Merry Christmas, America

Kudos to me....lol

I'm not normally one to toot my own horn, but I will say that I was the first NNY blog to break the news about Caroline Kennedy being interested in Hillary's Senate position:

Friday, November 21, 2008
BREAKING NEWS......

OK, so we know Junior Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton from New York. But what do we think about Junior Senator William Jefferson Clinton from New York?

The rumor mill is running full bore with this tidbit--he may snag Hill's vacant spot for himself. Could Bill make his own way back to Washington after all?

Word has it that there are several biggies that covet this position, including RFK Jr and Andrew Cuomo, that Bill would have to contend with. Perhaps even Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

Chuck Schumer will mostly likely be the biggest anti-Bill voice--why would he want to be the senior Senator to someone, well, more "senior" than himself? And we're not talking age...

Its all about ego, folks.
Posted by SmallTownAmerica at 8:49 PM

Governor Paterson is keeping his cards close to his chest on this one, but did have this to say:

"I'm looking for someone that will inspire other people, who is a steadfast, disciplined worker, who has knowledge of the state, who is one that sees the imagination as being more important in history and probably favors hope over experience,” said Paterson.

Now, who more closely embodies these qualities than the remaining child of Camelot?

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Gas Price Check..

I never thought I'd see the day again when gas was below $2/gal!

National average: $1.868

In Waddington:
Sharlow's: $1.99
Kunoco: $2.02

Anyone else below 2 bucks?

Invitation to NNY Bloggers...

You will notice a Red Kettle to benefit the Salvation Army at the top of my page.

I ask you, Danger Democrat, Political IV, Abaycircus, Foil Hats Unite, Lefty Limericks, and all others to join me in this most worthy cause this holiday season.

Please, email me at smalltownamerica@earthlink.net for the html code for the top of your blogs and join my Red Kettle Team.

This is a true opportunity for us to push partisanship to the side and join together for a cause much greater than ourselves.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Thank you,
Small Town America

BREAKING NEWS......

OK, so we know Junior Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton from New York.

But what do we think about Junior Senator William Jefferson Clinton from New York?

The rumor mill is running full bore with this tidbit--he may snag Hill's vacant spot for himself. Could Bill make his own way back to Washington after all?

Word has it that there are several biggies that covet this position, including RFK Jr and Andrew Cuomo, that Bill would have to contend with. Perhaps even Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

Chuck Schumer will mostly likely be the biggest anti-Bill voice--why would he want to be the senior Senator to someone, well, more "senior" than himself? And we're not talking age...

Its all about ego, folks.

The Electoral College: Yea or Nay?

Before I took a political science class in college, I had little understanding of the Electoral College and even less knowledge of how it came to be. The information startled me, and dimmed my bright perception of our founding fathers.

What is your opinion of the Electoral College? Should we keep it? Or should we encourage our representatives to ditch the antiquated system?

I have an opinion, I'll let you voice yours first...

Gas Price check

National Average 11/20/08: 2.02/gal

In Waddington:
Sharlow's: 2.24/gal
Kunoco: 2.27/gal

I put $10 worth of gas in my car yesterday, and it actually took it over the half-tank mark!!
Woo-hoo!

The Prison System v. The School System

I'd like to start a discussion on the prison system versus the public school system.

In response to the recent announcements regarding our state budget, I would like to know why our children should be the ones to suffer while NYS prisoners are living the "high-life" behind bars.

While our children may be facing no sports, no music, no drama club, or after-school programs, the Empire State's prisoners enjoy free room and board, state of the art fitness centers with no membership fee, free cable, free therapist sessions, and free health care and dental services.

Why should our children be the ones to suffer? Or us, if we want their services to continue, we must pay even higher taxes. Where do we draw the line?

The proposed New York State budget for corrections for 2008-2009 is $3 billion.
The proposed New York State budget for education for 2008-2009 is $31.5 billion.

One quick look at those figures and you might say, "Its a no-brainer--trim the education budget!" Take a closer look, though.

In 2006-2007, NY's per pupil spending of $15,263 was the second highest in the nation.

In contrast, NY's per inmate spending in 2001 was $36,835 (fifth highest in the nation)--adjusted for inflation, today that is $45,505.

$15,236 per student versus $45,505 per inmate.

What am I missing here?

Nice thoughts....Just wanted to share

I pulled this off Addie Jenne Russell's blog page. I did not know that Ms. Russell had left a message for me 'til Jim aka pguston emailed me--and I didn't even get the email until after the election.

It is refreshing that a candidate would personally reach out to one individual.
I am touched and appreciative.

Addie08.com said...

This is a special message to Small Town America. I'm sorry that I have not had the chance to meet you yet. I assure you I've been to Waddington several times and have spent a lot of time in St. Lawrence County. Perhaps you and I can have a chat this weekend. I'll be in Waddington on Saturday at the Civic Center at around 1:30pm. If you can't make it, please give my campaign office a call at 777-4900 so that we can arrange for a telephone call. I respect your opinion and enjoy your blog, and would love the opportunity to meet you. Thanks. -Addie

October 30, 2008 5:26 AM

SmallTownAmerica said...

Addie,

I apologize for not addressing this sooner--it was just brought to my attention that you posted this for me.

First things first, congrats on your win!

