Very interesting points.

But most Americans have never considered the difference between a black person who is a descendant of slaves and a black person who is not. To the average voter it would never occur to them that there is any difference. So I don't find the argument that other black candidates make whites feel guilty while Barack does not very convincing.

We are very race concious in this country, but not that discerning.

Politics is not the leader in race relations. Now that this year's superbowl will have two teams with black head coaches, maybe we are ready or almost ready to have a black prez.

(and I don't know if they are slave-black or not)

Heartening to read a candidate's advisor praising other candidates. We do have great people vying to be the nominee for the Democratic Party.

Maybe it is a silly fantasy, but I wish the primary races among the Democrats could be on such a positive level. I'd like to change the general meaning of the adage from JFK where he said of the economy "that a rising tide lifts all boats" and apply it to how our candidates present each other to the public.

I'm not sure I could possibly decide for myself whether stewardess is acceptable without a condescending male to tell me the answer. We ladies know that if something upsets us, it is likely to be trivial and there will always be some guy to point out that our preferences are just silly.

Use whatever term you wish, Mr. Smith. But save the preaching on why we should be happy with the term you choose.

By the by, my mom was a was a Braniff employee in the 1940's.

And I am curious, Mr. Smith, about something else. When you find the use of African-American to be too repetitive, do you use the term "slave"? It is certainly more colorful. Or perhaps when the word pilot becomes monotonous you switch to "meathead".

The words we choose do have impact. They do make a difference.

They didn't call them weapons.

They called them weapons of mass destruction because they understand the importance of language.

I am a landlord. Call the police everytime the dude is doing anything. Call the code enforcement people at least once a week. Where I own property, the police will come down hard on the landlord if the landlord doesn't evict such a nuisance. Do you have some other neighbors that will call? They need to also call the police and code enforcement. Explain to code enforcement exactly what is dangerous to children about the infractions you see. That might get some faster action. Also call your representative on the city council.

I am also a real estate broker. Most real estate sales people know nothing about these issues so you are unlikely to find one that can help you with this.

Good luck.

...that told us about the Nigerian yellowcake and WMD in the first place. We have known for quite awhile that we cannot rely on anything said by this administration.

I, like so many people all over the world, wish Cheney would resign but I am not betting on it.

Very, very boring mishmosh of nothingism.

And who is that drawing supposed to be?

Please consult with social services or someone to see what you and your wife can do to stop the beatings. The boys cannot do it for themselves and their mom is not protecting them.

Change your will immediately to protect your son. And do not tell your wife's sister and her husband about this right now. That issue does not need to be mixed up in the protection of your nephews. Tell them later if you wish. But one issue with them at a time. Protect your son and the nephews first. Deal with telling them about the change in guardianship later. Telling them is not an immediate need on anyone's part. The kids' needs are.

Thank you for caring about these boys and for being a loving father.

She had breast cancer that was treated and then she was cancer free for many years. The cancer returned as bone cancer.

The doctors told her that it was not curable but was treatable. She lived many years after this diagnosis going regularly for treatments and checkups.

My friend never quit living while she had cancer. She worked, she entertained, spent time with family and friends, did all her crafts, and participated in her church.

From what I learned through this personal experience I would make the same choice as John and Elizabeth have made. To continue on with my life.

Everyday it seems there is more reason to hate the son of a bitch.

Well done.

I have always voted for Democratic candidates. In the 2006 election I donated to candidates in other states as I wanted so badly for the Democrats to have the majority in the House and Senate. I was so happy when Democrats won the majority position.

I was so sure that they would do much to rein in Bush and Rove and whoever else calls the shots.

Now I am just about in shock over this FISA fiasco. How could they do this? What about their oath to uphold the constitution? How could they give such power to these people who have shown they can never be trusted? Even if they could be trusted, this expansion of secret powers is against everything I thought we stood for in this country.

In addition to this, the Senate just rolled over and gave Bush his Supreme Court nominees. Nominees who are a further disaster for the rule of law.

Late Saturday night I sent an email to the Democratic National Party to let them know that I'm done. I have no faith in my party and I will not waste more money on political contributions to Democrats.

Like so many others, I feel I have been played for the fool.