Letting the states go to pot
Obama and medicinal marijuana
Letting the states go to pot
Dick Polman, Inquirer National Political Columnist
It's surprising that one of Barack Obama's fulfilled campaign promises has received so little attention - particularly since the hot-button issue at hand has so many moral and social dimensions.
One year ago the candidate vowed that, if he became president, the federal government would no longer trample on the 13 states that permit the medicinal use of marijuana. The Bush administration, defying the tenets of small-government/state's-rights conservatism, had repeatedly directed the Drug Enforcement Administration to raid medicinal pot dispensaries (particularly in California) and bust the people who had been deputized by local authorities to grow the weed. Obama promised a major shift in policy, stating last March: "I'm not going to be using the Justice Department to try to circumvent state laws on this issue."
And last week, Attorney General Eric Holder told the press that the raids would indeed end, despite some last-ditch DEA raids conducted shortly after the inauguration: "What the president said during the campaign, you'll be surprised to know, will be consistent with what we'll be doing here in law enforcement. What he said during the campaign (about medicinal marijuana) is now American policy."
Upon hearing this news, I thought of Ed Rosenthal. I met him six years ago, in Oakland, California. Newly convicted on a federal drug rap - he had cultivated pot plants as a deputized Oakland city official, in accordance with the state's medicinal marijuana law - he was facing five years in jail, the mandatory minimum for drug dealers. I interviewed him at length, at a time when I was on a brief hiatus from political writing.
Rosenthal had five lawyers working to keep him out of jail. At times he seemed to enjoy the idea of being a martyr - he compared himself to "the Berrigan brothers," invoking the Catholic priests who were jailed during the '60s for antiwar actions - but there was something truly Kafkaesque about his case. Federal prosecutors managed to convict him as a common dealer without allowing the jurors to hear any of the evidence that he had been growing pot for medical reasons - because the feds didn't recognize state medicinal use laws in the first place.
The jurors didn't learn of this noteworthy omission until after they voted to convict him. Nearly half of them publicly renounced their verdict. I drove out to their homes to speak with them. Charles Sackett, the jury foreman, said, "I wasn't given the whole truth. They expected me to be fair as a juror, but they weren't playing fair with us." Juror Marney Craig said, "It feels horrible to have been so manipulated...And what about the voters of California, passing medical marijuana (in 1996)? How can Washington come in and say, 'Your opinion doesn't count for anything?'"
Actually, candidate George W. Bush originally signaled, in 1999, that he was fine with the traditional conservative credo, that states should decide such matters for themselves. With respect to legalizing medicinal marijuana, Bush declared that "each state can choose that decision, as they so choose." But once in power, he amended the conservative credo, dictating drug policy from Washington.
Seeking to understand the wisdom of dispatching federal agents to raid pot dispensaries, I caught up with Bush's top drug official, John Walters. We spoke in his limo early one morning as it rolled through Las Vegas. (Nevada is also one of the states that permits medical marijuana). He told me that medical patients had become a thorny PR problem for the feds, because "nobody wants to deny comfort to suffering people." However, he dismissed marijuana as "snake oil" that had no redeeming medical use, and he said that the legalize-marijuana lobby (such as it is) merely wants "to use suffering people for medical purposes. It's immoral."
And when asked whether states should be free to decide the medical-use issue for themselves, Walters replied: "I respect the frontier spirit, but we're not raised by wolves. We can't act as if we're all on our own individual islands. A civilized society has to maintain the public health and safety. Society has to provide some direction. There has to be a partnership between freedom and responsibility."
At the time we spoke six years ago, nine states had legalized medicinal marijuana. The tally today is 13, with more in the pipeline, so apparently Walters has been less than persuasive. Two weeks ago, New Jersey took a big step toward becoming the 14th state, when its Senate voted 22-16 to set up medicinal pot marijuana dispensaries and send the measure to the lower chamber. Former Gov. Tom Kean, the popular Republican, has endorsed it ("Whenever you find something that can ease someone's suffering and pain, and a doctor wants to give it to a patient with a prescription, that doctor should be allowed to do that, it's that simple"), and Gov. Jon Corzine has signaled that he would sign it.
Given the changing atmospherics in Washington, more states might be tempted to follow. And the mood shift might even help Ed Rosenthal, who, although he has managed to stay out of jail, is still enmeshed in the machinery, seeking to persuade a federal appeals court that defendants should have the right to present a complete and effective defense in cases where there is a conflict between state and federal law.
But the guy I remember best is Richard Mack. He was an ex-cop who I met in Las Vegas. I told him about a woman I had just interviewed - Holly Brady, an ex-Jersey resident with multiple sclerosis who smoked medical pot so that she could feel well enough to watch football at the sports parlors - and Mack nodded sympathetically. He said: "We should leave these people alone. I'm a conservative guy, and isn't that what Republicans say they want - limited government?"
How ironic it is that, with respect to the medicinal marijuana issue, this former Vegas cop will get what he wants from Barack Obama.
