River Valley Blogs

Sorry wrote on Mar 14, 2008 9:04 AM:

" yesterdays 3:41 pm post was "To Harsch" not by Harsch himself. "

To Rick cont... wrote on Mar 13, 2008 9:39 PM:

" We as adults have a responsibility to try to keep handguns out of the hands of children and out of schools. It's getting harder and harder to do with more of them "out there". I've always believed that handguns should only be concealed if they are needed and for that reason only. I'm so old I remember when that wasn't much of a worry. "

To Rick wrote on Mar 13, 2008 9:35 PM:

" Your right about after it's revealed. But what our discussion is about is the ability to conceal. I carry a handgun for a living and I have for fifteen year's. My opinion has nothing to do with being a liberal by the way. My opinion is that concealed weapons are not a deterrent. There is a saying in law enforcement that "high visibility is the biggest deterrent to crime". Whether that means an exposed handgun or an officer walking a beat. I also don't believe in more guns less crime like a number of people on here. Hand gun crimes are the highest in this country BECAUSE there are more of them out there being used for crime. You don't hear as much about this in little cities like LaCrosse but it is a major problem in large cities. "

Harsch wrote on Mar 13, 2008 3:41 PM:

" Not sure, but if I am going to be accosted, I would feel more comfortable with a gun on me, whether I end up using it or not. I am not saying everyone should be required to carry a weapon, but it should be up to the individual. "

harsch wrote on Mar 13, 2008 2:42 PM:

" don't most gun murders occur after a concealed weapon is revealed? "

To 9:43pm wrote on Mar 13, 2008 8:55 AM:

" No one said it achieves 100% deterrance. But the few times it does deter and saves innocent lives makes it worth it, eh? "

to 9:43pm wrote on Mar 13, 2008 3:48 AM:

" if law abiding citizens were carrying at VT or any of the malls they could deal with the shooter much quicker than it takes to call security and for them to get some snipers in the area. I suppose you think cowering or begging is more effective against crazed killers. you gun control libs have nonsense for logic. "

To 8:47 am poster wrote on Mar 12, 2008 9:43 PM:

" Your "scenario" wouldn't have worked to well at Virginia Tech would it? In fact it wouldn't work too well at any crime scene like that. No sir, if someone has a gun on you and you make an attempt to use your concealed gun chances are YOUR going to be dead. Your not going to "deter" anything. "

harsch wrote on Mar 12, 2008 5:09 PM:

" If only Mike Royko were still alive. He wrote once a year about gun control. I'll never forget the guy--true story--who permanently deterred his own erection. "

To Richard Cranium wrote on Mar 12, 2008 8:47 AM:

" If you have a gun on you and someone attempts a crime against you, you would be able to put a stop to the crime. It would deter the would be criminal from going through with the act. "

Richard Cranium wrote on Mar 11, 2008 10:58 PM:

" To Johnny Hobo: Explain to us how a handgun can be a deterrent if it is concealed. Nobody can see it... There can be NO evidence that supports your position based on that fact alone. "

harsch to welchy wrote on Mar 11, 2008 2:42 PM:

" Concealed carry. Johnny Hobo. Piffle. This is the world we live in. Yes, I believe that he has never written anything worth responding to, and if he is serious he is just another lunatic who is only not dangerous because all he does is write and, thankfully, not act. "

Michael Welch: Johnny We Hardly Knew Ye! (And Never Wanted To!)... wrote on Mar 11, 2008 12:18 PM:

" So he is uh 'Piffle!' you say, Rick? Okay: he's just goofing off; nothing he says is to be taken at all seriously?... "

Johnny Hobo wrote on Mar 11, 2008 7:11 AM:

" Only a fool or demented soul would try to debate the proven fact of the deterrence of concealed carry. As my dear brother Michael would say, "Piffle." "

To Avet wrote on Mar 10, 2008 10:07 PM:

" It doesn't matter about the links you provided.( probably sponsored by the NRA). There is absolutely NO EVIDENCE ANYWHERE THAT CONCEALED CARRY IS A DETERRENT TO CRIME. It's not possible. "

Avet to doubter wrote on Mar 10, 2008 7:21 PM:

