BOUT TIME

[Blitzburgh]

I have been kickin' the crap out of numerous posts just to achieve the magical # necessary to post.

Okay, here goes. I have to get this off of my chest or I will scream. While at a dinner last night, I made a major announcement that I intend to stand by through to the end. I will be voting for John Kerry to the gasps and pure astonishment of all in attendance. (quite possibly to myself as well)

Though many on this board will never be close to me politically or socially, we have came to a common crossroads that we both share. Be aware that there are many in the Republican fold that are disgusted with GWB and all that he has squandered during his 4 years in office.

Having made my proclamation to the group, I was ridiculed and challenged right there on the spot. A wager that would require either myself or another person to shave their head bald. If GWB wins, I am bald. Likewise if JK wins, my friend is bald. They are quite confident that GWB will cruise into a 2nd term. I honestly hope he does not. Given that, if he wins, I will shave and move on.

But, I thought it would brighten several peoples days here on this board to know that a STRONG Republican in many ways has switched to the Democratic ticket for this election. May the dark days of GWBs term be long behind us all.

[salinen]

1. Welcome aboard Blitz

many twisted roads lead to the promised land.

[Jim Sagle]

2. Thank you, Blitz, and welcome aboard. I'm an ex-Pug as well - circa 1993.

[Carla in Ca]

18. nice to have you here

Welcome to DU!:hi:

[Jim Sagle]

55. You're welcome, but I've been here several years.

;)

[LiberalVoice]

3. And to think...

I thought the repugs in my town were all crazy...good to see at least one with some sense and good judgment. :hi:

[Melodybe]

4. I'm glad you came around, I know a lot of former republicans here.

[Catch22Dem]

5. "I have been kickin' the crap out of numerous posts..."

HEHEHE. That was funny. It's like you were bursting at the seams. :D

Don't sweat the idological differences. This place is so diverse, we should form our own UN. Where else can you have a gun dungeon mixed with priests, preachers, atheists, anti-war activists, Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, GW1, Afghanistan, GW2, and peacetime service all mixed together to achieve a common goal.

Welcome to DU. :toast:

[stevedeshazer]

6. What changed your mind, Blitzburgh?

And, welcome.

[yardwork]

7. Welcome to DU, Blitz

You say that many on this board will never be close to you politically or socially. Don't know what you mean, really, but Democrats are a fairly diverse group of people. You may be happily surprised!

[HamstersFromHell]

8. Welcome to DU, Blitz

Here's hoping you keep your hair!

[Ravenseye]

9. We have republicans in Pittsburgh?

huh...

who knew... :)

welcome.

[Blitzburgh]

16. WOW! I see that the board is busy tonight

Pittsburgh is my love and heart with the Steelers, but I live in Branson Missouri which is its own kind of special paradise on earth, honestly.

I moved here from San Francisco last year and can't possibly be happier.

I won't get into my beliefs as this is a decidely inappropriate place to discuss differences. (Besides, people get booted here quickly and that is not my intention to get banned or get my post pulled) I want people to know that I DID evaluate the choices, read the articles, skip the spin, and used my head and came to a choice I feel good about. (Not that I am all that whippy about JK, but, I am even less enamored with GWB)

I have an engineering degree, served honorably in both the Navy and Army and am married to a wonderful wife for 9 years. I now run a resort here and enjoy serving people and sharing time with them. Much the same as I am doing here with many of you.

I appreciate the warm welcome and promise to be a "good republican guest" for my time in the DU. ;)

Mike

[UdoKier]

21. How could you live as a republican in San Francisco?

I live here, and I honestly don't know ANY. Once in a blue moon, I'll see a car with a Bush/Cheney sticker on it, the driver will go by, frowning at my Kerry stickers - I'm thinking to myself - "What are you sneering about? Half of the cars in this town have Kerry stickers - if not "impeach Bush" or "NO WAR".

It must be very wierd to live here as a republican. (damn it' hard not to use the word "repuke", but as you've been so civil...)

[Kool Kitty]

23. Bless your little Steeler-lovin' heart, Blitzburgh-

and welcome. :hi:

[slinkerwink]

25. welcome to DU!

[mhr]

28. Mike, You Are Off To A Great Start - All Any Of Us Ask For Is An Honest

reasoned discussion that remains civil and adult.

If we agree to disagree after all sides have been vetted, then so be it.

The people that most DUers loath are those unwilling to read and think independently of the major media sources.

We like people that think for themselves instead of parroting some media status quo.

