Letters to the Editor
blunderdog
Published Letters: 509 Editor's Choice: 10
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It's like XMas Eve
[Read the article: What to expect when you're expecting (primary results)]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]There's something nice about a protracted primary process.
All the states that usually don't get the slightest attention get to feel energized and involved in the process. I'm jealous of the PA'ers right now, as it seems like such a long time ago that NY's primary was held.
In any event, I expect a close win to Clinton (5-7%), and both candidates giving "victory" speeches. I expect a LOT of vitriol from the Clinton side of the mud-slingers, and tones of muted dismissal from most of the Obama side, with a generous helping of hostility from the Obamabots.
I cling to a faint hope that somehow this election will have a positive impact on the process. Perhaps Obama could win, even by a single point, and Hillary could step out of the race. Or perhaps Hillary will win by 38 points, setting her up for a sweep of the remaining votes.
Sure, I cling. Every now and then. I'm not patronizing myself, I don't think, although I'd never join club that wouldn't have me a member.
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Doubt anyone's still readin, so I can be honest...
[Read the article: Lust in translation]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I specifically recall being "taught" at some college sensitivity thing or consciousness-raising or something that (and I quote the point that was driven home):
"All men, in the right circumstances, can rape."
Well, I thought to myself, not much point in trying to figure out who the "bad guys" are if that's the point of this meeting.
But what's with the word "can"?
I read a lot. I know a little bit about history and the general human condition. Seems to me that over the course of a human being's life, they might end up doing all kinds of things. Some of those things are the sort of things that get applauded, and others get prosecuted. But one way or the other--people often find themselves in the damnedest situations, doing things they never dreamed of doing.
Ayep. Folks'll always keep you guessing.
So even when it comes all to it, a "normal" person might do something "abnormal." Best for everyone to be aware of this, and most significantly, to seek an understanding of their own worst impulses.
You'll have them forever, whether you ever want to understand them or not. You can be a better person by understanding your own horrors.
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What's the Dem turnout?
[Read the article: When Democrats chase Hoosiers and Region Rats]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I'm interested in a state like Indiana in this race only because it might be useful to see what actual turnout numbers who vote for EITHER Obama or Clinton would be.
As was mentioned in previous posts, Indiana just doesn't make a lick of difference in terms of the nomination. It's not big enough to have a real impact.
But wouldn't it be nice to see a huge Dem turnout for the primary race? Even if Indiana is a "guaranteed" Princess McCain state in November, any demonstration of support of the Democrats is encouraging.
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@ Electro Robot
[Read the article: Taking back the debate over Israel]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Where's Israel going to be in 30 years? Or even 20?
The "Palestinian" (heh, scare quotes) population is breeding like mad, while the Israeli population is stagnated.
Regardless of who is right or wrong, just what kind of future of Israel would an informed person such as yourself envision?
How long can Israel maintain a high standard of living for a half-million "settlers" who live surrounded by a few million Palestinians?
Is the current strategy of ongoing military retaliation going to improve the situation? If so, how?
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Amazing
[Read the article: Taking back the debate over Israel]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I'm not a Zionist, no big fan of Israel, and have been sympathetic to the Palestinian plight for decades.
Even so, reading all the hyperbole about how Israel is violent and immoral and all that are wearing me out.
Yep, it's true, Israelis kill more Palestinians than Palestinians kill Israelis.
It doesn't really follow from that fact that Israel is the party to condemn. There have been plenty of diplomatic mistakes made on the part of the Israeli PMs over the years, and plenty of hardline militarism, and lest we forget the irony of Rabin's murder.
All well and good. Both sides have pissed on each other a great deal.
Do folks really think that if the IDF stopped responding to rocket attacks from Gaza/Lebanon, they would just stop?
It's amazing that reading posts from folks I likely agree with would be so tiresome and frustrating. Keep some perspective, everybody.
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Savings Account
[Read the article: Bush misleads on ANWR]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I think we should leave the ANWR oil for awhile, at least until after the baby-boomers have all died.
Then we can drill and pump and stuff. I think it should be treated like the equivalent of a college-fund.
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Dobbs Shmobbs
[Read the article: In defense of Lou Dobbs]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Who cares what those guys say? And who cares what Dobbs believes?
I can't understand the accusation that Dobbs is a bigot, that's for sure. He's an anti-Hispanic nativist who married a Mexican woman?!?
That don't add up, really.
Personally, I think the guy's just a paleo-conservative, and that's not such a horrible thing.
I have an idea to address the "problem," anyway. Let the people who are so upset by working illegal immigrants take their jobs. If an employer can't produce proof that an employee is a citizen, let any citizen with documentation who can do the work just move in to do it.
It'll cost the employers some money, natch. But they're breaking the law hiring illegal immigrants anyway, and losses in new employee costs would be onerous than fines.
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Proofreader Wanted!
[Read the article: In defense of Lou Dobbs]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]would be ^ less ^ onerous than fines.