Grateful Dead

I am kind of like Johnman, and really do not trust any of the poliicians. Yes, I do think there are a few good ones, but most are corrupted within a few years of being in federal office. It is sort of funny, I like pkpotters thoughts, but also we need to admit when we've gone wrong. I just had a laugh today on the internet, watching an apparent interview with Barney Frank and Bill OReilly. Here you have Frank, a Democrat, who since 2003, has roadblocked every piece of legislation whatsoever to regulate Fanny Mae, Freddie Mac, continually stating how Fanny and Freddie are "financially sound, and need no regulation," and, who, even as late as 5 months ago, said on public airwaves that Fanny and Freddie were not the best investments right now, but that were solid for the future. Many people then in invested in the stock, looking ahead, and lost millions of dollars. The crazy thing is this guy has the nerve to sit there and say how the financial train wreck had nothing to do with him, and that it was entirely the Republicans' fault. That is an outright lie, and this man should step down. The whole crisis was created by government, and is going to cost us all dearly. And if one were to assign blame, it would in my opinion mostly go to the Democrats, but many Republicans were with them, but these are all corrupt politicians who have cost us all our 401k's. They apparently do not know how important it is to turn to the American public and say, "I am at fault; I have failed you." Instead they sit there and blame the other party. These people are shameless. Before it is all said and done, names will be named, and I can guaranty you that more Democrats than Republicans will be on the list, and big names at that. So until I hear politicians like Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Charles Shumer, Barbara Boxer, and the others admit they had a big hand in this recent crash, then they have no support from me. If they were honorable people, they'd have stepped down already, leaving the door open to more competent, and less corrupt candidates. And ... hey, maybe pkpotter should run. Sounds like I could vote for him, regardless of party. But anyway, I do help my neighbor, share what I have with others. See ya. Greg SC

Interesting article on John http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_r…

...and keep on posting. You are not alone. Check out "Crunchy Cons: How Birkenstocked Burkeans, Gun-Loving Organic Gardeners, Evangelical Free-Range Farmers, Hip Homeschooling Mamas, Right-Wing Nature Lovers, and Their Diverse Tribe of Countercultural Conservatives Plan to Save America (or At Least the Republican Party)" by Rod Dreher, Roll a fatty, Wave that flag Wave it wide and high, and remember: We're guilty of the same old thing Talking a lot about less and less And forgetting the love we bring. "The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer." - Ken Kesey

Agree, it is something people do out of their hearts, not a greedy endeavor to get rich. Of course there are exceptions, but that is what they are, exceptions.

I have met many people who are involved in politics and public office at the local level and they are doing the best that they can to help make their local communities a better place. They sure could make more money if they put their talents elsewhere. They do it for a higher calling. peace If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake

i've said it before and i'll say it again......all politicians are backstabbing lying cheating no good money grubbing bloodsucking rotten untrustworthy useless bureaucratic pocket lining slime. or am i being too harsh?

Republicans have been and still are liars and crooks. I recycle, too, by the way, while my Republican neighbors put out a bunch of trash. We don't have glass pick-up, so I go out of my way to visit a drop-off site in Missouri. Maybe you need to get out of South Carolina? Kansas is another red state, so being progressive is a tough call. I've paid college tuition for 2 sons and am waiting for my son in the Navy to become a civilian again, as he's tired of the bureaucracy and the mismanagement of the military over the past 8 years. He did his nuclear training in SC.Play some more Dead and maybe you'll come around. ...

Better to strive for a better planet, than dwell on questionable facts and negative personal emotions. Recycling is great and commendable, if the belief is it's for the enviornment, then wonderful, but it's a whole different league trying to change the planets direction. Why is this negative? Thinking of it all as a little community that is trying to be self sufficient....... Have to water each others gardens, walk all the dogs, share your food, share the care and wellfare of the children, learn together and share that knowledge, care for the elderly, and most importantly, love one another through trust and actions. Does this sound utopian? It is. That's the idea, a vision to strive for, a world to make. This really what we on this planet are doing, some is working ,some not. It is when the negative, non-trusting, us vs them aspect creeps in that we stall in our journey. Got to pick ourselves up and focus on the positive. Lift your neighbor up, don't judge. Walk their dog, share the food, open the mind. peace,pk

Thanks, everyone! It is America, isn't it? But no, I think we stayed on topic ... but we certainly looked at the varied facets of politics. Anyway, I have never agreed with the Dead's take on politics, but have always loved the music. I know many Deadheads, and a lot have shifted their take on things over the years. I guess on an ideal level, the talk of utopia is great, but when the rubber hits the road, many of us have to pay bills, mortgages, car payments, etc. And these Democrats have been our worst enemies in terms of taking our money out of our pockets before we even get it. So, I really don't care what they have to say about the environment, because they do not really mean it. Hey, I recycle my cardboard, oil, plastic, etc., drive an old Geo that gets 40mpg, walk whenever I can do that instead of drive, ride a bike when the walk is too long, have 2 dogs, love them to death, say hi to people I pass. Hey, I may not vote with all of you guys, but I do more for the environment than that hypocrite Al Gore. I am sorry, but I cannot stomach the man. Obama is another one who is a real phony. He talks up a big storm, but will rob you blind once he gets into office. If you believe he is sincere, then check out his tax plan .... in it, he raises the rates on everyone at least 3 percent?? And I mean everyone. Of course he offsets some of the rate increases with tax credits, but why raise the rates at all if you want to give tax breaks?? I'll tell you why, it takes an act of congress to raise the rates, but only an executive order, or committee procedural vote to eliminate tax credits. And I'd say that within 3 years, all of the tax credits will just be eliminated, and all of us will get the tax shaft by this man. He is setting you all up. And you all must be prepared to swallow it, and say thank you. Later, guys, gotta make a payment on my son's college tuition ... Greg SC

Thank you jackadiamonds! Beautiful post. Life is all about different cultures, tastes, smells,and feelings, varied textures of the soul. Take the most wonderful of each and that is the perfect world. Thanks marye for reposting this. peace,pk