Centrist insurgency

Disguised as a Rodney King movement asking politicians to "all just get along", Sam Nunn, and a host of other spoiler centrists, nervous about the future of corporate security bipartisan unity, are at the discussion stages of mounting a third party candidacy.
My inner voice tells me it has allot to do with the fact that people from outside the beltway, without ties to big business may hold the presidency .
All of this, combined with the likelihood of a GOP candidate (Paul) jumping ship for the warm surroundings of his previous party, will make for the best damned television since the '68 conventions.
You will not be able to say, there was no difference between the candidates this time!

It seems to me that xenophobic Kool-Aide being passed around in the GOP, may have given Huckabee an overdose. Trying to stay relevant in the days of the global war on musliopakistanic-extremofascisterror can be quite hard to do for a lil' ol Christian leader from Hope.
In front of cameras after his craptaculous response to the Bhutto assassination, he went "all in" at the Republican Texas Scare-em poker tourney. After trying to explain what it was he meant to say, Mr. Huckabee tried to gain favor with the neocons by pandering to their fear mongering egos.

"It also points out something we should do domestically and that is we ought to have an immediate, very clear monitoring of borders. And particularly to make sure if there is any unusual activity of Pakistanis coming into the country we just need to be in a very, very thorough in looking at every aspect of our own security internally because again we live in a very, very
dangerous time."- Mike Huckabee

On the bright side he may have single handedly inoculated the voting public to the effects of the fear card. In their rush to do away with the "Huckabee surge", so-called mainstream republican loyalists have begun to point out the fallacy of such an idiotic statement. Thus giving the American people a light to shine upon other equally idiotic statements the GOP has valued for some time now.

Laws just or unjust may govern men's actions. Tyrannies may restrain or regulate their words. The machinery of propaganda may pack their minds with falsehood and deny them truth for many generations of time. But the soul of man thus held in trance or frozen in a long night can be awakened by a spark coming from God knows where and in a moment the whole structure of lies and oppression is on trial for its life. -Winston Churchill

I present Exhibit 1

That's it, I'm turning this car around!

To begin with I cannot post here now without acknowledging the fact that I have not been here in quite awhile. I simply ran out of words.
Putting finger to keyboard here on my own blog has played second fiddle to my love of responding to , and reading posts on other blogs. They had the initial motivation to bring subjects to the forefront that I felt compelled to speak to. Although I have had several points I wanted to make on my own, finding the time, or inclination to post a long screed on my own has been difficult.
I have in this year played champion to my cause at several of the local blogs, and even posted a response on one that would be considered a well known national blog. One response on a behemoth the size of "Crooks and Liars" which consisted of eight words more, or less. To no end. It was ignored. Much like many of the responses I have posted locally, it was merely a post script. An also ran. But I said what I felt, and found myself quite pleased to see that I really did not adversely effect the course of events in human history.
That being said:
Let's pretend for now that I have been in a coma for these past months, and move on. I am not leaving again.
My posts will be,(for the most part) short, and will beg for counterpoint. Please respond as you see fit.

SOON!

Lead, follow, or become a centrist!

