Okay, so know one can figure out what is really is causing this meltdown in our country. We see the financial institutions scamming everyone for years with the subprime mortgages, we watch the big oil companies turning in record quarterly profits and investing nothing into refineries (easier to blame OPEC). We’re watching U.S. companies manufacture just about everything overseas and shipping it back to the states and slapping a made in the USA label on it, not to mention, weren’t these the same companies years back that were crying by American.
I’m know rocket scientist, nor do I hold a PhD, but it doesn’t take a degree to figure out when big business and politicians are selling out our country for personal gain. Wake up America, these are the people that are suppose to be speaking for us. We do make sure they get paid, check your pay stubs (of course , if you have one) you’ll see their pay in your federal deductions. Thanks for the time

It would be wise for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Abama to drop out of the Race. It appears that no matter who wins the Demicratic Nomination about 24% of the voters of both said they would vote for John MCCain if the other lost. This will definatly place the Democrats in the Back Seat Once Again. Neither one could afford to loose such a percentage of voters and expect to be elected President. John McCain will win the Elections Hand Down. And with all the turmoil going on in the world and the progress being made in Iraq, Why should we pull out now. We made them a promice for their Independance and we should and Will Keep it. It’s nothing like Viet Nam where 50,000 plus troops were killed. In 5 years in Irag only 4,000 plus lost their lives. We are doing a Great Job and our Military isn’t getting the credit they Deserve and also most of them don’t mind serving for this cause. So Back Off Democrates and Reporters, and let them do their job. They will succeed. and they are.

Anderson,

I just curious why no one has called out the fact that Obama has repeatedly called out the plan to open dialog with our so call ‘Hostel’ neighbors (Iran, Cuba, etc…). A position Hillary has repeatedly opposed, now congress (Republicans and Democrats) are jumping on the band wagon. I think this is proof positive Barrak has the ‘True’ leadership skills warranted to lead America out of this mess the Republican Regime has got America into…jg

Alright, looks like a busy Monday. Thats good. The story of the Ohio soldier is really sad, I mean I bet that family was devastated. No matter how long, you always keep hope, and I’m sure their hopes were shattered. Thats unfortunate.
It looks like Hillary is still in it for the long haul, and for good reason. She may be behind to Sen. Obama, but the gap is not what I thought it was and there is a chance…she really needs to buckle down and woo the moods of the next voters, which it looks like she AND Obama are doing.
Princess Diana…can we put her story to rest already. People complain about the Spitzer and Wright stories being drawn out, I mean seriously, nobody cares about the death of Diana, give it a rest.
Finally, the final four are ready to duke it out. Now all we can do is wait for the games. My bet is on my Tar Heels, although the competition is obviously pretty hefty. Love and the UCLA Bruins, Rose leads the Tigers, and the team play of the Jayhawks could pose a threat as well. I had high hopes for Davidson, since they were the underdog and in the same conference as my hometown college of Appalachian State. But all winning streaks are put to rest some time.
Thanks for the good buzz.

Mr. Cooper: Having read the story concerning Marine First Sgt. being investigated by USMC for gift received, one might examine the substantial amount of gifts/benefits that were provided to returning POWs from Vietnam. Such benefits were numerous and made with the full knowledge and encouragement of the USMC. With such activity, I would suggest that it would be very difficult to make a claim of violation of a regulation under the facts of this matter.

It would appear that this whole area is the result of activities of some staff officer rather than any JAG input. Likewise, I do not believe any Convening authority [commanding officer/Commanding General] would spend any time with such investigation as this.

