December 2009
FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: I cannot believe it!
“They really aren't RepubliCANs; they are RepubliCAN'Ts. Happy New Year all.
"In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican." -- H.L. Mencken”
-Glenda Alexander | Caledonia, WI | December 31, 2009
Letter on: Goodbye to all that
“Thank you John Nichols for making this extremely important point. I am astonished at the collective amnesia displayed not just by the misled masses but by the Democratic party and the voters who have supported it. Also worth mentioning is the quite plausible assertion that the 2004 election was also stolen.
Read: "Jews for Buchanan" by John Nichols, about Florida in 2000; and "Was the 2004 presidential election stolen?" by Steven Freeman and Joel Bleifuss.”
-Oliver Steinberg | St. Paul, MN | December 31, 2009
Letter on: I cannot believe it!
“Anyone who works anagrams knows that one anagram of "republican" is "obstructionist". Another is "clueless."”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 30, 2009
Letter on: Dumb about dope
“Great article. It's nice to read an article about narcotics and the "War on Drugs" that actually brings light to the reality of the situation and how uneffective the idea of prohibition truly is.
"Why don't they pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting anybody from learning anything? If it works as well as prohibition did, in five years Americans would be the smartest race of people on Earth." -Will Rogers”
-Joe | Madison | December 30, 2009
Letter on: Dumb about dope
“Look, either you believe people, on the whole, can be trusted to govern themselves---or they cannot. If you don't believe people can govern themselves, then of course you can justify prohibition, or, what amounts to the same thing, say that it "doesn't matter" whether the coercive power of the law seeks to repress personal, private behavior WHEN THAT BEHAVIOR THREATENS NO ONE.
But by the same logic, you are obliged to reject the underlying principle of all democratic government, and to put your faith in what Thomas Jefferson sarcastically called "angels in the form of men" to rule over everyone---yourself included.
Rowdy football fans COULD be charged with disorderly conduct, assault, or other applicable legal infractions. But should the person watching the game at home on television--and peacefully drinking a beer while doing so--ALSO be treated as a criminal and an enemy of the state and menace to society?
Furthermore, as Dr. George Lundberg, formerly editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association, once observed, the truly lethal and toxic drugs (alcohol and tobacco) are legal, but the less dangerous ones (for instance, cannabis) are outlawed. Is that an intelligent policy? I mean, would that be an intelligent policy, EVEN IF IT WORKED?
I reiterate: To put the gangs out of business, take the business out of the gangs. Ending drug prohibition would be the most feasible way to do that. I suggest readers investigate the website for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.”
-Oliver Steinberg | St.Paul, MN | December 30, 2009
Letter on: If you have to ask, maybe you can't afford it
“If there ever were an argument for the value of a good education, consider all those countries spawning terrorism and hiding the perps. Terrorists seem to do best among the uneducated, the downtrodden and the poor.
Oh, you mean there's poverty, too?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 29, 2009
Letter on: Dumb about dope
“So long as we put some of the cash we save into addiction efforts and mental health care (many addicts are merely self-medicating), I think it's a damn fine idea.
With no other criminal action is involved, there should be no punishment for simply injesting a substance some people don't like.”
-Jeff | Madison, WI | December 29, 2009
Letter on: Dumb about dope
“And what has happened to the sale of alcohol in Wisconsin (for one)? We are #1 in alcohol sales in America and the U.W. leads all Universities! How nice. Half the Packer stadium is drunk when leaving the game. Boisterous drunks spoil many fans the pleasure of the game. I know one game a few years ago when several young people a few rows back, jumped up ar a good play and at the same time threw the beer in their cups all over us in the crowd below. Near 15,000 are killed annually by drunks on our highways. 1 in 4 children are exposed to alcoholism in their homes and 1 out 6 teens go to school drunk. In Baltimore alone, 80,000 residents are addicted to heroin and/or cocain. Studies show that near 80% of marijuana users eventually go on to heroin and/or cocain. 41% of ninth graders drink regularly. Near 3,100 teens died last year from alcohol poisoning. Thousands more teens die from alcohol related car crashes and diseases.
The answer is not making it legal or illegal but starting the education process at lower grades and with family counseling and family education. Perhaps make in mandatory every time an adult is convicted of drinking for some alcohol reason. In other words our cultural habits need refining. Quickly.”
-John Hyland | Appleton, WI | December 29, 2009
Letter on: If you have to ask, maybe you can't afford it
“Not to worry?
