tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post5579758147717355006..comments2024-02-09T12:12:37.636-08:00Comments on best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever had: Arguing politics.Duncan McGearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-17965828763763141142008-09-13T09:59:00.000-07:002008-09-13T09:59:00.000-07:00"I like to read David Brin when trying to understa..."I like to read David Brin when trying to understand the degraded state of U.S. politics, where it seems that people gravitate towards the politician with whom they connect with at a gut level, all else be damned ...."<BR/><BR/>sad but true. i never could understand this whole mentality of "i'm voting for him because he's like me." when i vote for president i want somebody who's BETTER than me -- smarter, better informed, and definitely a lot more savvy about playing the Washington game.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-27945121872010922752008-09-11T19:40:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:40:00.000-07:00As far as my posts annoying you. I find that many...As far as my posts annoying you. I find that many seem to get really annoyed with having to put forth a real effort to discuss their positions. <BR/><BR/>Many seem to act surprised a a couple of single line statements without any real support are challenged.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-10764865287395103612008-09-11T19:26:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:26:00.000-07:00Yes, I am somewhat anonymous, but I use a consiste...Yes, I am somewhat anonymous, but I use a consistent title and I do not post anything in a post that I would not tell a person to their face.<BR/><BR/>I said that it brings out the worst in people, I did not say anything about it should be banned. THe issue is that it has allowed people to act in a very uncivil way during online discussion and to attack folks in a way that most would not if their were not anonymous.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-16398688653514609072008-09-11T19:18:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:18:00.000-07:00As far as McCain goes. Lets see wasn't he one of ...As far as McCain goes. Lets see wasn't he one of the group of 16 that worked out the compromise on the appointment of judges (8 from each party). I can give you a list of items he supported that was not exactly in party line.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand I cannot find any votes of any consequence where Obama did not follow the Party line. You know he seemed to excell at voting right along party lines.<BR/><BR/>As far as some of the other things if we had pulled out of Iraq as Obama indicated we would have full blown civil war there, instead of a country that has made significant progress towards stability since the surge started. You know the surge that has "succeeded beyond our wildest dreams" Of course it was the surge he was opposed to.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-68464332586270081172008-09-11T19:13:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:13:00.000-07:00As far as your other question I would rather not h...As far as your other question <BR/>I would rather not have Obama as President with Pelosi and Reid heading up the House and the Senate. For all of his promises I do not see him vetoing anything they would send up. And lets just say their track record on positions is not exactly in line with the fiscal policies he is proposing.<BR/><BR/>You know I especially am interested in the Bill where Obama is a sponsor that would take away secret ballots in union elections.<BR/>Ah to bring back the good old days of intimidation of employees. I find that especially interesting considering that just a few years back 18 members of the Democratic party sent a letter to Mexico stronily encouraging one of the Mexican states to change there labor laws to require secret ballots to reduce employee intimidation.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-90404658546294297232008-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:00300 million for a bridge because the future econom...300 million for a bridge because the future economic development of the area is greatly limited without it. In that area the primary income generation used to be lumber, fishing and mining. Those industries are greatly reduced. Incomes in the area dropped from a peak in the 60k range with the closing of a major mill in the area in the late 70s to arund 40k today. It has started to recover over the last few years because of a rapid increase in the cruise ship industry. Guess what the most money paid by cruise ship folks are for flightseeing. To do that they have to get to the airport quickly any efficiently. Because if you have ever been on a cruise ship you have limited time in town and you have a large number of people getting off and on at the same time. A 30 minute timeframe spent in getting to/from an excursion is about 10-15% of their total available time in town.<BR/><BR/>Also the town has limited ability to expand (due to mountains, the ocean, the Tongas National Forest and Indian Reservations. The best place to expand is across on the same Island as the airport.<BR/><BR/>Thus it is expensive, but the investment has the potential to cause a significant difference in the economic future for the area and its inhabitants. (note that the bridge to nowhere actually consistent of two bridges the second one was the real boondoggle). So while Palin supported the Ketchiken Bridge, she did not support the Knik Arm bridge. In the end the money was redirected to other projects in the state.<BR/><BR/>Now what is interesting is even after the publicity, before Palin was even in the office, the Congress voted to send the money to Alaska and leave it up to the state to determine if they wanted to spend it on the brige or other projects. The previous Governor was adament about building both bridges, when she entered the office she spent the fund on other state road projects.