While attenting your post holiday, mid winter gatherings it will be clear that politics is in the air. After all you no longer have the luxery of opting for sports talk to fill time before your meal. Bowl games are in the past, and it is just the beginning of the collegiate basketball season.
It is likely you have saved your bits of partisan sound bytes and you have been practicing on close family since the first sparring match during your thanksgiving slice of pie. Numbers and "facts" are all stored in your politico rolodex for this occasion and you feel confident. Go get em!
But first give me a moment to point out that the real opposition you must conquer is not the man or woman on the other side of the table, loudly bloviating on your obvious lack of judgement,while shoveling batter dipped biomorph into their mouths. Your real nemesis it the nondescript gawker sitting next to you. This crafty devil is the rusty toothless sprocket that needs attention. It is not an easy task to garner opinion from this gear of apathy. Any attempt to do so will net you a rolling of eyes and a dismissal wave of the hand. Pushed further they will retreat to the a claim that has served them well in the past, and if you allow it to succeed again will spell the demise of our democracy.
"I am a centrist"
With such a phrase Rome was doomed. Let me be clear here. I have nothing against "going along, to get along" when we disscuss the mundane. Or the prospect of a multiple party system. But in this time of war there comes a time to decide.
It is my intent to point out to you "the partisan", that the claim of centrism is exactly what we have known for so long, and have been reluctant to shed light on. When taken as a shield against admitting ones own indescision or lack of knowledge it merely puts more pressure on government officials who are charged with doing the bidding of their constuants, and it forces the rest of us to the fringe. These very people are the ones that must be reached and forced to decide. Lack of military judgement in Washington has and always will be traced back to the electorates fear to voice their opinion, and the present administration has forced so many back to the shadows that is the claim of centrism. After all you are either "with them or against them" unless you garner the free pass that has been till now a refuge for those that allow apathy to flourish.

YUP!

I've decided to give an open forum for the new year!
Please post your comments hopeful or not.

Scabs and band-aids!

The Iraq study group has come out with their report, the whitehouse has non responded to it, and congress is nowhere to be found.
The plan as far as I can see is the "open air on the wound" theory.
Shortly the President will be on the airwaves to push for more troops to Iraq in order to give "it" another go. We still are left to our own discretion as to what "it" is. Something along the line of keeping the unrest in Iraq from spreading throughout the middle east, is the latest prescription.
A little Bactine please, we don't want this to get infected.
The ISG report has a subtitle "Turn your head, this is gonna hurt ", and predicts another year, or two of troops being bogged down as referees in a civil war. Ironical cloning the actions that so many have used to label the U.N. as ineffective. Stay out of the way, and get the bad guys if you can figure out who they are! ..Err...Um?...Just stay out of the way.
Minus the blue helmets.
I am tired of the same people, using different words, to explain how great this could have been.
Wince, and wait for the rip!

American people-
"Pull it off fast!...No!, no! ..slow!.No!..Fast!..just get it done, so we can start to heal!"

The cow says oink?

Am I the only person around here that is exactly what he says he is?
With the onslaught of those that would tell you they are moderates, and call for the destruction of the system of state government we have had all of these years. The likes of those that would say they are libertarian, yet somehow find a warm place in their hearts for the ownership of property by government bodies provided they make money. I feel as though black is white, and up is down.
I will admit my particular persuasion is made up. Agnosticrat is simply a mix of agnostic, and crat, meaning for purposes here, I question the existence of beliefs or followings. This is true, and the previous paragraph gives fuel to my confusion.

You are about to be hijacked!

Once again the straw man is spouting his mediocre message.
Don't take what happened in this last election seriously. According to the perveyors of "they speak", the americans, while no longer having the stomach to invest political capitol in the direction of our presidents party, have instead given a short lease to the Democrats in order to give time for the GOP to build a more acceptable facade.
I have no fight to pick with those that truely feel a centrist movement is what is needed to put our government back on track to secure us both physicaly and finacially. What I fear though is something a little more sinnister is about to befall true centrists.
Already at work to save ground in the middle, the GOP have layed groundwork to abscond with the move to the center you truely wish to see. Using an age old rally cry, they are about to talk taxes once again. Taxes are the centrists achiles heel. The soft underbelly of any switch voter is the likelyhood that they will be paid for their vote. This has been bore out to a ludicrous extent.
Wartime? Who cares? I'll vote my pocketbook.
This weeks sunday programs have already given us the likes of John McCain (the straw mans candidate) explaining how the americans are upset with the rising deficit, but could not possibly accept a "tax raise" on the top 1 percent of americans. Why?
He reasons that you, the taxpayer have already made room in your budget for the increase of wealth that this tax cut has given the likes of Bill Gates, and Donald Trump.
To take back the tax cut given to them, would most assuredly wreck the plans you have made for your future.

Listen up?