Once again, welcome aboard.

[MikeG]

10. Welcome to DU and Go Stillers!

[bvar22]

11. Welcome!

Hopefully, your leadership, courage, and integrity will give others permission to break lockstep. Congrats on thinking for yourself!

[jpgray]

12. Great to have you on board--and it does brighten our day to hear this

You will probably be given a hard time on this board if you have moderate views, just so you know. Remember that there is a wide range of views here, and probably there is a group that agrees with you here on any given issue, if not all of them together.

[Sugarbleus]

14. I agree with you and add my welcome to Blitzburgh!!

:hi:

[Eloriel]

13. Welcome, Blitzburgh -- one word of caution, tho

I personally am very glad you're here. If you stick around, there are likely to be a lot of subjects with which you disagree. Some of them are merely philsophical and have to do with the basic differences between Dems and Republicans.

But some of them are factually based. I urge you simply to be open-minded about them when they crop up, and do some additional research to satisfy yourself one way or the other.

ONE of those topics is the last election. Factually (and do ask if you want some links), it was stolen by Bush&Co., with a little help from their friends in high places (ultimately, SCOTUS).

So my word of caution is this: I don't believe Kerry will "lose" (just as Al Gore didn't "lose," not even the electoral college). Bush stole one election, he's perfectly capable of stealing another and various players have been very busy already trying to make that happen.

So, you might want to renegotiate your bet to take that into account. :evilgrin:

Again, welcome!

[sangh0]

50. And I 2nd this opinion by someone I never agree with

I don't care who said it, it's good advice.

We're all glad to see you here, but please do be careful. Passions run high around here.

[Hello_Kitty]

15. You should shave your head anyway. Bald guys are hot!

Welcome Blitzburgh! Thanks for your post. :hi:

[Blitzburgh]

17. A few answers to the questions

"...What changed your mind, Blitzburgh?..."

Honestly, I can't help but to believe that many of us (Repubs) believe and know in our hearts that GWB is clearly wrong, has been wrong, and will continue to be wrong on so many fronts. I had close and honest discussions LONG before the beginning of the 2nd Gulf War that there BETTER be WMDs and we had better find them with international newsteams present. I believed then as I do now that GWB did the right thing by pressing the issue to get the inspectors back into Iraq. But after that, he blew it. Problem is, he continues to blow it and our country has suffered terribly because of it.

"...You say that many on this board will never be close to you politically or socially. Don't know what you mean, really, but Democrats are a fairly diverse group of people. You may be happily surprised!..."

I don't want it to appear that I am a snob and I apologize if that came across like that. As mentioned before, I came here from San Francisco. My wife is a Muslim. I was the first manager at my last company to hire a female in our lab. (And could that lady work briliiantly) I love being around all people and try not to disparrage any persons work, choices, lifestyles, etc.

Socially, I am conservative. On the surface you could chalk it up to the fact that I hunt with bows and arrows, drive a 4x4, and subscribe to Field and Stream. Generally, my pastime does not blend well with folks who are liberal. It is not meant in any way to demean one group or the other and I hope you understand my point.

Respectfully, Mike

[shraby]

20. Welcome Blitzburgh

:hi: Hi. My husband is a hunter as well as my 3 sons. They prefer to hunt with guns..tried bows and arrows but stuck with the guns. Hope you enjoy DU.

[yardwork]

22. Blitzburgh, you are going to fit right in with a lot of folks here!

And, of course, you are going to be completely at odds with others! That's the nature of this board.

There are a fair number of hunters and gun-owners on DU. Check out the "justice" board here, but you will also see threads about guns and hunting from time to time.

As you probably know, John Kerry is an avid hunter.

I agree with you that the United States was right to put pressure on Saddam to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors. That's why I think Kerry did the right thing in voting for the act in Congress. I don't see it as a flip-flop on his part at all. He voted for the act that gave Bush permission to put serious pressure on Saddam - and the pressure worked.

The invasion was a terrible mistake. The UN inspectors were at work in Iraq, not finding anything, and the United States was simply wrong to invade.

[Still_Notafraid]

26. I subscribe to field and stream to

I can tell you Blitzburg that most Democrats are pro hunter pro gun rights.the Democrats you see in the media are the far left of our party and are put there to make our party look out of touch by the conservative media.Most Democrats know that hunters were the first conservationist as a fellow lefty said we are a diverse party.with tolerance for all with fair debate amongst ourselves.I will say one thing though a pro gun Democrat is not for getting rid of back ground checks or waiting periods,we are tough on crime and police lobby the government with success for gun crime control.

