For those readers who didn't see my last column on animal activists.
AS IT STANDS my name is Dave Stancliff. I'm a retired newspaper editor/publisher; husband/father, and military veteran who writes about politics both domestic and abroad. This blog is dedicated to all the people in the world. Thank you for your readership!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Political mudslinging reaches new low
Hillary Rodham Clinton may not have gone with all of Mark Penn's suggestions during the primaries, but she did use one of them. Penn, a longtime pollster and strategist for Clinton's bid for the Democratic nomination for President, wanted Clinton to make an issue of Obama's "diverse, multicultural" upbringing.
He suggested, in a memo titled "Lack of American Roots" that Obama's, "roots to basic American values and culture are at best limited."
Fast forward to today and look at the Campaign that McCain's handlers are running. They have taken a cue from Penn's notebook, and are attacking Obama on nothing more than "he's different." McCain's campaign is taking the low road where Clinton left off, and he's trying to portray Obama as some sort of star - like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears - who is only an air-headed entertainer/speaker.
Forget about real issues like the economy and the two wars we're embroiled in, the McCain campaign would rather run a mudslinging contest and to rely on Jingoism to carry him to the White House.
TODAY's THREAD:
Is McCain's strategy going to be his key to the Oval Office?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Presidential pardons are a bad idea
For our commander-in-thief, bumbling along in the final days of his occupancy in the White House, there is one last perk that he'll get this December.
Every lame duck president has taken advantage of this blanket pardon idea since Washington pardoned the men who started the so-called whiskey rebellion in 1794.
Some past examples are; Nixon pardoned Jimmy Hoffa, President Ford pardoned Nixon, Jimmy Carter pardoned Vietnam war draft dodgers in 1977, President H.W. Bush pardoned Casper Weinberger, and President Clinton pardoned his buddy Marc Rich after getting hefty donations from his wife Denise.
My point? Abuse of power. There's been times, as in President Carter's case, that the pardon really was warranted. But there also has been numerous cases of really bad people getting a pardon like Marc Rich (who by the way fled the country and was pardoned while living overseas.)
Here's more information about presidential handouts.
TODAY'S THREAD:
Should the practice of presidential pardons be stopped?
Monkeying around...
These guys are wondering when the next As It Stands column is coming out in the Mack Press?
The answer? August 19th
The subject is: economical pets...hmmmmmMonday, August 11, 2008
Recycle Or Else!
Apparently San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom thinks that "enforced" recycling is the answer to the city's trash problems.
He floated the idea of having mandatory recycling, like some other cities do, and went one step further, creating the first composting law in the country.
Customers will get colored bins and God help them if the coffee grounds are found drizzling through the wrong colored bin! Gavin is proposing a $1,000 fine for violators. I suppose they will also have to create "trash police" to enforce such a draconian law!
TODAY'S THREAD:
Should people be forced to compost - even if it means enforcing the law with big fines?
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Sunday, August 10, 2008
If it's Sunday...
They throw fire bombs at people's houses and cars. What's the difference between them and any other terrorists? None, in my opinion. I'm kinda funny about things like that.
When someone physically attacks others in the name of some ideology they are taking the wrong approach to solving their difference. Might does not make right. Terror does nothing but set the table for death.
I did not pick on all animal groups that are actively seeking better lives for animals. I picked out ALF (Animal Liberation Front) to highlight how some can be so negative. I offer the reader their full view by providing a link to their press office. I think some people are going to be surprised at what they read there.
TODAY'S THREAD
"Do you think groups like ALF are really helping the cause for animals?"
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The rise and fall of a politician
He ran right into a men's bathroom and blocked the door! Can you imagine what a scene that was?
So, the next day he had to fess up to the mainstream press (who by the way felt sheepish about getting scooped on such a big story by a "rag" publication) and tell them he had an affair (as in past tense). The problem with that is why was he visiting her then at that time of night? There's something rotten (and not in Denmark) about his claims that the baby girl is not his.
If Obama had him down as a possible veep, that thought has vanished with all of Edward's credability with voters. Just last year some national organization gave him the Daddy-of-the-Year award! Talk about irony. The guy even admitted that he was in love with himself!
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TODAY'S THREAD:
Why is it that so many politicians cheat on their spouses?
Friday, August 8, 2008
A passing of the torch?
I find it ironic that Bush is trying to take the high road when in fact all he travels are the low roads!
The Chinese are going all out to impress the world with their architectual wonders, i.e., The Bird's Nest and The Ice Cube.
What's really going on is a passing of the torch. But not the Olympic torch. America and the rest of the world are being shown that China's military and economic power deserves to carry the torch of the world leader.