Comments (163)
In contrast to my conservative views on most subjects, I agree with Mr. Polman on this issue! I've seen what cancer looks like up close and the pain it causes. Further more, we would have all the tax $$$ you need to run the govt. if you just legalized it at 21 y/o (the war on this drug is lost an it is no worse than alcohol) and taxed the pooh out of it! It is a huge underground economy. Also, prosecuting for low level drug offenses, etc. just mucks up the courts/prisons and diverts resources from other more important crimes. See, I can be bipartisan & yes I have tried it ;)— NEPhilly- I told my liberal friends (who far outnumber my conservative friends) that if Obama had stood up and said we're going to relax the marijuana laws or we're not going to prosecute or something to that effect, I'd have voted for him. It's insane that you can brew your own beer but you can't grow your own weed. I'm going to fire one up for you tonight, Dick - while watching Pineapple Express.— A Friend
The medical marijuana issue is an attempt for legalization advocates to get their foot in the door. Once in, thy hope the dominoes will fall and pot will become completely legal. It really doesn't have anything to do with easing suffering, so you can really take those folks out of the argument. You see, stoners just want to get high. I personally don't care whether you smoke dope or not. The life and death of your brain cells is not my concern. However, when it gets to the point that your burnt out on pot, or have graduated to harder drugs and you lose your health, family, money, and your job, I become responsible for you because your gonna end up on some kind of government program. If you want the freedom to smoke dope, I want the freedom not to have to pay for your bottom feeding stoner a** when your in the gutter.— jmc- Is it any surprise that the administration that brought you a 3 Trillion dollar quagmire in Iraq busted chronically and terminally ill people for using medical marijuana. This is a public health issue, not a law enforcement issue. Thank God we have a President who is able to distinguish between the two.— chasing history
- NEPhilly, I agree with you. So do a couple of reporters from the LA Times. ••• http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-fleming5-2008jul05,0,3205714.story ••• Unfortunately, "there's more profit in pretending that we're stopping it, then selling it." So, as long as the gubmint can seize private property and keep collecting payola and grants, the Feds will resist the will of the people and States on this issue. (Boy do I love being able to quote George Clinton!!)— Phrossty
- Here's my clinical opinion on 'medical marijuana'... the idea that ONLY spoking pot can eliminate pain versus 'Big Pharma' selling a product that can be manufactured, regulated (for safety reasons) and sold is ridiculous and unscientific. This is not about 'medical marijuana'... it's about 'choice' or 'telling people what to do w/ their bodies'... which happens all the time, but is a hard thing for politicains of either party to handle.— JGD84
- jmc - that has to be the most idiotic stance about legalizing medical marijuana or all marijuana I have ever heard. Did you post that just to read your own words on the internet? There can be no other reason. Unless you like looking foolish. There are a whole spectrum of LEGAL substances that can be and are abused or can evolve to addiction, which lead people to destitute situations. You may be paying for them now, whether you know it or not. Legalizing pot is not up there as a major concern of abuse issues, believe me. Please show me ONE single person who has smoked their way into this "proposed" situation or has died from smoking pot. It should be easy if this is SUCH a problem. Hurry - I have a Philly Beer week event to go to!— TeaParty2009
- jmc - that has to be the most idiotic stance about legalizing medical marijuana or all marijuana I have ever heard. Did you post that just to read your own words on the internet? There can be no other reason. Unless you like looking foolish. There are a whole spectrum of LEGAL substances that can be and are abused or can evolve to addiction, which lead people to destitute situations. You may be paying for them now, whether you know it or not. Legalizing pot is not up there as a major concern of abuse issues, believe me. Please show me ONE single person who has smoked their way into this "proposed" situation or has died from smoking pot. It should be easy if this is SUCH a problem. Hurry - I have a Philly Beer week event to go to!— TeaParty2009
- Thank you JMC for supplying us with that old canard that Marijuana is a gateway drug. By your logic then tobacco and alcohol should be criminalized as well. After all, if anything alcohol and tobacco are just as much gateway drugs and create just as much suffering and pain as Marijuana.
- jmc, in an unstable and confusing world, it's nice to know that you can be relied on to be on the wrong side of every issue, and utterly misinformed, every time. Way to go, dude! It also occurs to me that it is probably not entirely a coincidence that the cover story of The Economist magazine this week is "How to end the drug wars"...this conservative English news weekly favors total legalization of everything to put the drug merchants out of business.— Yersinia Pestis
- The stock market is down again... terrible jobs report... all this why Obama's eating $100/lb steak, dancing in congo lines and the United Auto Workers are 'partying' in a 5 Star Hotel in Miami... however, BEFORE you call anyone a hypocrite, remember, they're democrats... it's not important what they do, it's important that they CARE!!!— JGD84
- JGD - here's the thing, if you're throwing up and can't keep anyting down that goes in your mouth how are you supposed to benefit from Marinol? Give me a break
- Hey JMC: Now that you posted that tripe, you can slink back into the gutter drinking your bottom feeding, rot gut alcohol.— AHiredGun
- NEPhilly, I agree with you (yes, it's a first, probably not the last), as I have been caring for my parent through lung and brain cancer these past weeks as they have deteriorated with aggressive advancement. Not sure if they'd have opted for usasge of medicinal marijuana, but recent discussions with family and friends about this very matter led me to conclude that I would want the option of legal medicinal marijuana for myself, should, God Forbid, the need arise. And Yes, the outrageous amount of $$$ that is tied up in enforcing, prosecuting and jailing drug criminals would be better put to use, now more than ever.— NipTip
- Bush's strategy about closing medical marijuana sites had more to do with his own addiction issues than the well being of the patients. Surprise, surprise!— chasing history
- btw...I think most people involved in substance abuse and recovery counseling would probably tell you the real gateway drug is tobacco...go to an AA meeting sometime and try to find someone who isn't smoking. It would make more sense to decriminalize pot and criminalize tobacco than vice versa.— Yersinia Pestis
- JGD84 - YAWN! go whine elsewhere - you continue to fail to interest anyone in or convince anyone of your clueless, Obama-hating views - you're better off mindlessly ranting with the rest of the mouth-foamers over at Little Green Footballs (for brains). They'd probably crown you their Prince. Run along now.— TeaParty2009
- ***Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said the Obama administration is moving aggressively to jump start job creation. She noted that the president's stimulus package increased unemployment insurance benefits and under the plan, the department was making more than $3.5 billion available for education, training and re-employment services.*** How does any of the above create jobs? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29538287/— NEPhilly