Excitement here at Agnosticrat, as I look toward the possibility of going audible!
I haven't quite nailed down the logistics, but I have been shopping for a new mic, and am looking at different methods of posting my rants. The truth is I hate typing. I never was good at it, and although I have been improving at hunt and peck, it seems to take me forever to check spelling, and you already know about my horrible sentence structure. Also I like to use sarcasm, and it really looses something when I have to type it out.
There are a lot of things that I want in the new setup, but one thing that must not change is your ability to post comments. If all else fails I will have to give an e-mail address for your response, and I would have to do a mail segment on the audio portion.
Either way this could get stupid, and I highly recommend you tune in for some laughs.

Let's make fun of people who don't vote.
Me first.
People who don't vote are the ones that are destroying this nation. They can't even be honest and tell you they will not vote, the pollsters have had to invent an algorithm to tell us of the people that have answered their questions how many are likely voters.
Do you think it is O.K. to shame people into voting?
If so, would you do it to someone that would likely vote for a different candidate than the one you intend on voting for?
Maybe we can bring back the I voted today pin! Or better yet a secret handshake that we can use when we meet up in our "voter" meetings just before we roam the streets and beat the crap out of non voters. Nah I'm pretty non violent. How about a secret ballot that just the voters that show up know about. It could be something like a vote that says if you vote you get to take all of the non-voters stuff. I know a couple of non-voters with some pretty cool things. I want their stuff.
If you are a non-voter,... tell me you got a plasma t.v.? I would really like one of those!
Think about it and get back to me.

Cut the park loose

The park millage will not be renewed any time soon
What the powers that be don't understand, is that the voters gave the park a chance at life some years ago with the first millage.
When the first park millage was passed it was done so to clean up fiscal issues that still have not been taken care of. The park was to be a viable entity that would help draw tourism, and companies that were looking to place their business' in a more progressive community.
Neither has happened. The park has not shown any progress in becoming a viable moneymaker for the people of the county. As a matter of fact it has actually chased away popular organized events.
Promises of growth were overstated, and politics has soured the community to giving money to such an albatross. It should be cut loose and run as a not for profit. In that case there would likely be more money from endowments, and government programs. Not the voters, or non-voters fault here, they gave it a chance and it did not perform.

It Hurts!

Blam! It hit me like the second scene in an Aaron Spelling television show.
This is not going to be good.
I mentioned to co workers that I wanted to leave a little early today to vote, and with few exceptions I have found that most of them do not think this election thingy is all that important.
They vote in the big elections, not the hum drum ones.
But when I mention the fact that there is a millage request I see a spark in their eye. Unfortunately it diminishes when they realize that there would be that 10 minute journey to the school, or township hall. "Where do I go to vote?"
I give up, and in a moment of misguided apathy they ask what else is on the ballot. Governor? Are we voting for governor this time?
Umm...Yes I said,..In a way .
I get a glassy eyed stare.
The kind that says I hope he doesn't explain what he means.
At this point I decided to relinquish control of the conversation back to the subject of the day "Big Brother" and go back to what I was doing.
Hours later I am on my way out of work when I am asked....Where do we vote?
I said, go home and dial *56 on your cell phone.
"Really we can do that?"
Yes I said, But be sure to watch Julie Chen on the CBS morning show for the result.

I wish I could form sentences!

They's Revenge!