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Now exactly why did Both biden and Obama vote to approve the bill in which that funding was contained in 2005?RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-30620355173557359072008-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:002008-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00Like I always say:Let's you and bruce fight!Like I always say:<BR/><BR/>Let's you and bruce fight!Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-33902326754102898962008-09-11T16:27:00.000-07:002008-09-11T16:27:00.000-07:00rdc said "The ability to post anonymously has the ...rdc said "The ability to post anonymously has the tendency to bring out the worst in people"<BR/><BR/>And you are an anonymouse.<BR/><BR/>The real question is: do you want the policies of the last eight years to continue for another four?<BR/><BR/>Because McCain has the same campaign director and many of the same advisors behind the scenes.<BR/><BR/>He just talks about change.<BR/><BR/>Like Bush talked about not interfering in other countries like Clinton did in Kosovo.<BR/><BR/>PS Dunc, I won't feel bad if these aren't published. rdc just pisses me off.Bewerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08389021459268558541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-23135122315990211122008-09-11T16:14:00.000-07:002008-09-11T16:14:00.000-07:00Re: A good example of that is Bruce's presentation...Re: A good example of that is Bruce's presentation of the picture of Palin in a bikini and holding a gun as being real, when that picture was debunked with in 24 hours of it initially showing up on the Internet.<BR/><BR/>rdc, I've put forward way more than that.<BR/><BR/>Why not come over to BB2, and leave Dunc alone?<BR/><BR/>For instance, $300 million or so for a bridge because only 15 cars at a time can cross on the ferry.<BR/><BR/>Would a larger ferry, holding 50 or 100 cars, be more economically feasible? At a cost of $5 or $10 million? How much does a big barge cost, along with it's onshore facilities.<BR/><BR/>Do 737's actually land there? Or Embraer's, like at Redmond?<BR/><BR/>PS Sorry, Dunc.Bewerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08389021459268558541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-34674247786051253442008-09-10T22:25:00.000-07:002008-09-10T22:25:00.000-07:00My image of Palin is that she's in a motel room so...My image of Palin is that she's in a motel room somewhere with a bunch of political operatives, and they're feeding her one position paper after another.<BR/><BR/>Stacked to her elbows.<BR/><BR/>And across from the table she's being quizzed.<BR/><BR/>"Who's the President of Koloiliidliby!"<BR/><BR/>"What's the GNP of Britain!"<BR/><BR/>"What is the biggest oil field in the world?"<BR/><BR/>"Who chairs the Senate Ways and Means committee?"<BR/><BR/>Poor lady. Steep learning curve, for sure.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-79057310574463971372008-09-10T22:18:00.000-07:002008-09-10T22:18:00.000-07:00"A good civil debate is always fun. And these days..."A good civil debate is always fun. And these days often difficult to find."<BR/><BR/>Absolutely.<BR/><BR/>That's why I'm sorry I'm bagging out on you.<BR/><BR/>Last political argument I got into before yesterday was a few years ago with my brother-in-law and my sister-in-law<BR/>and it got so heated I swore I'd never do it again.<BR/><BR/>Blogging, however, seems to give enough distance for such a dialogue to be possible.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-24405210201724517162008-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:002008-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:00Oh I don't even care if someone ignores anything t...Oh I don't even care if someone ignores anything that does not support their position, even tohugh it could be considered being intellectually dishonest.<BR/><BR/>What I get annoyed with is when someone substitutes personal attacks for developing a position or when they just start making up items or ignoring reality altogether.<BR/><BR/>A good example of that is Bruce's presentation of the picture of Palin in a bikini and holding a gun as being real, when that picture was debunked with in 24 hours of it initially showing up on the Internet.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-12503531266739261762008-09-10T21:59:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:59:00.000-07:00"You learn very quickly to dig beneath the surface..."You learn very quickly to dig beneath the surface and that the appearance presented tended to be a bunch of smoke and mirrors."<BR/><BR/>True. But all the information in the world won't substitute for judgement.<BR/><BR/>I think sometimes that we just find the information that backs our political viewpoint. hmmm?<BR/><BR/>Still, I'm the guy who says the more I know, the more likely it is that I'll make the right choice.<BR/><BR/>So I concede the point.<BR/><BR/>Our politics have descended to word bites, though, so that must drive you crazy.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-54068562336941100722008-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:00We will have to have a debate some time when you a...We will have to have a debate some time when you are a little less burned out. A good civil debate is always fun. And this days often difficult to find.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-26783098275397221152008-09-10T21:47:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:47:00.000-07:00The point I am trying to make is that you have peo...The point I am trying to make is that you have people slinging all kinds of mud all over the place. Call each other names. In most cases all they are going on is 30 second perceptions or the opinions of others.<BR/><BR/>They are perfectly happy to make the most outrageous allegations, even ones they knwo are ludicrous, as long as it seems to attack the other person.<BR/><BR/>People should investigate and draw their own conclusions then discuss in a civil manner with the view point that each person is entitled to their opinions.<BR/><BR/>The ability to post anonymously has the tendency to bring out the worst in people.