- nip, good luck and God bless:)— NEPhilly
- JGD's response makes sense when tied into the article.....much like the factual reporting from Faux News Network....truthful and timely and completely tied to facts...— 77volks
- I agree with this. People should be able to do what they want, without government interference.— jwad56
Comment removed.- I guess Polman did not hear about how Obama dissed Gordon Brown. Yeah, like ModerateMarge and other say, it is good to have the adults back in charge. Brown gave three gifts to Obama upon their first meeting. "Mr Brown's gifts included an ornamental desk pen holder made from the oak timbers of Victorian anti-slaver HMS Gannet, once named HMS President. Mr Obama was so delighted he has already put it in pride of place in the Oval Office on the Resolute Desk which was carved from timbers of Gannet's sister ship, HMS Resolute. Another treasure given to the US President was the framed commission for HMS Resolute, a vessel that came to symbolise Anglo-US peace when it was saved from ice packs by Americans and given to Queen Victoria. Finally, Mr Brown gave a first edition set of the seven-volume classic biography of Churchill by Sir Martin Gilbert." Just so you know, the Resolute is the wood from which the desk in the oval office was made. What did Obama give to Gordon Brown? A DVD collection of 25 classic American films, straight from Blockbuster. Yeah, the adults are back in charge.— tom - wilmington, de
- I also have no prob with legalized pot if it is transparent and people are held accountable.— tom - wilmington, de
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- Tom, what does the fact that Obama is saving money on ceremonial gift-giving have to do with today's discussion on medical marijuana? Does this mean you have been smoking weed and forgot what we were talking about or something...?— Yersinia Pestis
- This is about Big Pharma having their way like they did with Medicare Part D. We all know how Bush pushed through the largest expansion of medicare in 40 years with this socialized prescription program. At a cost of1 Trillion dollars over the next 10 years, we have Bush to thank for pushing legal drugs on the aged and disabled. I would rather smoke weed than take oxycontin for pain if I was suffering from a chroic or terminal illness. Just look at what oxycontin has done to Rush Limpballz hearing. lol— chasing history
- tom - wilmington, de - yeah, because they certainly can't be found anywhere in that "post" of yours. Please - such a non-issue. But I guess that's all you got today, since the country overwhelmingly approves of the steps the Obama Administration is taking to right this country back on course.— GetEmGood
- Actually, NEPhilly, your opinion is in keeping with your conservative views, not in contrast to them. The National Review supports a "movement toward legalization" in general ••• http://www.nationalreview.com/12feb96/drug.html ••• and opposes the "War on Pot" in particular. ••• http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=N2E1MTE0ZTc0MGY4MmI5YTg2ZGViNTE1MmJkZTgxN2Y=— Phrossty
- "it's not important what they do, it's important that they CARE!!!" If I directly quote a person, say, Rush Limbaugh, I give them credit in my posts. I'm looking at you JGD84.— pagoda
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- Phrossty, your reading the National Review and I'm reading the NY Times! There is hope for the country yet:)— NEPhilly
- Comrade Xi, you're conveniently forgetting that the engine had seized BEFORE the keys to it were handed to President Obama. (I think another visit to "camp" may be necessary, no?)— Phrossty
- Thank God for two Democrats -- Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin -- who announced they would not vote for the 'Porkulus II bill' and urged Obama to veto it if it passed! Finally someone has realized we have to stop spending so much. They wheeled in poor Ted Kennedy, thinking they needed his vote, but to no avail. Finally, the govt. has to tighten their belts, like the rest of us:)— NEPhilly
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- The reason so many righties here parrot Rushie's talking points is because he's the leader of their party. Simple (in so many ways).— Djoko Pritza
- Djoko Pritza - correct - also, because they have no ideas of their own - they need to be fed what to think. Has anyone one of them ever offered an alternate to the issues they complain about? - not here, not ever.— GetEmGood
- The weed issue is instructive. States rights! cry the Repubs. That is, until the states do something the Repubs don’t agree with (like Arnold and his state’s tougher mileage limits). Same with “activist judges!” That is, unless judges are activist in favor of Repub issues. But I also agree with some posters here that the Bushie admin was simply doing the bidding of Big Pharma, which wants to be the one dispensing the med weed, at a huge profit.— Djoko Pritza
- Phrossty, if the engine has seized, Obama needs to get out and flag down someone from the auto club - not load more luggage on the roof. Now pass me that doobie ;>)— A Friend
- Wow! Everybody's fired up.(no pun intended) frankg962: Many laws have been enacted regarding where you can and can't use tobacco. They come from the left. Yersinia Pestis: Legalization is fine by me, as long as your addictions don't become my problem. TeaParty2009: I do understand that people's addictions to other legal substances have become my problem already, but it doesn't mean I want to keep paying to get these people rehabbed, or have a whole new segment of society that needs sobering up. AHiredGun: Sorry AHG, I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. Never have, never will. LJL: It seems to me many have trouble quitting marijuana, why would that be if it weren't addictive, either physically or mentally? A quick Google search yields much information on marijuana addiction.— jmc
- Djoko & GetEm, I'm the engine that runs my party - no one else. I'll survive and thrive under Obama as I've done under the last 4 administrations. You 2 idiots better hope that Obama's plans are successful. It seems as if govt assistance will be the life line to a country full of well-educated, underachieving malcontents.— A Friend
- Xi - At the risk of sounding like Talvenada... "A disaster?" Really?? After less than 50 days in office? Yet GWB's 2922 days that left this mess behind is a raging success, no?? (Additionally, aren't most disasters "dangerous" simply by definition?)— Phrossty
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- 'A Friend' - I think he's trying to do that. He's just not calling the auto dealership (Wall Street Execs and Republican ideologues) who sold him the junker to tow it. I presume your analogy of luggage refers to the spending. I'm not an economist, but I'm believing the posters and pundits who assert that $1 of spending does more to revive the engine than $1 of tax cuts. Plus, Porky's 1 did have a mix of tax cuts and gov't spending. The analogy that helps me is to think of the economy as a living thing and the flow of money (credit) as the circulatory system. Ever since the global panic of 16-Sep-2008 (credit freeze), the patient has been in cardiac arrest. The lifeblood is not flowing. I just hope someone has a big enough defibrillator to get the thing going again. ** Hands the duchy 'pon de lef' han' side! ;-) **— Phrossty
- Xi - My extremely limited experience is that the market is reactionary, not forward thinking. Any "forward thinking" is the very definition of pure speculation. As for when to stop looking at GWB and when to give Obama the credit or blame, I need your help. Who was at fault for 9/11, GWB or Bubba?— Phrossty