Unfortunately, I was not one of the people you met in Waddington. Family obligations kept me away from your meet & greet.

I did keep tabs on what was going on with your campaign, as well as your opponent, as you no doubt read in my blog.

Some ideas that Mr. Cantwell discussed in the final days disturbed me. That swayed my vote. I do not like the classic Republican ideal of trickle-down economics, and I was disappointed to hear him discussing it.

I believe we need to start at the bottom. At this juncture, if for no other reason, it would be a morale booster. The lower and middle-classes have been dealt the worst blows in this economic melt-down. Consumer confidence is everything when trying to boost the economy. If we feel we have more, and are confident that we will continue to receive more, the more we will spend, and the better off everyone will be.

That is one of the main reasons, in my opinion, that Bush's recent economic stimulus package had no impact. People either saved it, or spent it on bills or paid off their credit cards. They didn't travel, they didn't buy a washer, they certainly didn't buy a car with it. They did nothing with it that would impact any industry other than banks and utilities. It was a little teeny drop in the vast ocean of economic misery we are all drowning in.

I have to sign off now, but I hope at some point in the future, we can continue this discussion. That is, after all, what we all gave you our votes for--to listen to us--and to be our voice.

Please don't forget that during your tenure in Albany.

November 12, 2008 2:28 PM

Addie08.com said...

Thank you STA, and I will indeed keep these thoughts in mind as we take on the task of revitalizing our economy. I look forward to meeting you someday.

Best wishes,
Addie

Gas price check

Feel free to add your hometown's gas stations to the list. It would be nice to get a feel for prices North Country-wide, or planet-wide for that matter, as I was excited to see visitors here from Canada, France and Japan. Welcome, and thanks for stopping by!

National average as of 11/13/08: $2.17/gal

Waddington, New York:
Sharlow's: 2.49
Kunoco: 2.47 (they dropped from 2.52 over lunchtime!)

Hogansburg (Reservation):
Any gas station: 2.29/gal

From globe-trotter rwiley of leftylimericks:
Istanbul, Turkey: 11.02/gallon

This is what it's all about

A Time to Heal

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
--The Byrds

These words taken from Ecclesiastes are no more apropos than now.

What we need is to heal, unite.

What a divided people we have become. Perhaps divided is not the appropriate term. Divided to begin with, but something darker now. Isolated. Polarized. Blue, red. White, black. Capitalist, Socialist. Straight, gay. Republican, Democrat. American, anti-American.

There seems to be no middle ground anymore--no haven where we can come together as one.

A country founded on the ideals of freedom and equality and unity has been reduced to nothing more than a large kindergarten class full of "did nots" and "are toos". But even in hide and seek, there are safe zones.

I listened to Rush Limbaugh for a bit the day after the election. He is still spewing hate across the airways, and along with his callers, still stirring the pot of discord in America.

We need to move on. We need to heal, unite.

What truly prevents us from coming together to form a more perfect union—to band together as one nation, under God? Is it really that far out an idea? And if so, what kind of psychedelics were our founding fathers passing around as they were brainstorming our founding documents?

I used to be such an optimist. When I graduated high school, my favorite song was “Imagine” by John Lennon. I would sing it and feel every idea in that song course through my veins, and I just knew that I would make a difference in this world. I voted the first time I was of age to do so. I voted for Bill Clinton, and he was elected. It was elating. I felt I had a voice, and that it was heard.

I have become jaded in my seventeen years since high school. I no longer “know” that I can make a difference. Rather, I see it as a lofty dream, one of those regrets you take to your grave. I see a bright future for my children, but keep my aspirations guarded. Although, to them, they can and will do anything their heart desires. For them, at least, I let my cynicism take a nap.

I don't want to be a cynic anymore. It is the cynics that have given hope a bad name. Today, if you dream of better things to come, you are naive or immature. Today, if you hope for a better future you are impractical. Today, hoping for world peace has been reduced to a beauty pageant joke.

During this election season, I felt a tug of that optimism from what seems so long ago. I first felt the twinges four years ago during a key note speech from a little-known state Senator from Illinois. The speeches of Barack Obama, then and now, are uplifting, hopeful, inspiring, moving. I feel energized, renewed. I felt my voice come back. After eight years of having my words shoved back down my throat, I could be heard again! And the words I would speak were coming not from myself, but from a man with a strange name and a skin color not my own. Imagine that.

Why can't we, as a nation, as one people, join together with one voice and one purpose? We need to move past the negativity, the cynicism, the derogatory, the differences and regain our hope as a nation. We need to forgive the "other side" for whatever wrongs we feel they have done and make a pledge to band together for the greater good of our nation. Let us forgive each other - only then will we live in peace--Tolstoy

There is a website called DividedWeFail. The title is a foreboding omen for our country. Divided we will fail. Divided, we will fail to support our new President who has given us his word that he will make our lives better. I understand the difficulty of taking someone at their word. Long gone are the days when trust is established by a word and a handshake. But they don't have to be.

Can't we, just for a moment, peak over our self-erected fortresses, spit in our hand, and give our President a firm shake?

Look him straight in the eye, and say, "Mr. President, you have my support, and I am counting on you."

Can we not, as the United States of America, stand side by side, and shamelessly scream those immortal words of John Lennon?

