UCLAN

I totally agree with this. Healthcare does need to be doled out in small doses. Of course it doesn't say much about our "peas brains" In response to Max, as a die hard Democrat, I was somewhat disappointed in Obama's first year...but not in him...in the system. I didn't buy into the lofty "change" rhetoric, cause change happens slowly over time. Our economic state plays a big part in how people are feeling (except people did spend tons out here in Pasadena over a week's time). I think that's where all the angst is coming from. The president showed himself to be a measured delibrate thinker. A few missteps, and a few good turns.

I would have to agree with you. It is really sad. This board is a reflection of what's going on in our country today. I miss everyone here. But you're right, I'm to afraid to post what I feel for fear of being lambasted. Oh well, it was fun while it was good.

agree with opinion on the republicans....as for the filibuster proof 60---don't count on it. Dems run the gamut of the spectrum and are likely to vote their conscience rather than strict party line. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Hey, where is everybody? Testing is finally over. Yay!!!! Any thoughts on the SCOTUS nomination, prop 8 in Ca and what's going on with the appeal to the Supremes? I think it may not be the right time for that , but I'm not sure. Hope to read some intersting ideas soon.

hey, my kids would never get into a car with him either That was a great article. I wish we would quit tiptoeing around this torture issue and take some action. I have always loved Jesse "the body" Ventura from wrestling days. Loved that he got into politics as a mayor and then a governor. He definitely speaks his mind.

I thought the dinner was funny. The pres proved to be quite a comedian. ("Michael Steele in the hizzeee") I thought Wanda was "the bomb". I love her style of comedy. Of course, many did not get it and quite a few Sunday morning press shows had a lot to say. David Gregory on the Today show this morning was commenting on how uncomfortable the pres and first lady looked while she was telling some of her "Rush" jokes. Really? I mean it is comedy and you can either like it or not. Isn't that what comedians do, play the room? So now I see an article about the WH keeping mum on Syke's performance Saturday. Are they for real? This was entertainment. You can like it or not. Are we going to judge the president according to the jokes he laughs at? How utterly ridiculous.

All are welcome Greg 'specially you!

This is a tough one. I know LAUSD is dependent on stimulus money to help with thier financial issues. I don't think this cut would take away money earmarked for education. It's hard to make a living here in sunny SoCal, especially LA. I haven't lived off of $10/hr in years. With the cost of everything down here a deduction in pay of $2/hr could hurt. (My kid make $12/hr at her job as an instructional assistant.) Not quite sure of how I feel about the "strings attached" issue with the stimulus, but those were in place when we accepted the money. Education is in dire staits. Those four props all have to pass in order to make a slight difference. I'm not in agreement with them. It feels like a ponzi scheme to me. It's just moving money around to cover costs without generating any new revenue. The bottom line is that we have to find revenue to fund schools. The government gets revenue from taxes. No one wants higher taxes. But I look at it like this. The cost of everything has steadily gone up. We don't squawk about paying more for shoes, jeans, food etc., we pay. How can we expect good and services from the government without allowing for increases in taxes? While I don't relish paying more taxes, I understand that it might be necessary. It's a real quagmire. Education needs to be a major priority along with health care. Children are our future and we need to prepare them for it. Maybe we need to overhaul our education system; more vocational and technical training so that our students will be able to meet the demands of the work force. I just know that we can't continue robbing peter to pay paul when it comes to education.

My take was that it pertained to the brand of capitalism practiced during the last 8 years. But yeah I think a lot of Dems want a shift to the left, what do expect from Howard DEan. He doesn't hide his leftist views. As to my being the 3rd party PRES that you previously posted, well that would be a first....I would be the first black woman president. I don't think our country is ready for me, Steve Frame and you, GD. We would definitely be a force to be reckoned with I was intrigued by the Time article Roman posted. It was very in depth and I thought it hit the issues with the Republican party dead on. I hope that the "new" groove works out for them. This country need another voice. One party rule is frightful. I will be lurking for the next few days. It is my "favorite" time of the school year.........standardized testing time. This is when all of my special ed students get slapped in the faced with their disabilities as they are required to take grade-level tests when they don't perform at grade level. It's a lot of fun.

Can we get our house in order first? I have always had concerns with our country's need to be the great benefactor to the world. I believe in extending a hand, but there is so much here in this country that needs to be attended to. Jobs, homelessness, healthcare, education. If we're not careful, we could become a "[!@#$%^&*]-hole".

Well are you ready for this? I absolutely, totally agree with everything both of you posted. Illegal immigration is a huge problem in Ca. It is a result of over 30 years of turning a blind eye to the problem. I believe that if appropriate action had been taken 35 or 40 years ago (fining employers who hired illegals) the problem would not be as cumbersome as it is today. This massive problem has totally changed the quality of life especially here in So. Cal. Believe it or not this is an area where I often feel that I discriminate, but it is born out of a frustration for a lack of a solution. Education is hit the hardest, overcrowded schools, language barriers, and to top it off, standardized testing issues. I somewhat agree with amnesty is certain situations, but this is a major problem that truly needs to be addressed.