- Phrossty, xi is extrapolating. Disaster refers to actions taken, dangerous refers to disasters yet to come. For example, 7000 earmarks in the current "stimulus" bill after campaign rhetoric suggested no earmarks represents a disaster. Cap and trade legislation that will place an enormous financial burden on the middle class is dangerous. Believe me, I have no illusions that the situation would be any better under Bush, McCain or anyone else. I just don't know if the means justifies the ends. I'll support Obama because he's earned my respect and admiration, but I'm concerned. Have a great weekend!! 60 degrees!!!— A Friend
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- Arguing about whether or not Obama is making the economy worse with a liberal is like arguing global warming with a liberal: Hot summers are evidence of global warming as are cold winters. The absence or presence of more or less hurricanes is evidence of global warming. 10 years of warming is a tipping point, 10 years of cooling is a hiccup and both are evidence of global warming. If things go bad it's Bush's fault. If something goes well it's because of Obama. In my opinion the liberals will wait to pin any blame at all on Obama until it is bitterly obvious to all how terrible he has made things. Sort of like conservatives liked to pretend that Bush did everything right until it was blatantly obvious that he did almost nothing right. It's no secret I think the Obama era is going to be an unmitigated disaster but I don't blame him or the people who elected him. I blame Bush for ruining the good name of conservatives. I don't believe that this country is turning this far left but rather that Bush was so bad that the people weren't going to take a chance with another republican right now.— jwad56
- Phrossty, I think you're being a bit selective with those who make up the auto dealer group. I believe that consortium consists of the SEC, Fed, Treasury, rating agencies, mortgage lenders, wall st traders, john q borrower and all of our watchdogs in Congress. I'm no economist either, so I'll not come down on either side of the spending vs. tax cuts debate. Thanks for your well crafted, thoughtful responses to my ramblings.— A Friend
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- In liberal speak, whatever the weather does it is proof of global warming
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- 1) Yes, my list was limited. I have frequently posted that a listing like the one you supplied is more complete and, therefore, more accurate - especially when NEPhilly is doing his Barney Frank dance. Full disclosure: I do think Hedge Fund trader types hold more of the blame than ACORN/CRA borrowers and Frank & Dodd, but Congressional Watchdogs and Consumers Who Don't Live Within Their Means are also a BIG part of the problem. 2) I've got no opinion on global warming. I am dumbfounded as to how it's a political issue rather than a scientific one. 3) I'm a liberal Obama supporter who will be more than willing to admit that his policies made the economy worse, but only AFTER they've had a chance to be enacted and the impact of same evaluted. I don't believe we can see the forest for the trees right now and I think it's more than a little partisan bias to lay what is obviously (to me) the fruits of W's labors at B HUSSEIN's feet.— Phrossty
- Perhaps you should ask those who have developed addictions to weed and all the associated problems if legalizig it is sucha good idea...— camtheman
- I think most of Bush's bad hand was self inflicted. I might not think he did as bad as some but I have a different view of things than most people. As far as most people are concerned, he was an abject failure and that is what I blame him for. And now we have this.— jwad56
- Pagoda, glad to know you care about me! However, I've said that a LONG time before Rush ever came to the scene. I do think Rush is a genius though... he has the President of the United States dreaming about him for goodness sake!— JGD84
- Wow, DP talks about weed and almost everyone agrees. Guess it does help people get along. JMC, you ought to take some time and check out how many people get addicted to those legal pain pills that the pharma companies sell. Oxycontin is worse then any problems weed cause. You have plenty of nice upper class people who can’t live without their pain pills and the modern ‘mother’s little helper’s’ and you even have those poor white trash people that get people they know to get them more pain pills when they need them. Of course you also have the occasional multi millionaire radio commentator that did the same thing because the addiction is so strong. So with your thinking, we need to ban, gambling, cigs, alcohol, pain pills, anti depressants, and any type of drug that can make people fell better and that can lead to addiction. Also I guess we should get rid of all people once they get old and require any government assistance to survive. We can make food out of them like they did in Soylent Green and feed the poor with them. We don’t want you to incur any costs except for yourself.— USA#1
- Glad we are trending towards legalization of marijuana but why do I get the feeling it won't be legalized until the day after I die? That would be typical.— James TL
- Naahhh... That's not typical. That's just the paranoia settling in....— Phrossty
- Waiting for the legalization of Mary Jane? Hold your breath. ;)— Phrossty
- Nice. The censor blocked a post with the word "marijuana" in a blog about legalizing same... Oh, the injustice!! Someone call Michael Phelps and report a double standard. Sheesh!!— Phrossty
- Michael Steel thinks he and the GOP had a good week. That Steele - he's a keeper - Do NOT get rid of him.— JosieJetson
- Hey, the other day I asked righties a question but only got one (cop-out) answer. I think righties are ducking this, because it’s not a tough question: Who do righties on this site support as party leader? You know, who do you want to see as candidate in 2012? That’s not hard, is it (I'll tell you who I like for 2012)? I think people are ducking ‘cause they don’t want to say Rush. (The cop-out? NEPhilly, who said he’d support the 2012 nominee. But, NEP, who do you want that to be? Such a knowledgeable guy, you must have an idea.)— Djoko Pritza
- Djoko - I know you didn't ask me, but my sources suggest it's Newt in 2012. ••• http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/06/gingrich-floats-possibility-presidential-run/— Phrossty
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- ark - "Do not operate heavy machinery, equipment, or a motor vehicle while taking this medication."— Phrossty
- It will be nice to see Obama lift the ban on federal funding for stem cell research. The GOP's policies on stem cell, pot and other social and medical issues issues will keep the Democrats in power for a long time.— chasing history
- ark, I didn't see it, sorry. How about reminding me ...?— Djoko Pritza
- So, I'll help your righties out a bit by offering a few suggestions: Sarah? Bobby? Timmy? Newt? Mark? Mitt? Mikey? Ronnie? Fred? Rushie? Eric? John? Tommy? A lot of good choices there. Who's your man/woman? You've got to like someone!— Djoko Pritza
- OK, let me put it this way: Is there no one in the Repub Party you righties are proud to call your own?— Djoko Pritza
- Another 600,000 jobs lost. Nice Job Bararck! Unemployment is 8.1%. Highest in 26 years. Factor in people who have given up and the unemployment rate is 14.6%. Better gin up more anti conservative talk show nonsense to distract attention. For a guy who said he had all the answers while on the campaign trail, he sure is coming up empty. But is is funny to watch his hair turn gray.
- Djoko- you've got bigger problems than worrying about the leader of the Republican party. Your clown of a president is a friggin joke!