We have allocated $135,000,000,000 to help improve the lives of the citizens of Afganistan in 2010.
No doubt they could use it, but at the expense of our children?
No way!”
-Rocky | Little Chicago, WI | December 29, 2009
Letter on: Prohibition works--just ask Capone
“Back in 1984, newspaper columnist Sydney Harris wrote:
"If I were asked what I thought was the greatest government scam perpetrated upon the American public, I would unhesitatingly name our so-called war on dope.
"It is a fraud on at least three counts: it cannot succeed, it will continue to suck billions out of the national Treasury, and it will swell the ranks of bureaucratic enforcers and line the pockets of corrupt cops and politicians."
But hey---the narcs can at least keep sick and dying people from getting MARIJUANA! That's a victory which justifies all the other failure, correct?”
-Oliver Steinberg | St.Paul, MN | December 28, 2009
Letter on: Embracing risk
“Investments in air, water and food the basic three of all life is where the money needs to go.
Agriculture and agricultural products are where the future will be. This is the area where we have long excelled on the world market. The problem is that agriculture is a labor intensive and the rewards for this hard work is generally more hard work. Until food prices reflect the true costs including a just financial return for the small scale farmer who feeds us we shall remain at risk of losing our food security.
We are appearing to be rapidly approaching the time when our food supply shall be in the hands of a few large multinational companies as is our oil supply.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | December 28, 2009
Letter on: Embracing risk
“It makes sense to diversify - I mean really diversify - the holdings. Figure out the same sort of balance most of us do. What percentage of our holdings are "do or die"? Where can we tolerate some short term risk?
Especially when you're looking at investing in Wisconsin companies. The buildings get built here, the jobs show up here, products and services get purchased here - even the "total losses" aren't total losses when looked at that way. Even if we don't get any return, at least a lot of the cash we're laying out would get spent in Wisconsin.
We're not going anywhere - I agree with you to some extent. We should be able to tolerate a certain level of short term risk for potential long term gain.
The state's support of such ventures might well add to the attraction our area already holds for such folks.
My biggest reluctance is who's going to be in charge of the cash? If this sort of thing is going to work, we need some seriously top flight people to head it up, and we have a history of being parsimonious about such things. Having the same run of patronage appointed folks take something like this on is just begging for disaster.
The idea is good, but if talkin' was doin', we'd all be millionaires.”
-Jeff | Madison, WI | December 28, 2009
Letter on: Now what?
“When President Obama was visiting Wright Middle School and signing cheese heads, I was sending my 1971 Green Bay Packer wastebasket to my uncle in Arizona. His birthday is near Thanksgiving (and very appropriate considering how much he's meant to me in my life all of these years). I've been doing lots of "regifting" lately. Stuff I don't need or perhaps others might.
Incidently, it was that very wastebasket that I used when I had a life threatening small bowel obstruction back in the year the Badgers won the Rosebowl. Little did I know that I would have yet two more extensive surgeries still ahead because of recurring obstructions.
Not have health insurance? I don't think so. Able to purchase my own with my current situation - not affordable, really. My aunt & uncle are also in that quagmire of not rich enough, not poor enough, and not well enough. In other words, punished by their pre existing conditions.
My car is accumulating presidential democratic bumperstickers. Messages of promise and reform and hope.
I watched as the current president gave his speech to the West Point audience about the need to send more troops into Afghanistan. I watched as I saw what was happening with healthcare reform under this administration.
I received a nifty xmas e-card from the Obama team. But I felt an urge to symbolically throw one of my old gardening shoe boots, as well. My arthritis doesn't allow me to wear them anymore, anyway.
In the meantime, I'm still waiting for that promise of hope in the end product of what this country needs - as I mentioned in my last note of Christmas 2009.
Christine L. Ceralo - Beck RN, BSN”
-Christine L. Ceralo - Beck RN, BSN | Madison, WI | December 27, 2009
Letter on: Now what?
“A friend called Christmas evening. Among other topics, I asked what he did for health insurance. For 20 years he has had none because he could not afford it. Only once has he had a medical bill of $5,000. As he looks back, he is money ahead. I asked what would happen if something catastrophic would occur, to which he replied that he'd just have to go bankrupt.
He is afraid the government will make him purchase what he cannot afford.
Yes, a single payer system is the only way to assure every American access, coverage and affordability. Why do we support the present system where our money goes to making insurers rich when less money would go directly to need instead of to profit?
