"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich..." - John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address 1961

Our president might want to take these words to heart when he resists aggressive measures to help out those affected by the housing crisis for fear of helping a few deadbeats or speculators.


That is all.

"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich..." - John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address 1961

Our president might want to take these words to heart when he resists aggressive measures to help out those affected by the housing crisis for fear of helping a few deadbeats or speculators.


That is all.

I posted the points below on another thread; however, I would like to start a discussion on how we could accomplish this. I'm aware that our current elected representatives are more than lacking in a spine, but the point of this discussion is to get everyone's feelings on how we could really move the party forward with the American people. Of course, this is a discussion board, so people are free to post things off-topic, snark and whatnot, but it is my hope that we could have a civil discussion and exchange of ideas -- albeit surely with some disagreements -- on this issue. Who knows? Maybe someone here plans to run for office some day and the winning strategies you suggest/discuss could become part of their platform. So, here are my initial thoughts as to what could make our party a lasting majority in the House and Senate:

1. Begin a media blitz on all networks and major publications -- including LTTEs explaining how vital it is to take the money out of running for office. Go on to explain how monied interest have corrupted the politics of this country to such an extent that those we elect to represent us -- while good people -- are nonetheless human and are all too tempted, all too often, by the money that big corporations and lobbyist throw at them. Get our message out their before the shrill voices of the right-wingers start up, and anticipate all of their arguments.

2. Put together STRONG campaign finance reform that would make it a crime for anyone running for office to take political contributions or gifts from corporations or lobbyist. On that same token, limit campaign contributions to $2,000 per individual. No more money from special interest groups, corporations, etc. Furthermore, anyone found giving or taking money under the table will be charged with a felony and if found guilty will be forced to pay a fine no greater than ten times the amount they were attempted to give/take and also the possibility of prison time. As a part of this, a special branch of the government would be created to oversee politicians campaign finances.

3. Put into law a living wage -- not a minimum wage -- that would be set based upon the previous fiscal year for the average cost of living on state-by-state basis. A national "base" living wage would be set that would function much like the current minimum wage in the fact that business could pay more, but not less, than the federal living wage. As to those concerned about how this would effect small businesses...

4. Businesses of certain sizes would receive immediate reduced taxes to help offset the costs of the living wage. Furthermore, businesses that hire Americans would be afforded tax credits to help keep American jobs in America. Of course, this all takes a healthy work force.

5. Enact health care reform -- not health insurance reform -- with a strong public option that ANYONE can buy into at ANYTIME based on a sliding scale of cost not to exceed 5% of GROSS income. In case where the individual makes only the living wage (whatever that is determined to be), said person(s) would receive a tax credit equal to 2.5% of their gross income.

Thoughts?

EDIT TO ADD
7:34PM EST: Driving home now -- gotta fight the DC traffic... Sigh. This is not a hit and run post.

Posted on CraigsList:

I posted this in response to another poster on another thread. I would like to however extend this beyond that thread, because I think some of us might benefit from some reminders...

Here's my first reaction when I read about our candidate seemingly reversing himself on a number of issues:



Then I think to myself. Wait a minute! Take a look at the reality of the situation. John McCain is something worst than George W. Bush. John McCain is dangerous, ruthless and wholly without honor. If this man is elected president, there is no doubt in my mind that he will make George W. Bush look like a bloody Girls Scout. Yes, I am absolutely certain that while Bush was bad, at least he doesn't have moments where he almost comes completely unhinged in public. How many of us have seen that queer smile play across his lips while there is no light in his eyes? How many of us have been inwardly repulsed at his use of the term, "my friends," and wondered what thoughts lay behind the overuse of said term? How many of us here and elsewhere have read about John McCain's temper, his vengeful nature? How many of us have witnessed him -- not his campaign or surrogates -- lie outright about his opposition? How many of us here and elsewhere recoiled in abject horror when we saw the infamous "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" clip? John McCain is the monster in the closet come out in the light of day draped in the American flag all the while salivating about the next war in order to protect our freedoms -- all the while calling for the spilling of more blood. Calling John McCain a monster is hyperbole, yes. However, realize this: John McCain is a man of war -- not a man of peace. In fact, he may be something unclassifiable in the politic sense. Yes, John McCain is something different, something quite beyond monstrous because it's all so clear in his actions, his words and his mannerisms that he is dangerous.