You may say that I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one

Gas Price check

Waddington:
Sharlow's: 2.59
Kunoco: 2.62

Random thoughts....

Random Election Day thoughts welcome here:

Gas Price check

Waddington:
Sharlow's: 2.64
Kunoco: 2.69

Sunday self-reflection....

I am taking a much needed break from my usual Sunday evening of laundry and the New York Times crossword puzzle. I have been so busy lately, I haven't had much time to put fingers to keyboard and make real sense of what's been going on in the world and the North Country. I got a little encouragement today, however. Let me share it with you...

Its funny how things happen for a reason....karma, fate...whatever you want to call it, it was in full swing this afternoon. And its funny when you look back on it. So, I lead group of Girl Scouts. We just finished our meeting early, and I took my two girls to the grocery store here in Waddington to pick something up for supper. I spent about a half hour in the store roaming the aisles before deciding on pot pies (haven't had them in years!) all the while yelling at my kids to quit climbing on the cart, quit climbing in the cart, quit acting like animals, quit touching the cart, quit touching the cart or you will go to your room, quit touching the cart or you will go to your room with no supper, and several other variations thereof. After finally getting to the check out the cashier starts whipping off my order (I appreciate her efficiency, but not in this case) before I can watch what she is doing. See, more often than not, I will be over-charged for something. Could be a few cents, could be a few dollars--one time they wanted to charge me over $13 for grapes, when in fact, they were on sale. Anyway, I am sick of being over-charged, so I make sure I check it before I leave the store, because I will never return with my receipt to get a refund. As fate would have it, I was overcharged for two items. As efficient as she was in ringing up my order, the cashier was not so efficient when it came to refunding my money and she needed someone to help her. This is all the while killing time before I get outside. So, as I turn to go out the door, it, for some odd reason, did not occur to me to ask why in the hell Dave Renzi was standing in the entry way of the IGA in Waddington. He said Hello, and I breezed right by with a Hi, over my shoulder. As I hit the parking lot, there is a crowd of people there and I thought there was a car accident, or even a gang war. Well, it could happen in Waddington--you never know these days. Anyway, as I was loading my bags into the trunk of my car, I hear someone calling my name. It was none other than Mr. Russell B. Strait, who you may remember from an earlier post. Of course, his wife, Mrs. Strait was there, too. And as Russell is dragging me over to this group of people, I realize we are headed into the den of Satan himself! The Republican traveling circus!

(OK, OK--I'm kidding, it wasn't that bad--although I did have to use lavish amounts of hand sanitizer when I got home.)

They really had all the big stars out for the show. Let's see, I saw my ex-boyfriend Bobby Cantwell who verbally cheated on me with the entire News10Now viewing audience--what a cad. Now he thinks just because he kissed my hand on bended knee and gave me a hug that we are on good terms again......well, maybe. He did ask, "So are we OK now?" And I did say, "I suppose. But no more of that fire in your belly thing. You can have anything else in your belly, but it better not be a fire." This all while some older woman was standing there listening, and who then remarked, "I guess I should have come over here sooner." lol--maybe that was his mom? Anyway, I was introduced to his wife as "the person who wrote that blog about Bobby", at which point I flatly denied writing any such blog, but did admit I said he was handsome. By the way, Russell, "that blog" reminds me of McCain's "that one" and I'm not sure yet if I appreciate it.

Who else did I see....oh, yeah--Dave Renzi, as I mentioned above. I shook hands with him outside--he has a nice shake, firm grasp, not wimpy at all--I appreciate that. He was nice, and better looking in person than in his ads. He introduced himself, and I was polite and said, "nice to meet you." Then he asked for my vote. . . . . .
.
.
.
I was the epitome of restraint, as I said, "I will consider it."

I felt bombarded and overwhelmed, so I retreated to the trunk of my car where I pulled out one of my Obama/Biden yard signs and started carrying it around like a shield. (The reason it is in my trunk and not in my yard is another post altogether.)

Anyway, I met Nancy Martin, the St. Lawrence County Republican Party Chairperson, who knew who I was, but I did not recognize her. Nancy said she read my blog. I invited her to stop by and post some comments, but she passed, saying stuff like that comes back to bite you in the ass (my paraphrase.) (Nancy has her own post below this one.)

Apparently Janet Kelly was there as well, but after I basically called her an asshole, I had no desire to meet the woman at that moment--my kids were still in the car after all.

Some guy was wandering around taking photos of the whole melee. I made a point of hiding when I knew he was there, but at the last moment, he caught a picture of me & Bobby McGee. I warned him he'd better not use it--Why not, he asked. To which I replied, I'll be ostracized from the Democratic party [dumb ass]. Even worse, I'd be outted to the entire community. No one but Republicans know who I am. Is there something wrong with this picture?

I suppose I can take solace in the wise words of that Italian philosopher Michael Corleone, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."

Later add: I think Patricia Ritchie was there also, and possibly John McHugh.

BTW, Bobby, have you been to the tanning booth lately?

Letter to Nancy Martin

I wrote this post on 9/21 (before Nancy Martin was chosen as the new SLCRPC) and chose not to publish it. As I have now met Nancy Martin, I would like to share it with her. It is my hope that she learn from her predecessor's mistakes. I am a Democrat--so what do I care, right? Well, there are people very close to me that are Republicans...family, friends...I feel they need--deserve--better representation.