America has been building up to this economic change of the guard for year's by importing everything China makes. Forget about the quality of the stuff they turn out. It's cheap and the masses can usually afford it.
So when they light that big Olympic cauldron in The Bird's nest the symbolic ceremony will be hailing the world's competition in sports and China's economic power in the world.
TODAY'S THREAD:
Are you going to watch the Olympics or have they become too political?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Another Thread for the day
That doesn't appear to be the case. Bill keeps whining that he's not a racist (by the way who called him that?) and has been emitting sound bites that are less than supportive of Barack. Insiders say Bill still has his dander up about no one showing him any respect for his presidency. I suppose the "no one" he's talking about is Obama. In Bill's lust-driven mind, Obama should have been bowing every time he sees "Master Bill," and praising his wonderful presidency that saw such monumental failures as NAFTA!
Hillary is really a case though. This is a woman who was sure the presidency was going to be handed to her on a plate because; a.) she's a woman and it's time for a woman president (regardless of how qualified she is) to lead this country, B.) she quite naturally assumed she was going to inherit the presidency because she is of the royal American blood that has controlled our top office for the past 22 years! Yes...it's either the royal house of Bush or Clinton during those dark decades, and C.) she's not a black man with a Muslim sounding name - therefore she will get all those white supremacy votes that will make the difference and assure that the Democrats get in the Oval Office.
It's time for change all right! But it may not happen if the Democratic Party is torn over who their candidate will be!
The Thread:
"Are the Clinton's dividing the Democratic Party and paving the way for John McCain?
Thursday Thoughts about Television
Once upon a time it was safe for all family members to watch tv, but that has changed these days. Your kids could be watching an adulterous affair in Prime Time, or Tia Tequila whose "reality" show involves men and women trying to woo her!
A generation of couch potatoes have passed their constant viewing habits on to the next generation which has become "the overweight generation." TV's as babysitters is commonplace.
Still, there are good things on tv and it really boils down to watching it in moderation. You can drink too much water and get sick. The same goes for tv. You can watch it constantly while your health fails from lack of exercise. And don't forget about the subliminal messages that are beamed out 24/7 on the tv. The key is to be selective about what you watch and how much you watch it.
The evolution of tv's has been nothing short of amazing. The latest models make you feel like your right there with whatever your viewing.
TODAY'S THREAD: Would our lives be healthier if televisions were never invented?
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Just Say No to Satanists
Instead, I've tackled another very controversial subject - animal activists who act like domestic terrorists! If you've never heard of ALF (Animal Liberation Front) then prepare to be shocked at their tactics. I'm sending that column in to The Times-Standard today for future publication.
The Thread for the day is:
Animal activists believe that any means possible should be used to stop animal research - even to the point of throwing fire bombs at a family's house in Santa Cruz last week. Do you think these people are domestic terrorists or just animal lovers who are going too far?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Satanists Pursue Researcher
This morning I got an email from a Satanic Ritual Abuse Researcher/Investigator Diana Napolis, M.A. Why would I get a letter from this person? Simple. I wrote a column about a Satanist who was in family court trying to get more custody time with his two daughters, recently.
I was flooded with emails at the time and there were over 5000 hits on the Online edition! Anyway, this person Napalois, wants me to know she's suing some people who she says are Satanists and that they have been harassing her for years - even to the point that they caused her to have a nervous breakdown! MS Napolis has been employed as a Court Intervention Social Worker at Child Protective Services in San Diego. Among other things she established a Ritual Abuse Court Cases Project while there. She goes on to site numerous newspaper and book sources (with links) that talks about these Satanists - and some infamous ones who have been caught for - among other things - Ritual murders and cannibalism.
Her archives are about 124 pages long and full of backround material.
My problem is I'm not sure what to do with this story? I already wrote one column about Satanists and I don't want to appear to be a sensationalist whose out for nothing but shock value. You know. Kinda like the print, radio, and television media today!
TODAY's THREAD - Should I pursue this story and do another column on
Satanists?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Readers Speak Out
As I mentioned in my column these implants have the ability to restore hearing to the totally deaf. A modern miracle for sure. I'll never forget the look on my Dad's face when he first heard words - the doctor asked me to speak to him. He looked surprised. Then the biggest smile you ever saw spread across his face and he gave me the okay sign! What a moment that was!
TODAY'S THREAD
"Will drilling for oil save the American economy?"
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HERE'S A THOUGHT
"It takes hundreds of nuts to hold a car together, but it only takes one to scatter it all over the highway."
-Evan Esar
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OR TWO....
"You have achieved success if you have lived well, laughed often and loved much."
-Unknown Author
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Confucius Say...
"Forget injuries, never forget kindness."