Americans make awful consumers. The system we have now is akin to fastfood: It's unhealthy. Period.
I'm thinking of going without insurance and risking the odds. I figure my odds are better than driving on the Beltline during rush hour.
Heck, in a few years I qualify for Medicare and the money saved will make some pretty nice trips.
Give me a good reason not to and I'll get back to you...”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 26, 2009
Letter on: Good news day
“This is a good time of the year to reflect on all the good in our lives and about us. It's there. Set aside the hustle'n'bustle and you'll see for yourself.
It's a great time to remember those dear to us living and deceased. They touch us all and make us better people.
Most of all, it's another wonderful time to remember all those in need, those without food, housing, health care, good health, work... Until the very last one of us is cared for, we all have too much. Give as much as you can and go hire someone who is unemployed.
Thank you for reading and all the best for this special time of year.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 24, 2009
Letter on: You must be kidding
“First of all, people today would not recognize a liberal if one came up and bit them in the butt. There are no liberals left and certainly none in the White House.
Second. Obama is whiffing it. Just started reading a bio of Andrew Jackson. He was of the opinion that since the whole nation voted for the president that office should be able to exercise real power. Good point. On election night there were more people at the Chicago rally than voted for Max Baucus, or that even live in the State of Montana. Apparently this fact is lost on His Flatulence Obama.
Great speeches and no action are just all thunder and no rain.
This guy is a one term wonder and will be in the history books solely for his race. That may make all the guilt ridden suburban and comfortably concerned liberals happy but does damned little to move us to where we need to be.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI. | December 23, 2009
Letter on: You must be kidding
“I am an RN, BSN 1979 UW Milw alumnus. I have 24 years of healthcare experience including acute coronary care in Milw, CV surg ICU from Mayo in Minn, and hospital & communtiy experience in Madison, WI. I was a tireless caretaker for my mother w/ Alzheimer's dementia, who died a year ago Dec 30th. In addition, I have struggled with significant health issues including seven abd surgeries and a debilitating genetic connective tissue disorder. We absolutely need to have healthcare coverage for those who are marginalized by the confines of our current medical & legal system.”
-Christine L. Ceralo - Beck, RN, BSN | Madison, WI | December 23, 2009
Letter on: Lost and hungry
“Getting angry about the war is too far away from personal action. There is action that we can do about poor, hungry, people. That is to recognise
that we have created a culture that is out of
BALANCE in the use of money. A culture that trains each person to be individual and separate in a military style of schooling, started about 1906 as compulsory schooling. It's intent is to make the government exist in place of the family.
We have destroyed the "extended family". We have destroyed community and the value of "people to people" interaction to: share, love, cooperate, etc. Everything is based on money and separation without money. We do not have places that we gather and build relationships, except for the bars. The term is called "social capital". Just as money is called "capital". "social capital" is the people interaction that makes a person's own talents and energy of value, other than being processed through a job and money.
PLease read my book draft at www.chieffinc.org
or my Post Crescent blog as janvan.
This process being used can double the money / capital available in this country.
Janet Van Asten (jan@intsol.net)”
-Janet Van Asten | Appleton, WI | December 22, 2009
Letter on: You must be kidding
“VIVA LA AMTRAK, the sane solution to travel.
Welfare for the wealthy, subsidized insurance premiums.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | December 22, 2009
Letter on: Lost and hungry
“Ed, your phrase, "a permanent unemployable underclass," says it all. It's real, it's tragic, and unfortunatly most people fail to see it. Living in a small town, the permanent unemployable underclass is seen each day. You are so correct about no dreams of a future. Shame on all of us for allowing our politicians to do this in our name.
Kim Tschudy
New Glarus”
-Kim Tschudy | New Glarus, WI | December 21, 2009
Letter on: Out of whack?
“So now you're working for lower pay for sports figures? Merry Christmas anyway.”
-David Blaska | Madison, WI | December 21, 2009
Letter on: Out of whack?
“It's just not that simple. These big time athletic programs bring in more money for the university than a high-profile professor or student tuition. I appreciate the sentiment, but when schools in a big time conference like the Big Ten get 10 million apiece just for TV time for football, that's a big chunk of change.
And most of the time, it's boosters and alumni who are picking up the majority of the tab for high priced coaches.”
-Robert | Madison | December 21, 2009
Letter on: Out of whack?