They: The word they (with its counterparts them, their, and themselves) as a singular pronoun to refer to a person of unspecified sex has been used since at least the sixteenth century. In the late twentieth century, as the traditional use of he to refer to a person of either sex came under scrutiny on the grounds of sexism, this use of they has become more common. It is now generally accepted in contexts where it follows an indefinite pronoun such as anyone, no one, someone, or a person:: anyone can join if they are a resident; | each to their own. In other contexts, coming after singular nouns, the use of they is now common, although less widely accepted, esp. in formal contexts. Sentences such as | ask a friend if they could help are still criticized for being ungrammatical. Nevertheless, in view of the growing acceptance of they and its obvious practical advantages, they is used in this dictionary in many cases where he would have been used formerly. -Oxford American Dictionary
You see the dictionary cannot tell us who "they " are!
But I will.
I have a name!
You may refer to me as "they" when quoting me, but I would prefer Agnosticrat. Anything else would be redundant.
Some posting comments here have called me Aggie, or Ag and although I will respond to such nicknames it is not a choice I would make.
I would prefer Agster, or Agerator, Nostiholic, Nosti by itself has a respectful ring!
It does not matter who I pretend to be in the "real world". As long as I am here asking questions, I am relevant as agnosticrat and can be shunned, or accepted as such.
There are other bloggers in the area that have been handed the false title of "they".
Pol watcher I call him/her "Pol", for which I have not been reprimanded.
I for one do not care who Pol is, I have my suspicions, but in the interest of fair play have decided it does not matter. Pol is Pol, and has and will continue to be quoted as such. That should be enough for anyone that is not looking to diminish the work done on westmichiganpolitics.
Same goes for 3
Agitator3 whom I have dubbed "3" ( nobody calls him/her aggie!, Do they?)
according to his /her own statements, 3 may be a unit of many people, and until I see posts that conflict with previous statements I will not call him/her disingenuous. I applaud 3 for allowing some posting by Dan Fighter on his comments section, it is not easy sometimes to take in comments that are filled with such anger. More on that later.
It is far too easy to get wrapped up in who is who, and what their motive is.
What is possible here is far more than throwing your opinion around, and making people take notice. It is reading others words and accepting that there are other points of view that could hold just as true as the one you have posted. To read those opinions and take the points into consideration when making your own is called a discussion, and it works.
Some would say that the cloak of secrecy and made up names diminish the purpose of these blogs. I say poppycock to such an off hand statement. The people who push that idea are the shills for conformity that would shut down such an icon of free speech.
When the nation was not yet born, there was a newspaper publisher that took matters into his own hands when discussion was lacking as to solutions for an impasse with the king of England. He wrote letters to his own newspaper under made up names and he forced the future citizens of the United States care about what was happening in the world about them. He would even argue with himself on issues of the day such as taxes, and representation of the people. His name was Benjamin Franklin.
I bring up editors, and their past deeds not to propagate rumors that David T. The editor of the Hastings Banner, is alive and well on these blogs. It is to point out that if he is, we should be encouraged that he would see fit to give an unfettered opinion the likes you would not likely be able to read in the local newspaper (a business). Keep in mind that other newspapers, and television shows you read, or watch are also businesses. While I would not accuse the Banner of putting business before news, I would honestly say that it would have to be considered when publishing rumor, or innuendo. Something for good or bad these blogs can do quite nicely.
Honestly, I get the shivers when I consider that a badly written paragraph of mine would be read, and possibly, responded to by any official, or servant in our community. It is real thought from a real person, and if it is less so in your eyes because I have no other title to go by than agnosticrat, then you have already missed the point I was trying to make, and would feel more comfortable in your easy chair watching the nightly news.
I have been trying to figure out the point of this blog, and find it troublesome that I have not posted much in recent days. This will not stand.
While I see myself as political, I have never intended for that to be the mainstay of this blog. I am not well connected, and have no scoops to offer. I do have opinion, and intend to throw it at anyone who will listen. You should do the same. For now I intend to use this space to point out blogs of note in the area. Forums that I have for one reason or other overlooked.
Oh yeah!, and my opinion will always be on hand here.