" There is proof, you just reject the proof. Big difference. Why would anyone believe you now, when you have been disproven on your first falsehood (the belief that there is no proof)? Now you expect people to take your word that the site with links on the evidence is false too? Why would they do that since your word is shown to be lacking of evidence and begging for blind faith in your judgement? I don't ask anyone to take my word for it. Read the article and study it yourself. "

harsch on hobo wrote on Mar 10, 2008 4:07 PM:

" Welchy, I think Hobo is just farting around. I wish he were funnier, but he is not to be taken seriously enough for any of his readership (a word that should please him) to get a grip on his mentals. "

Michael Welch: I Don't Think "JH" Is A Well Person... wrote on Mar 10, 2008 12:09 PM:

" Even a 'small courtesy' is apparently beyond his smarmy oleaginous shpiel. Some real illness I think lays just beneath; I actually feel sorry for him... "

To Avet wrote on Mar 10, 2008 7:08 AM:

" I repeat: There is no evidence whatsoever that concealed carry is a crime deterrent. Anyone can manipulate numbers like this site and people like John Lott. I REPEAT: THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT CONCEALED CARRY IS A DETERRENT TO CRIME. "

Avet on crime wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:20 PM:

" Yes Virginia, there is proof that carry conceal laws lead to reduced crime. You could Google it yourself, but I'll save you some time, try this web site

http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcdgcon.html "

To:To Brian G Smith wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:08 PM:

" He didn't put them in the same category. He put Osamas name first on his list. I would take that to mean he feared him the absolute most. I think he was saying he also feared for his country, should Hillary or Obama become President. "

To Michael wrote on Mar 8, 2008 4:55 PM:

" And, I see Johnny Hobo continues to egg you on. I wouldn't want him calling me "brother" either... "

To Rick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 4:54 PM:

" And it doesn't mean the Clinton's were involved in murder either... And thanks for the comment about proof. I'm big on that whether it involves accusations like the ones from Bugs or whether it involves the question of God's existence from some of the other poster's. Hope you really don't think that it's not really all that "silly" at all. "

Johnny Hobo wrote on Mar 8, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Michael, my dear brother, I only assert that which is proven as fact, in the eyes of Newton and God. While I have been accused, falsely, of denigrating others, I have never do so, nor will stoop to that level. (In fact, when I have confronted those who bear false witness, they hath done nothing but slink from the challenge!) I have firmly and steadfastly advocated the lifting or prefecting of ones to my advanced level of knowledge and intelligence. Some may call this a fool's errand, but I consider it my cross to bear. "

Michael Welch: Making It Up As He Goes Along... wrote on Mar 8, 2008 12:09 PM:

" 'Fabrication' is CERTAINLY 'on the rise' here on Jimmy's blog because we once more must endure 'Johnny Hobo.' I ask just one favor from him however: you are NOT 'my brother' so please don't address me as such. Thank you (I hope) for that small 'courtesy'... "

harsch wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:49 AM:

" It's interesting (opinion) that both the Bush easy ride and the Foster suicide come up on the same blog, especially one that finds posters constantly misreading each other (one calls an opinion silly, and the one with the opinion claims to have been called silly himself, for instance) and arguing over fact and opinion, faith, belief...The Bush guard duty scandal requires no investigation for it is too obviously true and in character, while the thesis that Foster was murdered is less obvious and actually does require proof--which, of course, does not mean it was a suicide... "

Homer Simpson wrote on Mar 8, 2008 3:21 AM:

" Mmmmmmmm... butter. "

Dear "To BriannGSmith" wrote on Mar 8, 2008 3:15 AM:

" That is your opinion. I say anyone putting any US politician in the same category as Osama Bin Laden is a freaking idiot. You may beg to differ. Our probl;em is we have too many $hlt talking people who cause more harm than good. I fear for the future of my country. "

To 9:25 am poster wrote on Mar 7, 2008 11:27 PM:

" You have no proof of that and you know it. Most hand gun crimes occur in major cities and the violent crime rate attributed to handguns is not going down. Cite your evidence if you have it... Concealed handguns are not a deterrent. "

harsch to charles bronson wrote on Mar 7, 2008 6:24 PM:

" You are a psycho. "

Avet to 10:00 wrote on Mar 7, 2008 9:25 AM:

