How's Your Stimulus?

I'm guessing, and it's just a guess, that many denizens of Baristaville make a tad too much money to get a refund. Just a guess though.

Not getting a thing. It amazes me that people think it's a good idea to not give the stimulus check to those people that are most likely to spend it on things that would stimulate the economy. Probably the same people that steal money from me every month for "social security" that I'll never see.

Exactly. What stimulus check? Then there's AMT too.

Same here - ain't gettin' one, income too high. But i wouldn't be so crass as to complain about paing into social security. Scrooge much, Brian?

i meant "paying."

New York Magazine? That's pretty funny. The average New York Magazine reader has two kids in Spence is lives in a 2.5 mil condo on the East Side. Who are they trying to fool? Don't see too many poor people on the subway reading NY Magazine. In fact I've never seen it once.

I'm spending my check on camping gear and cat litter - Yesterdays Mews - very expensive!

If I have any left over, maybe I'll charge up my Starbucks card.

Can't spend what you don't get....

(And don't forget to add in all the new taxes Pres. Obama's gonna get out of your rich asses! Payroll, SS, Income..... I guess in other parts of the country those who make "over $150,000" means rich. Here, it's a union house with a teacher and a cop-- not the historically rich.)

sleepysleek-

I'm 30 years old and paying my own way in life, so the fact that I'm paying Social Security and will not ever receive the benefit does piss me off. If you've got money to burn, send some my way...

Teachers and cops get 75K a year! No wonder our taxes are so high. ;-)

"Teachers and cops get 75K a year!"

They deserve it!

They deserve more. My mother was a teacher and she didn't get squat. By the time she retired she was making about 40K per annum.

I'm in the same boat Brian. But my financial advisor said that we'd be able to collect something, it would be saved just in time, but it wouldn't be enough so we need to have a good plan in place. My plan is to work until I die and consider the concept of retirement as retired with the generation before me.

mets2008, I think you may be confusing the average "New York Magazine" subscriber with the average target "The New Yorker" magazine subscriber. I think many people subscribe to New York Mag to get the old Cue Magazine listings. And the personals of course. I think that's how the ex-Governator found his true squeeze... :)

Does is occur to anyone that this "stimulus" is just more debt? Money borrowed against future revenue that -along with the rest of the nine trillion dollar nation debt - we will be paying for years to come.

And, in a somewhat ironic note, though I do not qualify for the stimilus kickback, I will be getting my first Social Security check this month. And to think, the only reason I got a SSN was to work as a caddy at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck when I was 14. That was just after golf was invented. :) Considering that I am still working (and, like hhr, I probably will go face down on the keyboard a few minutes after making yet another ridiculous deadline), I am trying to divert as much of my income as I can into my 401K, so that if I do survive to start withdrawing it, it won't be taxed thrice.

"It's the stupid, economy!"

It amazes me that people think it's a good idea to not give the stimulus check to those people that are most likely to spend it on things that would stimulate the economy.

Yes, it is a good idea to not dig ourselves deeper by redistributing tax revenues to people like yourself who, compared to those who are getting it, are comparatively better off.

That said, the whole "stimulus" thing is just Washington's desparate bid to look like they are doing *something* to help the economy in an election year. It's blantant pandering, but pales in comparison to Hilary McCain's Gas Tax Holiday (which is going to be the next National Lampoon movie starring Chevy Chase).

The stimulus check is a cynical joke, just like Hillary and McCain's proposals for short term moratoria on the gas tax. So you spend your meager check--- then what? This is what: The war/occupation, the failed international policies, the trade deficit, the health crisis, the insurance crisis, the mortgage crisis, the pessimism of the American populace, and so on, all continue. Someone open the window, please.
Give credit where due: Hillary and John have just cause for believing U.S. voters are stupid and short-sighted, considering the chump we put in White House, two terms in a row.
Hell, check out today's NYTimes. Some "Proud to be American" is quoted as saying he'd never vote for Obama 'cos he's certain Obama's a Muslim. This, after the self-proclaimed-Christian Reverend Wright debacle played ad nauseum on the networks.