- Mike - you have NO credibility at all about blaming OUR president for the Bush depression which HE rhankfully is attempting to fix. Whar could he have possibly done differently to combat the failed Bush policies ???? President Obama is at the helm - all will be well shortly !— ModerateMarge
- SWEDE: Boehner's Spending Freeze would make Hoover giddy w/ Great Depression joy, no? If Obama wants to see a brother, who's a Conse 'Pub, get things done, unlike him, he needs to emulate Michael Steele.— Talvenada
- Tal - Seriously how can Steele get anything done when all he does is kiss Limbaugh's ring ????? Truely a joke !— ModerateMarge
- MARGE: Conse 'Pubs are harmless to those who know and understand that Bush-Cheney produced the NOW 91 questionable actions in their 96 months, which unfortunately continues w/ #91: W and a few other high ranking govt. officials--probably Chaney, Gonzo and Rummy--had the legal authority to override anybody's Bill Of Rights for over 7 years. ....... The harm comes w/ those who were oblivious to the last 8 years; and, as things affect them, The Conse 'Pubs equate Obama equals bad times equals Obama is 100% at fault. I don't think this is their plan, but bringing Obama down probably is. Carter wasn't so hot, Clinton was impeached, and Obama equals Hoover. Permanent Conse 'Pub WH is what THEY want for THEIR country, which is a country where you and I are NOT welcome. They and they ALONE own it!— Talvenada
- Marge: Maybe its been a long time since you had some high school anatomy classes. The area where Steele kissed Limbaugh isn't called his "ring".— yobill626
- Tom - I assume you were proud when George Bush gave Merkel an uninvited backrub ??? Everything about the Bush Presidency was either a joke in a bad way or miserable for America.— ModerateMarge
- It just goes to show you the GOP roars states rights just when it is advantageous. Medical pot ought to be left to the states - and really it is important that we as a country does what is appropriate to alleviate pain in the chronically and terminally ill.— ModerateMarge
- It is amazing that Tom's story about Obama and Brown was not in the news. Whether true or not, fairly reported or not Brown is probably glad that there is someone in the Oval Office other than unilateralist Bush— ModerateMarge
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- As we planned, Comrade Obama is destroying the economy and turning this into the Obama Depression. When all the people are weak and desperate, we will turn Amerikca into a Communist country!— Comrade Noodlehead
- THE OBAMA DEPRESSION IS HERE!!!!!— Comrade Noodlehead
- Obama is acting like Bush 2.0. How? On secret wiretaps. OMG Polman Obama is violating our rights too!!! Imperial President 2.0!!!! Report that you hack. As the WSJ reports: "In a federal lawsuit, the Obama legal team is arguing that judges lack the authority to enforce their own rulings in classified matters of national security. ... The Obama Justice Department has adopted a legal stance identical to, if not more aggressive than, the Bush version. It argues that the court-forced disclosure of the surveillance programs would cause "exceptional harm to national security" by exposing intelligence sources and methods. Last Friday the Ninth Circuit denied the latest emergency motion to dismiss, again kicking matters back to Judge Walker.— CD75
- Here are a couple things he could have done ModerateMarge: Nominate someone other than a tax cheating know nothing to run Treasury. Not stoke class warfare as a solution to all the downtrodden's ills. Instead of talking about how bad it is and how bad it is going to get he could express some optimism that things will get better. Instead of paying off his cronies with his giant stimulus he could have targeted real long term job creation. An example of the stupidity of this stimulus is the causeway construction in Ocean City. It's already underway and will not create any more jobs but Comrade Corzine decided that stimulus money will go to that rather than a new project. Where is your boy Biden the Cop? Oh yeah no one messes with that 2 bit hack so he must have approved this waste of money.— jwad56
- ModerateMarge: "Brown is probably glad that there is someone in the Oval Office other than unilateralist Bush" - Just like a liberal to know what everyone else thinks and wants. That is why we should all just send our money to them and don't dare ask any questions.— jwad56
- An "honesty test" for those liberals who dare to take it... do you admit counting 'saved' jobs is ridiculous? I'll admit, politicians play w/ the 'job creation' number all the time... but 'saving or creating 3 1/2 - 4 million jobs' is Obama's objective... how low can he set the bar! 2nd "honesty test" question... does it bother you that in a Democratically controlled government, in which there literally no way (w/ RINOs like Specter, Snow, ect) to filibuster Obama's plans, the budget includes 9000 'earmarks' after vigorously campaigning against them?— JGD84
- Marge: the noddledude is right. Obama has caused a depression.— CD75
- Even radical liberal economist and writer Paul Krugman notes in the NYT that Obama is out to lunch with is priorities: "But among people I talk to there’s a growing sense of frustration, even panic, over Mr. Obama’s failure to match his words with deeds. The reality is that when it comes to dealing with the banks, the Obama administration is dithering. Policy is stuck in a holding pattern."— CD75
- I had to laugh... last night as I was going to bed, my wife switched on Letterman... the sound was down, so I couldn't hear much... one of Letterman's BIG laughs was comparing Obama's approval rating (60%) to the approval rating (100%) Bush had for NOT being in office! I'm a BIG President Bush supporter and thought that was the 1st "Bi-partisan" joke I've heard in a while! As a Conservative, I'm happy NOT having to defend or explain some of President Bush's policies... especially the spending plans (except defense) which I vigorously disagreed with! BTW... and something political types are paying attention to... it's too early for Obama's approval rating to really bottom... however, what's interesting to watch support or opposition to his plans. The polling (which honestly, I can't stand, but I do read!) has really begun to 'tank' for more spending and bailout plans... in the 40% range! Trust me on this one, the Democrats are hoping that the economy begins to turn in a year... if there isn't some tangible improvement, they're going to take a BIG hit in the November 2010 mid-term elections... and they know it!— JGD84
- The Democrats best offense the last 4 years was Bush. I think they are counting on the economy starting to turn around a little bit by 2010 despite what they are doing to it and then they can tout that all their spending avoided a depression - barely.— jwad56
- CD75, you're 'on mark' again w/ Krugman! It's called "covering your a^^"! Krugman, the prize winning (what a joke!) liberal economist, is seeing all this 'theories' not working out! There's no way this slimy creature takes the fall w/o blaming someone. Turn on the lights and the rats will scatter!!!— JGD84
- So, ark, who do you want to see that nominee be? I'm just trying to figure out who the Dems have to fear?— Djoko Pritza
- So, all you Comrade-Obamas-this, and Obama-Depressions-that, and Barack-the-Clowns, who is your candidate to defeat him? C’mon, that should be easy for you. Why are all you ducking out? You guys are all just talk. Maybe that's why your leader is a radio host.— Djoko Pritza
- Back to the subject of Polman's article. This medical marijuana thing is just a back door way to make it legal. In usual liberal fashion they always use stealth and deceit to forward their agenda. The ironic thing about the whole thing is that Liberals have invested so much in basically banning cigarette and cigar smoking. The laws are getting so detailed that there are people who cannot smoke in their own apartment. The bottom line is that is tobacco products are bad for you and cause health problems. So why in the world would we want to crate a big marijuana industry who's products will destroy our health? The stuff is nasty and based on the way I almost coughed up a lung everytime I smoked I have surmised it cannot possibly be good for you. Fortunately for me I outgrew the liberalism of my youth but judging by the Ratdog concert I went to at the Tower Theatre I can see pot is a popular as ever.