Well Steve Frame, we must be about the same age. My views were also shaped by the 60's and 70's. I remember the tax post and what you said. I think that the tax tables came out for next year and it does reflect that some people getting a break now will end up having to pay it back. To me it's another sign of government agencies not being on the same page, not communicating effectively. It will be interesting to see how that is resolved. I have paid the IRS a couple of times and it is not fun.

Steve Frame, please do not alter your posts. Speak from your views. I can gather how you feel from what you post. I've gotten it that you don't affiliate with either or any party and that you are an independent thinker. I view you as fiscally conservative but socially moderate. It's not up to you to justify or explain how you feel. It's up to us as the reader to agree or disagree and proceed from there. I enjoy reading you posts. They trigger a lot of thought and lots of times require me to seek out more information.

OMG! You are so right on. The civil right's act passed in 1965. The voting rights act was passed in 65, yet the Supreme Court is hearing a case that could possibly change that act. For all those who believe that the act in '65 change the tenents of discrimination in this country, open your eyes. Discrimination is alive and well in the US. It's more covert today. And please dont deny it. When you have people calling for the closing of the border with Mexico because of swine flu., when you here the terrible things that are said about these people; it makes me wonder. Do we judge people by the content of their character or the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, their national origin.? How come there has been a rise in the sale of guns since Obama was elected? How come there has been an increase in hits on white supremicists websites? Intolerence is the problem that we sweep under the rug. We don't discuss it, but it's there like the elephant in the room. I love a good debate and even more so an exchange of ideas.But first and foremost I believe we need to be respectful of our divergent opinions. We have all been posting here long enough to know "what side of the fence" we are on. It has always been my hope to come away with a new take on an opinion.Hopefully, to be intrigued enough to do some further research on what is stated and draw a conclusion. To me that is how the flow goes. It is often said that history repeats itself and that times swings on a pendulum. I often look back to see how far we have come. Someone mentioned seatbelt laws in a previous post. Yes it is a public health law, but it does speak to government's involvement in our lives. The law is protective of society in general. (same thing goes for cell and texting laws). So, is that government involvement bad. And how do we want government involved in outr lives? We don't want them interfering in spending tax payer revenue but we want them involved by making laws regarding choice and marriage? Who decides that involvement? The Republican party as it is today has narrowed it's base. That's a fact. The religious right exerts a lot of influence on the party. Can the party survive in this minority state? Probably not, but here are people who are trying to open up the party to more moderate idea's (John McCain's daughter is one). Only time will tell if they will be successful. I can only hope that the Democratic party can remain as open and diverse as it has been since 1965. If Democrats become a party of absolute power, then that doesn't fare well for any one. Keep the faith folks, we will survive this because our democracy has proven itself to be flexible and adaptable and our citizens always seem to know what is best for the country and strive to achieve it. Peace

That hope is what it's all about. Obama drives the message, but our government truly is one of checks and balances. Somewhere along the line we lost sight of that. We just have to keep faith that all will come out as the best for us.

Oh my! Away for a day and such ...... It's pretty obvious that this board is just a small view of the larger landscape. It's very unfortunate that this country is so polarized. I look at it this way. Pres. O's administration is all about change, a very radical change from the past 8 years. Socialist....nope, I don't think so. I think that label gets tossed out just for the fun of it. The policies of this admin require a leap of faith...a huge one. If you don't trust politicians, then that leap would be major. I understand why some (Steve Frame) don't trust poiliticians. I can understand the disagreement. What I don't get and I don't like is all the hate, lies and fear that is being thrown out there. NO ONE here does that, but I know we're all exposed. I have always enjoyed the comments and opinions of this board. This is the only board that I post my opinions on. ( I lurk on others). GD you were right in the sense that 100 days don't matter. A big deal was made out of it. If we could look at an administration's performance in the scope of what happens and how it's dealt with would be better. It's been alluded to that people can't figure out how Obama won. Well he did and we have to move forward. It's too soon to tell where we are going and what is going to happen. Our economy is recovering at a very slow place. You can see that when you look at all factors. When you realize that this administration is adhering to Kenseyian economic theory, you are able to understand their perspective and their reasoning for the direction they are headed in. We as a country are faced with numerous problems. How they are being dealt with is markedly different from the past 15-20 years. Is it the right way or the wrong way, we don't know. That old saying "Knowledge is power" applies here. There is so much information floating around out there that you have to sift though the muck. You are aware that Obama is anti-abortion but is pro-choice. He views marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Some see Obama as far left. I live in that realm and he is most definitly not. He is a little (very little) left of center. If he was radical left, the war crimes trial would be in full swing. On my last note, KEEP GOVERNMENT OUT OF SPORTS!!!! LEAVE THE BCS ALONE!. No I don't agree with their system but communist?!!. There is a bill pending in the house and one in commitee in the senate to re-vamp college football and institute a playoff system. Don't we have more important things to work on!

Ok so, I understand your mistrust of politicians I am also sorry that your brother and his buddies endured what they did during Vietnam. Some have tried to minimize McCain's experiences and feel that he shouldn't speak out because of this. I totally agree about the torture issue. I know I would like to see these people prosecuted also. I kind of understand the reluctance, but also hope that the world court will change that reluctance. I don't think torture yields any information. I think it is inhuman and should never be sanctioned or used.