Barack Obama may not be perfect and he may have seemingly betrayed some stances; nonetheless, I don't see a monster in him. I haven't experience the faintest bit of quiet discomfort hearing him speak and watching the way he conducts himself. I don't find myself on edge when I think about what an Obama presidency will be like. On that same token, I don't see him as a knight in shining armor, but he is what stands between a further decent into madness and political debauchery and -- at least -- the chance to pull back from the brink of the abyss. If we should fail, if we should ourselves relent, and allow John McCain to be elected and Barack Obama to lose, then we are resigning ourselves, our children, and our country to an indeterminately dark future. I might not be completely sold on Barack Obama, but I am wholly convinced, doggedly resolute, that John McCain cannot be allowed to win the presidency. Sitting back, not voting, or neglecting to fight like hell... Well, if we do that... If any one of us should choose to take that course, then we might just as soon sharpen the executioner's blade, mix the vile concoction of poison ourselves and pray for a miracle. We cannot risk another four years of an incompetent and petty little man at the helm of this ship. We must choose our own course. Right now, Barack Obama is our best choice, the only choice, to put us back on course, and at least lock away the little beasties in their cages,at least tame them, if not stripe away their power forever.

Here's my first reaction when I read about our candidate seemingly reversing himself:



Then I think to myself. Wait a minute! Take a look at the reality of the situation. John McCain is something worst than George W. Bush. John McCain is dangerous, ruthless and wholly without honor. If this man is elected president, there is no doubt in my mind that he will make George W. Bush look like a bloody Girls Scout. Yes, I am absolutely certain that while Bush was bad, at least he doesn't have moments where he almost comes completely unhinged in public. How many of us have seen that queer smile play across his lips while there is no light in his eyes? How many of us have been inwardly repulsed at his use of the term, "my friends," and wondered what thoughts lay behind the overuse of said term? How many of us here and elsewhere have read about John McCain's temper, his vengeful nature? How many of us have witnessed him -- not his campaign or surrogates -- lie outright about his opposition? How many of us here and elsewhere recoiled in abject horror when we saw the infamous "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" clip? John McCain is the monster in the closet come out in the light of day draped in the American flag all the while salivating about the next war in order to protect our freedoms -- all the while calling for the spilling of more blood. Calling John McCain a monster is hyperbole, yes. However, realize this: John McCain is a man of war -- not a man of peace. In fact, he may be something unclassifiable in the politic sense. Yes, John McCain is something different, something quite beyond monstrous because it's all so clear in his actions, his words and his mannerisms that he is dangerous.

Barack Obama may not be perfect and he may have seemingly betrayed some stances; nonetheless, I don't see a monster in him. I haven't experience the faintest bit of quiet discomfort hearing him speak and watching the way he conducts himself. I don't find myself on edge when I think about what an Obama presidency will be like. On that same token, I don't see him as a knight in shining armor, but he is what stands between a further decent into madness and political debauchery and -- at least -- the chance to pull back from the brink of the abyss. If we should fail, if we should ourselves relent, and allow John McCain to be elected and Barack Obama to lose, then we are resigning ourselves, our children, and our country to an indeterminately dark future. I might not be completely sold on Barack Obama, but I am wholly convinced, doggedly resolute, that John McCain cannot be allowed to win the presidency. Sitting back, not voting, or neglecting to fight like hell... Well, if we do that... If any one of us should choose to take that course, then we might just as soon sharpen the executioner's blade, mix the vile concoction of poison ourselves and pray for a miracle. We cannot risk another four years of an incompetent and petty little man at the helm of this ship. We must choose our own course. Right now, Barack Obama is our best choice, the only choice, to put us back on course, and at least lock away the little beasties in their cages,at least tame them, if not stripe away their power forever.

More specifically, please show me the numbers -- the ratios if you will -- as to how much time Hillary spent attacking other Democrats and how much time she spent attacking those who did oppose Bush to the time she spent attacking Republicans and those who opposed Democratic proposals. If you please...