“The poetic justice of making so much money is that when each of these millionaires dies, it all remains behind.
Guess this gives some perspective to the real value of money. It surely can't buy eternity but it must make hell on earth heavenly.
Universities would be better off without an athletic program. Isn't learning about books and study, or am I missing something.
Is taxing the wealthy old hat, too?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 21, 2009
Letter on: The best Congress money can buy!
“For over fifty years I have considered myself a liberal and voted accordingly which means with few exceptions voted for the Democrat who many times I felt was the lesser of two evils.
Over the past few years it has been at times difficult to cast my vote in this fashion since the candidates appear to have become far more similar than dissimilar. I believed the rhetoric of then candidate Obama and cast my vote with hope in my heart, even though as a primary election candidate he was not my first choice.
I was not alone with ultimately voting for my personal second choice in the subsequent election since my first choice had been eliminated but, I did so with hope. As with my financial investments made in my life, emotion has far too often overruled intelligence with the resultant and expected disaster, but that is the child in all of us, wishing to believe in people and what they say.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | December 20, 2009
Letter on: Then as now
“George Bush sent troops into Iraq to die for a lie which was of his own making. Is not President Obama following the same path in Afghanistan? What is the justification for committing further lives of United States military forces other than the persecution of a nation whose only crime has been, what? I have no answer for the question why we must pursue this path. Are we as a nation going to attack all nations which allow the existence of our proclaimed enemies on their soil? Why did we never attack Saudi Arabia home of the majority of the perpetrators of the terrorism on November, 11?
I am quite upset that Congress can decide the life and death decisions of countries like Iraq and Afghanistan in a mere matter of days, but I will go to my grave awaiting for this same Congress to resolve these issues over their own citizens like myself hoping for a health care for all program.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | December 20, 2009
Letter on: I don't get it!
“Stay tuned to the next campaigns when politicians of every persuasion will use their positions on health care reform to persuade voters they did the right thing.
The astute voter will work hard to kick these failures out of public office.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | December 18, 2009
Letter on: You must be kidding
“Mystery question of the moment:
Why are there not more demonstrations against the war on our college campuses?
Perhaps this is why Obama thinks Afghanistan is not another Vietnam. When we had Vietnam, we had protests. Now that we are entrenched in Afghanistan, we have peace and tranquility across our land as though everything is good and the way it should be. We send our children to be sacrificed in the war effort yet we make no sacrifices ourselves. Life is good, indeed!
We need protests and we need more sons and daughters on the front line of those who make the inane decisions to go to war.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | December 17, 2009
Letter on: Compromise or surrender?
“So now we have gone from single payer universal health care to "health care reform" to something called "health insurance reform", which is not much of a reform at all but more of a boon to big pharm and the insurance companies. What a progression.
Mr. Dean is absolutely right, this bill in this form should be killed. Take the good parts out of it and pass them individually, and address the true reform at a later date and make a better job of it. If the Democrats look like idiots on this one, so be it, admit the shortcomings and readdress it.
In the meantime, my hope would be that this fiasco will lead progressives in this country to look at the bigger picture, and and force a discussion that is long overdue: the roles of industry, government, and wages in social provision. And while we are at it, if we really want to give them something to think about, let's start talking about ending "means testing" and reinstituting a a progressive tax structure.
Sometimes I hear President Obama being referred to as a progressive. That is very puzzling to me, but maybe it explains the perspective in this country. Teddy Roosevelt had his Fair Deal, FDR had his New Deal, and now Obama has his Any Kind of Deal.
No, this is not compromise, it is capitulation. Is this what we will accept? Now is the time for true progressives to start raising their voices, raising hell, and raising expectations of the kind of country we envision.”
-martin anderson | lake nebagamon, wi | December 17, 2009
Letter on: Lost and hungry
“November 21, 2009 Timothy Williams wrote in the New York Times, that the United States government spent $53 billion of our money for relief and reconstruction in Iraq since the 2003 invasion. These funds were spent building tens of thousands of hospitals, water treatment plants, electricity substations, schools and bridges.
The current cabal in Washington D.C. does not give any indication of reducing these expenditures. I personally object to these expenditures overseas when these same infrastructure investments are not being made at home for want of funds.
It is reported that the war in Afghanistan is more expensive to wage than the war in Iraq. How many more needed improvements in the lives of United States citizens must be sacrificed to wage a never ending war in Afghanistan. How many rural hospitals and schools, water treatment plants, and other infrastructures are in need of reconstruction here at home, which will not happen for a lack of funds.