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Einstein Quotes:
"I love to travel, but hate to arrive."
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Today's Joke
Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshiper?
He sold his soul to Santa!
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Sunday, August 3, 2008
Great reader imput!
Thanks Jack for mentioning my blog on your great blog today. The McKinleyville Press rocks and I hope all my readers enjoy your whole newspaper as much as I do! Don't forget to tune in and pick up the Mack Press every Tuesday. I want the world to know that Jack gave me my first break at resurrecting my old column As It Stands a couple of years ago. He's always been supportive and is a great copy editor and headline writer. Beside that...he's a great guy.
Onward and Upward.
Today's As It Stands
It's more to educate people about ear implants, what they involve, and how common they are becoming in our society today. I do mention thieves that are stealing them thinking they are Blue Tooths. It's really amazing how stupid some people can be!
When my Dad got his he was one of the first in the country to do so. It was a big thing and I went to Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland with him when he had the procedure done in 1985. I wrote about it in the newspaper that I was editor of - The Desert Trail in 29 Palms.
If you have a friend or loved one that has extreme hearing problems then you might even look into these ear implants. They are so advanced now that new born babies can get one! There is some small controversy among the deaf community as to even getting these implants. Apparently some people think that if they were born deaf - for example - then that's the way God wanted it and man shouldn't mess around with such things! To me, that's a pretty narrow view, and one that I don't subscribe to. Bu, it takes all kinds to make up this world doesn't it?
If you haven't read the column yet just go over to my Links - and you can find the Times-Standard there with it.
You can make comments at the end of this blog - just look for the part where it says Dave Posted this at - the time - and then the word comment. Next to it is a little icon - a piece of paper and a pencil. Hit comments and then follow the instructions.
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HERE'S A THOUGHT
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"
- Helen Keller
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Confucius Say....
"Everything has it's beauty but not everyone sees it."
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Famous Quotes
"I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious."
-Albert Einstein
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IDIOT BUSH QUOTES
"We'll let our friends be the peacemakers and the great country called America will be the pacemakers."
G.W. Bush
Houston TX - 09/06/2000
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SPEAK ENGLISH?
According to New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, there are almost two million New Yorkers who speak little or no English.
I had no idea there were two million cabdrivers in New York!
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Saturday, August 2, 2008
Savoring Saturday
It's getting harder to watch all of the political bullshit surrounding this presidential campaign. McCain's team is leading the way by taking the low road and making false accusations against Obama. Usually the real mud-slinging starts about two months before an election, but that's not the case this year.
Personal attacks are the Republican way, as taught by Carl Rove in the last election. Trying to minimize Obama by calling him a celebrity - and comparing him to Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton - is just a childish way to attack a person. It's like throwing shit against a wall and seei ng what sticks in what quarters. A lie out there long enough has a way of gaining life and people looking for reasons to not vote for Obama seize upon these false characterizations with glee.
Like it or not, this election is about the old and the new. McCain represents more of the same Bush regime, and Obama represents change.
The good old boys in the Republican Party don't want change, they like the way things are. Why shouldn't they? The party is so entwined with the Big Oil companies they might as well call themselves the Black Gold Party, or the Grand Oil Party! It's shameful.
But before you think I'm some dyed-in-the-wool Democrat think again. When I look at how inept our Congress is I see two parties unwilling to compromise and vote in a by partisan way.
I see two parties that have separate agendas - and neither are doing any good for the average American. The American people are the real losers when it comes down to this damn two-party system.
We really don't get a choice in elections. We get two hand-picked party darlings. Take it or leave it. If the mainstream media was really doing it's job we should be hearing about the other parties -yes there are actually other political parties in this country. There are other candidates like Bob Barr of the Libertarian Party, who are running for president.
So how much do you hear about them? Practically nothing because the news organizations are controlled by the two dominant parties; the Democrats and the Republicans. In a conspiracy that starts at the White House and trickles down to the news rooms, these parties control America. They try to convince us that we just need the two-party system by giving them tons of public recognition. Out of sight...out of mind. That simple.
How could we have let this happen in a democracy? Generations of Americans have been brainwashed into thinking they only need two parties to pick a president from. The end result of all of this is that you really don't get a choice. Your force fed two party hacks and told it's the "American Way." I just have two words to say about that- actually a hyphenated word - bull-shit!
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IDIOT BUSH QUOTES
"In all due respect, I'm not sure it's credible to quote leading news organzations about...
oh never mind."
Tempe AZ , in the 3rd presidential debate
10/13/2004
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Here's a thought
"The more things change, the more they remain insane."
Michael Fry & T.Lewis ___________________________________________________________________
Confucius Say....