We are strong supporters of the Constitution which is why ACLU would defend even the likes of Rush on his medical records,we do what ever it takes as long as it is ethical to defend our country this includes the rights of republicans, we may not like there positions but unlike them we will extend a hand to help.If the media was a unethical left it would put the KKK on TV and call them the base of the republican party.but as we know all to well the conservatives own the media.

[Quahog]

42. Dude, you're a liberal trapped in a conservative's hobby

Welcome aboard, it's good to have you! And you will find a lot of people with whom you share a lot of things (including driving 4x4's... I have one to haul my music equipment through the New England winters).

Glad you decided to join the party!

:toast:

[SammyWinstonJack]

19. Never thought of having to gasp while voting for Kerry

The thought of bush* for another 4 yrs leaves me totally breathless! And you are right! I don't find myself aligned with you politically and probably not socially as well! But hey, have a good one. :shrug:

[donheld]

24. Blitzburgh

:hi: Pull up a chair and sit yourself down. We're glad to have you with us :bounce:

[mhr]

27. Glad To Have You Abroad - Principled Conservatives Are Welcome

Many of us shake our heads daily that so many honest conservatives can actually stand by GW Bush.

Separating out the partisanship, this truly puzzles many progressives.

Once again, welcome.

[Tsiyu]

29. This may sound goofy (BTW, Welcome Blitzburgh)

But I just started bawling reading your post. It has been a rough week. This war is hitting home for me in ways I cannot say at this time. I can say this much: most of the day I am "in Iraq" in my mind, imagining the horror being experienced by so many people in the name of power and greed.

And other times I am imagining what the founding fathers and mothers would think of our current crop of mis-"Leaders." I imagine they would be horrified at how their noble ideals for a new and just nation have been maimed and degraded.

Your post made me cry because I needed a sign of hope. You didn't listen when * said, "Just be stupid. Don't read. Don't delve into any research with any depth. Don't analyze anything. Don't think. Just do what I say because I have been annointed by Jebus."

You, too, worry about the Constitution and the deficit and our troops. Who knew? Most Republicans don't seem to care about any of these issues.

I was beginning to think you Republicans were all Zanax Zombies. So, I have a little smile on now. Thanks for brightening up my night. I really needed it.

And, behave yourself!

[Blitzburgh]

31. Sorry, didn't mean to make you cry

;)

I know the exasperation felt by many people.

It is ironic that so many people from different walks of life feel so strongly about this.

Look, I can assure you that there are many conservatives pulling for JK to NOT blow it in the debates. In fact, I have a terrible concern that he will put the kids gloves back on.

Sucks to have to be so "maintained".

I have a company that I work with strongly based over in France. They are good friends of mine from years gone past. They understand our frustration and the situation very well. I think they are equally interested in the upcoming election as they would like to get back to normal relations.

They also understand that we are a country that was sucker punched in the face with a cowardly attack on people that simply got up to go about their daily lives. (God, as I sit here and write this, I still cannot get it out of my head how badly GWB has blown this. World unity, sympathy, and a chance to make a difference. Unbelieveable...The opportunity of a lifetime to make a difference and he blows it)

I will do what I can to make a difference. No, I am not going to street riot and cuss people out. I will not flip people off for having GWB/DC stickers on their cars. I will politely discuss our differences of opinions and believe that I am astute enough in politics and policies to have some effect on those who will listen.

In the end I can only hope that America shines through.

Mike

[Vickers]

33. Kerry will not put on kid gloves for the debates, don't worry

He has a history of being tough during debates. In fact, I think there is more of a danger (at least in the dumber pockets of our population) that he is TOO mean to poor widdle misunderstood Georgie.

Anyway, you and I have many things in common: bowhunting, veteran, reformed (or, in your case, reforming) Republican. I hope that your questioning phase goes beyond this election, if for no other reason than there is no decent RW comedy (you seem like you have a decent sense of humor).

[Blitzburgh]

36. I agree completely

that there are many Dems that promote the outdoor life. It's just that they are not in abundance like you will find with conservatives in the field.

I had to laugh earlier when someone mentioned that he couldn't believe that someone was a RW out in the Bay. You do realize that one of the most wretched RWs broadcasts from there, Michael Savage.

