River Valley Blogs

To Gunny wrote on Jan 21, 2008 7:46 AM:

" If you think Jimmy belongs at the top of the list why do you bother even reading his blog? After reading your Kerry name calling I'm totally convinced you get all your information from Rush Limbaugh. Don't you have ANY of your own ideas? You and Johnny Hobo are two of a kind. Or, maybe you are the same person... "

To Krusty wrote on Jan 21, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Prove Michael was wrong even once... "

To Phil O Bates wrote on Jan 21, 2008 7:40 AM:

" Yes, Bush took action all right. He got us into a never ending war. Bush is really protecting America isn't he? He has this country so far in debt above it's ears, the terrorists know it's just a matter of time before this country is weak enough to attack again. For now, they can just "fight us over there so they don't have to fight over here". "

To:Michael wrote on Dec 26, 2007 12:46 PM:

" Extremely intelligent and thought provoking reply. I am awed and humbled by your powers of deductive reasoning. Your 12:06pm shows why, as you say, debating the issues with you is a losing proposition. "

Michael Welch: Only The Sensitive Know The Way I Feel... wrote on Dec 26, 2007 12:06 PM:

" Sad, sad, BOO-HOO! Sad, sad... "

To:Michael wrote on Dec 26, 2007 9:56 AM:

" No one objects you to challenging views you disagree with. We just wish you would do so without the name calling. "

Eddie wrote on Dec 24, 2007 9:07 AM:

" I'm just thankful that no one from these blogs are American leaders/people of influence. You argueholics are no better than the people mentioned in Gillman's article. "

rick harsch wrote on Dec 24, 2007 4:14 AM:

" Wow, this is getting fun. Back to anti-semitism 101, Welchy reviled, Krust, Gummy, everybody's here! Anti-Semitism seems to be the accepted term, but I hate it, since it obviously say what Jewish victims of it mean. Jews in control of...fill in the blank...Throughout history various groups stood out internationally in various profession to trades. Italians really are better with leather than Indians. The problem is that, referencing BGSmith, there is definitely an influential pro-Israel lobby that distorts American behaviour and ideas towards Palestine. The other points are so obvious Mr. Gillman should be either congratulated for his patience or given an aspirin. "

Phil O'Bates wrote on Dec 23, 2007 5:57 PM:

" Reading Brian Smith's name-calling attack on gunny (who might be a Marine), reminds me how twisted and hateful the liberals are toward those who actually fight against America's enemies. Bush was following the Clinton game plan on dealing with Osama before 9/11, but afterwards he took action. BTW with the success of the Missle defense system and the rise of North Korean and Chinese missle technology, America should be thankful Bush is doing his job on protecting America. Come to think of it, which American leader helped out the Chinese and N. Korea gain advanced missle technology? Hmmmm. Oh yeah, Clinton. "

Dear Gummy... wrote on Dec 23, 2007 1:12 AM:

" Allowing 9-11, wasting billions, no-bid contracts, special deal for pharmaceutical companies, E-coil in the foodstream.....all repunklican actions and results. Bin Laden's been makin' lots of video mocking your amante. - BrianGSmith "

Dear Gunny wrote on Dec 23, 2007 1:08 AM:

" Your post reminds us all of the reason our soldiers die overseas.....so muckety-mucks like you can blah-blah-blah without logic. Bush failed on 9-11 dude.....did you miss that? Yeah, seems we got attacked 9 months into Bush's tenure. Bush's top priority was Missile Defense and a Stimuous package for ENRON. He also gave the Taliban $43 million in May of 2001 for their help in securing the Conoco gas pipeline from the Caspian. Question is Gummy, how much of that $43 million was used to finance 9-11? - BrianGSmith "

Re: "Utterly Fake" wrote on Dec 22, 2007 2:23 PM:

" I think I was very clear why it's worrisome to have any tiny monirity group control the majority of the Mass Media and therefore own the information we recieve or do not recieve. I never thought about this twice until I moved to Brussels and watched news broadcasts from many EU regions and it was eye opening. The coverage of "palestine" was what got me most. I don't buy into any conspiracy-world dominance hoo-ha.....but I am certainly correct and justified in drawing attention to this media dominance and the negative effects I think it's having on our American Society. I listed 7 owners of the motherlode of US mass media....I could deepen the list with those that work for these men and head newspapers, magazines, TV channels and stations. I don't think it's healthy for America. "

Krusty wrote on Dec 22, 2007 1:56 PM:

" "michael" just how do you manage to hold up a head that has swelled that large? The reason I ridicule you "michael is because you are loud, obnoxious, and almost always wrong. I won't waste my time trying to "debate" with anyone like yourself "michael" you are way to far gone for any help, and it's not like you would be open to any new ideas, or possibly admit you are wrong. "

Gunny wrote on Dec 22, 2007 1:23 PM:

" It sure does hurt when the truth is spoken. Most of the post here seem to come from a few no nothings that have not gotten past their own egos. When you have great leaders like bush and the administration you are lucky. They have fought long and hard to save this country. It sounds like Ann had hit the nail on the head and too many can't stand the headache when she points out what little you are worth. As far as Jimmy, he should top the list. Along with Hanoi Traitor Kerry,and the rest of the worthless Democrats (rats) is the best way to list them. They chew at freedom and Democracy and pad their pockets at the expense of our Military and then raise taxes some more. They are all worthless "

Michael Welch: It's YOUR Topic Too... wrote on Dec 22, 2007 12:12 PM:

" My experience on these blogs re: discussion of religion has been that inevitably literalist Christians assert the primacy of their interpretation of the Bible; they denigrate other religions sometimes specifically, sometimes by implication. Jesus for instance is NOT 'the Jewish messiah' according to -- the Jews! Some Jews indeed have converted to Christianity but then Christians have converted to Judaism. It is my observation that Jews have NO objection to Jesus being 'the Christian messiah' but they just do not agree. Literalists also overtly denigrate Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism though they know very little about them. I often challenge their triumphalist views and will continue to do so; if they don't want a real discussion they should just drop the topic... "

To Dear Jimmy (Utterly False) wrote on Dec 22, 2007 11:53 AM:

" You're missing the point. If you object to someone being in a position simply because that person is Jewish, that's anti-Semitic. If you object to someone holding a position because they are black, that's racist. If you object to someone holding a position because they are a woman, that's sexist. It doesn't matter that all the people you named in prominent media positions are Jewish, if you object to them being in those positions, or feel there are "too many" Jews in those position, you're being anti-Semitic. "

Michael Welch: Gulliver Meets Lilliputians: "How tiny (tinny) They Are!"... wrote on Dec 22, 2007 10:40 AM:

" Re: my 'person' my enemies here have pumped me up into an almost legendary figure; my 'debating skills' are pretty good eveidently or it wouldn't take so many lilliputians to try to tie down this 'Gulliver.' Their efforts are so unimpressive because they are the ones who constantly employ calumny and slander and flinch from much intellectual engagement. As I've observed often, once they perceive their arguments floundering they inevitably go for the ad hominem attack. I ATTACK IDEAS; they attack me and when I express my scorn for that sort of 'debate' they pull up their skirts and whimper... "

Michael Welch: The Heroic Jews... wrote on Dec 22, 2007 10:32 AM:

" I have also criticized literalism re: the Jewish scriptures, the OT. I think 'Yahweh' is a cruel God re: 'non-believers' especially, a conqueror and the model for present Christian triumphalism. I find however the retaining of a Jewish culture, as developed in Europe as well as in the Levant, over the centuries one based upon Talmudic scholarship and the value of the intellect, hard work and a stubborn persistence in the face of European Christian persecution. Jews in the USA 'founded' in a real sense the American commercial entertainment industry; I loved the movies of the '30s to the '70s and the tv of the '50s and '60s -- both largely 'Jewish products.' My reading re: the holocaust convinces me Hitler intended to murder ALL the European Jews if possible; his ability to attempt it was helped immeasurably by centuries of Christian anti-semitism... "

Michael Welch: This Is What I Have Learned... wrote on Dec 22, 2007 10:19 AM:

" I've written MANY times about the gospels; they are NOT 'biographies' but mythic compilations about Jesus, each reflecting the experiences of a particular community. Both Matthew and Luke have used Mark as a source but both also have other sources; John is rather unique, almost 'gnostic' in tone and anti-Jewish in the extreme. Matthew which shows Jesus as a 'Moses' figure contains too strong anti-Jewish sentiments. None of the gospels are first-person accounts; all are written after the time of Paul and the spread of Christianity to the Greek Mediterranean. What I have just put down I wrote before; this is based on scholarship and isn't at all 'new.' I approach ALL religions from that sort of analysis; I deplore 'triumphalist' rhetoric about ANY religion. I don't find 'literalism' re: the NT convincing... "

Johnny Hobo wrote on Dec 22, 2007 8:52 AM:

" It's amazing that when one questions flaws in the Jewish or Islamic religions, one is branded a "bigot," "racist," "anti-Semite" or some other meaningless, argumentum ad hominem label. Yet it's open season on any variation of Christianity and the countries, like the United States, that comprise Christendom. I notice how such "rational" Christianity attackers never question Jimbo's Hebrew tenets and label them, "superstitions" or "outright lies." "

