Entries for February 2009

Speaking as an Army veteran: The aftermath of war is ugly because war is ugly. Our duty as human beings is to think twice before engaging in armed conflict.

Thomas Spainhour of WI in response to Public Opinion:
Lifting Ban on Photos of Military Coffins?

If going topless is so empowering and sex-positive, then let's see some bare-chested guys [Topless Coffee Shop Drew 150 Applicants For 10 Positions, usnews.com]. When men don't strip to get ahead, their actions say it's degrading. What's the matter bros? What's good for the gander is for good for the goose. Or would it make you jealous for your wives and girlfriends to have nice set of pecs to look at while you check out a nice rack? Eye candy for all! That's equality.

Comment by Angela of PA

I'm a chick, but I think this is a fabulous idea! If I were in my 20s again, I would've applied. People are working, and it's drawing good business, which in turn stimulates the local economy. So...who cares? A friend and I had talked about this same idea last summer. Kind of wishing we had followed through now.

Comment by Selena of TX

It is unprecedented in my memory for the press and the opposition party to come out so strongly against a president within his first 30 days ["Gallup Poll: Obama Approval Down, Disapproval Up," usnews.com]. This amazing man has accomplished more in one month than most presidents accomplish in one year. Yet the naysayers are chomping at his heels 24 hours nonstop. In spite of his detractors, I believe this president will move this economy into the positive column and make fools out of them. But I think his detractors know this and are trying to take him down now while he is fresh and new. The sad thing is that he is a genuinely nice guy in a pit full of snakes. He's trying to reach out to the Republicans who want no part of bipartisanship.

Comment by Shana Smith of MD

I think the "blame Bush" tactic has already reached its expiration date. Obama likes to keep saying he "inherited" the economic mess we are in, but rehashing the past does nothing to fix today's problem. Don't tell me that Bush is to blame; tell me what you are going to do to fix this mess. Spending billions on left-wing pork is not a solution.

Comment by Fred of MI

Peter Schiff will bring about real change to Washington ["Peter Schiff: How He Would Fix America," usnews.com]. He is the kind of change we need. We must let the toxic assets return to their free market value of, well, zero if that is what the free market determines. By propping up housing prices, or trying to do so, the government is in effect price-fixing. The real burden in America is the hundreds of fees and taxes Americans pay everyday. It cripples us financially and takes money out of the market and gives it to the government, who in turn burns the money on crippled and dysfunctional banks. Eliminate the income tax and see what happens. Stimulate the economy through savings and production.

Comment by Tom Joad of CT

Barack Obama has the unbelievable ability to incite hope and move people with his words.

Jeri Slavin of MA in response to Mary Kate Cary:
Obama's Speech to Congress Was Good, If Long.

I work in the media. I know journalists at all levels. About 90 percent of them lean highly left, and even they would laugh at this "right-wing media" theory.

John FN of OH in response to John A. Farrell:
The MSM Loves the GOP

The poll currently posted on the Washington Whispers page asks if you had a choice of four daycare centers run separately by Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, or Nancy Pelosi, which would you choose for your kids ["Who'd Run the Best Daycare?" Washington Whispers, usnews.com]. By ignoring these politicians' work and casting them all as mommy stand-ins, U.S. News & World Report is engaging in, and promoting, anti-woman rhetoric. Obama, Palin, Clinton, and Pelosi do not run daycare centers. There is no reason to associate them with daycare, unless one assumes that all women are automatically supposed to take care of everyone's children. The poll is offensive not only to these four accomplished politicians but also to women everywhere, who are reminded yet again that no matter what their accomplishments, they will always been seen as nothing more than childcare providers.

Lisa Nosal San Luis Obispo , Calif.

I personally don't think that talking about racism is a problem in this country. Our problem lies in listening.

Ethan of ID in response to Mary Kate Cary:
"Holder Was Right, Except About Cowards"

I think it's ridiculous and unfair that people who purchased [a home] after April 2008 now get stuck with paying back the $7,500 [tax credit] given to them ["First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit: 6 Things to Know," usnews.com]. Now, only a few months later, people get $8,000 and do not have to pay it back. It seriously makes me want to just return my home back to the bank.

Comment by Zulma of FL

[The tax credit] is to stimulate potential buyers sitting on the sidelines to purchase a home this year, which would in turn help the housing industry rebound. Wasting more taxpayer dollars on homes that have already been purchased in prior years would do nothing for the current economy.

Comment by Courtney of CA

As a fellow Virginian who grew up in a burg even littler, in size and in minds I'd wager, than Goochland, I feel pride and camaraderie with Ryan [as George Mason University's homecoming queen]. I'm even prouder of his fellow students who voted for and support him.

Jessica of VA in response to John Aloysius Farrell:
A Homecoming Drag Queen Worth Applauding