BTW, here is some history on me that will help to shine a light on my beliefs. Back in 90/91 I heard Rush Limbaugh for the very first time on the radio. I was totally taken with his message and became a strong dittohead. I thought (and still think) that his first book The Way Things Ought To Be was one of the best written and articulate books ever published. Rush would cover a broad range of subjects with ease and poise and he skyrocketed to the top of the charts because of people like me.

Then he began making a transition. He became something that I loathed from either party - extremeism. Rush's show went from informative to plain out boring. He would pick a subject from the days headlines and literally beat it to death for 3 hours. Last I checked, he was still doing it. Michael Savage is much the same, just a lot more vile. Either of these men have done about as much harm to our country as any single politician has.

People have mentioned to me what an outdoorsman JK is. From my perspective it is not a selling point. John's as much of an outdoorsman as I am a Castro District liberal. Just because I drove through the District on several occassions does not make me an expert on the lifestyle. I cringed strongly when I read his quote about setting up his decoys, crawling around on his belly with his trusty 12 gauge to go deer hunting.

I cringed because I knew another board I frequent was going to rip it to shreds, and they did. It was a terribly stupid remark on his part and I wish Mr. Kerry would just stay on message and not try to be all things to all people, me included. He can win this election if he will only speak from the heart. I am a convert and it can be done. But many people will not switch if they believe he is strictly paying lip service to them.

BTW, cool thing this morning, seen that voter registration is at an all time high and record numbers are being set. I can only presume (and hope) it is the youth and they are creating this increase.

[Bandit]

46. Bill Clinton said, and I hope just the mention of his name doesn't

turn you off, but he said "The Republicans need a divided nation, we don't" I believe this with all my heart. We welcome you and your differences and I would venture a bet that we are not all that far removed from your beliefs. I am very much a hunter and an outdoorsman but I do not want the Tongass National Forest clear cut. I hunt in it all the time.I also don't want assault weapons everywhere I go. I cherish the outdoors and want the small amount that we have left to be protected from heavy industrial use. There is a proper amount of usage for all our resources but it seems to me like the Republicans just want to pillage.

[SpaceCatMeetsMars]

34. I was surprised

by my dad, who is a Republican WW II vet, when he told me he was against Bush. He said he did not agree with the reasons for the Iraq war and the other thing he mentioned that ticked him off was the demagoguery towards France. He didn't go into a lot of detail, but what I surmised was that he thinks their international policies are childish and it's bad to tear up what had been put in place for 60 years.

He is a small government-type Republican. I think it makes total sense for Republicans like him to be against Bush, with the deficit and the economic policies.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

39. My Dad is also a WWII vet from the European Theater....

...and despite being a lifetime registered Democrat, he has voted GOP until 2000 when he voted for Al Gore. Dad absolutely despises Bush and all that he has done to tear down what it took 60 years to build up since WWII.

Dad also tells me that he feels that the type of Fascist government that he fought against in WWII is now firmly in place in our centers of government.

[annabanana]

35. You will find DU to be a valuable resource....

Now that you have "outed" yourself as a Kerry supporter to your republican friends, you may be sure to find the BEST in research and primary sources to back up your discussions.

Welcome!

[MsConduct]

30. Welcome back from the dark side...

And welcome to DU!




Peace

[mmonk]

32. Blitzburgh,

If like I, you see the danger and threat to the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and American credibility abroad, then you have a home here no matter what other different philosophies or insights you bring to the table. Some things here sound a little kooky at times, but keep an open mind and put your two cents in.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

37. welcome to DU blitz!

[Media_Lies_Daily]

38. Welcome aboard, and let us know what you think about the many...

...critical issues that face ALL Americans from this day forward.

[Skittles]

40. I'll have to reserve judgement

I absolutely despise republicans, who I believe have been actively destroying America long, long before Bush arrived on the scene

[goclark]

41. Yea for you and for us! Welcome to DU

What I would like to know is what is the magic button that made you and others see the light and change parties?

Congratulations and may you have more hair than John K and John E on November 3rd!

[Tyler Durden]

43. REAL Conservatives can be good people too.

Nice to know ALL of the Republicans out there haven't drunk the Kool-Aid.

Guess I can't hate ALL Republicans anymore, huh? Damn.

[tblue37]

44. I am something of a newbie on DU myself,

having wandered over here from smirkingchimp.com a couple of months ago, but I hope I have enough time behind me to give me the right to add my own "Welcome to DU." I have always been a liberal, but I have known many principled conservatives. They and I want the same things for our country, even if we disagree on the best way to get there.