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."
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HOW RIGHT IT IS
"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it."
-Marva Collins
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Famous Quotes
"I don't pretend to understand the universe. It's much bigger than me."
-Albert Einstein
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Olympic Excitement
"There's excitement in the air over Beijing Olympics. Also lead, zinc, arsenic, benzene, sulfur dioxide..."
-David Letterman
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TODAY'S PARTING SHOT
"To be amused by what you read - that is the great spring of happy quotations."
-CE Montague
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Friday, August 1, 2008
FINALLY FRIDAY!
A good way to start a day is with a smile. You might get a kick out of the fact that the world's oldest joke has been traced back to 1900 BC! It is a saying of the Sumerians, who lived in what is now Iraq, that - "Since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband's lap."
There's a 1600 BC gag about a pharaoh, said to be King Snofru, which says, "How do you get a pharaoh's attention?
ANSWER: you send a boatload of pretty women dressed only in fish nets and tell him to go fishing!"
Those ancients were really crack-ups weren't they?
I found this wonderful information on a site called DAVE TV, which comes from England.
The site says: The Home of Witty Banter. Well what do you expect from a Dave? We're usually funny.
Knock Knock. Whose there?
Dave!
Dave's Not Here!
-Cheech and Chong
There's even a funny movie out called MEET DAVE. And if you want to read something funny from As It Stands - see this week's column in the McKinleyville Press "Did you ever Moon someone?"
Next week's column for the McKinleyville Press is about little mammals that can out booze any human! A must read for people who think their good at holding their booze.
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HERE'S A THOUGHT
"One of the indictments of civilizations is that happiness and intelligence are so rarely in the same person."
-William Feather
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SIMPLE TRUTH
"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world, than for bread."
-MOTHER TERESA
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Confucius Say...
"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them your enemies."
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HE SAID IT...
Conan O'Brian had this to say about Dunkin Donutes:
"Dunkin Donutes announced that they are going to start offering their customers "healthier choices." From now on when customers enter Dunkin Donutes employees will tell them where a good restaurant is located."
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IDIOT BUSH QUOTE
"Rarely is the questioned asked: is our children learning."
Florance, SC 01/11/2000
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
As It Stands Attacked!
Cough..cough...cough..thoughts on the Olympics
I can't help wondering how the athletes are going to compete outside in Beijing with skies that are so badly polluted. Less than one percent of the 500 Chinese cities have clean air. Respitotory disease is China's leading cause of death.
The Chinese are planning emergency measures for the Olympics. For example, protestors will only be run over with Hybrid Tanks!
I'll bet there's going to be a run on gas masks for the visitor's who have to sit in the outdoor stadiums. I did hear that there are going to be flowers, very hardy little flowers, everywhere.That, however, isn't enough to even think about going to a dirty affair like this promises to be. Free Tibet!
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A Good Thought
"When life's problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself fortunate."
-ANN LANDERS
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HE SAID IT
"American's will put up with anything providing it doesn't block traffic," Dan Rather once said.
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Famous Quotes
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
-Albert Einstein
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Idiot Bush Quotes
"What does that mean, outrages upon human dignity? That's a statement that is open to interpretation."
G.W.Bush at a White House Press conference. 9/15/2007
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
NEWS ALERT!
Apparently Rush has some buddies who own NFL teams and he feels left out. Personally I don't think an all white team would stand a chance in the NFL!
I can see one reason that he might want to buy a team. It would make it easy for him to buy his pills from a team doctor if he was the head pooba !
Speaking of pills I hear he's having pill vendors instead of popcorn vendors in the stands!
Here's some of the names that Rush's team could be called:
The St. Louis Pain Killers;
The St. Louis Viagra;
The St. Louis Hypocrites;
The St. Louis Loud Mouths;
and The St.Louis Facists!
I just don't see the deal happening however. Imagine the logistics of screening all the fans to make sure their are no liberals in the viewing audience! Even Rush doesn't have enough money to do that throughout a season.
I think it's best for all concerned if Rush just buys himself a nice football, pops some pain killers, and runs around his back yard in pads and cleats till he drops. It wouldn't take long for him to loose his interest in football then.
I'll keep you posted if Rush actually plops some money down and someone is stupid enough to sell him an NFL team!
How Long Will Johnson Shut Down the House to Avoid Releasing the Epstein Files?
As millions of Americans face a massive increase in healthcare, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson took his members to lunch at the "Ro...
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It's hard to believe that so many people viewed this column ( There's a monopoly on marijuana growing & research in America. ...
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If it's Sunday then it's time for As It Stands! Today's column is - Prosthetic ears, thieves, and payback. This, unlike last we...