" I don't know Mr. Bates stance on concealed weapons, but my is a Weaver. From that stance I would deliver 3 rounds center mass to any mall shooter who decides it's a good day to die. That will prevent any crime from that perp. Carry Concealed laws do result in less violent crime. "

To:BrianGSmith wrote on Mar 7, 2008 8:45 AM:

" I am not saying you should respect someone just because they are a soldier. But, the only thing you know about the soldier who made that comment to Chelsea is that you disagree with him on that issue. I thought your post concerning that soldier, based only on that information, was uncalled for and disrespectful. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Mar 7, 2008 7:51 AM:

" There have been a few references to the '72 Olympic tragedy. I'd like to recommend Steven Spielberg's movie, "Munich" to everyone. I found it very thought provoking. Even though Spielberg is a Jew, I thought he presented the Palestinian side in a fair manner. I'd like to see Jimmy review that flick if he hasn't already done so. OK, sorry for the diversion..y'all can go back to whatever melts your butter. "

To Phil O Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 10:16 PM:

" OK, I don't buy your story that Bush has kept us safe. I don't agree with your homosexual beliefs. I don't agree with your concealed carry stance. I don't agree with your Bible/Jesus belief and I'm certainly not a conservative. But I did read where your a Viking fan. So... I guess you can't be all bad... I'll bet you thought I was going to say that I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night... "

To Phil O Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 10:00 PM:

" You really don't know what global warming is do you? The sun is only part of the problem. Do you even understand the process? I don't think you do because your also the one that thinks that having concealed carry will lower the crime rate. Concealed hand guns are not a deterrent for anything. I'm glad future generations don't have to depend on people like you for a better world. "

BrianGSmith to Phil O'Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:42 PM:

" YOU SAID: "Bush wasn't a Duncan Hunter, but he has proved to be a great Commander in Chief." Oh man....that is some funny stuff right there. I chuckled so heartily I almost choked on the falafel I was eating.....All our intelligence agencies state Al Qaeda is bigger and stronger than before, even after Bush has poured Trillions warring against them. You have a low bar when ranking 'greatness' my dear friend. Bush, as a commander, is a humungous failure. Watch McCan't get buried in November as he leans on the great commander. BTW....you getting your Irish up on the 17th or following Burke's guidelines?
"

Dear "4:48 PM:" wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:35 PM:

" I know not what you speak of. I certainly respect alot of people who disagree with me.....many of the NAMED folks on these blogs whom I disagree with I generally respect. I disagree with my Dad on alot of stuff and he has my greatest respect (2nd after Mom). But I, in no way, have to respect anyone just because they are a soldier. SOldiers allegedly reflect our Society and we have alot of idiots in or Society. Hope this clarifies your point anonymous poster. - BrianGSmith "

To:BrianGSmith wrote on Mar 6, 2008 4:48 PM:

" I am not saying you should respect anyone who throws a puppy off a cliff. But, it isn't a good enough reason to disrespect someone simply because they disagree with you. Try showing a little class. That is all I am saying. "

Dear Tess Trueheart wrote on Mar 6, 2008 3:44 PM:

" You forget that the media is corporately owned....owned and controlled by an ever shrinking group of mega-conglomerates who are going to censor and edit any of the real gritty and earthy articles our Founders wished our Press would provide. Even the NYTimes were loud, enthusiastic cheerleaders for the disgraceful Iraqi invasion. Yeah.....you're either uninformed or a weak political operative pushing the totally debunked 'liberal media' myth. -BrianGSmith "

Dear "To:8:36am" wrote on Mar 6, 2008 3:15 PM:

" Respect is earned. SHould I respect the AbuGharaiber's who put Iraqi's into but-naked pyramids? Why should I respect a US soldier who throws a puppy over a cliff...and films it? You should focus your 'concern' at the numerous soldiers that disgrace the uniform. Youshould focus your anger at politicians that send our soldiers into combat un-equipped, without strategies and plans and without true cause...or has them pay for prosthetic legs or abandons them when they return. I grew up on or around military bases my whole life...I don't need no yellow ribbon magnet wearing dweeb on these Trib blogs to tell me about respect for soldiers. For most of my life this respect you hide behind has been noticeably lacking. - BrianGSmith "

Dear "Hey BrianGSmith" wrote on Mar 6, 2008 3:09 PM:

" A) Our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are not, by any stretch of the imagination, protecting my or your freedom of speech. That was accomplished by those who fought the Revolutionary War in 1776, those that SIGNED THEIR NAMES to the Declaration of Independence, those that wrote a Constitution free of religions censorship and control. WWII vets could also be thrown into the 'protecting our freedom of speech' claims. Current war missions are transparent imperial resource grabs, nothing more my dear friends. B) bone, brick, but, bubble.... - BrianGSmith "

RE:Re:Real vs Anonymous wrote on Mar 6, 2008 3:02 PM:

" I realize Smith is a common last name. Therefore I used my middle initial. I'm from the area. If you played High School sports (even HighQuiz Bowl with Ed Seilstad) in the early 80's you know me....I probably pinned your HS heavyweights and ran roughshod over your offensive and defensive lines. I understand people are afraid to use their names because they haven't the courage to stand behind their bombastic claims. I stand behind mine. I will, on occassion, say some out of line stuff, but that goes with the territory. There's no doubt Homelanden Security reads my emails and that's a shame and a point of pride in these times. - BrianGSmith "

Phil O'Bates to Bugs wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:58 PM:

" You mean Bill Calhoun didn't see him? He said he did. (http://www.e-thepeople.org/article/29525/view?viewtype) Two, you need to understand who can be AWOL. Only if the National Guard unit is "in federal service." That means if Bush's Guard unit was deployed to Viet Nam then it was "in federal service" otherwise it is under Alabama's service. (http://qando.net/archives/004044.htm) So, even if Calhoun was lying, and Bush wasn't attending training, his absence isn't AWOL because he wasn't subject to the UCMJ. Bush wasn't a Duncan Hunter, but he has proved to be a great Commander in Chief. "

Hey Phil wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:55 PM:

" Bush kept us safe? I believe, correct me if I am wrong, that 9-11 occurred while he was 'keeping us safe'. If that's your definition of safety I'm not interested. It's tiring rehashing the facts, but Bush got smoked in 2000 by a half a million votes. He was appointed by the Supremes when it was a States Rights issue. Bush used to be a States Rights activist as well as an anti-Nation-building type....oops. And, is America safer and securer? The economy is on the brink of collapse, we export arms and subsidized grains and little more. E-coli outbreaks every week, approved drugs that kill, etc. If you have kids and grandkids they will curse Bush and his supporters for leaving them such hellacious economic conditions. - BrianGSmith "

harsch wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:53 PM:

" The Munich massacre got its go ahead from German authorities. Arafat gave the go ahead to take hostages to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians. So many hundreds of thousands more Palestinians had been exiled from their land or exterminated or both that I find his tactics understandable. I guess we all call freedom fighters just that in accordance with our world views. "

The Nobel Committee, those fiends (Harsch) wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:50 PM:

" The Nobel Committee is notorious, in fact globally so, for knowing its science. "

Tess Trueheart wrote on Mar 6, 2008 2:01 PM:

" The Noble committee is notorious for issuing unworthy prizes in the (in)famous "Peace" catagory. Rigoberto Manchu won it in 1992, only later was it disclosed that her "autobiography" was largely fabricated (keeping on point here Jimmy!) That man of Peace, Yasser Arafat, who gave the go-ahead for the 1972 Munich olympics massacre, earned the Peace Prize. The award to Al Gore was primarily a (limp wristed) slap at the Bush administration, and give how "global warming" has largely been discredited, its an embarrassment. "

harsch wrote on Mar 6, 2008 1:27 PM:

" Watch the Gore documentary and ponder why it was considered so important he won a Nobel Prize. Anybody can list sources by bogus scientists. A list of real scientists would be a great deal longer. I do love reading, but not garbage suggested by someone who has stopped thinking. I suggest that you begin thinking, because there is a great deal more profit to be obtained reading about the intricacies of global warming and the means to arrest it, not to mention the hazards of not doing so. "

To Harsch from Phil O'Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 12:41 PM:

" I just saw this article today about Global warming and thought of you. Read with pleasure. (http://www.dailytech.com/Researcher+Basic+Greenhouse+Equations+Totally+Wrong/article10973.htm) "

Bugs to Phil wrote on Mar 6, 2008 12:35 PM:

" So...when Bush transferred to the Alabama National Guard, why didn't anybody see him there for six or 7 months? "