Hillary Clinton does not give up. She fights on even when the odds are seemingly insurmountable. Even when others abandon the principles of this august democracy and call for her to drop out of the race. Hillary Clinton took up fighting for national health care even knowing she'd be villainized by the very real vast right-wing conspiracy. She continued that fight even when the cowards in our own party would not stand by her. She has -- despite the propaganda of the right-wing now mouthed by Obama Democrats -- fought hard and against the odds. This is precisely why I so staunchly supported Edwards and why I now so staunchly and -- YES! -- passionately support Hillary Rodham Clinton. Lately, the Republicans newest allies, some of the most liberal members of the Democratic Party (even on this board), have continued to attack Hillary Clinton. She has become the proverbial red-haired step-child within our party. I can identify with that. Growing up as a foster child and having been told then I would never amount to anything because of my background and my mother's drug abuse, my poor economic background, a horrible temper as a youth, a family that had never gone to college... Foster parent after foster parent said I would wind up on drugs and a nobody. Well, I have always rallied against these notions.

Why do I love John Edwards and Hillary Clinton? Because I see myself in them -- I see that fighting spirit to never give up, to keep pushing forward. After John Edwards abandoned his bid for the nomination, I was thunderstruck to say the least. I knew after a couple of days reflection and research that I had to roll with Hillary Clinton. As an African-American who has experienced more prejudice from my own people growing up, I can identify with being part of the outcast sect.

Imagine -- even if you are not African-American -- what it means to be called a "sell-out" or snowflake" or "Uncle Tom" because you happen to listen to classical music and happen to not be a big fan of hip-hop/R&B, because you are not concerned with dressing in the latest fashions because you simply cannot afford them, or mocked and spurned because you happen to talk in a way that is not seen as "fitting in." Many days -- and especially in junior high -- I came home crying because of the relentless torment I had endured. Even if I said nothing to the tormentors they would go on and on. Sometimes I reacted and I fought back with my fist in my adolescence. As I grew older I bottled up my resentment and bitterness and poured it into excelling academically. I fought. I soldiered on no matter what. That is precisely what I see Hillary Clinton doing.

I am in many other ways different than the typical Hillary supporter. My annual income is over $75,000, I'm relatively young (30), a veteran, white-collar worker (Web Developer), have two years of college and will be going back to school in the fall... The more people on here put Hillary Clinton down, the more committed I grow to her and her candidacy, because quite frankly Barack Obama's candidacy has come to represent everything that has consistently been a road-block in my own life. Am I bitter? Yes! Am I driven to stubbornly support Senator Clinton because of my own past? Yes! Why? Because it seems that the arrogance of Obama's supporters on here are highly reflective of everything I've fought against all my life. Now I see those same fad-driven, arrogant, self-important jerks mocking a perfectly good Democrat -- someone who does not give up and refuses to surrender even though the odds are against her. (Never mind the media that people here once spurned! And now people like Chris Matthews et al are hailed as heroes...) I find it despicable, and I am every more committed to Hillary.

INSPIRED BY THIS THREAD:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discu...

ON EDIT: I will not reply to post that are inflammatory. If someone cares to have a civil discussion, I will talk to them. However, I shall not fall into exchanges of insults. I will have to "agree to disagree".

There seems to be a bit of confusion over exactly what her position was in October of 2002. After reviewing her speech explaining her vote for the resolution, I am left with a deeper respect for the good Senator. Likewise, while it may be an unpopular position to take on DU, I do feel that most people and veterans would understand her line of thought in voting for authorization. As a recent veteran myself -- I got out in February 2004 -- I do not at all fault Senator Clinton for her vote on the resolution. Furthermore, I believe that she is wholly justified in NOT apologizing for her vote. I wholeheartedly agree with her that looking backward is not the approach we should take. Rather we should look forward and decide how to fix the problem that was caused by George W. Bush's irresponsible use of congressional approval. If possible, can we please discuss this issue in a manner befitting intelligent adults who are, after all is said and done, members of the same political flock.

What follows is the full text of Hillary Clinton's speech as given on the floor of the Senate on 10 October 2002. I have underlined what I feel are the relevant and revealing portions explaining her vote and my own comments are italicized:



Now, what say you, DU?

EDITED TO ADD: Can I shamelessly ask for recommendations so more people see this? I believe discussing this issue is of vital importance and would help to dispel the innuendo and slander that permeates the discussion of Senator Clinton's stance on this issue. Thanks!

I'm undecided as to whom I will support for the Democratic nomination, but I can say this quite decisively and bluntly:

People more concerned with Edwards' haircut, his house or his clothes really should wake the hell up and focus on what matters -- what are his positions on the issues that are confronting the American people and the world both today and in the future?