(Huh? What? Wake me when Perlstein's done? He's what? Oh, off the soapbox? All that and he didn't call Bush "shrub." C'mon Perlstein, you missed a great chance. And no mention of Haliburton/Oil? Busy munchin' on a Bloomin' Onion?)

I was favorably inclined towards McCain going into this election (although not necessarily sufficiently inclined to vote for him), the more he talks, but the more I don't like him because he sounds like just another status quo neocon.

The sparkling luster of the Straight Talk Express when the rubber first hit the road in 2000 has long since faded.

On the other hand, my esteem for Obama increased when he had the political balls to call the gas tax holiday the sham that it is. Seriously, given all the factors accounting for the current high gas prices, I doubt retailers will drop the prices by a corresponding amount to the tax. If anything, the tax holiday will spur demand, which will keep prices high as we get into the summer driving season.

But Hilary McCain wants to encourage us to use more of the stuff that they say we need to wean ourselves off of. It's all so stupid.

I wish the Baristas would give us the ability to edit our posts.

"the more he talks, but the more I don't like him" should be "but the more he talks, the more I don't like him." I put the "but" before the wrong "the".

I knew I'd smoke out the Professor.

Cmon, Williams are you among the 20% of us Americans who think things are nifty and swell?

And that "soapbox" reference was a killer. How's your's doing these days? In the shop again?

Well prof, if Perlstein had mentioned that certain patriotic energy company, he probably would have spelled it correctly. Halliburton -- with 2 l's, genius.

Speaking of spelling...it's Applegate Farm - not Farms.

And that's where I'm going to spend alot of that refund.

I think it should be "Farms". They have chains all over North Jersey now. As far as a refund, if I get one, I'm investing in a "Steampunk" start up company....Hail the Victorian age!

God I love reading the snobby crabbing on this site! Who's making too much money to qualify, who's paying too much to Social Security and they'll never reap the bennies boohoo, they'll never be able to retire...

Life sucks. Get over it and yourselves. I'm a youngish baby boomer who somehow missed out on all of the wealth we all supposedly have now. Life and family 'got in the way', though I would never consider putting my family first a problem.

You make too much money? How sad. I am unemployed. Again. Always due to economic reasons beyond my control but out of work nonetheless. 401(k)? Union jobs? Hell, medical benefits would be a blessing from heaven.

Retirement isn't in my vocabulary either. It never was and it never will be.

Doesn't it just suck to be us.

God I love reading the snobby crabbing on this site! Who's making too much money to qualify, who's paying too much to Social Security and they'll never reap the bennies boohoo, they'll never be able to retire...

Life sucks. Get over it and yourselves. I'm a youngish baby boomer who somehow missed out on all of the wealth we all supposedly have now. Life and family 'got in the way', though I would never consider putting my family first a problem.

You make too much money? How sad. I am unemployed. Again. Always due to economic reasons beyond my control but out of work nonetheless. 401(k)? Union jobs? Hell, medical benefits would be a blessing from heaven.

Retirement isn't in my vocabulary either. It never was and it never will be.

Doesn't it just suck to be us.

Like they say, life sucks and then you die. That's why when you have a good thing, you need to make the most of it. I suppose that's why I'm still here in the office right now, running my ass off on my corporate hamster wheel.

It's also why you sometimes need to stop and taste the ice cream. I would think it would be Applegate Farm, singular, since there is (or was) only one farm, regardless how many stores there are. But, a silly thing to disagree over. We can all agree they make yummy ice cream. In fact, if I wasn't stuck here I'd head over to the one on Grove St and help fuel the economy with the stimulus moolah I think I might be getting.

Too bad they can't invent an engine that runs on milk or ice cream. Of course, then Exxon would own all the cows, activists would be railing against "Big Dairy", and the mafia would be selling black market milk for $10 a quart.