Bush and his evil minions, however, don't want anything for our country. They want it all for themselves.

[txindy]

45. Howdy, Blitzburgh!

Nice post. Especially nice to read in one of your later posts that you are currently living and, presumably, voting in the great state of Missouri. May all the Republicans in Missouri follow your lead this election!
:toast:

[RollergirlVT]

47. Cheers to you!

[Blitzburgh]

48. You have no idea how completely in line I am with this post

"...Bill Clinton said, and I hope just the mention of his name doesn't turn you off, but he said "The Republicans need a divided nation, we don't" I believe this with all my heart. We welcome you and your differences and I would venture a bet that we are not all that far removed from your beliefs. I am very much a hunter and an outdoorsman but I do not want the Tongass National Forest clear cut. I hunt in it all the time.I also don't want assault weapons everywhere I go. I cherish the outdoors and want the small amount that we have left to be protected from heavy industrial use. There is a proper amount of usage for all our resources but it seems to me like the Republicans just want to pillage..."

Nothing could quantify my core beliefs like the above mentioned post.

And no, Bill Clinton does not turn me off. Of all the Presidents that have ever served, I would rank him #1. I dearly miss the days of Bill Clinton and what he did for this country. Seeing him speak at the DNC was one of the most refreshing things I have heard in years. And if the chance to overturn the 2 term limit on the presidency came to pass, I think I would most certainly support it. A great Republican or Democratic leader in the future may be forced from office for nothing more than simply serving his time out.

I can hear it now. "Dude's not a Republican. He's a Dem in denial." Not really, there were many things that Bill Clinton did that reflected my values to a T. I realize it was a tough situation, but when his brother Roger was convicted, he let him face the consequences. Tough decision, but IMO the right and HONORABLE one to make. There were many other such instances, but that one comes to mind right now.

Say what you will about BC and HC. Their marriage has stood the test of time through some incredibly difficult circumstances.

If anything, I came away despising Al Gore more for hiding out in Hawaii with his family while President Clinton was left to fight for himself. Or his refusal to use Mr Clinton to his advantage during the campaign.

Why have we become SO polarized in the past 15 years? I really hate to see our country this divided on virtually everything. GWB is part of the problem and will never be part of the solution.

[yardwork]

60. ....and a fan of the Big Dog! (that's Clinton's nickname here)

In my opinion, Bill Clinton was the real compassionate conservative - a term that W has no right whatsoever to claim. Clinton turned a record deficit into a record surplus. I didn't agree with all his policy decisions, but I respect him for having been a moderate who got a lot of good things done. I also respect his courage for standing strong during more than eight years of brutal slander. Sure, Clinton made mistakes, but his mistakes were human and he apologised.

Clinton was smeared by a Bush-controlled machine that replaced truth with lies and made a lot of people think that day was night. Look no further than Newt Gingrich and Poppy Bush to find the reason that Americans have become so polarized. We've been lied to for decades.

W is a radical right-wing activist whose real constituents want to take over this country and run it like a banana republic.

[VOX]

49. Glad you came in out of the cold, Blitzburgh...

There's room for everyone here.

Thanks for making the transition, and for thinking things through on your own.

cheers -- :toast:

[Jacobin]

51. Welcome and I mourn the loss of real republican candidates

The neo-cons have hijacked your once proud party and you have my condolences.

:hi:

[info being]

52. You should remind your friends that...

A vote isn't the same thing as betting who's going to win. The way it works is, you vote for the candidate who represents you and that candidate may or may not win.

[CornField]

53. Another who "crossed-over" welcoming you to DU! Glad you're here! nt

[TexasSissy]

54. Whoa!!! A bold move! I don't know if you can hang in there,

when the going gets pretty tough through the debates, but I guess we'll see, huh? In the meantime, welcome to the fold! Bienvenu! Also, we are not ALL far left (I'm not). Many Dems are centrist or just a little left, and even some Independents post here. But since this is a "progressive" forum, I'd say that most people who post here are very left. But please don't let that discourage you.

At least with Kerry there's something to work with. Once we get him in the W.H., THEN we can start criticizing and complaining about each of our particular concerns and stances. Until then, WE ARE ALL WORKING FOR THE SAME GOAL!

[MadHound]

56. Welcome Blitz, and good show

I live in Missouri, and know many, many traditional old school Republicans who are horrified at how their party is being taken over and destroyed by this gang of thugs. You aren't alone, and you're in good company. Enjoy your stay!