Open letter to St. Lawrence County Republicans...

It has come to my attention that you will soon be choosing a new Republican Party Chair for St. Lawrence County.

I know very little personally about either of your two choices, Nancy Martin and Janet Kelly.

I do know this, however: Janet Kelly is a piss-poor representative of your party. She is, in my opinion, disrespectful to the citizens of the North Country. You need to get rid of her.

The following is a comment I made to a post on Political IV. I believe it bears repeating on here...

"Janet Kelly is a hypocrite.

One day, she is suggesting Democrat Addie Jenne Russell is not suitable for the job of Assemblywoman because she is a new mother and has a lot on her plate. The next day, she is on the front page of the Massena-Courier Observer singing the praises of Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. We should vote for Palin, Janet Kelly says--she is one of us--she hunts, fishes and her husband rides snowmobiles.

Well, isn't Mrs. Palin a new mother herself--of a special-needs baby, no less? I would deem the Vice-President a slight more demanding a position than that of North Country Assemblywoman, wouldn't you?

What's with the double standard? And does Janet Kelly really think we are that stupid to fall for that "she's one of us" crap? Jesus! I thought someone from here would have more integrity than that. I thought someone from here would show more respect for her fellow citizens of the North Country. She disgusts me. She is an insult to our people, to our area, to our heritage. She needs to move to the big city where she will fit right in with the rest of the Republicans who feel rural America is filled with a bunch of easily manipulated rubes, easily lead around like sheep to slaughter, easily told what to think like brainless backwoods idiots.

Well, I am not one of those rubes. She cannot fool me. She can kiss my ass."

In summation, I feel Janet Kelly insulted our intelligence--not as individuals, but as a collective group. Suggesting that we vote in favor of someone because they hunt and ride snowmobiles is one of the most ridiculous political endorsements I have ever had the misfortune to read. Unfortunately, sadly, people will listen to this drivel. This is why we are where we are eight years later, with a president some hick feels they can have a beer with.

Well, tell me, have you had that beer yet? Better yet, can you actually still afford beer?

A Letter to the Red States

Someone sent this to me by email. Thought I should share it. And since secession is apparently an acceptable ideology for a potential Vice-First Dude, it should pass muster for the rest of us.

A Letter to The Red States

Dear Red States:

We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas , Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get the Statue of Liberty . You get Dollywood. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America 's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama. We get two-thirds of the tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms. Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq , and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America 's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners) 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford , Cal Tech and MIT. With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University , Clemson and the University of Georgia . We get Hollywood and Yosemite , thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals than we lefties.

Finally, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

Peace out,
The Blue States

Just a quick thought...

...before I settle in for the night.

I heard McCain proclaim (with a smirk) that Obama's 30min mini-movie was financed with broken promises.

I don't agree with that assessment.

I say it was financed by me. And my neighbor. And the person who lives down the street.


And the countless other Lil Ole Me's across this great country who saw something special and hopeful in Barack Obama.


I might own just a millisecond of last night's production, but damn it, I own it--Me and the other roughly 333,333 1/3 Americans who donated $15.00 to Barack Obama. My $15 bought me 15 minutes of fame that even Joe the Plumber would drool over--because in that mini-movie, I saw myself. I saw my parents and my neighbor, and the person who lives down the street. It was our story that was told. And no one can take that away from us.


So, McCain can stump, stump, stump away on how lavish and over-produced it was--he shows us the plain truth. Fresh off the Straight Talk Express, he shows he is a jealous, bitter man who can't stand the fact that the rest of us didn't love him enough to send him $15 of our hard-earned paycheck. It was the Lil Ole Me's of the country that were on display last night. Eat your heart out, McCain.

Have got to share this one...

This may not be for our area, but apparently the negative campaigning is rampant this year.
Watch this ad from the Democrat incumbent in the 121st Assembly District. Perhaps some of our area representatives and representative-wannabes should take a cue from this guy's campaign...

This is awesome

(h/t to foilhatsunite for finding this gem.)

Gas Price Check

In Waddington:
Sharlow's: 2.79
Kunoco: 2.82

Louisville:
Steve's Stop n Shop: 2.99

Massena:
Stewart's, Sunoco: 2.91

Lisbon:
Parkway: 2.81

In Barcelona, Spain: $5.45 (lol...thanks, rwiley)

Add your favorite gas stations to the list.

Is this what we've become?

TODAY'S TID-BIT

Since becoming a state in 1959, Alaska is historically a "Red State" in national elections, only voting "Blue" once, in 1964.

According to the Federal Election Commission, as of 9/30/08:

• John McCain has received $306,227 in campaign contributions from his running mate's home state of Alaska.

• Barack Obama has received triple that, with $930,869.

• 

Dare we suggest that Alaska's vote will be as blue as the color of its flag?

Gas Price Check

Add your favorite gas station's price to our list.
Sharlow's in Waddington, Regular, 2.99
Kunoco in Waddington, Regular, 3.02


I would like to note/question two things, as I am not sure anyone in the national media has (I don't have time to watch EVERY station and read EVERY newspaper!):

#1: If a barrel of crude oil is now half the price it was in July, why haven't our gas prices gone down by half?