As I watch the news and I hear of all of the overhaul that is being tried, I understand that this is suppose to have some type of trickle down effect for everyone who actually has a problem. But a question I have always wondered about is What can be done about all who have credit problems. Yes , I understand that some have put themselves into a bad position by careless spending and total irresponsibility. But you can not argue that there are a lot of familys in trouble because of Job loss which might not have been thier fault in the first place. Maybe thier job was sent over seas, sickness, and even catastrophes, all which are uncontrollable to most persons. As I have wondered about this subject another question arises. Obviously the current way of dealing with bad credit is to punish and restrict a person from receiving help, maybe in the way of a loan, just as Big Business companies get also from the goverment. I also wondered where did the actual restriction timeline come into being to accomplish making a person a better credit risk? Why 7-10 years? Why not 2-3 years? People are amazing in that they can usually accomplish fixing thier situation in regards to the situations cited above. Life continues to go on. But some of these situations that arise leave in thier wake devastating circumstances that leave many families no hope or encouragement to be patient and do your best to fix your situation and become responsible contributors to the economic and stability of the country. Can we not reduce this timeline and get eople back on thier feet quicker. Maybe actually institute a 3 strikes rule. Or even a progressive punishment or waiting period that would let responsible persons rise to the top and show persons with real problem credit abuse. I would like someone to help me understand why there can not be a change to the current punishment that faces many families for sometimes being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Anderson…..
Rick…

Both of you make me so proud to be an aspiring journalist/ freelance column writer.

You both are leading faces for CNN and the funneling of news alike.

With Bold voices that make so much sense to this generation.
We hear what you say between the scripted lines.
We hear the personal opinion in your voice that is in tune with ours.
Well, at least here in Canada. Juuuuuuuuuust Kiiiiding :o)

I arrived here in a black umbrella.
I remember seeing a white sky.

-Aisis-

TGIM! Thank goodness it’s Monday and I can get new information off
your site and read what’s happening. Enjoy your blog, and miss it when
it’s off. Have a good week.
Kind Regards,

Where are we pulling polls that show Obama leading over Clinton? Do these polls count the Jewish and predominantly white vote? i have to say that in my circle, which is fairly sizable, we look at these polls and wonder what corner of the planet is contributing to them, because it is certainly not the corner we live in.
Perhaps in the subsequent polls CNN could include what corner is contributing to them to give us more concrete evidence of where the answers are being polled from so we can make an informed (democratic decision) about the results.

I thought Iran continuously claims that it does not send arms to the insurgents in Iraq or train insurgent militia in Iran or have any connections with the insurgents in Iraq!
So how come Iran was able to broker a cease fire with the insurgent militia in Iraq the other day ?
That may also explain why the President of Iran when he visited Iraq several weeks ago boasted how he was able to walk the streets of Bagdad without any fear or risk of being shot at.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see through this situation!
Actions speak louder than words!

Anderson,
When is the real nitty gritty going to come out on just how through deregulation, these banks and mortage companies, found a way to prop up their interests a little longer. A year and a half ago when everyone was buying and refinancing, when people were going out buying appliances for those new homes, furniture, paint, remodelling, to pump up the price, the economy kept going, fueled by the housing market. I recall in the 80’s the Philadelphia Inquirer, did a great series of articles on just how the saving and loan scandal found it’s way into existance. Amazing how many bills are passed, that pave the way for corruption. Why didn’t anybody in government see this coming? Now we’re to trust the FED will straighten out the mess? So when big business cries about too much regulation, what do they do when they get their way and are deregulated, they act like spoiled, selfish, children, with no thought to consequences or the future.

Nicolette

Anderson:
Please ask your panel of experts to comment on the following message. I do not belong to any party, but I hope that the democrats can find a way to win this election, because our country needs to turn around and repair the damages we suffered in the past few years. Recent exposition of Wright’s preaching and his relation with Obama has handicapped Obama in the general election. However, I believe that there is still a slim chance for the democrats to win the election, if the democrat’s supporters are able to understand my message. I have tried and failed many times to pose my comments in CNN blog. Please help.

How to Resolve Democrats’ Dilemma?

The Democrats have a dilemma: Obama can win the nomination, but not the general electron, whereas the opposite applies to Hillary Clinton. Here are the reasons: I think that the 2008 general election, using the 2004 presidential election results as a reference, will essentially be divided between the ‘red’ and ‘blue’ states. The advantages that Obama with the black voters and the caucus process can disappear easily in those ‘red’ states in the general election. On the other hand, Hillary has been able to capture most of the blue states in the primary, despite strong completions from Obama. When weighing in different voters compositions (races and genders) and the general perception about the candidates, Obama may lose one or two of big blue states such as CA, NY and PA, besides Ohio. On the other hand, Clinton has a very good chance to keep all the blue states in the camp, besides being favored in Ohio and Arkansas.