This is ignorant tripe and not newsworthy. Those who promote this as somehow being a valid part of the public discourse really ought to grow the hell up and get their heads out of their asses, because, after all is said and done, do you really think that future generations are going to give a damn about Mr. Edwards haircut, his clothes? No. They'll want to know about his positions on the issues and what he did to promote those ideals. The rest of poppy-cock, bullshit.

Besides, Edwards looks just as good as the other Democratic candidates when contrasted with pompous jackasses on the Republican side. We've a damn fine field of Democratic candidates -- just as we did in previous years. Pray tell that we can see past petty issues like haircuts and into the issues that will serve to define us as a party and as a people, and in that same way elect a leader who is representative of American ideals that have been long abandoned these past several years. Ideals that reach back to Kennedy and beyond. Ideals that would not even touch upon such trite nonsense as a haircut...

The simple reality of the fact is that the Press is called the Fourth Estate for a reason. I don't think that there will be much debate that they have grossly failed the American people the last 20 years or so. A cursory look at the way the press has conducted itself since the Iran-Contra scandal to Bill Clinton to the passes the Bush administration has been allowed, will reveal that something is very wrong with our media in this country. Investigative journalism, responsible reporting, have gone out of the window in the interest of promoting sensational bologna that have no real bearing on the long term issues that are confronting America. In the wake of revelations brought forward in the Downing Street Minutes, the media instead reporting on the idiotic run-away bride. However, that is only part of the problem.

Another aspect, which you touched on in your post, is that the media is influencing our politics. Since I am of the camp that believes that the media has become dominated by right-wing ideologues I believe that the media is acting in its own best interests rather than the interests of the nation. The right-wing fluff of a myth that the media is liberally biased should have long ago been put to rest, but in the upside-down world of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Candy Crowley, and Bill O'Reilly, there is a bias against those now proved stalwarts of honesty and conservatism, the Republicans. (Surely, you know that I jest...) The Republicans in the Capital and on the television have a strong interest in influencing what should rightly be Democratic policies. What am I getting at exactly?

Well, since the media has a vested SELF-interest in defining the debate, like the Republicans, Democrats across the spectrum -- progressives, liberals, moderates, and conservatives -- should be asking themselves why right-wing personalities are so concerned with influencing Democratic policies. This whole issue goes hand-in-hand with a problem that the Democrats in Congress only now seem to be waking up to; that is, so long as we allow Republicans to define the debate with wedge issues in the like, they are in control of the public discourse. It seems that those of the progressive branch in our party would instantly know how to respond to these regressive techniques. The reaction is that there should be NO reaction. Democrats need to learn to get ahead of the issues, get in front of them, and define the debate before Republicans and their allies in the media attempt to define their positions before the body politic.

If Democrats begin to behave in a proactive manner rather than reactive the national conversation on such pressing matters as Iraq, health-care, education, right to choice, civil rights, and any other manner of issues would be redefined. Furthermore, I also believe that Democrats as a whole are more in line with the views of the mainstream American than either the media or Republicans would have the American people believe. Republicans have continually charged over the last couple of years that Democrats have no plans, but many of us here have rightly debated those plans. Nonetheless, it is not enough that DUers -- who are rightly defined as political junkies -- debate those plans. If the Democrats in Congress really want to connect with the American people they need to bring those plans forward.

I always thought that the idea of Newt Gingrich proposing a Contract with America was a bit of hogwash. Why? Simple. It was more of a case of dictation than anything else. He didn't bother to see what the American people wanted and what direction the American people wanted to take this country. This was evident in the witch hunt of President William Jefferson Clinton. It was even more telling that the media played such a huge role in that sensationalist nonsense. Poles indicated that the American people did not want to impeach President Clinton, but the media and Congressional Republicans chose to do so anyway. Why? Because the whole idea of a Contract with America was never based on the wishes of the American people. It was based on the wishes of right-wing ideologues far too influenced by partisan pressure and opinion than by the views of the people they were supposed to represent. However, Democrats have the chance to change all of that now.

Democrats need to initiate a Conversation with America. Remember the old town-hall style meetings that were quite dominant in the northeastern United States? That is precisely what Democrats need to be doing when in recess from Congress. They need to engage the American people in a conversation about what direction Americans want this country to take in regards to both foreign and domestic policy. If, IF, they do this they can begin to cement a permanent majority, so long as they enact the recommendations of those they represent, their employers. The incoming Democratic leadership is fond of saying they want a transparent government. While this is a fine idea, a noble one, it is not enough. Transparency must be linked with engaging conversation.