The average gas price in Syracuse (closest place I could find with an average) in July peaked at 4.23. By that measure, we should only be paying roughly 2.12/gal.

#2: For all of Gov. Palin's boasting about taking on Big Oil and giving Alaskans a state bonus from the proceeds, can anyone tell me why Alaska has the SECOND HIGHEST gas price in the nation?

Average Retail Gasoline Prices Around the Country
The prices below are for regular gasoline as of 10/20/2008 7:03:48 PM local time.
Area Average Price Oklahoma 2.409 lowest NewYorkState 3.135 Alaska 3.662 Hawaii 3.772 highest Update: Alaska has the lowest Federal and State taxes on gas in the country @ State Gasoline (¢/g) Diesel (¢/g) Alaska 26.4 32.4

(California is the highest.)

How is it that their gas prices are so high? It has to be town and/or county tax, right?

Time for some campaignin'

El Tinklenberg for Congress 2008

UPDATE 10/20: MR. TINKLENBERG'S CAMPAIGN HAS RECEIVED $700,000 IN DONATIONS IN THE (3) DAYS SINCE BACHMANN'S OUTRAGEOUS REMARKS ON HARDBALL.

Mr. Tinklenberg is Ms. Whack-job Bachmann's competition for her House seat this year.

Please, check out his site. And donate.

This may not be our area--but we have got to help our fellow citizens get this freak show out of Congress.

From his blog:
Bachmann dishonors the Congress, all Minnesotans, and all Americans

Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Mathews yesterday and labeled Presidential candidate Barack Obama as "absolutely" anti-American.

In addition, the Republican congresswoman insinuated that Obama's wife Michele, and even fellow members of Congress, are possibly anti-American.

[...]

"Accusing a candidate for President of the United States of being anti-American is an insult to the very foundation of our democracy; as a member of the United States Congress she has disgraced herself and brought shame upon her office. Once again, Congresswoman Bachmann has demonstrated the lengths she will go to vilify any person in this country, including fellow members of congress, who disagree with her extreme views."

Click here to add to this most worthy cause:

Would you make up my mind already?

The Republicans have me going in twenty different directions. I'm not sure anymore if I'm up or down or which way is right or left. Whoa--hold on there--that was a little extreme--I do indeedy know what is right and what is left.

Anyway, according to Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin, I am off the hook! I'm in the free and clear. I can be spared from her wrath. I--little old Small Town America--am patriotic and pro-America. Yay me! (I knew that all along!)

However, disturbingly, the Republican Representative Michelle Bachman from Minnesota has me in the anti-America crowd. Because I am a liberal. Because I am a Democrat. Because I "associate with Barack Obama."

Here are the contrasting views:

Palin:
"We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation. This is where we find the kindness and the goodness and the courage of everyday Americans."

Bachmann (this is a paraphrase, because, at post time, a transcript is not yet available):
If you are a leftist liberal, you are anti-American. Michelle Obama is an anti-American, because until recently, she wasn't proud of her country. Barack Obama surounds himself with anti-Americans, and therefore is anti-American. Congress is full of anti-Americans. I am anti-American because I support Barack Obama--and heck, the final nail in my unAmerican coffin--I'd pal around with him, too, if I could.

When did it become a Republican talking point that if you question the establishment, you are against it? Why is it so black and white as to be 'with us or against us?" I don't understand the polarity of it. Last time I checked, I had a right, as an American citizen, to question my government.

Article I of the Bill of Rights:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The inferences made by both of these women are hurtful and divisive. To suggest that there are pro-American and anti-American areas in the country is just plain stupid (did we really expect anything else?) To suggest that a large majority of the American population is anti-American (because the large majority of America is Democrat) is beyond the pale.

If this is the way our citizens are to be treated, well thanks, but no thanks. I'll take that "Bridge to Nowhere" and make it a Bridge to Canada, which all us foaming-at-the-mouth anti-American liberal lefty Democrats can slither over and get the hell outta Dodge before we get nuked.

Red Scare 2008

I had the unfortunate opportunity to watch this exchange between Chris Matthews and Representative Michelle Bachman of Minnesota as it was happening. And I could not have been more shocked--or insulted. I cannot possibly believe that this woman would be received well when she wanders back into Congress. She has burned some major bridges here.

Watch this--its takes a while, but its worth it...I tried to find the shortest, but most meaningful video.

This is about as scary as it comes, folks. This woman pretty much verbalized that Left-wingers/Democrats are anti-American. She believes the media should launch "a penetrating expose' " into just how many of her fellow Congressmen and women are anti-American.

Just who the hell does this freak think she is anyway? I'm gonna do an investigation of my own into her Family Tree. Can you guess what I will find? I'm sure there's some McCarthy blood in there somewhere!

Cantwell? Well, I can't tell him yes.

Shortly after I started this blog, I wrote a post titled Cantwell? Can't tell.
It was about a chance encounter with 118th District Assembly candidate Bobby Cantwell. While I joked about having to sit across from a Republican at a community dinner and how it made me lose my appetite, I was really impressed with him--but I hadn't decided if I wanted to give up my sacred Lefty vote for him just yet... I had yet to meet his Democrat rival.