Aye that is the dilema. I feel that we have lost our capacity to trust. Are we as a society in general so jaded that we are skeptical of everyone? Cocoa Pebbles!! OMG! I'm a Cocoa Puffs fan myself. I hope yopu enjoyed them.

I think a lot of what you are talking about is legislated on the state and local level. We as a people have more input in those legislations. It seems as if the people have spoken in each state in terms of cigarette taxes, seat belt laws etc. I don't see the ferderal government legislating this. We live in a system of government where the majority rules. I think that is still being adhered to. Times, people and thoughts change over the years. Our progress and development have a lot to do with what is put forth as legislation. Sure, there is a lot that I don't agree with, (Fat tax, no way). But just as laws are made, they can be repealed. I see our government as a viable, elastic type of process. There is a lot of give and take. "Our country sold up the river"? How, what do you mean? We utilized certain policies for eight years. They were not successful. People voted for a change. The policies of this administration are vastly different, but I believe this administration has this country's interest at heart. GD you posted your comment before the president's 100day press conference. I hope you watched and I hope you listened. I'm not saying you should agree with the man, but I would hope that you can get the sense of his sincerity and determination to do a good job for our country. You can't fake that. If his policies will succeed or fail can't be determined as yet, but the man does put country first.

I don't think it is just one issue. I think the majority of Americans don't want their morality legislated. I think people like to make their own decisions. Dissent is very important. We need a two party system to keep dialogue flowing. Compromise is important. The issue with the GOP today is that they have marginalized and confine themselves within in a very narrow area. They don't seem to allow for diversity or disagreement withn their own party. They are demanding that "true" Republicans adhere strictly to their ideology. (Stimulus package, budget, cabinet nominees). They really do appear to be party first.

Give me a break, it was the weekend....Laker basketball. Let's see. First link...Obama approval....conservativce website...what would I expect. Remember, I feel that polls can be spun also. That was just another viewpoint. I think some articles extract data to fit their purpose Second link....very interesting. I was not aware of that decision. It apears to be an enhancement of Miranda. I could not pull up the actual case, so I really can't comment. As long as Miranda remains intact, I don't see a cause for alarm. My own personal feelings regarding our justice system cloud my response. I feel that Steve Frame seeded the best and most objective articles. They outlined the president's 100 days very clearly. I feel that he has done a very good job. I think he has put his agenda in place and is working towards an outcome. He has not been perfect, but who is. Our country is moving in a different direction. Some may not agree with it but then that is the nature of democracy. If people are unhappy with their choices, they will register that displeasure in the next election cycle. I think someone stared 100 days is a hallmark moment. It's a deadline we created. In terms of working for our country I think the president has our best interests at heart.

That's a possibility. But remember pollsters have a bias and a lean also. So I guess we'll never really know, we can only surmise.

Yes, JB slipped up and said torture. I wonder if he will be able to get out of it. Polls.........Could it be possible that more people align themselves with the Dem party. Are Repub party numbers slipping? Are polls more or less a random sample? I would think you ask the question first, then you get the demographics....thus more dems than repubs. But I think this is another area where you can spin the numbers to your liking. I have never participated in a political poll. I have never been called by Gallup, Rasmussen or any of them. I've been voting for 30+ yearsand have never been polled. I do think they can be used as indicatiors to show trends. Let's face it Pres Obama has good numbers and I believe people are happy with the direction the country is going. No one can say how long that will last. Our economic recovery will be long and slow and I think we need to exercise a little patience. Torture......We allowed and used forms of torture that were outlawed by the Geneva convention. There is no denying it. Do we prosecute? I don't know, but I think we need to investigate and if that ivestigation deems that prosecution is warranted then so be it. I think it should be an independent investigation and that should be determined by the AG's office. But then again, we may not have a choice as the world's court may trump us.

Are you talking hospital or the "hallowed hallls of U$C" in south central? The hospital is a work of art. I have had the experience of visiting on one or more occasions. Architecurally the school is nice, but I really like the buidings in Westwood. So tell me, anythoughts on the beauty pagent "controversy"? I think it's another "story" that was picked up on and thrust into the limelight. ThenJane Harmon wiretapping issue is something different. I'm still gethering information in order to formulate an opinion.

These guys are all called out on both sides. Remember, these are not "news" shows. They are commentaries. Anytime you see "The .... show", it's someone's opinion of what is going on. In this day of cable and instant access, the lines have blurred. Your right Roman, a lot of people take this stuff to heart. That is a problem. But a bigger problem is the amount of credence that is given to a minority opinion. The "tea bag" movement is less than 1% of the entire population of the US. It got coverage like it was a great part of the population. Chavez and Obama's picture made the front page of the LA Times, yet it wasn't stated that they only actually were in the same room 3 times during the summit. The appearance is that they had a love fest. The media has a lot to do with shaping our views. They are also very concerned with making money. So, what's the motivation? I don't know. What's the story that's going to sell papers, attract viewers. On a side note: Notice the name GD. I really don't really want to trek through the "hallowed" halls of U$C. (ever in life!)