<BR/><BR/>I spent 6 years in DC (among other things represented the FDA in some international negotiations/standards development) and a total of another 5 working for Government Agencies. My real lesson was when I was working for Argonne National Labratory Energy and Environmental Systems Division. We had two sampling teams that were doing surveys of the DOE weapons facilities. At that time there was a Senator that was ranting and raving on the news every night about how the DOE was not doing anything to cleanup the mess at these facilities. At the same time he was Chair of a committee that was blocking the release of funds that would fund the DOE's cleanup effort. You learn very quickly to dig beneath the surface and that the appearance presented tended to be a bunch of smoke and mirrors.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-38990732675749331392008-09-10T21:26:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:26:00.000-07:00Rezko is a good example.I know absolutely nothing ...Rezko is a good example.<BR/><BR/>I know absolutely nothing about that case.<BR/><BR/>This reminds me of debating in high school and college (I was a speech major).<BR/><BR/>If I'd done my research and had practiced, I could do pretty well. If I tried to wing it, I'd get crushed.<BR/><BR/>I could argue on native ability if I'd been debating already for some time, that is I could wing it unless I came up against an opponent who wasn't just winging it.<BR/><BR/>And I'm just winging it, here.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-74509737260998515292008-09-10T21:16:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:16:00.000-07:00I'm sorry, RDC. I'm fuzzing out here. Ever since ...I'm sorry, RDC. I'm fuzzing out here. Ever since I went to work today, I seem to have lost the fire, both here and on BB2.<BR/><BR/>You are certainly well prepared and have researched this thoroughly. <BR/><BR/>So....sorry. I can't keep this up.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-49537867196955572132008-09-10T21:12:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:12:00.000-07:00Got typing toofast not Frank Rizzo but tony RezkoGot typing toofast not Frank Rizzo but tony RezkoRDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-66083008479975800502008-09-10T21:10:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:10:00.000-07:00Now is that your biggest point. Since we are on th...Now is that your biggest point. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Since we are on the subject of corruption:<BR/><BR/>Why don't we talk about Frank Rizzo for a while. <BR/><BR/>Or how Obama could go to a church for a number of years and not realize the real point of view of the pastor, the person he said was his mentor. A person he was perfectly willing to throw under the bus when the publicity turned negative in a big way. I guess he must have just not been paying much attention.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-79223835903151095752008-09-10T21:05:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:05:00.000-07:00For one reason she fired him. Which according to ...For one reason she fired him. <BR/><BR/> Which according to the articles was because he kept going directly to the legislature asking for more money when he was filling the already authorized slots. I suspect most Governors would do that if an appointee ignored her direction and started to go directly to the legislature.<BR/><BR/>The person she appointed said that he had been contacted by others, but that he was never contacted by her. The article I referenced identifed some of the contacts. One from the State Attorney General asking if there was a process for dealing with a Trooper that had threatened someones life (a question made at the request of her husband) to which he got the answer from Monegan that the process had been followed and closed. Which he then passed on.<BR/><BR/>THe other case was from Frank Bailey, the governor's director of boards and commissions. At no point did Monegan ever say that she asked him to fire the trooper.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-41394464280012331282008-09-10T21:00:00.000-07:002008-09-10T21:00:00.000-07:00The notes on the timeline came from a New Yourk Ti...The notes on the timeline came from a New Yourk Times Article that said that there were letters from her from before her election as Governor.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-14384735461160744752008-09-10T20:59:00.000-07:002008-09-10T20:59:00.000-07:00You could turn that around, though. Why would a p...You could turn that around, though. Why would a person she had appointed want to lie?Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-60974464010263464742008-09-10T20:57:00.000-07:002008-09-10T20:57:00.000-07:00I was mistaken on one point she appointed him to b...I was mistaken on one point she appointed him to begin with so he was not a carry over. <BR/><BR/>So that even more reinforces my point if the trooper was a key part of her vindictive nature then why didn't she appoint someone that would reopen the investigation and fire him. Seems pretty strange for the events to have occured before the election, then she appoints someone with power over that and she doesn't make that a condition (lots of room for pre-appointment discussion with appointees you know). Maybe it really wasn't that big of an issue with her.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-40366955156407785002008-09-10T20:53:00.000-07:002008-09-10T20:53:00.000-07:00Here is a good story on the subject from the Ancho...Here is a good story on the subject from the Anchorage Newspaper<BR/><BR/>http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/492964.htmlRDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-34586448834098181102008-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:002008-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:00In other words, has she intervened on the behalf o...In other words, has she intervened on the behalf of other people, other constituents, or just on behalf of the people she knows?Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.com