Billions for bankers, billions for war profiteers, billions for foreign reconstruction and cow chips for the American people.
I need more than a, Yes I Can promise.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | December 17, 2009
Letter on: Lieberman!
“How do people like Lieberman get elected in the first place?”
-Oleandra Smjirkin | Madison | December 16, 2009
Letter on: Compromise or surrender?
“Health care is skewed to benefit doctors and insurance companies. The economy is skewed to benefit business and the wealthy. Government caters to those with money and power.
Where do patients, consumers and ordinary citizens fit into the picture? We do all the work. We bear all the costs. We let a handful of politicians call all the shots.
Is this the twilight zone? Is anyone awake out there? Does anyone care?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 16, 2009
Letter on: Lieberman!
“I just figured it out. Joe doesn't care about you or me. He already has free health care. He's out of touch.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | December 16, 2009
Letter on: Lieberman!
“How Lieberman has conducted himself with regard to healthcare reform is outrageous, indeed. He came across as a whiner whilst running for VP. Thankfully he never made it. Healthcare reform and debate has truly brought out the true Joe Lieberman. Sadly, he still serves in the senate.
Where do these inept politicians come from? How do we, the voters, dare to put them into office?
Health insurance has removed us from the reality of what medical care really costs. We see the doctor and someone else gets the bill.
We have tailored our political system to do the same: we show up on election day and then let the great unknowns do all the work. We need to take control of those we put into office. Better yet, we need to put into office those who reflect the will of the people.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 15, 2009
Letter on: Graft: a brief history
“The system will not change overnight. We now have at least one generation of kids fully trained in how to be corrupt, lie, cheat, steal, all without consequences.
I know of one friend who just left a mediocre job that paid peanuts due to an absolutely inept 26-yr old supervisor with a disdain for older American workers. This is but one example of how everyone seems to be in it for themselves without any regard to the common good.
It's going to be a very long while before unemployment drops if at all. Business has figured out how to reap profits without the worker. When jobs do return, they will be offered low-paying take-it-or-leave-it positions because so many desperate workers will be vying for the same jobs. Competition will be fierce and it'll all be skewed toward younger workers.
This country is a great country but we have no sense of community or identity. Our individualism is finally doing us in. We just don't know it yet. We have chosen to be in denial because denial is so easy and it makes us all feel better.
I'm not sure there are any easy answers to turn us around. We can talk correcting the political system, but talk is talk. Our attitudes have been shaped and manipulated by people feeding us what we want to hear and what we wish to believe.
We were on track nearly 230+ years ago. We called it a revolution then. Perhaps its time for another revolution.
Yes, revolution... Now that's an approach that would certainly bring about needed change. Instead of tossing bales of tea into the harbor, we ought to toss the entire political system and start anew.
The problem with tossing garbage into the harbor today is we would need environmental impact studies and meetings ad nauseum blocking the real work which needs to get done.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 15, 2009
Letter on: Graft: a brief history
“How are we to vote the incumbent out during a primary election when most run unopposed within their party? What difference will it make when another party member is voted in and is forced to toe the party line? How many substantial differences are there between the Democrats and the Republicans today? Other than hot button moral issues, both parties are controlled by the same special interests. Moralistic hot potatoes are lobbed to the masses as the bread and circuses of political debate, distracting us from the major civic issues of war, economy, corruption and the general welfare of the people.
We are free to vote in a rigged election system.
I agree with Cicero when he said, "Freedom is participation in power." Are you free?”
-Lex Tinker-Sackett | Eau Claire, WI | December 15, 2009
Letter on: The future, should you choose to accept it
“I can only shudder to think of where we would be now if some legislative committee had held a hearing on jobs etc. back in the days of Ford, or Edison, or the Wright brothers.
Face it, these clowns in the Legislature don't know a damned thing about jobs or business because they don't do either one of them.
The best they can do is to follow the example of the sewer socialists in Milwaukee. Clean up the streets, build schools, put in street lights, and pay for it all with fair and progressive taxes. These guys knew that if you made the community safe and livable the jobs would come because there were healthy neighborhoods and healthy and reasonably educated workers.
Despite the socialist politics business thrived in Milwaukee even thought they were taxed.
Face it, the age of tax incentives etc. etc. has not done a damned thing except transfer wealth upward and send jobs elsewhere. Having the legislature involved in this stuff is like letting the captain who sank the boat now pilot the ferry.