[wrate]

57. You are a thinking American!

It so bewilders me to see American's loyalty to their party completely screw democracy every time. Your choice should not be dictated by party affiliation but by what your conscience dictates you.

* is the wrong choice any way you look at it and many many Republicans know it and see it yet they would rather have their children killed in another of * coming wars than admit that this time the Republican Party is not the best choice.

[crispini]

58. Welcome to DU.

You rock!

[Sparkle]

59. Well I saw your post about Bill Clinton and let me (as the others)

welcome you to DU! I don't really care for republicans but I can deal with you (and the butt load of repukes in my office). Republicans didn't bother me as much before but the way they behaved toward my sweet William Jefferson Clinton, I couldn't take it anymore.:-)

[Sputnik]

61. Consider yourself hugged, Blitz!

You have just made my day! You have given me hope that Americans are still capable of thinking.

I see on your profile that your not too far from me, geographically. (I'm underneath ya ;) ) My husband is a hunter too and wholeheartedly backs Kerry. You're not alone!

I'm crossing my fingers and toes that you get to keep your hair.



:hug:

[stryker18]

62. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl!

*puts on eyepatch and pulls out cutlass*

Er...I mean, welcome to DU. It's always nice to see a REAL Republican show his/her face.

[deadparrot]

63. Welcome!

No matter how many political/social differences we share, I have nothing but respect for someone who can see through the current administration.

[CitySky]

64. Welcome, Blitzburgh,

and may November 3 reveal that your buddy has a surprisingly bumpy head, and looks terrible bald... ;)

[The Minus World]

65. Neo-conversion

Personally, I enjoy reading the opinions of shunted Republicans unamused by the current state of their party. It lends validity to the idea that the tremendous ideological juggernaut many of us see racing towards Earth, is slowly being chipped away by a cultural atmosphere that is hostile to hypocrisy. Of course, you wouldn't know it by watching mainstream news.

Plain common sense, along with the presence of some undeniable facts, has pared the Republican party down to its true core - militant fanatics, religious zealots and the hopelessly uninformed. As the Bush administration continues to alienate intellectuals and free thinkers from within its own party, it consciously defines and reinforces that core - much to the horror of most Americans who see it for what it truly is.

However, this is a core which can be soundly defeated if there is a conscious exodus of Republicans, such as yourself, from a party which hardly represents its former ideals. Whether you're working for Kerry, or simply just against Bush, know that your efforts are appreciated!

[troubleinwinter]

66. Thank you, Blitzburgh, for your determination to post here!

It makes for much more interesting conversations to have someone from a different background or viewpoint. I invite you to speak your mind. We are here to converse. Lock-step agreement is not a good thing. Better to find common ground among different people.

I am not a Democrat, nor am I a member of any party. I am registered, as permitted by my state, as "Decline to State (party affiliation)".

[Redleg]

67. I was a staunch Repub back in the mid 80s.

The Iran-Contra scandal and other Reagan-Bush travesties pushed me away from the party and got me thinking. Going to grad school in the early 1990s gave me the information I needed to form a more coherent political philosophy- to make a long story short- here I am now, a fairly liberal democrat. Vive la diferance!

[never cry wolf]

68. Welcome Blitzburgh!

I think that you will enjoy your stay here, and I think we will as well. You have to take some posts with a grain of salt, as this is a public board with many different types, but at it's core it is a marvelous fount of factual information.

Welcome aboard!

[Blitzburgh]

69. Thank you to each and everyone of you

I said that I would be a good and decent Repub guest and I appreciate it sincerely that you have treated me as such.

Deep down we are all fellow beings that pull our pants on one leg at a time. In the future we may have a chance to chat on other topics but I think I will keep my other opinions to myself. Hence, save myself the banning I would surely deserve.

If any of you are ever in Branson, stop by and say hello. It is a very hostile territory to most members on this board but everyone, no matter what is always welcome at my place. Gay, straight, black, latino, you name it. My life is richer because of the diversity in my past. (Lived in Turkey, Saudi, Germany, and so on. Met and worked closely with Sri Lankans, Lebanese, Palestinians, Indians, etc.)

Some one, some where, some how will bring this nation back together. If I were a betting man, I would say John Edwards may be that person. But that is a ways off.

It feels so good to get out from under the Bush cloak of minions.

[MISSDem]

70. And he likes Bill Clinton. Welcome. I agree with

the country music singer (Tim McGraw?) who said "I love Bill Clinton. I think we should make him king with the red robe and turkey leg and everything".