Funny how this contrast in speeches was perceived so differently, Libra.  What I saw was a great President standing up for the law and the Constitution vs a de-fanged self-serving windbag trying to justify and defend his crimes no matter what the cost to America.  Obviously this is an "eye (wink*wink) of the beholder" kind of thing?

 

deber B

This idea that Obama has reserved the authority to order torture has been officially refuted.  Do you have a factual basis for your assertion, or is this post your personal speculation?

It was heart-warming to see reports on CNN and NBC about how these beautiful dogs have been rescued and "rehabilitated" and are now spending their lives in an environment filled with love and respect.  One has even become a certified therapy dog who visits children in a cancer center.  All that unconditional love (dog is, after all, GOD spelled backwards) is finally realized and set free.   

I hope that "NO CONTACT WITH ANIMALS" is a condition of the "wrist slap" meted out in this unspeakable crime.   To me, the worst punishment of all would be denial of a dog with whom to share one’s life.

Libra person…..how worrisome!  Just yesterday one of your many (4,224) opinions appeared on the Lori Drew thread where there was truly a consensus of outrage shared by all who posted there.  And yet here you are telling Andrea"…finally a thread where we all agree on."  Your post continues: "except many of the libs aren’t commenting….wonder why?"  Perhaps you did not mean this to sound like rude derogatory innuendo?  Certainly YOU wouldn’t assert that us "LIBS" don’t care about animals, would you?  I must have taken that the wrong way….because you must admit that YOU wouldn’t know the tiniest fact about how I, (or any other "LIB") have devoted my life to the animals in my family, or how much of my income I donate to shelter and care for stray animals in my community, or how deeply sickened and repulsed I am by the cruel and malicious way in which this "sport’s hero" used and abused those precious dogs?  Just so, what exactly WERE you suggesting? 

Ms. PDP

~~Right back at you with respect and appreciation.~~

Phyllis

I appreciate your opinions and agree that Sarah-bashing is tiresome.  (Apparently Obama-bashing is quite self-satisfying?)  On the subject of analyzing her message, here is one of Palin’s interview quotes that gives us some real insight into her thinking:

"That’s why I say I, like every American I’m speaking with, were ill about this position that we have been put in. Where it is the taxpayers looking to bail out. But ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health care reform that is needed to help shore up our economy. Um, helping, oh, it’s got to be about job creation, too. Shoring up our economy, and getting it back on the right track. So health care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions, and tax relief for Americans, and trade — we have got to see trade as opportunity, not as, uh, competitive, um, scary thing, but one in five jobs created in the trade sector today. We’ve got to look at that as more opportunity. All of those things under the umbrella of job creation"                                                                       I agree with your evaluation of our transformational President, and feel such gratitude that he is doing his best to steer America out of the chaos he inherited from the previous "administration." (and I hope you aren’t holding your breath waiting for clarification….a flayme is a flayme is a flayme and is, by definition, manufactured smoke and delusional mirror.) 

The newspaper in Wasilla is The Frontiersman.  Very interesting reading with regard to the thoughts and opinions of our neighbors up in Alaska.

http://www.frontiersman.com/

Mercy, Georgia, you know it is so much easier to sit back and be judgmental than to actually spend time doing something productive to address the issue.  Positive action vs all day every day spent at the computer spewing self-righteous vitriol…..simply no contest for some.  There is some "wheat" in this thread (thank you, ladies!) but sifting through the toxic chaff is quite a price to pay to harvest it!

A Amedee

Didn’t read at ALL like a "rant" to me….I appreciate your thoughtful opinion and the respectful way in which you posted it.

Hey there Georgia…..a flayme by any other name would smell as…..well, I know you can fill in that blank?

p.s. Your comment to me earlier this morning was "managed" out before I got here to read it….betcha I can use my imagination though??

;-}

 

I think I am going to faint…..I am unaccustomed to this level of agreement woven into a Wow thread.  I add my voice of outrage and sadness that a grown woman, and a mother herself, would take pleasure in the cruel manipulation of a vulnerable teenager.  I have a vision of this hateful woman sitting at her computer enjoying the pain she was able to cause, delighting in the power of her anonymity, and wallowing in her smug cowardice thinking there would be no consequence for her reprehensible behavior.  

I wonder how she justified this to herself as she carried it out day after day.  What is it we call someone who takes pleasure from causing pain to others…..oh yeah….she is a SADIST and I hope they segregate her from society for the maximum the law allows.  (and three years is a totally inadequate sentence for this malicious offense.)

deber B

Your comment falls squarely into the "Be Careful What You Wish For" category.  (and btw, I know you left a reply for me some time back, but whatever you had to say was "managed" out of the thread before I logged on to read it…..I can only assume you were re-affirming your familiarity with my mindset?) 

caj p

When I need to feel hopeful about our friends on the other side of the aisle, I remember that when the TRUTH, and the FACTS about Richard Nixon were finally revealed, folks were able to accept that crimes had been committed.  After defending him to the bitter end, all of my staunch Republican friends were heartbroken, but ultimately were able to come to terms with reality.  This country Democrat will go on record:  I do not give a ratzass about the party of the offender.  If they did the crime, they should do the time.  Unfounded loyalty to "D" criminals or "R" criminals is totally counter-productive and unworthy…..and it stands in the way of justice.

Thanks for sharing this perspective, Ms Wells.  I especially enjoyed the observation about Michelle Obama’s "joyous vitality."  I have absolutely no recollection of who spoke at my graduation but I am positive that if it had been someone as dynamic and remarkable as Ms. Obama, not even that old thief…..time…..would have been able to dim the memory. 

I believe that the First Lady will continue to inspire Americans young and old.  She is a national treasure. 

Point well taken, Laureen f

And I should have made mention of the fact that Mr. Eller was a civilian employee of KBR.  I am not aware of any claims for compensation from our service men/women, although that is exactly where I think all KBR filthy "profits" should now be allocated…..EVERY LAST CENT!  Whew, it is one thing that US taxpayers were fleeced by this "greedy, despicable bunch" but it makes my blood boil that our troops were subjected to such deplorable treatment as they willingly put their lives on the line each and every day.  It was like having an additional enemy to cope with.  I can see the logic about Cheney not being part of the company during the time of these inexcusable criminal events, but I sure wish someone had been paying attention and providing some oversight!  Bless our military!!

I appreciate your posts.