And Hilary McCain would be pandering to voters by calling for a "Milk Tax Holiday".

cro and Perlstein,

My day was almost ruined, but then you two showed up, working together again and suddenly the day had meaning...

Perlstein with the usual liberal take on everything and cro with the usual-- whatever it is he adds, oh, yea. I spelled something wrong. Got me! Damn. Exposed again....

(But it is cute how you show up to defend Perlstein's honor. I bet you'd throw your raincoat over a puddle for him too....)

Big Dairy!!! (That's great!)

And Perlstein, yes. While times may be tough for some (and strangely, even in an up economy, times are still tough for them), I also realize that the economy goes up and it goes down... It goes up and it goes down...

But I guess you're the type that hears doom and gloom in the media and then regurgitates it back to polls, huh?

But don't worry, Obama's got a government program that will make it all better. (No drilling in the US, no nukes, just a new "green" economy that he will create by himself!)

Unlike all you rich folk ;-) I was granted $600. I haven't decided yet whether I want to spend it or not (I'm not in need of anything). Frankly I'm tempted to hold onto it just because the people in power want me to spend. That's mature, isn't it? Oh well... plenty of time to be mature later.

I don't know if was here or elsewhere, but I remember coming across Internet discussions on how a 'pre-loaded debit card' would be a much more effective way of distributing the cash, because you'd be guaranteeing it be spent on consumer goods and services.

I guess charitable donation wouldn't be a bad idea. I've been pretty selfish lately... I have a job now, but I'm still giving on the 'college student' level

Thank goodness cars don't run on dairy. Have you seen how high those prices have gotten lately? Not to mention, I can't imagine filling up at an Applegate. It takes those kids long enough just to serve you a small cone.

I'll also be receiving my $600 stimulus check. I'll probably save most of it since I won't be seeing the fruit of all my money going into SS nor will I be receiving a pension like the police and teachers who apparently (although doubtfully for teachers) make 75k a year . . .

If I needed the cash, I'd...

use the 'pre-loaded debit card'.....no problem...I'll just buy something for $10, and ask for cach back ( I think one could get $100 or so each time )..

Prof., you're a pip. I'm not consistently liberal any more than you are consistently conservative, and you know that's true.

You may remember our chat last week about droopy jeans and slovenly kids? Who was on what side? (Hint - I voted in favor of HS uniforms)

Let's say we call it even. You spend your stimulus money at Whole Foods and I'll buy a new set of boxers for the world to see next time I pick up my son a the high school.

Yes prof, I would throw my raincoat down for perlstein. Even for you, perhaps. That's how my mammy raised me.
It is hysterical to see you remark that you just spelled a word "wrong". No big deal. That is of course just the attitude you strike here when those types of mistakes are made by others. No big deal, says prof. Live and let live. Things happen.
Maybe we're witnessing the birth of the new prof. The "let's focus on substance and stop pretending I'm some sort of usage maven when I'm really a bit of a buffoon" prof.
THAT prof would be a welcome addition.

(You two do make a cute couple...)

Some of us regular folk like New York Magazine. 3 words...The Approval Matrix!!

You'll never see the prof at Whole Foods since he is the self-avowed champion of the dull, the mediocre & the vapid in all things culinary.

My stimulus check is going to pay off my car repair bill. I guess the mechanics will get stimulated. If anyone wants to stimulate me, contributions will be gratefully accepted.

I've been reading NY Magazine since I was a teen. I hardly call myself wealthy, I just enjoy it.

While $600 is nothing to sneeze at, I really see this as more smoke and mirrors to hide what's really going on with our economy. $600 here and there is not going to stimulate us out of a recession, sorry. If people were smart, they'd just put it in the bank (or buy gold) instead of blowing it on big-screen TVs and other non-essential purchases. Heck, $600 might be the price of lunch someday in NYC the way things are going.

prof, while I realize that you are never one to let accuracy deter you from your appointed rounds, surely you are aware that Obama, along with McCaine and Clinton, favors legislation that would provide incentives for the construction of nuclear power plants? Surely you know that the cost of constructing these plants has been the biggest disincentive to their construction, along with the public's concern about safety. Those concerns seems to be abating, and most reasonable people -- including the three candidates remaining -- agree that this has to be an option.
But you go right on claiming otherwise. You probably also believe that Obama is a Muslim.