Recently there has been much ado about Dan Fighters' complaints and concerns directed toward the present prosecutor. Point and counterpoint that seems to have evolved into a name calling match. Name calling in and of itself is not a great way to get your point across, and in general will win only the hearts of fellow disgruntled mudslingers. Although it seems there is a case to be made by Mr. Fighter for a lack of action on the part of J.N.P., it seems to have been swallowed up by the anger directed toward his ex-wife's supporters. If I were to advise Dan on a way to proceed it would be to stick to telling his story without being drawn into he said, she said comments. Facts are like a river, there is no way around them.
While recent letters to the editor in the Banner have called Mr. Fighters own record into question he needs only to reply to this by stating that he, "the father" has the custody of his children. As many already know, this does not "just happen" in the state of Michigan and lends his character some credibility.
I only know what I have read, and unless J.N.P. herself speaks to the issue, I will be forced to consider what "others" have said when pulling the "peoples lever".
---------------------------------------
More bloggers in the area:
citizensentinel - "Live Free or Die"
I look forward to reading sentinels comments. A centrist, with conservative fiscal leanings.
PatTheTruth
who points out "There are an enormous number of people who are sick to death of the failure of the legislature and the special interests who own them." No posts as of yet on Pats blog but I am looking forward to something soon.
Bankerboy - Barry County Book Club
Serving up some good reads, and offering comment on other blogs.

Keep em' coming, the more voices, the louder the noise!
There are others that have been in and out of this blog that have no blogs of their own. I am disappointed by this as I believe the more voices the better.
peace!

I Don't Know What I've Been Told...

There seems to be whole lot of subjects I know nothing about, and one of them is the recent article in the Banner, about Whizwheels planned withdrawal from Hastings, and Barry County.
Although the article leads one to believe it was inevitable that they would go to Kent County, in search of a growing customer base, it also leaves the impression that the Wiswells could have been convinced to stay.
The two main reasons for leaving stated by Jack Wiswell in the article were the growing bike trail system in Grand Rapids (due to Fred Meijers' generosity), and the lack of buildings in this area of the size they needed.
Of course the goal of business is to make money, so nobody could fault a company for leaving to greener pastures. But with that goal in mind I have to wonder why there was room left open to consider staying here. As far as I know there are no means bye which the city, or county can compete with the bike trail and the customer base it will provide.
After that, the second reason appears to be of little consequence, doesn't it?
It appears as though someone dropped ball somewhere, and more information would shed some light on a possible communication problem by city officials. We can't afford to lose jobs in this community.
That being said, I wonder if there was an intentional lack of response by the city?
The statements by Mr. Wiswell lead me to believe they were fishing for handouts from the city, or county. Let me make this clear: I am not saying that is what was happening here , but one has to wonder if the city would be in any kind of position to make such promises.
Are the coffers of this municipality such that we could afford to extend bargains to growing companies with their own capitol?
Was there really room for an agreement between these two parties, that would have netted more jobs for the city , and county , without expense to taxpayers?
Anyone with more information, and answers to my misinformed questions, please set me straight.

"but it's my favorite finger!"-Ringo Starr

I once had a blackcat blow the tip of my finger to a numbness that lasted three weeks. Oh sure I probably should have had it looked at by a doctor, but I was not about to tell my parents of the accident that came about on that 4th of July weekend. You see I was already in trouble for smoking cigarettes at school the previous semester.
Although I talked myself into believing I was being valiant by not putting my parents through another episode of "what the hell did the boy do to himself this time?" the truth is it scared me. To not feel ones finger for a good three quarters of a month is simply a terrifying prospect to a teenager. At first the skin turned a grayish white and although it never bled it had in three days turned a dark coffee color. In short I was sure it was going to have to come off. Visions of living my life as a shopteacher were in full technicolor dreams at night.
My friends encouraged me to work through this tragedy in the usual fashion, "Geezus, it was only a blackcat!" and "You fu*%ing wuss" were the soft words that comforted me in my time of need. I was never sure if they were saying that in order to keep me from outing them in what would be a tearful confession of teenage delinquency at the emergency room, or if it was true that "nobody ever got their finger blown off by a blackcat."
This memory came to me last night while visiting a friend on the other side of town, 3rd ward I believe, we were amazed at the relative silence.
As far as I can see there has been no fireworks in my small neighborhood this year. Generally I have heard the loud report of firecrackers beginning in mid June. I don't really mind not being woken up in the middle of the night to an audio history of the fall of Saigon, but I am curious.
What could possibly be the reason for such a quiet 4th of July weekend?
Has anybody else noticed this?