In that post, I observed: "He was pleasant, forthcoming, grounded in this area, and sincere—oh, and handsome. He did have a slight aroma of politician—I’ll call it aroma for now, because I don’t know him well enough to determine if it qualifies as stench or not." I was reassured by fellow NNY blogger pguston of abaycircus, "The aroma that you noticed is not stench, he is a natural salesman, able to sell an ice cream sandwich to an eskimo."

I felt somewhat comfortable, then, with my first impression.

Well, the jury's just come in.

Its stench.
And it reeks so bad, I can smell it through my TV set:

I felt mildly violated today as I, during my hectic morning tornado routine, had a fly-by glimpse of him on News10Now. I halted and watched in horror. There he was fresh-faced and smiling after his debate--and reciting the same words he had said to me. "I am a fresh face. I have a fire in my belly. I'm ready to get in there and get to work." I turned off the TV. I felt like I had just been played.

Those words said to me during my conversation with him those many weeks ago, were being broadcast on regional news. How dare he? I felt at ease with him--felt he was genuine, sincere, forthcoming. We talked for a good while that night, and I was appreciative of the fact that he took the time to listen to me, but also to relate his story to me. There were other people there that wanted his attention, but he took the time to talk to me. It wasn't a question and answer session. It was more like two new friends getting to know one another. In retrospect, he spoke with the ease of a politician, craftily weaving his story, in and out with easily veiled talking points. What a fool was I! There's a reason for the saying "never trust a politician who speaks from the heart."

So, Mr. Cantwell, since you have pissed me off, I will now reveal the embarrassing advice I gave you that night. Has anyone recently heard Bobby Cantwell refer to himself as "Bobby Cantwell"?

If the answer is yes, then he is the fool, not me. If the answer is no, then he is wise to have listened.

While shaking his hand, my parting words to Mr. Cantwell that evening were, "And by the way, don't refer to yourself in the third person--especially if you are going to debate that woman. It makes you come off as pompous and self-absorbed."

Here's another bit of advice...
When talking "candidly" to Small Town America in the future, Mr. Cantwell, please preface your remarks with the following disclaimer:

"I'm Bobby Cantwell, and your ears are simply a vessel for my talking points."

Nobel Economics awardee no fan of McCain

Its pretty sad when the Nobel winner for Economics thinks your plan sucks. Read on:

snippet from the Wall Street Journal:

OCTOBER 13, 2008, 3:34 P.M. ET
Paul Krugman Wins the Nobel Economics Prize
By JUSTIN LAHART


The Nobel prize in economics was awarded to Paul Krugman, a Princeton University scholar whose groundbreaking study on trade is less known to the public than his withering assessment of the Bush administration.

In announcing the award Monday, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cited Mr. Krugman's work analyzing trade patterns and how areas of specialization arise in different regions.

As a columnist and blogger for the New York Times, Mr. Krugman, 55 years old, has taken the Bush administration to task over its waging of the Iraq war and, more recently, its handling of the financial-system bailout. Mr. Krugman also has faulted Republican presidential candidate John McCain, writing earlier this month in his column, "the McCain plan would do for health care what deregulation has done for banking. And I'm terrified."

I'm rubber and you're glue...

Well, well, well, my dear John. How does it feel?

Rep. John Lewis, a Democrat from Georgia, lambasted the McCain-Plain campaign today for inciting hostility and violence. According to CNN, this is what went down:

"What I am seeing reminds me too much of another destructive period in American history. Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse," Lewis said in a statement.

"George Wallace never threw a bomb. He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who were simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights... "

Now, McCain has praised Lewis in the past, and has even gone so far as to state that Lewis is "one of three men he would turn to for [spiritual] counsel as president." So now his feelings are hurt and he wants Barack Obama to apologize for it:

"The notion that legitimate criticism of Sen. Obama's record and positions could be compared to Gov. George Wallace, his segregationist policies and the violence he provoked is unacceptable and has no place in this campaign. I am saddened that John Lewis, a man I've always admired, would make such a brazen and baseless attack on my character and the character of the thousands of hardworking Americans who come to our events to cheer for the kind of reform that will put America on the right track.

"I call on Sen. Obama to immediately and personally repudiate these outrageous and divisive comments that are so clearly designed to shut down debate 24 days before the election. Our country must return to the important debate about the path forward for America."

(blogger's note: rotflmao)

The Obama camp came back with this one, and I don't think there has been a moment during the last few months that I've been prouder:

"Sen. Obama does not believe that John McCain or his policy criticism is in any way comparable to George Wallace or his segregationist policies," Burton said. "But John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night, as well as the baseless and profoundly irresponsible charges from his own running mate that the Democratic nominee for president of the United States 'pals around with terrorists.' "

How do they spell IMPEACHMENT in Alaska?

P-A-L-I-N

McCain gets a "D" in Veterans Affairs

I had the privilege of watching this last night and was lucky enough that someone posted it on YouTube (video at the end of this post.)

(blogger's note: Being from a family with a military background, Veterans issues are near and dear to my heart. My father, a WWII and Korea Vet, is going through his second tour of duty with prostate cancer. He is 83 this month. He relies on the VA for his care.)