SirGadfly says, "You make too much money? How sad. I am unemployed. Again. Always due to economic reasons beyond my control but out of work nonetheless."

I guess that means I'm successful because of economic reasons beyond my control. Boy did I get lucky when I woke up one morning with this crazy thing called a work ethic.

That's great you're so successful Brian, so how's about not whining? Can you do that for the rest of us?

KTHX

"I also realize that the economy goes up and it goes down... It goes up and it goes down..." Brilliant Prof. If you close your eyes and click your heels 3 times you'll be back in Kansas. It's not the 20th Century anymore. We now have to contend with the Euro, Beijing, Dubai, Abu Dhabi..among other emerging markets. Our corporations no longer make a priority of long term growth, it's now about short term stock jumps and quick profits for the scandalous few at the top who walk away with suitcases of money. The financial markets shot themselves in the foot this time by selling itty bitty pieces of loans that the original lenders didn't care about because they were literally passing the buck. Our kids can no longer compete globally in science and math. Our infrastructure is falling apart. There is a global food crisis. Poor countries are already feeling the effects of global climate change while we continue to look for other ways to suck oil out of the ground and other countries are getting a leg up on sustainable technologies. While we stretch ourselves thin trying to fix a mess we started with our arrogance in Iraq, the Taliban is regaining ground in Afghanistan and that tall wealthy Arab with an Oxford degree in engineering is just waiting to attack us again while our backs are turned. No, we're not in Kansas anymore.

(crank, you're in over your head here, huh?)

And cro, if Obama is such a Nuclear guy, why does he not mention it on his website? Why during debates does he say he favors "exploring" nuclear power? (What "exploration" needs to be done? They seem to have it figured out in Europe and Japan.)

Understand, this allows folks like you to (wrongly) believe that he's not against it. He's kinda for it, but he can also say he's against it.

Whoops! Sorry to point out how he's a typical politician.

(And not only do I believe he's a Muslim, I also believe he will "reach across the aisle" and work for consensus.)

(Perlstein, I think our soapbox has been found. Jerseygurl has it. I'll get it from her and let you have it next, okay;)

"Folks like me" know he's a typical politician, prof. Folks like you, however, are typical partisans in insisting that "their" guy is different, and that the "other" guy is the very epitome of duplicity.
Obama is open to nuclear. He's said so many times. So are the other two. That's an area where they agree. And Europe has certainly leapt ahead of the US in this area -- they've been much more proactive. They have also not had a Three Mile Island incident, however. If they had, there would have been some of the same concerns seen there as were seen here.
So really, this is a non-issue in that all 3 are for it. But of course in one of your usual nonsensical rants you satte that Obama is "no nukes". As I said before, we're used to this kind of nonsense from you.

I didn't mean to sound negative about not retiring. Because of economic reasons beyond my control I work about 3 jobs at a time, 4 if you could artistic endeavors. Currently I've wrangled myself a 2nd position at my company so I moonlight for my day job. I love being busy. I've never learned to play golf and yelling at whipper-snappers to stay off my lawn won't amuse me forever.

I AM angry about retirement. According to the data based on my age, I will not be able to retire and receive full benefits until I am around 68 years old! This sucks royally. If you think I'm dragging my sorry ass into the city when I'm in my late 60s, you have another think coming.

How did this happen?

Miss M -

McCain's solution to the Social Security problem is to continue to raise the age and lower the amount of benefits. If you want to see benefits stop voting Republican.

Yeah, what does he care? He has enough $$$ on which to retire. Screw the rest of us.

I am very disappointed with the choices we have, from both parties. Not sure what I'll do in November.

But really jerseygurl... How about some facts to back up your rant.