Update: 07/05/06
Last night was loud as hell!
Congratulations, United States of America!
You kept me awake till 1 am!
I hope you are proud!
I know I am. ;)

A posers dream

First off Pol thanks for trying to become a part of a discussion here at agnosticrat.
Although I have no tracking software to prove it I fear that it may be the least responded to blog, ever. That is ok, the stuff I have written thus far is more musing on events, and my personal philosophy and I understand that neither of these lend themselves well to counterpoint.
Secondly I must admit that I felt a little let down at first that your questions were the only ones that Wade felt compelled to respond to. Wades response as I have said before left me flat.
You see, I don't think he has taken me seriously for whatever reason when I have stated that I truly intend on voting republican in his race. Maybe it is the fact that I have a short history (on these blogs, anyway) of cracking wise in some discussions. It sometimes gets me into trouble, and leads others to believe I am only a lurker, not to be taken seriously. Maybe it is the fact that I am a liberal that is willing, for now to overlook some positions he has taken that are obvious hot spots for many of the conservative republican persuasion.
When I wrote my letter I wanted to see whether Mr. Trombley was really a candidate for change or just another spinmeister looking to get his name in the paper. I really believed that if I engaged him one on one that he would step up and give real answers. That was my mistake.
When presented with a choice of clarifying his agenda or bashing the other candidate he took the latter, and more political route. This is when I realized counter to all he has said that Wade Trombley is a politician.
As for why I first took on Mr. Trombley over Mr. Reynolds the answer is simple, he was there. He had been lurking your blog for sometime giving updates as to the hours he had been out on the road campaigning. He was accessible to me and I found that compelling.
Although from what you have written, you seem to have the stuff it takes to ask questions of public figures, go to public forums and play a more public role. It would never occur to me to go out of my way to ask the editor of a paper, local or otherwise what his opinion is of anything. But with my trusty computer and a beer or two I can be Agnosticrat. Yeah the wack job that at least in his own mind just wrote off the candidacy of Mr. Trombley as nothing but a posers dream. Too bad he seems like a really nice guy.
Don't suppose Mr. Reynolds has a spare five dollars and computer access do ya? I still need some kind of sign in my yard. If you see him send him my way. I would love to ask him a couple of questions.