- SMike, ducking again? And, oh, on the "subject of Poleman's article," try a brownie.— Djoko Pritza
- The super-classy Head of the GOP - Bloated Junkie Limbaugh - predicted the death of an ailing Ted Kennedy ... He's your Poster Boy Repubs!!! Rush/Jindal 2012!!!!! That'll do. BTW - Not one single credible economist claims the current depression is a result of anything that Obama has done since election - this is all the bad seed of Bush/Cheney!!!— JosieJetson
- Jmc: Because your reply that included me reeked of Bull, I also did a Google search of ‘marijuana addiction’ and it DID produce several pages of results for Marijuana Addiction - RECOVERY SERVICES/facilities – entities with a financial interest in propagating a manufactured addiction crisis (not ONE research report, independent published paper, etc. – and I do not deny that there are marijuana “addicts”) that in reality, statistics just do not validate or even indicate exist near in number to have any impact of health care costs to the tax paying public. So much so, that it doesn’t even register a recordable Medicare cost percetage @ dhhs.org. (Disclaimer: dhhs.org still has Bush-era propaganda links) Whatever your perception of this great sum of money YOU PERSONALLY are paying for marijuana addiction is or hypothetically will be, it isn’t borne out of any Facts to support it. Unless you have the secret files in your basement. Classic puritanical judgement and paranoia about a long-debunked stereotype of marijuana.— TeaParty2009
- swedesboromike - that last post in which you 'attempt' to get back on topic - HUH? Sounds like you didn't have your prune juice this morning. An enema will take care of that, too.— TeaParty2009
- Anyone who would type the words "CD75, you're 'on mark' again" should replace Rush as head of the GOP immediately - they need leadership like that NOW!! Don't they know they're in Big Trouble??!!!— JosieJetson
- Djoko- Ducking? Are you serious? Economy is collapsing and your president is focused on a talk show host! Get a grip!
- Teaparty 2009- Great comeback. I guess the pot makes it hard for you to have a well thought out response.
- Djoko Pritza, you're smarter than that! The GOP doesn't have to do anything at the moment except criticize Obama 'round the clock' when we believe an idea or bill is bad for the country. Conservatives had a 'target on our back' w/ President Bush for 8 years... now it's your turn to 'take the arrows'. Stop whining and fix the economy and lead! Stop looking for someone to blame!— JGD84
- Dorko, you have a fact reality issue. When Krugman is taking shots at The Messiah you know he is in trouble.— CD75
- Ah, you can see in posts by righties unwilling to get behind a leader (other than Rushie) why the Repubs are in decline nationally: All they can do is carp, whine, name-call and make excuses; they can't do anything positive, like even cite someone in their party they'd be willing to support. That's because there is no one; so they're left with going negative, all the time, every time, which is why they are where they are today -- in the toilet. And they have the most childish of all name-callers, CD, as their blog standard-bearer. Sad.— Djoko Pritza
- Djoko- Another 600,000 people lost their jobs last week. Unemployment is 8.1%. Obama is sowing the seeds to collaspe this economy with higher taxes on energy and forced unionization of business. Yet there is this preoccupation this Administration and cult followers like yourself have with a talk show host. It really isn't amusing.
- Djoko- Do you not believe in a secret ballot?
- Regarding pot, as far as I am concerned (but I'm not an expert) I don't know how much of the discussion is really based on science. If somebody wants to legalize it they should do a formal study and take it through the FDA just like any drug firm trying to get a new drug approved. Otherwise, you're just trying to get something approved on inconclusive anecdotal analysis. I don't think any firms would be willing to make that kind of investment in a product that already has a huge grass roots (heh) distribution network. Perhaps an alternative would be to have the DEA classify it as a controlled substance like Oxycontin. I don't think there is a perfect solution, but something has got to be better than having the cops look the other way.— SteveMG
- Djoko Pritza, now you're being intellectually dishonest. The Republicans cannot "lead" if they wanted to! Nothing would get out of a Democratically controlled House or Senate, let alone be signed by a Democratic President. Can you name ONE BILL that was drafted by the 'minority', left primarily intact by the 'majority' and was signed into law by a 'majority' President... either party? Again, please 'lead' and stop looking for people to blame if things don't go your way!!!— JGD84
- The neococonuts continue to deny reality that the Republican Recession/Depression started in October of 2007. The supply side economics Bush employed, as well as the massive amount of gov't spending, started with his administration. 3 trillion for Iraq and 1 trillion for the greatest expansion of Medicare in 40 years fed the recession while the GOP continued to let Wall St and financial companies do whatever they want. I understand their wanting to put this on Obama. If I had voted for Bush twice, the worst President ever, I would be embarrassed too!— chasing history
- Prohibition 2 is just as inconsistent with how our society operates as Prohibition 1. It's a good feeling to know the new boss ain't the same as the old boss.— mitchdeighan
- Dorko: your tired lines were on that guy Rachael Maddow's show last night. You are Madden Dittohead.— CD75
- Obama is on the cover of People, Us Weekly. The economy is tanking. Glad to see he has his priorities in order!— CD75
- Obama is on the cover of People, Us Weekly. The economy is tanking. Glad to see he has his priorities in order!— CD75
- Dorko: Obama is already a tired brand. Another liberal is pointing out the Obama hypocrisy and joke - Maureen Dowd of your beloved NYT (proving she can be objective): Her quote from last week: "In one of his disturbing spells of passivity, President Obama decided not to fight Congress and live up to his own no-earmark pledge from the campaign. He’s been lecturing us on the need to prune away frills while the economy fizzles. He was slated to make a speech on “wasteful spending” on Wednesday. “You know, there are times where you can afford to redecorate your house and there are times where you need to focus on rebuilding its foundation,” he said recently about the “hard choices” we must make. Yet he did not ask Congress to sacrifice and make hard choices; he let it do a lot of frivolous redecorating in its budget. He reckons he’ll need Congress for more ambitious projects, like health care, and when he goes back to wheedle more bailout billions, given that A.I.G. and G.M. and our other corporate protectorates are burning through our money faster than we can print it and borrow it from the ever-more-alarmed Chinese. Team Obama sounds hollow, chanting that “the status quo is not acceptable,” even while conceding that the president is accepting the status quo by signing a budget festooned with pork."— CD75
- Djoko Pritza: You are a good comrade. Ignorant and angry.— Comrade Noodlehead
- Comrad noodlehead- I love the preoccupation Djoko has with a talk show host. He'd rather talk about a broadcaster because he knows that democrats are destroying our economy
- Righties, just one name of someone in your party you could follow?— Djoko Pritza
- I noticed that in response to my plea for righties to name a worthy GOP leader, and alleging that all righties are good at is name-calling, I was called lots of names. I love you guys! My 3-year-old is harder to manipulate:)— Djoko Pritza
- SMike, I do not believe in the secret ballot. I like the Iowa caucuses.— Djoko Pritza
- SMike, I'm preoccupied with Rushie because he is the leader of your party, just as you're preoccupied with the leader of mine. Rushie has even tried to stage a debate with The One, for goodness sake!— Djoko Pritza
- Djoko-Unfortunately the leader of the Democratic party, mr Obama, is destroying America. I think I'll take Michael Steele since we know your guy is nothing more than clever packaging.