(And I hope you don't fall into the "infrastructure" trap by using that bridge in Mn. That was a design flaw remember.)

Likewise, your crazy idea that "our kids can no longer compete globally in science and math" is just plain dumb. Folks say it, but there is NO evidence to support it. Our best continue to compete at the highest level. (Don't get confused by the "average" scores. They don't tell you much.)

Listen HERE for a good debate on the subject.

But then again, you were probably one of those in the 80's who thought Japan was gonna take over the world.

Prof - Average tells you a lot. It should not just be the "best" US who can compete with the average kids in Korea. No, I did not think Japan was going to take over the world. I just think we're losing ground and would like to regain it.

cro, you can't call me a lot of things (and you have), but you cannot call me a typical partisan.

I'm an Independent.

I just don't like or support a majority of Obama's proposed policies. Moreover, I think he's soft. (And I still don't understand how he sat in that church for 20 years.... the flag pin... the Pledge thing...)

So while he and Hillary have similar views, I move to the person. And I cannot vote for him.

I'd prefer Hillary over all of them. If not, McCain.

Some partisan.

Stuff like this turns me off to McCain. This guy makes Rev. Wright look like Mr. Rogers.

http://huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/an-overlooked-hate-sermon_b_99840.html

jersey, in the span of 36 mins. you went from "our kids can no longer compete" to "I just think we're losing ground".

And averages don't say much, in the clip I posted there was this: you have one foot in boiling water, one in ice water, so on average, you're doing okay.

Therefore, in evaluating "our" students against "their" students you must first understand the differences in our educational systems to understand the meaning of these "averages."

MM,

You do see a difference between a pastor who endorses you and one who brought you to Christ, baptized your kids, married you and whose Church you sat in for 20 years, don't you?

I think Hagee is closer to Ayers.

(And even still, other than an endorsement, no one has showed McCain to have a "relationship" with Hagee.)

McCain has no Rev. Wright in his past.

Very few do.

Prof: Seriously, would YOU want an endorsement from a guy like Hagee?

Prof-
How about Billy Graham?

In the taped conversation, Mr Graham said the Jewish "stranglehold" on the media "has got to be broken or this country's going down the drain".

"You believe that?" Nixon replies.

"Yes, sir."

"Oh boy. So do I. I can't ever say that but I believe it," Nixon says.

"If you get elected a second time, then we might be able to do something," Mr Graham replies.

At least Obama denounced Wright. How many presidents denouced Billy Graham?

prof, I think you meant to write that I CAN call you a lot of things, etc., but I understand that, as you've stated, that Blackberry has a mind of its own.
I believe that you are a partisan, in that you provide knee-jerk comments regarding those you perceive to be "liberal". In this you simply mirror a great many in the radio and TV sectors. So yes, I CAN and will call you a partisan. You'll just have to deal with that, I guess. As far as voting well, vote for whichever candidate you like. I agree that it is the person that I look for when voting. And I am not at all pleased with much of what I see of Obama. I doubt I'll vote for him, unless something happens between now and November to change my mind. But I have no patience with the ridiculous tossing about of statements or positions attributed to a candidate, like you're no-nukes castoff, that those candidates have not taken. It is evidence of a lazy mind.

cro,

Point me to where Obama says he's "for" Nuclear. Not the "notion" of, or the "idea" or the "exploring" of, but for it. Where is it?

And while you may have your own definition of "partisan," my knee-jerk reaction to most things because I have thought out my positions on issues.

But my position are all over the place and do no lie (or lay) with one party or point of view. Because of this, I'm no partisan by definition.

Nice try friend.

mono-

Again. You cannot compare the words of a "pastor" who endorses and may even be friendly to Obama's 20 year relationship with Wright.

So, great Graham said horrible things.

How does that relate to anything?

You do see the difference, don't you?