If Democrats go out among the people by making their government more accessible to them it is going to be in stark contrast to the policies that Republicans have followed on issues from Terri Schiavo to stem cell research to implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations. Whereas Americans voted Republicans out of office because they didn't seem to care what people thought, I believe that Americans would vote Democrats back into office because they ENGAGE them in CONVERSATION, not dictatorial contracts. Americans will see that Democrats really are trying to do what is best for them and in that way there will be a firewall, a buffer, put in place that will make a joke of the right-wing spin espoused by the media and Congressional Republicans who do not have the American people's interests at heart.

No longer will it be as easy for the media to influence Democratic policies or to define the debate, because the debate will be going on among the American people like it does in the micro-society of DU. By employing this proactive and populist tactics, Democrats will be going a long way in not only obtaining a lengthy majority, but staying in touch with their constituents and not falling into the pitfalls of power. Democrats can make themselves the representatives of the American people who are largely middle-class, tax paying, law-abiding people who want to do the right thing. The label of tax-and-spend liberals will be hard to place on Democrats if conversations are dominated by the proactive actions and legislation of Democrats rather than the half-truths and outright lies spewed by the likes of Rush Limbaugh.

Well... I hope that I really gave your post a response it deserves. I think you have hit on something, and I think that it is important that Democrats stop letting the media influence their actions and policies. I think it's important that Democrats begin to define the debate, initiate a Conversation with America, and get back to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

PS: I think I just wrote the rough draft for my next article... Thanks!

I guess I will out myself on DU right now and take away my anonymity. So be it. Yesterday one of my articles was published online and apparently it has proven quite popular given the people who have read it. The article is pasted, in full, below:

A Stark and Clear Choice

LINK: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/...

Joel E. Bousley
October 30, 2006

Is it possible that our country might be on the precipice of recovery from the damage that the Bush administration and extreme wings of the Republican Party have reaped upon her? Is it possible that a Democratic victory in the House might be just around the corner? If so, the wait for this has been too long in coming. Over the past several months the Republicans have managed to further shred the Constitution. However, they have also been caught red-handed in scandal-after-scandal; the Republican Party is not unlike the child who has been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Needless to say, momma is not at all happy with the way little Georgie and crew have been behaving. It seems that the American people have finally had enough of the lies, corruption, and vitriol that have come to define the Republican Party.

Republicans have trumpeted the lie that the Democrats have no plan. Time-and-time again I have heard this parroted by the right-wing talking heads. One has only to conduct a Google search – notwithstanding the president’s inane use of “the Google” – to see that Democrats from the honorable John Kerry to those candidates now running for office to the House Democratic leadership have plans to get America back on track. Just last week, Mr. Bush suggested almost the very same plan for getting out of Iraq that John Kerry proposed months ago. For months this president has proclaimed that we must “stay the course” in Iraq, and now he and his foul administration are running away from that tired phrase. Did the President really think that no one would notice this irony and point it out?

The American people seem to be about to reclaim their values, as they draw back in disgust at the heinous sight of Republican corruption and hypocrisy. It seems that the American people have grown tired of tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans, as the middle class continues to struggle and an abhorrent term – the “working poor” – takes more of a stranglehold. Americans have grown tired of a Republican-led Congress voting for a pay increase for themselves and, in almost the same breath, voting against raising the minimum wage for hardworking citizens. Americans have grown tired of seeing right-wing extremist like the odious Mr. Limbaugh mock a savage disease like Parkinson’s disease while the majority are in favor of stem-cell research. Americans have grown tired of the fact that over 46 million are without health insurance, and even those who have health insurance face rising premium costs. Americans have grown tired of a Republican Congress that claims to support the troops, while failing to ensure they have proper equipment and all the while slashing veterans’ benefits. In short, the American people do not like what has happened under Republican “leadership.” The Culture of Corruption, of hypocrisy, is finally being tripped up by their chicanery.

The elephantine trumpeters who have proclaimed that the Democrats have no plan or that the next terrorist attacks are right around the corner are being revealed as liars and fear mongers. They are being revealed for the corruption and hypocrisy that has long stood out to some on the left, middle, and right. It is not just the Mark Foley scandal, the Jack Abramoff affair, or the bribes that have undercut American tax payers – it is the sheer volume and weight of Republican betrayal that stands out above all else. The Republican Party has betrayed their own values, and, more shockingly, they have betrayed the values of truth and justice. They have failed to provide oversight of themselves and of the Bush White House, and the American people are not blind to this fact. Even in traditionally strong Republican areas, the truth is beginning to shine through, as many polls reveal that Democrats are likely to take the House and could very well take the Senate.

