Liza, I agree, the seeds for this disaster were sown in the Reagan era. Uncontrolled free market philosophy and the growth of huge multi-national corporations, with loyalty to nothing but profits. When you add normal human greed in that mix it is a recipe for the cake that has been baked. I guess the French had it right -“let em eat cake”! Love the cartoon-I sigh loudly before reluctantly turning on the news. The hardest part is feeling so helpless in the face of these massive problems, which I know will be passed on to my children and grandchildren.

Maurine, I have had the same thought-that we should be marching in the streets to protest this massive incompetance and outright selling out of the last of the middle class legacy. Our grandkids will pay for this-so that the Wall St financeers can keep there bonuses tucked safely away in the Cayman Islands. Letters to Congress just don’t seem to be enough! Where is the spirit of the 60’s-we need it right now!

I second rocky rocky’s thoughts. i too have been discouraged by the lack of discussion of the problems that we all (politics aside) face, but find myself returning because of the articulate and thoughtful people who post here. We can’t let a few “bad apples” spoil this barrel, it has too much potential. It will be what we make it-please don’t any of you leave. Let’s pick a topic and discuss it-anything that is of real concern and talk about real solutions.

Deni, That is the perfect diagnosis and prescription of/for the problem. Thanks for expressing it so well!

No! No thanks! Sorry, I can’t help right now.

Agyness, His loss; too bad for him!

eleanor, what do you mean by empty suit? i could swear that palin is an empty skirt suit, but first i have to know what an empty suit is.

suzanne, you have a mistaken impression about hicks. i’m all for hick pride, and sarah palin is no hick.

wow staff, how about a discussion of the issues? you seem determined to take things out of context so that palin can say obama’s comment was about her and we all can fight about that instead of things that matter like the economy, the infrastructure, the war(s), corruption bigtime by the same people who would bring you mccain-palin, education, energy, national security, veteran’s needs after they have served this country—things like that. how about a thread on taxation policy? how about writing up proposals for renewable energy and the green collar jobs that would result? how about asking those of us on short budgets how we will like dumpster diving for food in four years if obama is not elected? what about health care? why not ask condoleeza rice to submit a posting on diplomacy?

Barb H, Palin’s personal story isn’t scary but her lack of success in the very limited time she has governed is! She has a series of incidents of questionable firings of people, who just didn’t “go along” with her viewpoint. Poor decision making about budgeting and the sale of the Governor’s jet to a campaign contributor (at a loss to the State of Alaska). Her associations include Ted Stevens, indicted Alaskan senator, her pastor, who believes that the Jews deserved the Holocaust because they don’t believe in Christ and ties to a radical secessionist group. I am glad that the GOP nominated a strong woman, I just wish it had been Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Susan Collins or Olympia Snowe (or any of the other talented, experienced women in the GOP).

Deni, You really can’t make this stuff up, can you? It sounds like a script for a wacky British comedy. Far-out, small town mayor ends up in the White House-hmhm-you can imagine the rest. Only this isn’t funny-in the least, it is just downright scary. And I am astounded at the number of people who are buying the “party line”. Real estate investments? What about people who aren’t eating or getting medical care or are homeless? What about people who are one paycheck away from disaster. McCain has sold his soul to the “Karl Rove theory” of political elections-just say whatever you want and once elected just do whatever you want. No one will know the difference.

But Mo, tell me how you REALLY think. LOL Yes I agree-it is pretty unbelievable. I think that is why I keep looking for some ulterior motive.

Thanks Mo, for your thoughts. I agree McCain must have been backed down on this choice; I just don’t see this being his choice. IMO-It is an irresponsible choice for the country should McCain win. Palin is just too inexperienced to be that close to the Presidency. Do you think the choice of Palin may shock, de-stabilize moderate Repubs/Independents? I thought McCain looked uncomfortable with her on stage in Dayton. Seems like they might be cutting off their nose to spite their face! Next week will be interesting.

Hi Mo, Hey, I have been trying to figure this choice out and I have a theory I want to run by you (and anyone else). I wonder if maybe the powers that are behind the Repubs have conceded what they hope will be a “one-term” Dem administration, so they don’t want to sacrifice any real potential future stars or Pres. candidates-ie. Romney, Ridge, Pawlenty, etc. Given the Rove influence-could this be a strategy. Can’t believe that McCain can’t even stand up for his own VP choice. That should give the undecideds pause, IMO

Mo, You are right on. McCain is stuck in a cold-war mentality and evidently still wants to “win” some war and needs some enemy to berate. And I can’t imagine him drawing on or keeping the best and the brightest for government service, which is what we badly need. What do you think of the VP pick-Sarah Palin-just curious? I also agree that we are at the beginning of a new era. My grandchildren stayed up and watched Obama’s speech, even though it is a school night. I told my daughter that this would be a historic night and it certainly was-Yes we Can!