Or has Obama's hopeful glow have you blinded?

prof, all the evidence you present here points to a lack of thought, period. On positions, or anything else.
But I grant you, it is entertaining!

prof, you may peruse www.barackobama.com/issues/pdf/EnergyFactSheet.pdf if you like. There you will discover that Obama recognizes the need for nuclear, while at the same time insists on safeguards. I know, a crazy, "liberal" notion.
Now that I've "pointde" you, please point me to where he says he's "no-nukes".

cro, you make my point.

He's all things to all people, he's not really for it, and not really against it.

He recognized it's need (duh), while insisting on safeguards (duh)...

But is he FOR it?

Will he get reactors build in America?

Yes. And no.

All things to all people.

SOMEONE needs to make your point, prof. You can't seem to get it done.
As I said earlier, echoing your ground-breaking observation, Obama is a typical politician. He says things to get elected. As does everyone else in the race. So? Clinton, McCain -- they don't, I guess. That must be so, for you are very quiet about those two.
I don't know if he'll "get reactors built". They'd be built tomorrow if it was economically beneficial for someone to build them. No president for a long, long time has been able to "get" one built. The last one built in this country was built way back when the prof was a wee buffoon, wearing tight pants and representing family and race in a decent, upright sort of way. So I don't know if Obama will break the cycle. Hope someone does, though.

See cro, this is you being your typical puffy self: getting all crazy with your comments.

And as I've pointed out before, that you move to personal attacks so quickly, is no fun.

(Oh, well. I guess this is why I, 1) enjoy you, and 2) learned to move on when you embarrass yourself with your tone.)

Is this where Perlstein comes in to defend your honor?

"Puffy". I like that! I may get a new tat for the summer, so that everyone can see "Puffy" when my "draws" are low!
Sorry you're moving on, though. I'll strike up the music and shed a tear as you mosey on down the trail.

profwilliams said:
"He's all things to all people, he's not really for it, and not really against it.

He recognized it's need (duh), while insisting on safeguards (duh)...

But is he FOR it?

Will he get reactors build in America?

Yes. And no.

All things to all people."

The funny thing besides the two grammatical errors is that I've read the exact same post by profwilliams before. Word for word. Do you have templates for this stuff and simply CCP? Fascinating.

Man, oh man, people are just pouncing on the Professor all over the place on this thread.
But I know he's tough and taking it like a pro. No need to lay a raincoat over a puddle for this dude.

PS Cro, thanks for the support on this one.

JP - the Prof is very very touchy about Obama. He's one of those odd people who goes on about the fact that Obama's middle name is Hussein (you know, Muslim) but still can't trust the guy because of his connections to a Christian minister.

Yo Jersey Girl
You got it, girl, although the Prof. (Allah and Shiva bless his soul) is slumming it, and the hayseeds are earnest and terrified.

Then there's this, also taken from Huffington Post:

The William Ayers Problem:

William Ayers is an unrepentant terrorist, though he is normally described as a distinguished education professor. One does not necessarily rule out the other, but he himself acknowledges planting bombs in U.S. Federal buildings. There is now undeniable proof of a longstanding relationship between Barack Obama and William Ayers. We are not talking about two guys who just happened to bump into one another on the street. We are not talking about a secret admirer (Ayers) who quietly sent $200 to an aspiring politician.

No, we are talking about William Ayers hosting a fundraiser for Barack Obama and actively working with him to secure Barack's first electoral victory in Illinois. But wait, there is more. Barack and Ayers also served on the board of the Woods Fund. And they worked together to give money to some other folks, including a group with ties to the PLO.

What makes Ayers so toxic is his own written record equating U.S. Marines with terrorists. Look at the beating that John Kerry took for tossing his medals over the White House fence. Ayers did not toss medals, he threw bombs. Real ones. Bombs that exploded.

Do you think that Republicans will ignore Obama's ties to Ayers? The two were serving on the same board in 2002. We are talking less than six years ago and the record will come out showing some questionable grants by these two characters. William Ayers, in the age of terrorism, will be Barack Obama's Willie Horton.

