bothered by the phrase "surrender monkey"? What do you think that implies? Again, you are showcasing your amazingly thin knowledge of pop culture and the world in which we live... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheese-eating_surrender_monkeys May I ask, Roman, what YOU thought it meant?

I don't call people names, Roman... nor do I imply things... I simply point out the obvious. But as to the supposed meat of your most recent post... well, here is something more substantial from Britain: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/gerald_warner...ey_on_the_block Barack Obama: President Pantywaist - new surrender monkey on the block President Barack Obama has recently completed the most successful foreign policy tour since Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. You name it, he blew it. What was his big deal economic programme that he was determined to drive through the G20 summit? Another massive stimulus package, globally funded and co-ordinated. Did he achieve it? Not so as you'd notice. It's a good article. You should read it so that you may keep up on less-restricted viewpoints -- as I said, broaden your horizons.

Roman, your narrow American definition of what conservatives and liberals stand for don't always translate into like policies around the world. Please broaden your horizons and understanding of things when discussing people, policy, and issues affecting the globe.

Hi UCLAN! Absolutely, we are all put in positions of doing things we don't like... and sometimes it turns out well. Often, I must go places and deal with people through my work that is outside of my normal "safe zone" -- and I almost always thoroughly enjoy it. But I get paid to do it and generally it serves as a means to a work-related end. When dealing with the public, I make sure they are happy with my presence and involvement, and that they feel good about my being there (I'm trying really hard not to give away too much about what my work involves, so bear with me!) Again, though, it's my job. I signed up for it... fortunately, I love it. But teaching compassion and caring for our fellow man... I agree that it is something that is sorely lacking these days... and it is parents and immediate family that must instill that in their children. Educators enough on our plates these days without that work falling into the classroom where the basics of education are lacking and some students underserved. UCLAN, I see what some may wish to accomplish by the community service requirement, but it isn't practical to burden educators with yet another graduation requirement while they barely have time to teach basics in class. Because we, as a society, sometimes adopt policies that clearly trample on the supposed "free" element of our society doesn't mean we should embrace still more policies that push us away from personal choice and free will. We should resist a move in that direction for obvious reasons. If policymakers wish more involvement in community service from young people, then they must offer some incentives for that sort of involvement. Sure, give those who wish to participate additional credits for high school or college. Perhaps corporate funding in the form of scholarships. I would support that.