Because the sister is angry at the LW (and other siblings too) because she is "stuck" with taking care of the mom (despite wealth), probably has "become just like mom" and is in a rut. She'll never tell you this but she's not happy with the situation, who she has become and you calling only reminds her. Seems plain as day to me.

I have a brother who takes care of my nutty, scattered Mom. On any family issues my brother gets a free pass every time because he's bearing the load. It's that simple.

Beyond that I do extra stuff for my brother that I don't do for my other siblings. I keep the complaining to a minimum and if my mom compliments me (the visiting son) I deflect it in front of brother. It's called being a human being and showing a little empathy and respect.

LW, it's a cliche but put yourself in your sisters shoes, think about it and then stop your complaining. You're being a baby.

Seriously...why not? If you're going to change, change it all. With the need to form alliances and money put into a reduced roll, it could be a huge boost to democracy.

No longer could one wing of a party (say extreme right wing fundies) hold a party hostage. Instead alliances could move around them. Also the ability to turn out a no confidence vote would cut short ginormus errors like the W administration.

I mean, did any of the media question Bush #1's, W's, Uncle Dick's or any of those guys on money? The answer is a very weak, sorta but not really. Is anyone going to question Mitt Romney on his money and influence? How about Rudy's law firm? If you're going to open a can of whoop ass...open it for everyone to enjoy not just the "homemaker".

Okay, at age 13 it's too late but the point is there -- uncover the hypocrisy.

75% of kids that go to Catholic school rebel &/or ultimately understand the hypocrisy in the "god in heaven - go to hell" paradigm. Yes, the love of booze, football, rowdiness, weird fun and naughty sex helps the process but there must be something in the evangelical lifestyle that shows the contradiction in thought and belief. The LW needs to find that something and let his kid discover it. The uncovering of hypocrisy and the resulting disdain is the natural ally of every teenager.

If that doesn't work, get an anti-brain washing expert.

Analogy to Democrats chasing white males is the GOP chasing Latinos, Asian Americans and African Americans. In large part it's a waste of money because the GOP has no idea how to connect to this demographic without peeing on themselves. Also, these groups largely vote on the premise of empowerment and mobility instead of maintaining position as many white males do.

Using game theory the Dems have been playing "not to lose" instead of playing to "win". This is one of the biggest problems with the Democratic party and chasing white male voters is part of this. Once they can pull this switch of playing to win (see JFK and Bill Clinton), instead of playing "not to lose" the Dems have more then a fighting chance.

In the long run this is what the Democrats have to focus on -- the empowerment vote because ultimately it crosses over to even white males.

"The first of those brigades will leave later this month, but the drawdown will reportedly begin in earnest in the spring of 2008."

The fact that the bulk of the pull out is being staged for spring '08 is simple kowtowing to popular opinion in hopes of salvaging a GOP chance at the presidency in '08.

Nothing wrong with pulling out except in this case it's pure politics and counter to the the original rationale to start the war (WMD, bin Laden, etc.) and the stated goals of security and democracy. It's pure BS with a bigger mess being left then before.

When the big pull begins look for a massive patriotic PR campaign, a declaration of victory (W in a jump suit again) endless pundits kissing GOP ass while the formal attack on the Democratic nominee begins.

Given the human toll, the TRILLIONS wasted and a bigger mess is being left behind -- W and his crew deserve a brutal kick to the groin. Don't worry this is a metaphor...and these idiots have no balls.

Hasn't the American voters learned yet that the "aw shuck" bit is a cover for hard line ring wingers ravaging the constitution, economy and pumping up the coffers of the rich? I'm embarrassed as an American that this scam keeps getting replayed and people buy it!

Holy hell, we've seen it with Ronald "aw shucks" Reagan and George W "folksy moron" Bush? Both racked up HUGE, GINORMUS debts and ripped at the constitution...oddly enough the stupider and yet more folksy one doing the bigger damage.

While Fast Freddie T is smarter then both, his lack of ambition (or faux) is a huge red flag that things won't just stay the same but will get worse. He'll be looking the other way the whole time. Or worse yet, policy will be run off a script like with W. except he's a better actor. If Fast Freddie gets elected -- we're f&cked.

Yup that was big Mike's nick name and he was a very, very good player and surely better then the bottom 2-3 on the list. While he didn't go to Dartmouth, he graduated from Berkeley...not an Ivy but a better school. He was also has a few World Series rings from the Oakland A's dynasty in the '70s. I'm not even Jewish and I hate AL baseball but I know this.