An open letter to Wade Trombley

O.K. Wade I think we can work something out!
First thing is first, I have finally been afforded an opportunity to read your plaform and have a few things I think you could fine tune. If we can work these things out I believe I can forego the five dollars!
point by point from your website:
As far as Gay marriage goes I can take it or leave it for now. It is not a sticking point. I am a liberal that hopes for equal justice for all, but I am not gay, and I'm going to beat you up on this. I also believe that the rest of the state may have just as much apathy on either side of this issue for the moment, so as you have said let's "not change a thing" (please pass this on to the home office).
Another fine idea of yours would be that you will reduce the amount of red tape in Lansing. Eliminating the SBT is a fine goal as long as a poor working schmuck like me doesn't end up footing the bill. If we are in agreement, I believe you have found common ground with the present governor also.
I am confused by your next point and hope you can clear this up.
You claim that our schools are still based on an agrarian society, and that would lead many to believe you would like a more modern approach, then you lead the reader back to the three R's?! Why? and isn't the curriculum a choice made by local school boards? How are you going to effect change in local school districts, if you are in Lansing? As a small government republican, I would hope you see the pitfall before you. If you were to legislate what children in differing backgrounds and opposite areas of the state were to be taught, wouldn't that be more government on the backs of the people? You mean well, but I fear this is a negative in your column.
The casino!, What a great stance! I like it. More stuff like this will get me to the polling place with a smile on my face! I hate the 3 hour drive, and I can't afford to blow $30 in gas to lose $100 in Illinois. God bless you!
Here we go with the fire the senate thing.
It will likely fail this time and that is not because it is a bad idea. Just that it sells anger in lieu of constructive change.
I am not sure however that all of the proponents of the fire the senate campaign are going to wild about cutting 20% from the Legislature's budget. Not to mention this would likely cause problems for what I see as an eventual passage of Fire the Senate 2.0! One that I hope incorporates funding for our states future endeavors. Maybe something like a healthcare bill, or more likely alternative fuel implementation. Others use the word research, but I believe we have the answers already, and must implement them. The movement also lacks a prize show pig! As Pol once mentioned the name LaFollette, who never became president as his ideas were stolen and became Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. If you were to carry the torch to lansing with such a message as one of those I have laid out, you too could be a Roosevelt for Michigan! (sorry for the pig reference..and um... the Roosevelt thing).
Cutting funds from the legislature would have been a sure fire way to get voters 8 years ago, but right now the people of this great state want to know they are going to have roads, to waste overpriced gasoline on. We need to know that there will be stability, and infrastructure. "Remember Engler?" Please don't let this be the cry from your opposition.
As far as special interests are concerned, I must ask if you have accepted any money from the NRA? If you have please explain how you don't believe they are a special interest group? Do you accept any funding from other interest groups? If you have not, and would not , say so. Please understand I am looking for someone who is not beholding to anyone but the voter.
Although I am a liberal and generally vote democrat, I have decided for now to forego voting on the democratic ticket at least during the primary, provided I found an acceptable republican to vote for. You could be that republican!
On a more personal note:
I know a couple of Lutherans and find them pleasant to me personally. I have had the occasion to be present at a Lutheran wedding , and although I felt sorry for the sinners that were being wed that day that they were not worthy of gods love, I made sure they understood that mine was unconditional.
I have friends that are also small business owners, and feel their pain and would like to be sure and send someone will represent them, as much as me
You seem like a nice guy, and lets face it there will likely be a republican in Lansing representing my district. I am tired of voting democratic, and finding that either they are really republicans in disguise, or losers that have no chance. The word Agnosticrat should have a little more meaning with that sentence. I have not found any republican that comes as close to what I envision my representative as being as you do at this moment. You want term limits, GOOD!, You dislike the amount of money being spent by special interest groups that steal the voice from the average citizen, GOOD! I hope we can work together on these, and other points, so I can say I have a man in Lansing that truly comes as close to representing me as any republican could!

Alright you unruly Bunch!

If you don't calm down I'll turn off anonymous comments like Pol did!

I am not a produce inspector, but I have seen them on TV!

"Okay! Everybody, give me ten laps!"
That is how "Coach" handled my gym class when one or two ne'er-do-wells would tamper with the conformist nature of his class. Being of a larger non-atheletic nature than most others in the class this would be nothing short of being condemned to hell for the next 30 minutes of my life.
The thought behind such a punishment was never in dispute. It is one I have seen in many a war movie. (the encyclopedia I use when dissecting the traditions of military service) Divide and conquer! Make the rest of the unit force the bad actors to conform. As my eighth grade teacher (or all of my elementary teachers for that matter) would say "It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch" I hated that saying, and whatever undeserved punishment was about to follow it.
But it seemed to work! Generally in the fifth, (the most painful and side splitting) lap, as much as I dreamed of a more relaxing endeavor in far left field of a game of softball, there were others among us that looked forward to playing a game of "watch the fat kid try to catch a ball with the sun in his eyes". So with unspoken agreement our unlikely alliance would proceed to ostracize the perpetrator to conformity.
Such punishments my well have to employed today. In recent verbal debacles we have seen on the national scene, there are two ne'er-do-wells, I feel would be worthy of being publicly ostracized.
Ann Coulter a hateful right-wing pundit , who spews her money driven assmossity, and John Hostettler, of the House of Representatives, who insists on making up issues in order to further his isolationist agenda.
They are bad apples, and should be put on notice!
Now give me ten laps!