Get real.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | December 14, 2009
Letter on: Say what?
“Obama attempted to put a positive light on war by attaching adjectives to the word war.
As a good friend of mine is pleasured to say, from time to time, "you can polish it all you like but a turd is still just a turd."”
-Santini | Little Chicago, WI | December 12, 2009
Letter on: Not the enemy of the good
“Ed,
I agree with you for the most part. We so want Obama to be a fierce progressive, to abandon all pretense of wooing Republican support and get us out of Afghanistan and Iraq, to reform Wall Street, to secure a public option for and bring down the cost of health care -- and we've got instead a politician.
But it isn't all a matter of our projecting our hopes onto Obama. He SAID he'd get us out of Afghanistan. Now we have the embarrassment of seeing him accept the Nobel Peace Prize while becoming our next war president. It's a bitter disappointment to me.
Support him? Of course. Consider the alternatives. Blame myself for believing too much (again)? Sure. But forget what he promised? Naw.”
-Marshall Cook | Madison, WI | December 11, 2009
Letter on: Cognitive dissonance
“We have not accomplished anything in Afghanistan. Staying 5 or 500 more years won't matter. It is not safe for a pipeline, much less a democracy. The crooked government won't last a length of a fart, if we pull out. What is really bizarre is the military "strategy" of the United States. They have abandoned the entire countryside to concentrate upon Kabul. The small encampments of US soldiers have been pulled from the hinterlands as it is too unsafe for them to rmain. Let's get out before it is 14,000 US dead, like the Russians.”
-James Spoerl | Stoughton, WI | December 11, 2009
Letter on: Special session?
“The Coalition to Stop the MPS Takeover consists of 28 organizations as well as individuals such as former school board directors, Sandy Small, Jennifer Morales, and Kathleen Hart. We have taken a position to agree in principle on the Grigsby/Coggs plan. However, there are many things that have to be hammered out within that bill. The Coalition is working on the hammering with Tamara Grigsby. She is taking suggestions and comments which are being sent to her by individual members. Hopefully, Doyle's call for a special session on the subject will not go anywhere.
We would urge the Fighting Bob readers to contact their individual representatives and senators and let them know that the majority of people in Milwaukee do not favor a takeover. Do we let the next Governor appoint the reps and the senators. Come on. To put that much power in one person's hands is ridiculous and dangerous.
This is not a private fight and anyone can join in.
Keep up the good work.”
-Kathleen Hart | Milwaukee, WI | December 10, 2009
Letter on: Cognitive dissonance
“Why should we even have a war? Now I'm confused.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 10, 2009
Letter on: Special session?
“A modified Medicare program beginning at age 55 with a graduated premium based on age and ability to pay might be the best public option. There's nothing wrong with Medicare other than physicians agreeing to work for less money.
The absolute best public option is for voters to do a little house cleaning around election time and rid Washington and statehouses of the inept and the obstructionists.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 9, 2009
Letter on: Drugs and banks and Afghanistan
“You are on the right track. The way to put the gangs out of business is to take the business out of the gangs. This is a lesson that ought to have been learned from the failure of the "noble experiment" of alcohol prohibition.
The price to pay for prohibition includes:
widespread crime and violence;
corruption;
bloated enforcement and incarceration bureaucracies and budgets;
health risks of adulterated black-market products;
people refusing to seek treatment for fear of legal reprisals;
a popular attitude of general disrespect for all laws;
more and more spying and invasion of privacy;
abrogation of civil liberty;
and on top of all that, the prohibition laws don't accomplish their ostensible goal of suppressing the outlawed molecules.
Part of the necessary education is to begin to distinguish between "use" and "abuse"---a distinction we make readily with alcohol. Yet alcohol is more poisonous, more potentially addictive, and more socially destructive in its effects than many of the outlawed substances.
It's important to keep reiterating criticisms of the drug witch hunt, even though it may seem futile. "It has been well said that men go mad in herds, and they only recover their senses slowly and one at a time."”
-Oliver Steinberg | St.Paul, MN | December 8, 2009
Letter on: Not the enemy of the good
“As a life-long "New Deal" Democrat, I have been torn over this issue whether we should support Obama even though he isn't bringing "change we can believe in".
I have decided that I will not support Obama unless he begins to aggressively and actively fight for progressive causes, specifically healthcare reform, Wall Street reform, economic revitalization.