So, are the Democrats and the nation ready to have McCain as our next president? Just looking at the most important issues of Iraq war and economics, I feel that our country can no longer sustain the kind of deterioration we have suffered in the past 7 years, and McCain is a little old and too stubborn to turn the situation around. This country needs all the combined experiences and imaginations of the two democrat candidates. So, Obama and Clinton and their supporters, please do not dog fight anymore. If you do, you may become the victim in the old Chinese saying “Fish and clam fight; the fisherman profits”.

I think that the only way to resolve this dilemma is turning the campaigns around in the positive direction. First, the two candidates should agree on redoing the primaries in FL and MI ASAP, and let the remaining primaries run smoothly. Second, each candidate should think carefully and spell out clearly how he or she will win the general election. Then stop the attacks on each other. Also, the candidates should try to clear any doubt the voters may have regarding their personal dealings. The voters should demand the candidates to do all the above so they can wisely choose the candidates. It is clear that the result will be close. Both candidates should prepare to accept the honest results. Please remember: a broken party cannot win the election, and it is too costly not to win this one.

I can believe that any one with a reasonable amount of intelligence could not read into the lies of Obama’s answers to Rev. Wright preaching’s. There is no way that Obama wasn’t aware of the feeling of his pastor. If he wasn’t aware then he should not be president. You could not be involved with a person for twenty years and not know the political views of this person. A person that you call your mentor, not know his political views is unbelievable. When are you people in the media going to report the truth? Could you really believe that he never heard his pastor speak his mind when they were together? Could he not know that his wife wasn’t proud of being an American? You all should be a shame of your reporting. Check out all that he has said about is relationship concerning Rev. Wright. You will see all the inconstancies, in the view he said he could have left the church had the Rev. Wright not left the church. He said that the Rev. had apologized for his statements, not true. The plan for him to leave the church was already been planned. He is making it up as he goes along. The country is going to elect a person that listen to a racist for twenty years.

David From New York

I am so deeply saddened to hear about the news regarding Sgt. Matt Maupin. I remember when Matt was taken and how heartsick I felt about it. It seems like forever since his name has been in the media and that is a shame.

My condolences go out to the Maupin Family. I thank Matt for his service to our country. His sacrifice can never be repaid.

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

Let me just say this. I was a longtime Republican, but never again in this life time. The lies Bush has told to the American people, the protracted Iraq war, the deaths of 4000 American soldiers for a personal war between Bush and Hussein. The raging cost of gas, and the cost of living. All to pay the bills for the war in Iraq.

I am DONE with the GOP and I am proud to say that not only me, but my whole family has abandoned the Republians, and thrown the support behind a man who shows a true light, a man who shines different from the other same old thing candidates.

I would like to say this as well. I voted for and like Bill Clinton, but sorry I will never vote for or support Hillary. She is hateful, and a BULLY!!

This is the man who needs to win, to save our country.

Senator Barack Obama
November 2008

Anderson,

A few suggestions on story ideas.
#1. Why hasn’t anyone in the media asked and pressed
gov. officials why they can bail out Bearn Sterns
and others; but the little guy is told sorry that is the
free market. This is such a huge issue that nobody focuses
on enough.

#2. Also, why does the pharm. industry get away
with faulty products and selling products that have the
opposite effects of which it was intended. I think the
media gives them a free ride and that industry as
well as managed care needs serious regulation
from independent parties. Would love to also
see a show on how much pharm., managed care,
and big oil execs. make a year.

Last, I am a independent and undecided voter. I believe hillary should run until the summer. Why should she quit? I think
the Dems are being wimpy. In sport, imagine if one superbowl
team had six months rest before the big game. (Like McCain is doing) The Dem. candidates actually have an advantage because they are being tested, answering tough questions, and training for the showdown in November. Its a great thing…I wish the media would stop seeing the negative ;in what is really a positive for Dems.

