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Clinton and the Congo Press Conference
Tweet Share on Facebook August 12, 2009 Comment (4)I don't believe Hillary's response was a meltdown, but it wasn't the best way to display strength or diplomatic skill ["Translating Hillary Clinton's Outburst in Africa," usnews.com]. Communication is one of the most powerful tools of a diplomat. Communication isn't occurring when the speaker is not understood and the listener reacts without confirming what they heard. Her reaction was too spontaneous to have anything to do with the history of the Congo. She personalized what she thought was the question. Her faux pas was probably a combination of tiredness, and a delayed reaction to a news media that is obsessed with stoking divisions. All the media have wanted to talk about after President Clinton returned from North Korea was whether Hillary was overshadowed. Before that, they were asking whether she was over shadowed by the special envoys sent to the Middle East. Corporate media's penchant for divisiveness got to her—that is all.
Comment by Lynn of NY
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Healthcare Town Hall Meetings Turn Ugly
Tweet Share on Facebook August 11, 2009 Comment (5)There is nothing wrong with voicing concerns and showing dissent toward a government plan, however there is something wrong with fanatically trying to disrupt civil discourse.
Angie of KY in response to Public Opinion:
Is the GOP Sabotaging Town Hall Meetings? -
The Healthcare Debate Heats Up
Tweet Share on Facebook August 11, 2009 Comment (10)Healthcare may need some reworking, but it does not need the government to run any more of it than it already does ["Obama Administration: GOP Using Scare Tactics on Healthcare," usnews.com]. Politicians are incapable of running any kind of business. If the healthcare that Obama wants is so good, Congress should abolish its healthcare system and get on the one that Obama wants to put the country on. Giving away money such as Cash for Clunkers is just a gimmick to buy votes.
Comment by Jesse M. Torrez of TX
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Cash for Clunkers Program Is an Overall Success
Tweet Share on Facebook August 10, 2009 Comment (1)Serious problems need serious, practical, and profitable answers. "Cash for Clunkers" is a winner from all accounts, except to those who make both profits and poor politics out of doing nothing.
Debra Ann Kohlrust of WA in response to Public Opinion:
Is Cash for Clunkers a Good Law? -
Obama's Popularity Amid Healthcare Reform
Tweet Share on Facebook August 7, 2009 Comment (28)Running the country by popularity polls is not running the country at all—it's the tail wagging the dog [Obama's Approval Ratings Show a Summer Slump, usnews.com]. Everybody can get healthcare, the problem is paying for it. Rather than redesign the wheel, if Obama will forget the polls and work on a way to insure everybody that is entitled and able, but pays their fair share of the shortfall, he will find the problem isn't so overwhelming either politically or economically. What's complicating the issue is trying to satisfy 300 million people, all of whom want premium services for themselves with someone else paying the bill. What's causing his polling problems is continually trying to convince us there really is a free lunch. The election's over. It's time to govern.
Comment by Robby of VA
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Republicans Moving Further Toward the Fringe
Tweet Share on Facebook August 6, 2009 Comment (4)Crazy conspiracy theories, idiots shouting only to cause a ruckus, not to actually debate. This is not the [Republican] party [my father] has loyally supported for years. If they keep this up they will become the fringe, and perhaps the big election in 2012 will be Green Party vs. Dems.
Andy of MO in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Bad Math: Newt Makes 2009 Sound Like 1984 -
Obama the Role Model's Fatherhood Initiative
Tweet Share on Facebook August 6, 2009 Comment (3)I think he's onto something essential ["White House to Launch National Fatherhood Tour Next Week," usnews.com]. Children need mentors, and fathers are good mentors. When the father can't do the job, another responsible male adult is needed to step in and encourage and foster the child. This is true of boys and of girls. Girls need their fathers for self-esteem even as mom is being a role model for what a woman can and should be. Barack and Michelle Obama are wonderful role models for kids, and anything they can do to encourage others is all for the good.
Comment by Karen Fern of NY
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Repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy
Tweet Share on Facebook August 5, 2009 Comment (9)A person's sexual preference should have no weight on whether they should be allowed to serve in the military ["Congressional Democrats Push to End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'," usnews.com]. Anyone with the courage to want to fight for their country should be allowed. It is clear that there is a certain professionalism required to serve as a soldier and it's not like gays and lesbians are going to run around shouting that they are gay while on the job. It is who they are, and like straight people, they do not announce it every where they go. If someone finds out someone is gay so be it—who really cares? Isn't that the exact thing we are fighting for? True freedom; the freedom to be who we are and not be persecuted for it.
Comment by Nikki of FL
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Newt Gingrich President Comparisons Don't Match Up
Tweet Share on Facebook August 5, 2009 CommentI find it unusual that Newt thinks Obama is the new Carter when he thought Bush was the new Reagan. Maybe Obama is the new Obama and Bush was just Bush.
Mark Brinton of NC in response to Washington Whispers:
Gingrich: Obama Is Like Jimmy Carter -
Haves and Have Nots on Healthcare Reform
Tweet Share on Facebook August 4, 2009 Comment (8)The United States does have the best healthcare available in the world, but only for the people who can afford it ["Health Reform Demands That Lawmakers Read the Bills," usnews.com]. That does not translate to having the best healthcare system in the world. Understanding this difference is key. One can say that a Ferrari or Porsche is the best car in the world, but it doesn't help anyone who is not driving one of these unaffordable cars. Let us all understand that the "best" stuff is not available to everyone, and that is exactly the point of this reform.
Comment by Mike C. of TX