- Djoko- If you are for secret ballot than why do you support card check?
- Thank you, SMike. That wasn't so bad, was it? As to destroying America, I'll guess we'll see over the next four years. If he does, then I'll be critical of him myself.— Djoko Pritza
- SWEDE: On FOX today, EXTREME weather in The American Midwest. Yes, no extreme weather yesterday. Extreme weather scorecard: 1 out of 2 days.— Talvenada
- SMike, you read it wrong. I said I was NOT for the secret ballot.— Djoko Pritza
- Comrade Obama is going to lift the ban on federal funding of embryo stem cell research. That's okay because commies do not think there is anything wrong with the state using tax dollars to fund experiments on dead babies.— Comrade Noodlehead
- Mike, our country’s destruction started with us not standing up to the WTO. The passing of NAFTA by Clinton also started the down fall along with the bad trade agreements d by GWB. Our trade deficit is larger then all the other countries combined. We now have to borrow from China because we make nothing the world needs. Our money is going in their pockets instead of going into our pockets. One of the things that helped us pull out of the depression was our industrial strength; we no longer have that any more. Our economy depends on our consumption here at home (something like over 70%). We have no backup (like manufacturing). This destruction was started long before Obama was in office.— USA#1
- Comrade, I guess you’re ok with four or five babies being killed so someone can have a baby or two or three or eight? I know some small organization called the Catholic Church that has a problem with both ends of the spectrum.— USA#1
- Djoko- If you do not believe in the secret ballot then what voting. then what process do you believe in?
- Djoko- So if you do not believe in casting a secret ballot then what process do you believe in?
- SMike, the secret ballot's fine; it's just not a religion for me. The Repubs have proved a secret ballot is no guarantee against theft of elections. And I know you're angling at card check, which I don't think is such a big deal either, especially since management has had the upper hand for so much of the last decade, what with business running the Labor Department. And I know you're rabid against the unions. Just having a little fun:) (And please don't tell us again about only 2 trucking companies left that have unions and how one of them is dying:)— Djoko Pritza
- smike - THAMKS!!— JosieJetson
- Our liberal friends seem to be occupied w/ talking about anything but President Obama's performance... and when the topic does somehow come up, how quick are they to blame anyone but Obama... hmmmmm! It's disappointing on a variety of levels that normal, left of center Americans would 'check their common sense at the door' and do the same thing they accused 'the right' of doing under President Bush. No critical thought, a laundry list of excuses and the eternal promise of 'when he (Obama) makes a mistake, I'll be there to criticize him'... however that day never seems to arrive... notice? Please stop the generational theft NOW! Somehow I don't hear/see the moral outrage over politicians acting irresponsibly as was the case w/ CEOs? I also didn't hear the outcry from 'the left' over the auto union partying it up w/ Joe Biden in a 5 star hotel in Florida... silence... you could hear a pin drop! Again... sad... Democrats are 'checking their common sense at the door'! The double standard is brutal... yet not a word of dissent. Like 'lemmings jumping off a cliff'... silence before the fall!— JGD84
- Obama is lifting the federal funding ban on embryonic stem cell research. I wonder from where we are getting all this money? Is this coming from the same pot as the $900 million for Gaza?— tom - wilmington, de
- Uh oh, Talvenada better start his Obama questionable acts count. In a court filing in the ninth circuit, the Obama administration is arguing that the decision to release classified information "is committed to the discretion of the Executive Branch and is not subject to judicial review". In addition, they argued "the court does not have indepedent power to order the Government to grant counsel access to classified information when the Executive Branch has denied such access". This is straight out of the Bush/Cheney imperial presidency playbook. Should Conyers and Leahy form a second truth commission to investigate this impeachable offense?— tom - wilmington, de
- This should be added to the list too. From Reuters...."Exclusive: Lawyer says Guantanamo abuse worse since Obama". So Obama is allowing the detainee abuse not only to continue but to get worse. More for Conyers and Leahy to investigate.— tom - wilmington, de
- Djoko- I appreciated you honestly on card check. My thoughts are that if it is a secret ballot then the true wishes of the worker are carried out without influence from anyone. Nothing is more American than a secret ballot. At least now I know that in debating you, your political thoughts are not grounded in democracy.
- Tom If there were at least one questioning about spending during Bush's miserable 8 years the right would have had an issue here. But when it took the Democratic party getting Senate control back for George Bush to find his veto pen, the bonifided of the right are able to be questioned ! Obama does not have a choice about the spending - we have to get our country out of it's dulldrums and it is clear from the Bush years that yet another tax cut for the rich just will not cut it.— ModerateMarge
- This is Obama's words on he campaign trail " We can no longer accept a process that doles out earmarks based on a member of Congress' seniority, rather than the merit of the project " But now mr Obama seems to have a change of heart as the Omnibus bill is load 9000 earmarks totally more than 5 billion. Amusing since politicans have come to critizing the company christmas party but have no outrage over their own 5 billion dollar indulgance. Oh well it's probably Rush Limbaugh's fault.