Phil O'Bates to harsch wrote on Mar 6, 2008 12:05 PM:

" You so want the "Bush AWOL" story to be true, but there is no evidence to support your yearnings, yet you believe it anyway. I understand, you don't let lack of facts get in the way of your preconcieved biases. "

To Harsch from Phil O'Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 11:44 AM:

" Since you like reading, I'll give you some references you can look at to get the truth about global warming. This link sumarizes a book which refutes the global warming scare. (http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=20645)
Here are a few more links: (http://ff.org/centers/csspp/library/co2weekly/20060718/20060718_23.html), (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57605), (http://www.thenewamerican.com/node/7009#SlideFrame_1) "

Re:Real vs Anonymous wrote on Mar 6, 2008 11:11 AM:

" I suppose we are supposed to think it takes guts for someone with the surname "Smith" to post under their real name? Or that BrianGSmith is your real name? Yeah... "

Michael Welch: Oh And Whales Speak French At The Bottom Of The Sea... wrote on Mar 6, 2008 10:44 AM:

" Well none of my 'challenges' can obviously be met but with casuistry which is rife on this blog (on all blogs I ASSume) even if folks don't know what that word means. I KNOW that NO ONE who doesn't already will use his/her own name -- but the only thing YOU have to fear is FEAR itself! I don't think I was especially off topic, though Harsch gently chastises me, but I realize that we have lived in a 'swift boat' world in the USA oh 'forever' really -- politics fro instance has always been cruel and politicians tend to hmm assume the mentioned below Barnum stuff -- basically nothing's TOO stupid (e.g. 'Sama'BamaMama) to 'sell' to the American people... "

Harsch's cancels subscription to Pravda wrote on Mar 6, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Someone on this post has no idea what Pravda means (Truth), nor what it was. It has more in common with Fox News than any other media establishment in the U.S. "

harsch to o' bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Your bizarre denial of global warming facts tends to eliminate any of your views from consideration. The Bush story is true, of course, but the problem is it is not even surprising. As Clinton should have said Yes, I slept with that woman, Bush should have said, Yes, like all rich kids with political parents I got out of the war--that's what we do. "

a nonymous to Brian G. Smith wrote on Mar 6, 2008 10:14 AM:

" I will give you a few reasons why you might post your name verses not posting your real name. You are independantly wealthy and don't worry that your job may be in jepordy. You are retired and don't worry that your income is in jepordy. You don't live in this area so posting your opinions away from those who actually have influence over your life or job isn't a threat. You know that a Republican administration won't round you up for attacking a Republican administration and a Democrat administration will award you for attacking a Republican administration. A Republican isn't positive a Democrat administration won't use their words against them. "

To:8:36am wrote on Mar 6, 2008 9:49 AM:

" Please try to show more respect for our brave men and women fighting to protect your freedom(even if you disagree with them). Thank you. That is all. "

Hey BrianGSmith wrote on Mar 6, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Why all the hostility? I believe the exchange took place also. I wouldn't compare expressing a political view to throwing a puppy off a cliff. These brave men are fighting for our freedom-it is too bad you would begrudge them the freedom to express their opinion. What is a b-head? "

To Brian from Phil O'Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 9:16 AM:

" Just because you keep repeating that the story is true, doesn't make it so. Rather gathered the best information he could to support his and your belief, but, alas, the support was forged. Get some proof for your story and people might believe it. As it is, only the uninformed, prejudiced masses (sheeple) buy into the Bush was a coward story. Thankfully the majority of Americans elected Bush twice, which has kept us all safe. "

Hey Saddlebag face wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:36 AM:

" The osama-mama story is complete BS and you know it. And if it was true then its just more evidence that we have ignorant b-heads in our military. Maybe it was the same dude that got caught throwing a puppy over a cliff in Iraq. Sure you're proud of that as well. - BrianGSmith (how come it's mostly us with the "livberal" views that use our real names?) Like our liberal Founders we have the courage to sign our names on our Declarations I suppose. Enjoy your anonymous life. "

Yo....Yo wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:28 AM:

" You can't spell FACISM without F-I-S-A. We're in danger? What combination of pharmaceuticals do you ingest to arrive at such preposterous paranoia? The FISA Bill before Congress doesn't stop government spying....it simply won't offer immunity to the telecoms that illegally tapped our phones and internet. After 9-11 the wisdom was if we let them change our way of life then they have won. I postulate that they have crushed the Bushies and the feckless scaredy cats like yo-self. Nice going YO.....handing Al qaeda victory so easily. - BrianGSmith "

Dear Phil O'Bates wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:23 AM:

" The Bush story is true and shameful. Pappa Bush tried to eliminate the papaer trail but good folks, men and women with long and honorable service to this Nation, had come out to point out what a loser Bush was. He was AWOL while we were at war. The Corporate Media...incestualy attached to the Military Industrial complex, just isn't gonna throw dungheaps on their puppet. One of the many vulgar ironies is that Bush used Daddy's connections to get in the Champagne squad of the Texas National Guard to avoid combat and then when appointed pResident the same war avoiding punk has sent unprecedented numbers of Nat'l Guards into combat for unprecedented lengths of time. Meanwhile Cheney was wetting his briefs cowering in fear while protesting students at U Wisconsin raised some hell over Napalm. - BrianGSmith "

Phil O'Bates to 7:16am wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:20 AM:

" So global warming on Venus was because the Venisians drove too many carbon burning vehicles? Global warming on Venus, Mars, and Earth is caused by the Sun. Global warming is a natural cyclical event. The melting of snow and ice packs in Canada and Iceland have revealed stumps of trees from ancient forests. Ask yourself how warm it had to be for how long of a time frame for forests to grow in those Northern climates. Global warming today is a scare tactic used to generate money for certain people, cause other people/companies to spend more money, and to promote a certain type of politics. "

Yo wrote on Mar 6, 2008 7:50 AM:

" To Yo:

Just wait til a woman gets to be speaker, or president ethics will return to the congress,(or Whitehouse) we'll all be safer, America will be a better place - The FISA bill expired putting us at risk, kickbacks and corruption abound at Presidential wanna-be's like Hillary (Norman Hsu). Most ethical whitehouse ever - Bill clinton's(filegate, travelgate, whitewater etc) - have a good dream. "

Tess Trueheart wrote on Mar 6, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Easy Jimmy, people without advanced journalism degrees or liberal arts degrees get reporting or writing gigs like they are coming out of Cracker Jack boxes. When newspapers and publishing houses hire these neer-do-well hacks, they are inviting inpropriety. It doesn't help that the publications you site are notorious liberal, leftist publications that make Pravda look like the National Review. "

To 2:18 pm poster wrote on Mar 6, 2008 7:16 AM:

" Just when will you believe that global warming is a threat to our world? After it's too late? Do you even know what global warming is? You think it just has to do with temperature, don't you? Try reading about the planet Venus and you will know what will happen to Earth once our atmosphere is gone. It's happening at an alarmingly fast rate according to MOST scientists. Why do you think that is? "

Phil O'Bates to Brian wrote on Mar 6, 2008 6:01 AM:

" The Bush story is not true. There is no evidence to support your story or Rathers story only rumor. If it were true, Rather would still have a job and you would have some credibility. "

Harsch wrote on Mar 6, 2008 3:45 AM:

" I repeat that I think the basic answer to Mr. Gillman's question is money. But this blog is most interesting in that it clearly displays the inability of just about every poster to think independently. 60 minutes is bogus for reporting on the persecution of a democrat; the world is going south because of anti-abortionists; speculation regarding the very strange events of 11/9 are lies; a repetition of a clever retort to Chelsea Clinton is repeated ad nauseum and then compare to a Welchy trope that changes to fit contexts but is considered the same... "

FAUXNews wrote on Mar 5, 2008 11:54 PM:

" FIXNews is nothing but a fabrication machine. Americans are too lazy and spoiled to do the "due diligence" necessary and thus we have an administration that lied over 900 times in the lead up to the strategically horrific Iraq invasion. MAny folks have too much pride to admit they are wrong and many are too stupid to understand facts that continually slap them in the face. - BGS "

To Yo wrote on Mar 5, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Congress never gets much accomplished when the White House and congressional make up are from the two different parties. I wouldn't make a big deal out of the fact that Bush's approval rating is higher than Congress's. 28% is nothing to be proud of ever, and that's what it's been at for most of his term. That has nothing to do with the press being liberal. It has everything to do with his job performance. Just as soon as the Liberals win the White House and as long as they maintain Congress, you'll see their approval rating go up. Don't worry... "