If he fights and fails, I will support him.
If he continues his "hands off" approach and calls sell-outs "victory", not only will I not support him but I will vote Republican for the first time in my life.
I am tired of being played by Democrats. I will let the Republicans complete their job of demolishing America, if the only other option is "pretending" to bring "change".”
-Tim | Maple Grove, MN | December 7, 2009
Letter on: Face it Mr. President, they won't support you
“Cheney/Bush and the neocons got us into the Afghan mess and now Obama will take the hit.
Republicans are becoming notorious for causing trouble and then passing blame elsewhere.
What the war needs is real Americans taking a stand and saying "No!"
Let's learn to resolve problems peacefully. We're all different and we can all disagree, but we certainly can live more peacefully, if we want to.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 5, 2009
Letter on: OK, who pays?
“You, I, and every other taxpayer in this Country. Plus, our children, grandchildren, and great grand children. The same people who are going to pay for nationalized health care, global warming cap and trade, big business takeovers (bailouts), protectionism, and all the other socialistic programs that are gushing from Washington. We're broke now and headed for second-rate on the global scene soon to be guided by principles mandated by China, Russia, Venezuela and India.”
-Wally Kalbacken | Mt. Horeb, WI | December 5, 2009
Letter on: Face it Mr. President, they won't support you
“Re: 'Even with his flaws"
A former Republican, I style myself an Independent now, and maybe I'm a progressive. I find myself agreeing with you often, but I didn't understand your recent commentary.
If it has sustained the right of government to limit individual contributions to candidates, how is the U.S. Supreme Court going to rule that no such controls are legal for corporations? And if it really won't, why should I not abandon the disappointing Obama who has decided to fight yet another Viet Nam?
As is apparently the case with health care, our country seems to require a near death crisis before it will try, belatedly, to fix things. Perhaps the best example of that is the financial mess.
It is not "us" that is at fault, as you suggest, but the corporations which control everything with their money, both above and below the table.
We were naive perhaps, but we always thought capitalism was the foundation of a democracy. It turns out that the profit motive is not a sound foundation for anything but more exploitation of the middle and lower classes.
”
-Fritz Miller | Madison, WI | December 5, 2009
Letter on: Poor Harvard!
“Harley Davidson being the so called "American" motorcycle company is a grave disappointment and will not get any more of my business until they act American again. Bottom line we as a country are in serious trouble, we better wake up and bring back the "people rule" or we will collapse as a democracy. The founding fathers warned us and we are ignoring their warnings. I find it interesting the some of the latest polls, americans want more isolationism. I'm guessing people are tired of being unemployed, with out health care, and losing their homes. I agree we at least until we rebuild the american dream and fix our problems internally. Last but not least if a company threatens to leave and move out of the country or just out of state help them pack and then put the word out to stop buying their products. If that don't get their attention then let them sell their products to other countries. I think enough people have been hurt by this economic down turn, created by the one percenters for the one percenters, to where I think the true americans; being the middle class working man who built this country, by the way, might be more suopportive in uniting once again to achieve the american (democratic) dream. Unions are becoming a sham today, allowing companies to destroy their existence, and are becoming more and more useless all the time. Maybe our union leadership have adopted a CEO mentality or maybe they are being offered a good paying job once they have made their union powerless to effect change for its members. What we need is to resurrect a union attitude like those men had during the pullman strike. We need to say "No more we are not your Whore". Treat us right or take flight. Im guessing you get my meaning. enough said.
Something needs to happen and very soon!!!”
-Dennis Abitz, US Army Retired | Amery, WI | December 4, 2009
Letter on: Poor Harvard!
“What is Harley supposed to do when no one buys its motorcycles?”
-N/A | Moose Jaw, Sask. | December 3, 2009
Letter on: Poor Harvard!
“Unions are not the force they started out to be. Unions have become ineffective while at the same time duping everyone into believing workers are being represented fairly.
It's too bad the American worker gives in too quickly to low wages and poor working conditions just for the luxury of being employed. If more workers would bite the bullet and simply say "no" to employers, I wonder if employers would be more reasonable and more generous. Probably not. There's always going be people willing to settle for less and take a job without regard to wages, safety, benefits, etc.
And so the game goes, round and round with neither winner nor loser, merely a constant struggle to stay ahead.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 3, 2009
Letter on: Poor Harvard!
“Where are all the muckrakers when you need them? Where is the traveling chautauqua when you need it?
