Joan: I can explain it, at least from the view of a progressive. Bill Clinton was better for the Republicans than he was for the Democrats. He was a moderate conservative, a sell-out on many populist issues (such as NAFTA), and represents a Democratic Party that was called back then Republican-lite. The Democratic Party can do a lot better for the future.

The McCains are Protestant. I forgot to mention that difference between him and the "Catholic" Kennedys. That might matter to you but it doesn't to me. All the same, I realised that I should have mentioned it, in case you got het up about it.

As for the spelling of colour/color, as a neighbouring island, we took our English from its source i.e. England.

"As for the spelling of colour/color, as a neighbouring island, we took our English from its source i.e. England."

And we improved upon it, simplifying such words as "colour" and "neighbour" by removing the unnecessary letters. Those "u"s don't really do anything.

Adieu to you for now, fair Maureen. I am off to partake of a Guinness or two to commence the weekend.

For what it's worth, I share your concern about what is going on in the Republic of Georgia at present. While I maintain that you're borderline insane, your point that we Americans sometimes engage in navel-gazing while the rest of the world experiences far bigger issues is well-taken.

I think the press is trying to inject some excitement into their convention coverage promotions by playing up possible chaos. Bill Clinton just want attention. Republican would love to see chaos at the Democrats convention. That is PUMAs goal.

However the Democorats don't want chaos. They want a unified party and a win in NOV. If there is chaos at the convention, which makes the party look divided, it will be blamed on Hillary. That will end her political career with in the party. If Hillary supporters really care about Hillary they will cease.

Don't know why I didn't see that before. Maybe my boyfriend does too (I've despaired of changing him as much as I've despaired of changing you--he is as stubborn although less verbose), and while Joan doesn't prefer him, she was willing to consider him, she said in an earlier post.

perhaps we look for overly complex explanations for things. The fact that Obama's mother was scotch irish or something still doesn't cut it with you because of the bragadocious Kansas and goat herder tale...and Auma? Ever Auma. Maybe Auma is a friend of yours, a less favored sister with some green-eyed envy for the branch of the family in Africa...and perhaps you're typing up posts even now from her cozy abode in London. The one you keep mentioning.

I hope that doesn't spoil your rnjoyment of his poetry, although Seamus Heaney (Nobel Prize for Literature) is more popular now. You're obviously impervious to your own insensitivity as you tell me what the Irish ARE. As I say goodnight to you at l0:50 p.m. and turn to read "The Clare Champion", where racist-riddled America is not a concern, I have to wonder how someone who claims to love poetry has such a paltry understanding that a diversity of opinion is the true mark of a democracy. I don't like Obama and it has nothing at all to do with his race or religion. He seems shifty, to me, a word which has the meaning of "duplicitous" over here. I could say to you "Don't ever darken mu doorstep" but I know that this old expression used to tell someone to keep away would be immediately pounced on by the Language Police waiting in the long grass to seize anyone that's PERCEIVED as the foe. Get a grip. America is going down the tubes.

Seek help for your malady.

RE: Maureen

You ascribe rationality to Maureen at your own peril, and probable sorrow. Apparently, though, we have bigger fish to fry, what with our impending descent down the tubes...

Faulkner Jr., I'm enjoying the show today! You have to get to Ireland, it's really incredible. I'd like to go back.

I have access to a lot more information than you seem to have and I'm what's known as a "quick read"; I can absorb facts very wuickly, for which I thank whatever Supreme Being there may be and not myself. You sound very self-righteous and moralising, if you don't mind my saying so, and yet you ally yourself with people I wouldn't care to associate with viz., Auntie Cairo who accused me of "racially-tinged" remarks and when I CHALLENGED her to explain what she meant, she just slithered away. I also note that you have no objection to those who are unable to argue casting doubts on my mental health. As a self-professed former social worker, that should irk you but it does not. Dolores, we have a saying here "Show me your company and I'll tell you what you are". Your companions in calumny say a lot about you and, worse again, you're not even interesting.

Give your boyfriend some of your time instead of peddling rubbish on the Net. You're probably getting paid for it but I'd advise the Obama campaign that you're being overpaid for all your mewling and meandering. All the best to you and Boyfriend.

The pathetic thing is that I've been to England, Scotland and Wales, so I have no excuse not to have gone to Ireland. Yeah, this thread is one of the more entertaining ones I've read! :)

He think's your talking about Dylan Thomas. Whoever he was. The man ain't go no culture.

Good night Maureen. I always imagined you with a well thumbed copy of Gibbons on your nightstand. Yes, we appear to be going down the tubes. All things must pass, all glory is fleeting and all of that.

Still if there is an Ozymandias, it is McCain and the NeoCon lead Republican party. It's not a personality contest, though that seems to be the McCain strategy at the moment.