BrianGSmith wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:38 AM:

" The US's media bias is extremely obvious to anyone who has spent alot of time overseas and has seen news broadcasts in foreign countries. The Israeli-Palestenian crisis gets lopsided or censored coverage in the US. Because it is such a critical issue it gets alot of coverage in the EU, for example....and the coverage is startling. The main aggravation in that crisis is the settlers and their expansion into Palestenian territories. I imagine the US coverage on IRAN is as dismal as it's 'coverage' of pre-war Iraq. Too much Israeli-Likud influence-censorship in US media. SO I vote those in control of this dismal coverage as "America's Worst" persons. "

To Above average Mike S. wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:34 AM:

" Mikey always does that - he learned his debating skills by watching Dan Akroyd & Jane Curtin on Saturday Night Live many years back. "

Dear Jimmy wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:31 AM:

" Utterly false? Gerald Levin, CEO and Director of AOL Time Warner, Michael Eisner, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Edgar Bronfman, Sr., Chairman of Seagram Company Ltd Edgar Bronfman, Jr, President and CEO of Seagram Company Ltd and head of Universal Studios, Sumner Redstone, Chairman and CEO of Viacom, Inc, Dennis Dammerman, Vice Chairman of General Electric, Peter Chernin, President and Co-COO of News Corporation Limited. These seven men collectively control ABC, NBC, CBS, the Turner Broadcasting System, CNN, MTV, Universal Studios, MCA Records, Geffen Records, DGC Records, GRP Records, Rising Tide Records, Curb/Universal Records, and Interscope Records. "

Dear Jimmy wrote on Dec 22, 2007 4:56 AM:

" Oh please. Jews are way over represented in US Mass Media owning or running or editorializing most of our major media operations. This is not desirable. US Foreign Policy focuses far too much on the Middle East and the information we get...or don't get from that Region has been one-sided and pathetic. Sadly, many of those in charge of the mass media have known bias towards Israel and the subject is never thoroughly investigated and discussed. Censored....the 800 lb gorilla in the room sitting on Grandma that no one wants to talk about. I'm not afraid to address it...I'd put a number of Mass Media heads at the top of this "America's Worst" list. - BrianGSmith "

Jew and the Mass Media from Jimmy wrote on Dec 21, 2007 7:13 PM:

" It's simple: If one disagrees with the tenets of the Jewish faith, that does not make one anti-Semitic. However, if one believes that the Jews "run" the mass media, which is utterly false -- more Christians work in the mass media than Jews by a substantial margin -- and further, one believes there are "too many" Jews in the mass media or that their running it, even if it were true, is objectionable merely on the basis that those controlling it are Jewish, then that person is most certainly anti-Semitic. "

Dear Andy K and anyone else? wrote on Dec 21, 2007 6:04 PM:

" What, exactly is anti-semitism? If I disagree with tennants of Jewish belief or if I think there are too many Jews running the Mass Media does that make me anti-semitic? And if you think so....why? Now, if I say Jews need to be Perfected???? That I can see. But if all the Jews in Mass media were replaced with Muslims we'd never hear the end of that song....would we? I don't want any singular movement or denomintation or race dominating my country in any sector. The Good Mensch "

Dear "Andy K" wrote on Dec 21, 2007 5:48 PM:

" Don't fool yo'self.Ann Coulter is an anti-Semite, she is a fascist tool to be clear. She's one of the dumbest of the pundit puke we have to deal with over an over on the mass corporate media. She spokein Canada and she railed against the Canadians for not supporting us in invading Iraq like the Canadians supported us in Viet Nam. Trouble is, the Canadiens DID NOT support our efforts in V'nam,.She's an idiot...the fact there are still folks that throw out her name as some source of wisdom reflects the horrid state of our pathetic citizenry. The Coulters and Bob Morris's of our society should be ground up and pyrolized to produce a few Watts of biogas. _Brian G Smith, Deist, Independent and P O'd "

poboi wrote on Dec 21, 2007 4:52 PM:

" EASY!!! C-L-I-N-T-O-N HANDS DOWN!!!! "

Andy k wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:56 PM:

" Second, I'm not sure it's fair to call her an anti-semite, although, not being jewish, I feel somewhat unqualified to make that judgment. Her comments about jews needing to be perfected were ridiculous and insensitive insofar as she seemed unaware of the fact that, not too long ago, similar statements might have been made by people who wanted to exterminate the entire religeon. However, I don't believe they reflected any hatred of jews or of the jewish religeon because none of the hateful comments she's made before show any evidence of that. Aside from all that, let me close by saying that I think she's a thoughtless, arrogant, shrill hag. "

