I have ignored you for quite some time. But I reached my "ignore" limit when you sarcastically targeted Ted Kennedy for "battling cancer." Shame on you. No bout of cancer is a sarcastic matter. Brain cancer certainly not. Shame on you.

A person can be an Obama supporter without being mindless.

I just watched the President's news conference. Is "putting on a show" equivalent to speaking honestly, giving straight answers rather than evading questions, blunt talk along with some humor (on questions oriented to such)? Hey, you don't have to be a "obaditto" to respect a respectful press session given by a smart guy...not a mere politician...a smart president with a clear idea of what's going on, none of it easy, and not trying to get away with anything, but calling it as is.

"And compared to those of the last eight years, it was like honey on a sore throat."

I totally agree.

Thanks. I'm still smiling. Paying attention, yes, but not giving up after three weeks.

Buy flowers, chocolates, converstion hearts, cards, red lingerie, chocolate-covered strawberries, a fancy dinner out, maybe a show...it really works, it's the best way to get the economy going! If your credit cards are maxxed out, don't fear--we'll get those tax cuts to ya! All will be well. Heart on!

McCain and Palin come to mind as Samson & Delilah...i.e., he loses his strength when she cuts off his...uhm...hair.

I'm posting before reading all responses thus far, but I just have to say...I'm currently watching 1600 Pa. Ave. with you on the panel, and you actually got Pat Buchanan to *agree* with you. I'm not sure whether that should please me or scare me ;) In any event, I appreciate your comments. You're finding your voice. That's a compliment.

"Obama needs to be more careful and not be so quick (out of his hubris) to make nice with sharks and serpents. They will as soon gobble you as let you pat them. The reptiles are no different."

My guess is that Obama is aware of those sharks and serpents. He's been several steps/moves ahead of his critics for a long time. He's not trying to "make nice." He's being smart, and yes, political, thinking ahead and (IMHO) does not need to become more "pugnacious." Hubris??? How about Gregg? Better example of that attitude.

would not agree. He's smarter.

I'm considering changing my screen name. Out with the old, in with the new. What do you think about...

tinafeyisabago'liciousbrilliantsatiristwhohapppenstobeavirtualclonewithamuchpressedandunimpressivepolitician

Is it too long?

I totally agree with your post--from pizzerias and beyond.

"Just a short thought on Obama's speech, which I have neither seen nor read."

So why are you commenting? Go hug your kids instead.

Liked your post, liked your appearance on Hardball...you just keep getting into your voice. You go, girl!

ode to GC!

war? who is it good for? absolutely some folks.

ate a juicy cold plum, left a note on the fridge.

a hell of a universe next door…are you happy there?

ode to Klytus

hummus is among us.

garlic repeats.

maybe tabbouleh?

parsley antidote for spicy eats.

I truly appreciate your responding to my GC and klytus memorium/reachout...they've been a big part of my Salon experience. As have you, of course. I miss those guys. My sub's about to re-up time...better get on that! Thanks, Joan.........geh

I sent an email to you.

THANKS! MERCI MUCHO!

"You really don't have to read or hear a politicians speech to know BS is being spewed."

I respectfully disagree. However, I really don't have to read your comments to know BS is being spewed.

Glad to see you're back!

How 'bout them Steelers?!!!

Why should she have to?

Did you...could you?...ever consider the concept of respect for the host of this site?

When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

You are much kinder than I am. Thanks for being a role model of good web-thread behavior, while simultaneously being smart enough to step back from the fray! I know myself well...I get riled, but I'm a "scratch a cynic and find a Pollyanna" sort of gal.

Excellent post.

On everyone's "recommended reading list" should be The Water is Wide . True story. Also, see the movie Conrack with Jon Voight in the role of Pat Conroy. "Conrack" is what the kids called him, their teacher and mentor, and he did some very good work.

Of all the issues this country faces now, education and health care should not be among the least. As trite as it may sound, our kids are our future. Public schools need help. From Joan's story alone, some private schools also need help.

I got a low-budget, small-town elementary education, with the 1st through 6th grade governed by nuns. I'm happy to report I never saw the infamous ruler-slap-on-the-hand for discipline, although my 5th & 6th grade nun/teacher I consider one of the most evil people I ever met. I'm grateful for every great teacher in my life that followed, and there were many. ANYWAY...teachers matter. Education matters. And that includes the atmosphere in which the teaching and educating takes place. I have a marvelous friend in Colorado who was active and instrumental in getting a bond proposal passed for updating schools, and got her 9-year-old daughter involved in the process! Impressive. We simply must care about EVERY child's education. Selfishness has no place in this discussion.

To paraphrase an earlier post of mine on another thread: teachers matter; education matters; the context in which teaching and education take place matters; and selfishness has no place in this "argument"--it simply must matter to all.

is that some people gives a damn about education and health care.

GIVE

You've been having many "Give 'Em Hell" moments yourself lately ;)