For the past six the Republican Party has failed to do anything about these issues and more. They have continued to be complacent in the lies that led us to war in Iraq. They have continued to do nothing as the chief culprit behind 9/11 remains free. They have continued to put the business of corporations ahead of the business of the people. Whereas Democrats wanted to provide some cushion for the middle class and the poor many times over the past several years, Republicans have continued to hold the line against the better interests of the vast majority of Americans. It is not just their support for tax cuts that only affect the richest of Americans. It is things like the nefarious bankruptcy bill that passed with overwhelming Republican support; whereas, Democrats wanted to protect those whose debts were incurred by medical bills, the Republicans had no compassion for even the hard luck cases. Some would venture to say that Republicans have greatly contributed to the worsening of this country, as surely as they have caused the polarization of the American electorate. Americans know that this polarization cannot be allowed to continue if our country is to get back on the right track.

The Democrats represent new and vital leadership as we face the challenges that the Republican Party has neglected because of incompetence, cowardice, and chicanery. Americans must never forget that it was under a Republican president that our country was attacked on September 11, 2001. Americans must never forget that it is the Republicans who are soft on terrorism, as they have continued to fail to bring Osama bin Laden to justice. It is the Democrats who have called for a strict adherence to the recommendations of the non-partisan 9/11 Commission, and it is the Republicans that have willfully refused to make those recommendations into laws. The Democrats have so many plans that I cannot cover them all here. Suffice it to say, the Democratic Party wants to enact changes for the betterment of this country and the world. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has already laid out what Democratic plans if the Democrats should take the House in January 2007. (To view Leader Pelosi's plan go to http://www.democraticleader.house.gov/pdf/... ) Can Republicans say that they have any clear plan to get our country back on track, or is it that they are the ones with no plan and will choose to merely continue with failed and tired policies?

It is a delight to see that the American people, as a whole, seem to have become largely aware of the Republican’s chicanery, and next week, on the seventh of November, we shall see what the people decide. If I were a betting man, I would say that we, the American electorate, shall choose the path of progress over the stagnation we have had under Republican leadership. Imagine an American where the American dream is attainable again, where all Americans have access to health care, where all citizens earn at least a living wage, and yes, where the Bush White House is finally forced to recognize that there are three separate and equal branches to our government. Imagine a country in which the members, past and present, of our military are finally treated with the respect and honor that they have earned. Imagine a country where the partisan feelings are gone and we are once again united, not as Republicans and Democrats, but, more importantly, as Americans.

Next week the American people will have a clear and distinct choice to make. Shall we continue as a nation that starts wars of aggression, ignores the potential benefits of stem-cell research, allows millions to go without health insurance, watches people struggle on minimum wage, and continues to drive blindly toward global ecological disaster? Or shall take the high road and cut our losses in Iraq, invest government funds in stem-cell research, stop the rising costs of medical care while ensuring that all Americans have access to health care, and do something while there is still time about global warming? The choice is clear – Democrats for truth, justice, and progress or Republicans for corruption, stagnation, and hypocrisy.

God bless America.

Must have tapped a nerve pretty well, as I received the following email this evening:

I hope that you are single and remain that way the rest of your life. I would hate to think that you would actually get someone pregnant and raise children who are as stupid as you are.

I am definitely of the belief that even the rank and file Republicans must be going stir crazy if a small opinion piece can arouse so much vitriol. I replied back as follows:

Ms. Xxxxxx:

What a profoundly kind thing to say. I am not single and have not been for some time. I am pleased that my article caused you to react as you have. To each their own... I suppose that good manners and civil discourse are a distinct impossibility for some. As Christ preached, I shall turn the other cheek. May God bless you and keep you. Now kindly refrain from contacting me again, as I don't think I can bare another of your musings.

All the Best,

Joel E. Bousley

On the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, "Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." Then Jesus will turn to those on His left hand and say, "Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you did not give me to drink, I was sick and you did not visit me." These will ask Him, "When did we see You hungry, or thirsty or sick and did not come to Your help?" And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me!"

This woman's email address indicates that she is from Georgia, and I would say that someone has some anger issues to work out. How do you ladies and gentlemen think that I handled it?