Then there's this, also taken from Huffington Post:

The William Ayers Problem:

William Ayers is an unrepentant terrorist, though he is normally described as a distinguished education professor. One does not necessarily rule out the other, but he himself acknowledges planting bombs in U.S. Federal buildings. There is now undeniable proof of a longstanding relationship between Barack Obama and William Ayers. We are not talking about two guys who just happened to bump into one another on the street. We are not talking about a secret admirer (Ayers) who quietly sent $200 to an aspiring politician.

No, we are talking about William Ayers hosting a fundraiser for Barack Obama and actively working with him to secure Barack's first electoral victory in Illinois. But wait, there is more. Barack and Ayers also served on the board of the Woods Fund. And they worked together to give money to some other folks, including a group with ties to the PLO.

What makes Ayers so toxic is his own written record equating U.S. Marines with terrorists. Look at the beating that John Kerry took for tossing his medals over the White House fence. Ayers did not toss medals, he threw bombs. Real ones. Bombs that exploded.

Do you think that Republicans will ignore Obama's ties to Ayers? The two were serving on the same board in 2002. We are talking less than six years ago and the record will come out showing some questionable grants by these two characters. William Ayers, in the age of terrorism, will be Barack Obama's Willie Horton.

Oh brother. $200 is not a whopping contribution and the Woods Fund is an anti-poverty group, not a subvervise organization. The Weathermen was a subversive group - back in the day when we had a draft and some students erroneously beleived we needed to end the draft and the war by any means possible. The Repbublicans of course will try to make much of this connection but the people who are not going to vote for Obama because he's a Muslim, or black, or has been associated with a Minister that scares the pants of white folk are just not going to vote for him anyway. The connection to a person who was a radical at a time when it was no uncommon to share those sentiments will be seen as a specious argument by people who can read, use the internet and do basic fact checking.

I need to get better glasses and check for typos.

Ayers has ties to the PLO, Miss Martta? So? Time to scare the Hadassah ladies? Yawn...Sort of like those long standing ties between the late, great embezzler Arafatman and his suckup, Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority. And, as you know, Abbas is W's shizzle dog hangin' with his homies in the West Bank city of Ramallah,just a frrrr piece down the road from Jerusalem, and spending a whole lotta time negotiating with them thar' Israelis. Check out Yassir Arafatso's picture hiding a crack in the wall just above Abbas' desk. Not that I'm concerned. The Israelis have most, if not all, bases covered.

"The connection to a person who was a radical at a time when it was no uncommon to share those sentiments will be seen as a specious argument by people who can read, use the internet and do basic fact checking."

Google Ayers and you'll find that he still retains much of his philosophy from '60s
radicalism. Gosh, libs will defend just about anything won't they.

As for his ties to the PLO, yeah that irks me a bit.

The point about Obama and Ayers is that they worked together for an anti-poverty organization. So I don't need to google Ayers because Obama was never a member of the Weathermen. If Ms.M joins some sort of do good community group in Montclair or a running group and it turns out one of the members is Angela Davis, does that mean Ms. M is sympathetic to what the Black Panthers stood for in the 70's? Or that she is sympathetic to the Communist Party? One can have associations with people with whom one does not agree politically. Otherwise Jim Carville wouldn't be married to Mary Matalin.

Oh, right Brian! Everyone who lost their job lost it due to a lack of work ethic. I wish I'd realized that when I showed up at my desk just hours after a car accident totalled my car and my head smashed the windshield. I had a project due the next day and felt I was responsible for it.

I also wish I'd noted my lack of work ethic when I went to the office twisted into various pretzel shapes due to severe back spasms.

Oh, and the days I worked 8+ hours with a roaring sinus infection and fever because I was in charge of the department and too many depended on my being there.

Then there were the days I'd get in before 7 am, work through lunch and leave past 7 pm because my students needed me and I had new classes to prep for.

Then there are the mundane blizzards I risked life and limb driving through to get to work because of my stupid lack of work ethic.

Seriously. Thanks for clearing it up for me. I feel so much better now about that unemployment check. Hell, I earned it!