The news articles detailing the crime of Harley will not be read since no one reads papers anymore. FOX news will not cover the issue nor will the other news stations and even if they did, few would watch.
Even when details are revealed there is not a large cry for justice. It is unfortunate but most Americans are concerned with only their small sphere of life and are hoping to maintain what they have.
When an act of coercion by a company like Harley is revealed there has to be a suggested retribution. Where are the Harley owners demanding a fair and equitable treatment for the workers?”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, IL | December 3, 2009
Letter on: Been there heard that!
“absolutely right...I will not vote for Obama again...colossal, tragic mistake.....”
-Karl Rohlich | Austin, TX | December 1, 2009
Letter on: Oh no!
“According to The US National Security Council's most recent reporting there are currently 100 Al Queda members operating in Afghanistan.
Finally we'll have the odds we'll need to get 'em?
Thousands of Asian shipping containers pass through my hometown of Stevens Point each week. I am aware that more than 90% of then have not been inspected at the West Coast ports of entry. What is the rational for sending thousands of young men and women to hunt for 100 elusive possible terrorists when in a 10 minute wait for a train to pass I can see 100 potential disasters being distributed into the American Heartland?
Our soldiers should be brought home and those that have lost job opportunities due to frequent deployment can be trained and their families relocated to the nations borders where our national security is the weakest.
Just a thought. I wonder what the hell the president is thinking!”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point, WI | December 1, 2009
Letter on: Recipe needs more FDR, less W
“What was going on behind the scenes in FDR's time and later with Eisenhower's warning was the growing grip of corporate fascism which today appears unstoppable. Until the secret agencies, societies, and clandestine operations of our government are investigated, exposed, and prosecuted--Obama has no pilot's wheel with which to navigate.
I see him as a master tight-rope walker staying up in the air as long as both ends are somewhat satisfied. I believe in him because he is working with Angels and Devils and getting some compromises, some slight changes in direction, toward the good, at his own pace and in his own way which hopefully will have a permanent effect.”
-Ron Taylor | Milwaukee, WI | December 1, 2009
Letter on: Been there heard that!
“November 11, 2009
Dear President Obama:
As a 75 year old and a democrat for all of my adult life, I am heartened by your reported decision to reject all proposals currently on the table to send more troops to Afghanistan.
The U.S should have only one strategy in Afghanistan and that should be to withdraw all of our troops from that country as quickly as commensurate with providing for their safety in doing so. At best the longer we would stay the more dependent the Afghans would become upon our military presence thus requiring our indefinite commitment.
The U.S. would never be able to permanently eliminate the indigenous Taliban from Afghanistan, that is an undertaking that only Afghans could accomplish. Al Qaeda does not need a base in that country in order to attack the U.S, 9/11 originated in Hamburg. The U.S. has monumental domestic challenges and does not have the resources to both fight wars of choice and attend to the legitimate needs of the American people.
Furthermore we do not have the responsibility or the right to be the world's policeman or attempt to nation build abroad in our image – and realistically both are impossible tasks.
Most importantly the U.S. should not needlessly sacrifice the lives of our valiant military men and women or waste its hard earned wealth.
Above all please listen to your own heart in deciding what to do in Afghanistan.”
-WJS | Santa Fe, NM | December 1, 2009
Letter on: Loud and clear
“A damn good article Steve. Is Obey genuine? The sur tax? Despite my frequent efforts and donations crossing someone's palm for him, he always brushes me off. Is there anyone to trust?”
-Thomas Chisholm Col. MC. USA retired | Chippewa Falls, WI | December 1, 2009
Letter on: Oh no!
“Mr. Blaska is up to the old trick of conflating wars. 9/11 was not an attack by a nation state using the full resources of that state. By the time of Pearl Harbor Germany had been moving through Europe for two years and Japan had been in China for more than that.
9/11 was the act of a few terrorists operating out of network of loosely affiliated Islamist nut jobs. It did not then, and does not now, call for a full war time mobilization nor did it ever justify invading Iraq.
We went to Tora Bora and blew it. That was the time to shift gears but we keep up this militaristic nonsense while our own country keeps falling apart.
Hey Blaska, I will tell you what they say here at home. You can roll a horse turd in powder sugar all you want but that don't make it no jelly donut.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | December 1, 2009
Letter on: Been there heard that!
“What purpose does any war serve?
Is it money and profit? All other reasons elude us.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | December 1, 2009
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