Anyway, the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) rates our representatives on their support of Veterans' issues. "A non-partisan non-profit founded in 2004 with tens of thousands of members in all 50 US states, IAVA is America’s first and largest Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' group." (wiki bio) McCain likes to play himself off as a champion of Veterans. Not so, says Paul Rieckhoff, founder and executive director of IAVA.

The most stand-out line from the interview:

"Being a Veteran alone does not make you strong on Veterans issues."

McCain's report card:
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
4th term Republican from Arizona. First elected in 1986.
Our Comments

D

(3 out of 9 votes with IAVA Action, not a Post-9/11 GI Bill cosponsor)

A New GI Bill (2nd vote)			06/26/2008	Not Voting
A New GI Bill (3rd vote)			06/26/2008	Not Voting
A New GI Bill (1st vote)			05/22/2008	Not Voting
Stopping a Second Rate GI Bill			05/14/2008	Not Voting
Enhanced Veterans' Benefits			04/24/2008	Not Voting
Expanded Veterans' Benefits			10/01/2007	Not Voting
Veterans' Health Care, 2008			09/06/2007	Yea
Funding for MRAPS			03/29/2007	Yea
Veterans' Health Care, 2007			02/14/2007	Yea

(blogger's note: as you can see, McCain has not voted on a single key Veterans issue in over ONE year.)

A new ad from VoteVets.org that ran during this show pointed out that instead of attending session to vote on the historic update to the GI Bill, McCain opted to go to a campaign fundraiser.

In the spirit of brevity, on to the video...



On a final note:
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)
1st term Democrat from Illinois. First elected in 2004.
Our Comments
B
(5 out of 9 votes with IAVA Action, plus 2 points for Post-9/11 GI Bill cosponsorship)

and

Sen. Joseph Biden Jr. (D-DE)
6th term Democrat from Delaware. First elected in 1972.
Our Comments
B
(6 out of 9 votes with IAVA Action, plus 2 points for Post-9/11 GI Bill cosponsorship)

Community service = Slavery?

While perusing www.jeffersondemocrat.org aka Danger Democrat, I came upon a most disturbing comment from one of those "anonymous" posters. It pissed me off so much, that I let my fish overcook in the oven while I hopped on my soapbox. My rebuttal may resemble condescension, but I do not care. I was appalled by what I read. And while it may appear that I like reading my own words, the truth is I simply cannot allow this issue to be lost in the vast ocean of posts and comments on DD.

Here is my reply, which quotes the anonymous that I took issue with (to read the entire post click here):
____________________________________________________________________

OK, now let me get this straight. And feel free to correct me if I'm wrong--as I know you will, but...

anonymous @ 4:31PM quoted the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ""Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime ... shall exist within the United States," and then proceeded to say, "I guess in Obama's mind it must be a crime to be born or to go to college" and "Obama promised that as president he would "set a goal for all American middle and high school students to perform 50 hours of service a year, and for all college students to perform 100hours of service a year.""

Am I to understand this correctly as you equating community service to slavery?

Is there something wrong with you?

This community service that it appears you so detest is the foundation of every single community in this country. It touches every life, every day either directly or indirectly. From the people who plan your local Memorial Day service, to the people who clean your church, from the mothers and fathers who usher your kids through scouthood, to the people who sign you in to cast your vote on election day--these are all volunteers giving their time, money and resources free of charge for the betterment of our communities and our lives--including yours.

It sounds to me like you are an ungrateful snot who desperately needs to get off their dead ass and go drive some Veterans to their doctor appointments at the VA hospital 3 hours away. Or go deliver some Meals-On-Wheels to your local senior citizens home. While you are there, sit down and have a chat--let them tell you the important part community service has played in their lives. You need an education in compassion and selflessness. Some community service would do you well. The greatest generation that ever lived in this country is getting old. They lived lives full of hard work, determination, and discipline--and thought nothing of helping out if they were needed, anywhere, at any time. Their deeds are almost forgotten in this cyber-human-unfriendly age we live in. Learn from them now before they are not around to remind you.

October 03, 2008 7:05 PM

______________________________________________________________

Is this what we have to look forward to, what our children have to look forward to? A country full of citizens that want payback for every single thing they do? What has created this selfishness?

I learned the value of community service and helping your fellow man from my parents. Not only I did I learn it, I practiced it right alongside them. And though my parents have aged and are no longer able to do the things they used to, I still practice it. And so do my young children. They will learn from a very young age, as I did, what it means to do something for someone without expecting something in return. Today's generation is all about instant gratification and the mindset of "what's in it for me?"

While this is supposed to be a political-ish blog, and my comment was made in reference to a policy offered by a Democrat, my feelings on this have nothing to do with politics and party-affiliation. I would support any candidate on this topic, regardless of what party they belonged to. It just so happens, however, that it is a Democrat offering this idea, and I wholeheartedly support it.

Past is prologue....

For me, one of the scariest moments from last night's Vice Presidential debate was when Gov. Palin called out Sen. Biden for concentrating so much on the past. 'You're looking at the past, Joe. If you want change to you need to look forward,' or some other gibberish like that.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is by philosopher George Santanaya:
Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

As Biden said, "past is prologue." If we do not take the time to carefully study our mistakes, we shall repeat them. If we do not commit ourselves to learning why the mistakes were made and what they resulted in, we shall repeat them.