Hey Phil wrote on Mar 5, 2008 7:59 PM:

" You just did it. Dan Rather didn't apologize for his "false story" on Bush.....the story remains true as can be. Rather apolgized for using a fake letter as part of his expose on Bush's hiding AWOL during 'nam.....a time when my father answered the call and lost some of his blood and friends there. Bush was AWOL.....he was high on coke and drunk off his ask. He never showed up for duty except when he needed dental work. It's a shame you refuse top see this. Our Nation would be much better if we remoived silver spooned evil squazz like Bush ASAP. Brian GSmith "

Yo wrote on Mar 5, 2008 7:08 PM:

" Fabrications are on the rise everywhere - ever since the "feel good" 90's where the spin doctors condemn anything moral like the Bible and praise single-motherhood, gay lifestyle, non-traditional families as ok etc. It takes a village - but the village has lost their morals and hence direction of what is good and what is bad. Look no further than the NY Times and you'll see Presidential approval ratings in the tank, what you won't see is: Liberals in charge of congress have lower approval rating than President and have achieved less progress than the do-nothing congress in the last century! Falsehoods abound making most "news" papers and shows(60 minutes) with "breaking" news stories that look like they really have been copied from Jerry Springer, Donahue, and other "trash" magazines. "

To All from Jimmy wrote on Mar 5, 2008 3:10 PM:

" I believe the filtering issue has been fixed. Please let me know of any other irregularities. "

why are fabrications on the rise? wrote on Mar 5, 2008 2:18 PM:

" our public schools system!!! when you turn out uneducated and uninformed people, who aren't capable of thinking for themselves, what do you expect the outcome will be? it all goes back to P.T. Barnum, there is a new sucker born every minute. and if they aren't born that way, the schools will make sure they become suckers. as a prime example, just look at the global warming hoax. they perpetuate that hoax starting in the schools. "

Bugs to Saddlebag Face wrote on Mar 5, 2008 2:05 PM:

" I really enjoyed the last few lines of your blog. Thanks. "

Annie Gaylor wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Yes, I believe what I write. "

Question for Michael wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:47 PM:

" How is the poster who mentions the Chelsea Clinton story any different than you constantly and repeatedly using the mantra "You pays yer money......"? "

Marc Wehrs wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Here's some assurance that the word 'ass' is no longer blocked. I'd guess a new feature keeps derivatives out, too, in a ham-handed way, so I added the Tribune's customized list to the blog site. "

Saddlebag Face answers the challenge wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:17 PM:

" I recall seeing it on the MSN home page. I even saw some commentary which denigrated the soldier who said it. I really don't think there is a dispute the exchange actually took place. I will not post under my given name-I prefer to remain anonymous. But, this is the only name I post under. The reason I go by the name I do is that when I was born, my mother said "Oh, he looks like a saddlebag face!". But then she said "Saddlebag face, I love you." "

harsch to jimmy wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:17 PM:

" An interesting topic has been hijacked by posters who all use it to express their own grievances. Just to start the discussion where it should begin, let me say that my opinion is that first publishing suddenly discovered about 17 years ago that memoirs sell quite well, and since everyone has a story, many jumped on the bandwagon--with mixed results. Now although the majority of memoirs may be relatively truthful to outright honest, a good lie can bring quick and easy money. "

To Michael Welch and others from Jimmy wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Don't know what's happening with the filtering issue, but have sent it along to the Webmasters. Thanks for alerting me. "

Michael Welch: Some Challenges... wrote on Mar 5, 2008 11:53 AM:

" I challenge people to list a web link for a 'SamaBamaMama NEWS story. And I ask the commenters who named themselves 'ACLU' and 'Anne Gaylor' to tell us -- honestly -- whether THEY write under those alias in order to present views they disagree with personally. A lot of 'game'-playing goes on here, a lot of distorting, and it's clear that this is part of the blog atmosphere and we live with it. But I also challenge EVERYONE commenting to do so under his/her ACTUAL name so that we all know who is REALLY 'talking.' Any takers? How 'bout my anonymous critic below?... "

