Entries for October 2009

What a blessing if the [tax] extension passes ["First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Gets Obama Nod," usnews.com]! We will be able to purchase a new home and not feel the pressure to rush into something we only feel half-hearted about. We are raising two grandsons, and it will be so wonderful for them—it will ultimately be theirs! I certainly will not miss this rental house full of mold and water and the landlords worth $2 million but "are just too poor to spend any money on repairs."

Comment by June Podoll of AR

Baseball is an eminently human sport. There are no clocks, the tools of the game are rudimentary, and its traditions are idiosyncratic. Precision is not its hallmark.

Todd of PA in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Baseball Needs More Instant Replay

I completely agree with Julia Piscitelli. The only way to change people's minds is by showing them why they are wrong ["Why Democrats Should Go on Fox," usnews.com]. You cannot do this unless you know where they are coming from and what their arguments are. As a Democrat, I watch Fox and read Drudge—not because I agree with them. It's actually because I don't agree with them. I want to know what the other side is saying so I know how to respond. How can you fight the opposition if you're not in tune with their thought process? And you know, sometimes (albeit rarely) I agree with some of the conservative pundits' points or concerns. If Obama and White House aides gave their side on Fox maybe they could convince a few people with their informed ideas, but at the very least they will appear confident in their policies and show they can debate the pressing issues with the opposition.

Comment by Bridget of VT

I'm sure that President Obama and Democrats realize that taxing soda and juice, a sugar tax in essence, will do nothing to end obesity, [any] more than high cigarette taxes have ended smoking.

Mike of NJ in response to Mary Kate Cary:
Why a Soda Tax Is a Bad Idea

With the unemployment rates so high across the country it should be a no-brainer to do an unemployment extension ["Unemployment Extension to Get Senate's Attention Next Week," usnews.com]. At least offer some type of relief for all the people who have had to go without. Fortunately we live in a country that has the means to do this. Sometimes our senators do not agree, but in the end I am sure they will come to a beneficial conclusion. We just have to keep going one day at a time and keep our belief in the system.

Comment by Parnell of IL

The GOP is throwing weight behind a true GOP candidate rather than see another Benedict Arnold like Olympia Snowe or Arlen Specter elected. Why should that raise eyebrows?

David of ID in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Conservatives: Winning Is Secondary

As a historian, I can attest that every empire rises and falls, and the United States is no different ["9 Signs of America in Decline," usnews.com]. It is unfortunate that since Reagan, our decline has been steadily accelerated. The United States manufactures very little. Most of these jobs are in Third or Second World nations. We have become a largely service industry. Service industries suffer the most during recessions. If few businesses are manufacturing things, then all of the secondary industries associated with these are weakened. If these are weakened, who has the money to buy things to keep the economy going? It is a vicious circle that will prevent the United States from ever being No. 1 again. We are also acting as the world's policeman... a duty once held by Britain. Look what happened to them! We spend more money on our military than any other nation in the world. We spend more money on our healthcare and have less to show for it. We have become a nation obsessed by capitalism and its failed promises that every American can one day be rich. Illogical! We are a nation torn politically. Only fear binds us together, and this is a very dangerous idea indeed.

Comment by Devin of OR

When I look for information, I want truth. I want facts. I don't want someone to tell me why I should feel one way or another.

Tom Davis of NM in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Should CNN Become Fox?

It does not matter what Fox says about the president, it is the freedom of a true democracy to allow the voice of opposition ["White House: Fox Pushed Team Obama Over the Brink," usnews.com]. It is not the leader's position to say which opposition is accurate and which isn't; in fact, this is entirely irrelevant to the position of a leader. Furthermore, it is not the place of any leader of a "free nation" to muffle the sounds of a voice; no matter how inaccurate it is. That is not freedom of speech. It is the leader's freedom to choose not to listen to that voice, and that is exactly what President Obama should have done.

Comment by Jane of NY

Charley is a prima donna cupcake who will spend the rest of his life expecting other people to do everything for him.

David of ID in response to Mary Kate Cary:
A Student's Personal Assistant