If Florida and Michigan is not included on this nomination process.

I will not vote democrat specially Not Obama. The DNC is supporting him!!

Hi…i dont know. Maybe its me. BUt i am so sick of Billy.C telling us about his great presidency. About what a great president Hillary will be when she wins. Am i mistaken…or wasent this the same guy who has an affair while in office? Am i not mistaken or was this the same guy that LIED under oath about said affair. Did the two of them not have more scandals then any other presidency in history?

Not to mention all the sniper fire….

I want to see Obama win the nomination so I can watch him lose in November.The republicans will swiftboat him on Rev Wright.Obama will lose faster than the Titanic sank.I will be in bed early on election night.In a year when the democrats should win the white house in a slam dunk they have found a way to screw it up.Hillary won Calf,Fl,Michigan,NM,AZ,TN,NY,Mass,PA,KY,IN.Ohio.The latino vote that helped Hillary in Calf,NM,AZ,will never vote for Obama.And we may see Florida and Michigan go Red after Howard the dumb bell Dean screwed them.Yep,an early evening to bed in November.I wonder what all the poll takers are going to talk about the next day.Maybe that the water tight doors only went up to E deck?

I really wish “Keeping Them Honest” would look deeper into the Rev. Wright matter.

I recall news about 10 years ago, that he counseled a young woman whom he later married, after divorcing his wife. They all remained part of the congregation.

This mentorship is wicked and deserves attention. Obama support in Chicago is only from the bourgeois Hyde Park machine and those who can’t afford to not help the home guy. He has everyone fooled, what a shame. Obama did not have the support of the Chicago machine, not because he wouldn’t play their games, but because he was only out for himself.

The Vice President play for McCain is Colin Powell

Solves black vote issue he gets a partner who can manage war front while he works economy and image. I think Americans will tolerate a Black VP over one who is President. He will then be set for making his play as America’s next first Black President with the proper credentials..

This poling goes like a YO-YO or a Roller coster. Good news, bad news, no news, news on religion, wall street, economy, employment day to day we change our mind.. This only shows how fickle minded we people are. We need to grow up.

i am very hurt to see what has gone on in this campaign for the presidency. America the beautiful has shown her ugly side. I hope that one day a man will be judged by the content of his character and not the color of his skin or the church he belongs to. Tavis Smiley said it this way at the state of the black union, he said the media giveth and the media take it away. The audience repeated it three times as a prophetic warning. wake up America.

sherry danzyt

I guess I don’t understand free-market economy but why are we regulating anything? If it works the way it’s suppose to, won’t it all balance itself out … eventually? Oversight should not be necessary.
Actually, the only oversight necessary are “performance bonuses” for CEOs who send their companies into bankruptcy ($19m in stock options for Countrywide’s CEO and president or vice president). You or I would be fired with no compensation.

As for Hillary and Obama, she ought to stay in. If this particular primary is showing us what the Dem party is all about, well that explains a lot … except why I’m still a registered Democrat. That will change soon. What I’d like to know though, which has the lead in the actual popular vote - not superdelegates, not delegates, not caucuses — the actual numbers. Whoever has the most actual votes is who ought to be the nominee. Out of sheer frustration, Ralph Nader may have my vote. Either that, or I’m writing in Nobody, because Nobody will be keeping the promises made on the campaign trail, Nobody will actually listen to my concerns, Nobody is qualified on the Domestic or foreign policy levels … you get my drift.

I have seen the story about Mrs. Shank, the former Wal Mart employee who is brain damaged form an auto accident. The word subrogation has never been mentioned and I was wondering why not. Almost all insurance policies include the right to recover any payments made to you if a third party is ultimately held liable. Verify with your legal department, but I think almost anyone who has purchased health or car insurance could have the same thing happen to them. Once you receive benefits from the insurance company they have the right to sue to recover their loss even if you do not want to sue.