Saddlebag face to Welch wrote on Mar 5, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Michael, you have an odd interpretation of truth. What makes you think that more than one person isn't repeating the story with Chelsea Clinton and the serviceman? It was big news at the time-I am sure more than one person is aware of it. When the blogs are about Hillary and Osama, it is bound to come up more than once. Also, who are you to say who sincerely believes what? You don't know whether the people posting really believe what they say or not. Are you trying to say there couldn't be more than one Annie Gaylor in the world? You oppose the ideas these people post-so you try to put forth the idea "well, they couldn't REALLY feel this way" or "Surely, more than one person COULDN'T really believe this." Michael, your motives are transparent. It appears it is you who is "fabricating". "

Michael Welch: I'll Try "It" Again And Again... wrote on Mar 5, 2008 11:26 AM:

" By the way Jim something's not working (or overworking!) in your filter here -- I had used the word 'a**ume' and the filter uh 'a**umed' it was 'a--' as in the British 'arse.' That's some 'hyper'-filtering isn't it? (Note: it STILL won't let me employ a perfectly good word!...) "

To:Starfish wrote on Mar 5, 2008 11:24 AM:

" Your examples are laughable, to say the least. More like "baby-killing" to "dilation and extraction". People are not even honest anymore about what they advocate. Why not have the courage of your convictions to call it what it is? Also, objective science confirms scripture. It doesn't contradict it. Evolution is a great example of people changing the truth because they don't like it. You don't want to be held accountable to a creator? Why, just make up that we are just accidents of nature. "

People are gullible wrote on Mar 5, 2008 10:31 AM:

" Everyone knows pro wrestling, for example, is predetermined and the storylines that playout on TV are written by their writers. But, when attendance figures and payoffs are thrown out, people buy into it. I bet most people don't doubt that Floyd Mayweather is getting 20 million for Wrestlemania(probably closer to 5 million) Everyone bought the 93,000 figure for WM III at the Pontiac Silverdome(actual attendance was 78,000). Look at all the people who thought Jerry Lawler really broke Andy Kaufmans neck in the 80's. Most people didn't know different until Man on the Moon came out. It is very easy to deceive the public. You would think the internet would make it harder to do so, but that doesn't appear to be the case. "

Michael Welch: We See It Right Here Every Day... wrote on Mar 5, 2008 10:30 AM:

" Well people make up stuff right here on this blog because they are anonymous and can even change their nommes de plume (if they bother to even have one) if one (say 'Johnny Hobo') is discredited in some way. ONE person can continue the 'Sama'BamaMama comment indefinitely but make it appear as if many folks are repeating it. 'ACLU' and 'Anne Gaylor' are clearly not sincere advocates of those positions identified with the real entities. And I doubt that 'Angry Ernie' is an actual right wingy dingy though he does at times sound quite like 'Gunny' and 'Krusty.' Many people like to play games; they like to stick it to ya; some treat this blog as a form of catharsis but the internet ambience indeed encourages 'virtual lives,' imaginary avatars etc.... "

Phil O'Bates wrote on Mar 5, 2008 10:20 AM:

" A few guesses....Easy money, little to no fact checking, little to no concern if found out. Besides, just look at your own blogs with people like Bugs who believe the lie that Bush and Company caused 9/11. When people believe that there are no absolutes and that lies are the truth, what does it matter if the story is false. Even Dan Rather, in his 'apology' for his false story on Bush's service, tried to defend it because he believed that the jist of the story was right even if the details were proven forged. "

Bugs Raplin wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:24 AM:

" In answer to Jimmy's question, perhaps fabrication has simply become acceptable. The Warren Commission Report was a complete fabrication, as was the 9/11 Commission Report. Yet these fairy tale investigations are totally accepted by the political establishment. I think lies, ommisions, and distortions have simply become ingrained in the American psyche. In contrast, many authors who dare tell the truth are dismissed as "nuts." "

Starfish wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:05 AM:

" I think it starts with re-phrasing other people's positions (prevention to "soft on crime," dilation and extraction to "baby-killing," etc. until people actually BELIEVE this mental pablum. Then, when objective science runs contrary to their interpretation of scripture, they create edifices that, to them, resemble science (fictions) to debunk what is uncomfortable. From these linguistical games, pure lies spring easily in a society. If you don't like the findings, find a new "expert." If you don't like the truth, change it. "

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