She is an idiot for suggesting otherwise.

Last night just solidified my initial belief that she is a whack-job fake who knows no more about the running of this country than those "Joe Sixpacks" she so often refers to.

Veep Debate Discussion

Your thoughts about tonight's debate...

Uh oh......

h/t to DD for this tidbit...

Andrew Halco who has debated [Gov. Palin] before had this to say, "I've debated Governor Palin more than two dozen times. And she's a master, not of facts, figures, or insightful policy recommendations, but at the fine art of the nonanswer, the glittering generality. Against such charms there is little Senator Biden, or anyone, can do."

Are our tin foil hats enough to protect us from her evil charms?
Should we install the Emergency Face Guard on them and insert the Bullshit-Reflector Earplugs?
Geez, I hope I am prepared for this...

Washington Post: Palin "Utterly unqualified"

Journalist Fareed Zakaria claims Palin has a 1 in 5 chance of becoming President if McCain wins November's election.

Listen to his take on Palin as interviewed by CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

There are too many foreigners in the UN

Not as funny as the first one, but....

Eight is Enough

Eight years earlier...

Eight years later...

DEBATE DISCUSSION

Please post debate thoughts here...

Chicken McShit

Small Town America is not fooled by McSame's valiant, brave and maverick-like choice to suspend his campaign to single-handedly rescue America from Economic Doom.

There are 98 other Senators on duty to handle the issue. They do not need one more to add to the confusion. This is a political McPloy of the worst sort, and the McSame camp oughta be McShamed of themselves. We are not fooled by your attempt at selflessness--this is the most selfish thing you could have done.

Do not begrudge us our debate. Show us you are a multitasker-- show us you got a pair--and belly up to the podium, man----adjust the mic, and let's roll.

What about my cut?

My thoughts on the "bail-out" issue...

I think it is beyond gutsy, ballsy, whatever you want to call it, that Paulson wants absolute, utter control over this deal, so far as his actions shall not, under any circumstances, be subject to review, judgment, legal action, etc...

Barack Obama said (paraphrase) why should we agree to give someone total control over $1T with no accountability or oversight, when it was the lack of accountability and oversight that got into this mess in the first place?

What I'd like to know is ...

1. Why can't we consider this money a loan to these banking companies? If the government is using taxpayer money to "bail" these yahoos out, why can't they be charged interest on these loans?
2. Why can't the American taxpayers each get a cut of this interest? A little check--quarterly, annually, whatever--however they want to do it, they can send me my earned interest check. They could even tax me on it--I wouldn't mind. That is still some extra cash in my pocket to spend. It would inject money into the economy, and raise more taxes for the government to spend on programs.

*That* to me is a wise use of our money. What I mean to say is, if they are going to use it anyway, why shouldn't we get something for it?

Letter to Nancy Martin

I wrote this post on 9/21 (before Nancy Martin was chosen as the new SLCRPC) and chose not to publish it. As I have now met Nancy Martin, I would like to share it with her. It is my hope that she learn from her predecessor's mistakes. I am a Democrat--so what do I care, right? Well, there are people very close to me that are Republicans...family, friends...I feel they need--deserve--better representation.

Open letter to St. Lawrence County Republicans...

It has come to my attention that you will soon be choosing a new Republican Party Chair for St. Lawrence County.

I know very little personally about either of your two choices, Nancy Martin and Janet Kelly.

I do know this, however: Janet Kelly is a piss-poor representative of your party. She is, in my opinion, disrespectful to the citizens of the North Country. You need to get rid of her.

The following is a comment I made to a post on Political IV. I believe it bears repeating on here...

"Janet Kelly is a hypocrite.

One day, she is suggesting Democrat Addie Jenne Russell is not suitable for the job of Assemblywoman because she is a new mother and has a lot on her plate. The next day, she is on the front page of the Massena-Courier Observer singing the praises of Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. We should vote for Palin, Janet Kelly says--she is one of us--she hunts, fishes and her husband rides snowmobiles.

Well, isn't Mrs. Palin a new mother herself--of a special-needs baby, no less? I would deem the Vice-President a slight more demanding a position than that of North Country Assemblywoman, wouldn't you?

What's with the double standard? And does Janet Kelly really think we are that stupid to fall for that "she's one of us" crap? Jesus! I thought someone from here would have more integrity than that. I thought someone from here would show more respect for her fellow citizens of the North Country. She disgusts me. She is an insult to our people, to our area, to our heritage. She needs to move to the big city where she will fit right in with the rest of the Republicans who feel rural America is filled with a bunch of easily manipulated rubes, easily lead around like sheep to slaughter, easily told what to think like brainless backwoods idiots.

Well, I am not one of those rubes. She cannot fool me. She can kiss my ass."

In summation, I feel Janet Kelly insulted our intelligence--not as individuals, but as a collective group. Suggesting that we vote in favor of someone because they hunt and ride snowmobiles is one of the most ridiculous political endorsements I have ever had the misfortune to read. Unfortunately, sadly, people will listen to this drivel. This is why we are where we are eight years later, with a president some hick feels they can have a beer with.

Well, tell me, have you had that beer yet? Better yet, can you actually still afford beer?