Andy k wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:50 PM:

" I disagree with a couple of points on Ann Coulter. First, I do not consider her a "leader". Who does she lead? Who does she speak for? Nobody I've ever met. Why does she sell so many books? The right wing "think tanks" buy up scores of them to artificially inflate her sales and get her on the bestseller list. At least that's what I tell myself, as I absolutely refuse to believe that anyone in this great country of ours could actually agree with what she says. I'm right, aren't I? Aren't I? Please tell me I'm right? "

"above average" Mike Sanders wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:23 PM:

" Re Bugs: I was specifically referring to other boards where discussion took place regarding the claim by Jesus to be the only way to God. Michael said Jesus was mistaken. Another poster said He was being truthful. Michael then let loose with the same name calling he did below(intolerant, childish, and petulant). Hope that clears up any confusion. "

Blog vs Blog post vs comments wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:17 PM:

" A "blog", a portmanteau of web log, is a a website where entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order [via wikipedia]. Blogs contain various "posts" or "entries" written by one or more authorized persons. Readers may submit "comments" for each post. Often, those comments are screened. They do not submit "blogs". They do not post to a "board". They are comments...plain and simple. What did we learn here? Those commenting in Jimmy's blog aren't bloggers. Yes, it's petty, but it's a distinction you should probably understand by now. Oh, and if you want a blog where comments aren't screened...create your own. "

Stengber wrote on Dec 21, 2007 1:35 PM:

" Had to check back in to hear the expected slander from the usual suspects. "Hugo Chavez (another socialist Stalin/Hitler wannabe)" for the crime of, uh, losing a free and fair election to expand his powers? Russ Feingold for the inexcusable crime of. . .what? Political conviction? (Thank you, Rush Limpboat, for so tidily packaging The Enemies of the State, as per Bush/Cheney.) As for denigrating a particular faith: if not accepting another's faith denigrates it, well, good luck with your Crusade. We're not as well-armed with the law as we were eight years ago, but accepting the faith of one's own choice is STILL the law of the land. "

Bugs to Krusty wrote on Dec 21, 2007 1:29 PM:

" You're absolutely dead-on right to nail Bill and Hillary and Ted "Chappaquiddick" Kennedy. "

Big Spender wrote on Dec 21, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Jimmy is right about all of them except Reid: the Dems don't really have a true majority in the Senate (Lieberman and Sanders are independents, and there are a few Dems who lean conservative, especially when corporate interests are involved). America's worst leaders: Rush Limbaugh, all involved in CIA secret torture prisons, all involved in NSA spying on Americans, Border-Bigot Tom Tancredo, Pastor Huckabee the Iran Wannabe, Fmr. House Scamster Tom DeLay, Fmr. Atty. Gen. Torture Gonzales, Foley the Congressional Page-O-Phile, Don Imus, Michael Richards, Mel Gibson, Rupert Murdoch (Aussie, but he owns a fifth of all American media).... "

Planet Stasiak wrote on Dec 21, 2007 12:02 PM:

" Someone needs to point out the difference between denigrating the Jewish faith and denigrating the Jewish people. It is a unique distinction, because someone can say "I am Jewish". Well, what does that mean? Are you identifying your race or religion? Possibly both. No one is more critical of religion(specifically Christians) on this board than Harsch, BGS, BS, and our friend Welchy. I don't think it is fair to accuse Ann Coulter of being an anti-Semite. I don't even think she was denigrating the Jewish religion as much as saying she felt it wasn't "perfected" because it lacked Christ. If she is an anti-Semite, what does that make Welchy,Harsch, and BGS? I am just asking for a little fairness and accuracy and consistency with our accusations. If disagreeing with a religion means "anti", then why does she face criticism, but anti-Christians don't? "

Michael Welch: I Nominate The Bush Administration... wrote on Dec 21, 2007 11:04 AM:

" 'Some of America's worst' also must still include the major members of this benighted Bush administration. I recommend folks take a look at the Charles Ferguson documentary now on DVD titled 'No End in Sight' which meticulously reveals the blatant bungling of the occupation, especially with Paul Bremer's ill-advised 'de-Ba'athification' program and the even more disastrous mass 'firing' of the Iraqi army, coupled with Rumsfeld's refusal to provide enough troops to control the country or confiscate the numerous arms caches. The result: an armed angry insurgency the admin spent years denying existed while IEDs etc. blew up with impunity and ordinary Iraqis were consigned to 'living' in a totally Hobbesian environment worse than under Saddam... "