- Moderatemarge: How's that working out for mr. Obama? The man with all the answers is more like the man without a clue. raising taxes with cap and trade and putting Bush's spending on steroids and ramping it up four fold. nice huh? how's that working out ?— ModerateMike
- First of all - Obama is bringing the off budget items on the budget so I am sure the 4x's analysis does not hold up to scrutiny. Secondly we tried tax cuts during the miserable presidency of George W Bush. They did not work - making this discussion necessary. As our WARTIME President boldly fixes the bush and GOP excesses there is bound to be some delays in the fix being evident. Thankfully we have an adult in the Oval Office !— ModerateMarge
- I think that the spending bill is nuts and Obama shold be ashamed for not putting up the blockades, I recently read that, of the 10 largest requests for earmaks (in terms of dollars), 6 have come from Republicans. They certainly can't claim the high ground on this. It's back to business as usual in congress.— JimR
- JimR , good point regarding the GOP and 'earmarks'. We need to 'throw the bums out' and that includes people in our party that conduct 'business as usual' stealing money from future generations. We can't expect others to clean up our house... that's our job!— JGD84
- ModerateMarge how much more taxes do you think you should pay?— jwad56
- Moderatemarge: you say the adults are in charge? Are you delusional? It's more like profiles in cluelessness. Raising taxes on everyone through cap and trade, 8.1% unemployment. 800 billion dollar " stimulus " bills followed up by omnibuss bills, budget bills etc. I can't keep track of it all. I would take the 5% unemployment and 9200 dow of the Bush admin. over what these clowns are giving us.— ModerateMike
- Why someone would not READ the obama laws rather than let Druggie Limbaugh or Half Story Hannity give them talking points is above me. I expect my taxes to roughly stay the same. It is obvious that the trickle down theory is discredited now - that if that worked having done that for 8 years now we would not be having this conversation. What is the better question - do you find it to be hypocritical for GOP governors to say rhey will not take unemployment increases for their residents instead opting to pray for them ?>??— ModerateMarge
- I do get bored by all the complaining of righties about Obama -- how he's not doing enough, how he's caused the recession and how he's a commie. I think debating these points with idealogues is a waste of time. So Bob Herbert of the NY Times wrong an article just for me that nicely rebutts the SMikes, NEPhillies, JGDs, jmcs (forget CD, not worth considering his views)— Djoko Pritza
- To fix and complete the previous post: I do get bored by all the complaining by righties about Obama and he economic mess -- how he's not doing enough, how he's caused the recession, how he’s destroying the country, and how he's a commie. I think debating these points with ideologues is a waste of time. So Bob Herbert of the NY Times wrote an article just for me that nicely rebuts the SMikes, NEPhillies, JGDs, jmcs, toms (forget CD, not worth considering his views), etc., so I can continue to ignore their baseless rants: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/bobherbert/index.html— Djoko Pritza
- JGD, say "Amen!"— JimR
- JGD, say "Amen!"— JimR
- Marge and Djoko- supply side economics is not discredited. Revenues went up after Bush's tax cuts not down due to increased economic activity. Spending is what was never reigned in and coherced lending to low income borrowers.— ModerateMike
- ModMike, how do you define supply side economics?— Djoko Pritza
- When taxes are raised, revenues go down. It is that simple. Both Corzine and Rendel recently raised the taxes on cigarettes even though the last time they did this it amounted in less revenue for the state, not more. Below is a link to the article. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20090305_Cigarette_paradox__Raise_taxes__lower_revenue.html— ModerateMike
- Djoko: To me Supply Side Economics is the theory that revenues to the treasury are increased as taxes are lowered for business and taxpayers. The increased economic activity caused by more people with money to spend , creates jobs and revenue to the treasury is increased due to the increased volume of commerce that is taking place. It also means less money that needs to be spent on government services like unemployment.— ModerateMike
- TOM: Yes, there are 2-5 issues for Obama, as there are 5 more possible for Bush-Cheney that are NOT in that 91 Questionable Actions. Please, keep in mind that it took weeks and months for those B-C actions to surface to the degree of VERY questionable or extremely questionable. If Obama does what Bush did w/o a good solid reason, I'll be the first to BUST his lemons. I'm not loyal to Dems, Libs or Mods. My leanings are Mod Dem, but cra-p in office is cra-p in office.— Talvenada
- SWEDE: From The FOX Extreme Weather Center today, FOX reports tornadoes galore as extreme weather. Score card is now at 2 out of the last 3 days.— Talvenada
- Djoko Pritza, I read the article... and will agree w/ you on this point. 6 weeks is a short period of time to 'judge' whether or not something will succeed or fail. However, in defense of the 'righties' on the blog, when has a 'spending' plan so focused on 'pork' projects worked to turn the economy around? BTW, you were the person who told me "there's no crying in politics" and so it's true now that you're on the 'receiving end' of the barbs! That's what happens when you're 'the leader'... everyone has the ability to question your every move and word... "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."— JGD84
- Djoko Pritza, I read the article... and will agree w/ you on this point. 6 weeks is a short period of time to 'judge' whether or not something will succeed or fail. However, in defense of the 'righties' on the blog, when has a 'spending' plan so focused on 'pork' projects worked to turn the economy around? BTW, you were the person who told me "there's no crying in politics" and so it's true now that you're on the 'receiving end' of the barbs! That's what happens when you're 'the leader'... everyone has the ability to question your every move and word... "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."— JGD84
- GENERAL: If 9/11 and not catching bin Laden happened on Clinton's watch, there is NO WAY Conse 'Pubs would have allowed him to be reelected, no? So, it's not just defending his penny-pinching mastery. So, you can attack like your removal demand, and I can point out from an overflowing crater of Neo-Con swill!— Talvenada
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Cited by the Columbia Journalism Review as one of the nation's top political reporters, and lauded by the ABC News political website as "one of the finest political journalists of his generation," Dick Polman is a national political columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer. He is on the full-time faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, as "writer in residence." Dick has been a frequent guest on C-Span, MSNBC, CNN, NPR and the BBC. He covered the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 presidential campaigns.
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