Krusty wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:55 AM:

" I would like to nominate "jimmy" and "michael welch" I knew exactly who jimmy was going to spout off about before I even read the article, jimmy's liberalism is sickening. Just to try to make himself look fair jimmy didn't mention President Bush. How about throwing some real losers into the bunch here? Nancy Pelosi, Bill and Hillary, Feingold, Ted Kennedy, Rosie Odonnel, and I will agree on britaney and paris, they are both garbage. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:37 AM:

" How about the Tribune for its lack of scrutiny on the proposed new UW-La Crosse sports complex? Seems to me they never bothered to ask any hard questions, just promoted the thing blindly. "

rick harsch wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:33 AM:

" Missing blogs: I have seen nothing of mine for a couple days, so I assume another glitch. There have been quite a few episodes of a series of blogs disappearing, which in this charged emotional/political cyberhooverville leads many to suspect censorship. That seems quite paranoid to me, for too many outre posts have been 'allowed', views from all sides, arguments inane and not, and lots of personal attacks, which can't really be separated from the heated debating and shouldn't be censored and usually seems not to be. I know Marc Wehrs and he ain't no censor. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:32 AM:

" What about Roger Clemens? He apparently is utilizing the Bush/Cheney strategy defense-never, never admit to any wrongdoing, just continue to lie and lie and lie and lie.... "

rick harsch wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Anyone involved in exacerbating the gross divide between rich and poor and anyone involved in U.S. warmongering should be at the top. Those caught doing embarrassing things like Larry Craig should be laughed at but not considered worth a place on any list but that of fools. The attack on Welchy is in that category, too, and I hope that is readily apparent to all readers. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:24 AM:

" I nominate Lee Hamilton, Jamie Gorelick, Bob Kerrey, Thomas Keane and the rest of the 9/11 Commission, who covered up for Bush/Cheney. Building 7? What Building 7? Sorry, not important enough to discuss in our report. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:21 AM:

" Mr. Sanders, when you criticize Michael Welch for not taking Jesus at his word, exactly which Jesus would that be? There are about 7 different contradictory Jesus's in the New Testament. The Jesus who honors the 10 Commandments, but then breaks one of them by disrespecting his mother? The Jesus who says he comes not in peace but with a sword, but says we should turn the other cheek? Or the Jesus who preaches the Golden Rule and then threatens non believers with eternal punishment? "

Michael Welch: "Welchy": Your "Great Satan"?! Wow! Is That ME?!... wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:20 AM:

" I PROUDLY accept any scorn from those who are indeed 'intolerant, petulant and childish' about other people's religions. Mike Huckabee remarked recently that if folks 'are kicking you in the rear that still makes you ahead'; perhaps it seems incongruous to quote Huck, the liberal Republican governor and literalist Christian, but we appear to be in similar uh 'positions.' I am adamantly against what I've called a literalist Christian agenda that includes the desire for a world-wide war against Islam, a clearly disastrous project. Literalist Christianity is militantly anti-gay, against abortion rights, militaristic and relegates the pacifistic Jesus to the ash-heap. 'Love your enemies; do good to them' -- no; for that they hardly take Jesus 'at his word'... "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:10 AM:

" About that fire in Cheney's office, I have it on good authority from my sources in DC that the Devil was in for his weekly conference with Dick, who was late. The Devil was extremely irritated at the tardiness and rained a little sulpher and brimstone down on the office for good measure. "

Johnny Hobo wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Easy here, Ted Turner, the Democrat Party "leadership" (for lack of a better word) in either house of congress, Hugo Chavez (another socialist Stalin/Hitler wannabe), throw in the Hollywood likes of Pitt, Steisand, O'Donnel, Oprah, Robbins & Sarandon for trying to lead us down the primrose path. "

"above average" Mike Sanders wrote on Dec 21, 2007 9:40 AM:

" How about Michael Welch, who believes that taking Christ at his word in and of itself makes you intolerant and childish and petulant?(I got this from other "Jimmy" blogs). "

Stengber wrote on Dec 21, 2007 9:30 AM:

" I will second a "worst" nomination for anyone involved in this Administration. (I've regretted the rare occasions that I forced myself to believe that one MAY have redeeming qualities--Wolfowitz, say, as a Straussian idealist--only to have it thrown back in my face with World Bank nepotism for his mistress.) We must also acknowledge the veil of darkness being pulled over our legislative/judicial processes by the anonymous influence peddlers and manipulators: we can call it the Rove-Norquist Faction, slowly being deconstructed but still having done enough horrible damage for decades. "

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