Margaret, I read the comment you sent me and felt compelled to respond. I know you don’t like it when I do, but honey you know how I feel about this particular subject.
Dear Readers,
In case you are new to my web page blog, I’ll give you a little background. I told my friend Margaret that I thought Sarah Palin was a bitch… is a bitch. Anyway, my grandson really hadn’t fully explained to me that other people could see this page besides Margaret. Which is kind of funny because Margaret actually has to have her husband, Howard, print the pages out for her to read because she doesn’t like computers very much….
But I digress.
So I kept writing about things and more people kept stopping by. Just yesterday I was telling Margaret that I find it very odd that Republicans think government is too big and healthcare for all Americans is just insane. It doesn’t seem to matter that it would cost less than Bush’s wars… but that would just be unAmerican of me to suggest…afterall Sarah Palin’s son is in that war…
Again, I digress.
I find it odd because I know that Rick Perry, the Governor of my state, is really upset about how big government has gotten. Evidently it’s not big enough, however, because ‘ole Ricky seems to think its small enough to crawl up my vagina with a sonogram machine and a recorder so that Ricky can tell me how to think based on what God whispers in his ear when no one else is around. To be truthful, it could just be something he picked up in church. I’m not sure. It might have happened at his office. It’s really hard to tell the difference between his office and his church these days.
I just can’t seem to stay on subject today…
So that is what I was writing about to my friend Margaret. And then she had Howard print out my letter and some of your comments. Sometimes – like last night - she calls me because she gets so worried when one of you gets a little upset. But I tell her, “Margaret, dear. It’s just the internet. It’s not like anyone forces them to read it.” But Margaret worries. She just wants everyone to get along. You know. Agree to disagree and things like that. Which would be nice except that Governor Ricky wants to pass some new laws. And once that happens you can’t just agree to disagree. Once it becomes law if you disagree you have to spend a lot of money with lawyers or go to jail.
But I digress.
So last night some fool (sorry Margaret) named Noah decided to call you all sheep because you seemed to like what I had written about Ricky. I wasn’t aware sheep could read, and I have always thought that too often used insult about following like sheep is a bit far-reaching. Yes. Survival instincts in sheep tend to mean that one sheep will more than likely follow the sheep in front. Did you know, however, there is a certain strain of sheep in Iceland known as leadersheep? Leadersheep are highly intelligent animals that have the instinct to lead a flock home during dangerous and difficult conditions. They have an exceptional ability to sense danger. There are many stories in Iceland of leadersheep saving lives during the fall roundups when blizzards threatened shepherds and flocks alike…
But I digress.
Among other things, Noah decided to leave a little pearl of personal wisdom in his not so well thought out diatribe:
__________
With my wife being almost 7 months pregnant this subject really touches home for me so I can understand the passionate feelings from both sides of the issue. Having gone to the first ultrasound I could never have made a choice to abort the child for any reason. I can understand why the governor wants to have women have that firsthand experience of hearing that heartbeat, it is very powerful. I guess I don’t see a problem if what he is suggesting isn’t stopping all abortions, which he is not and I would be opposed to if he was.
__________
Well isn’t that just precious? Noah is particularly knowledgeable about this subject because his wife is 7 months pregnant. Congratulations Noah. I know my readers will join me in wishing you and your family all the best. You’re almost there: two more months to go.
I assume your wife had her amniotic fluid test and that everything turned out fine? It’s a scary time those first few months. Did you know that if you and your wife learned through the amniocentesis that something had gone terribly wrong with the developing fetus that one of your options might be to terminate the pregnancy? Sometimes the abnormality of the fetus is significant. Survival of both the fetus and the mother can be called into question. [By the way. I am using the word fetus not to dehumanize but rather because that is what it is called - a fetus] Often women facing this type of heartbreak consult with their doctors, their family members and even their pastor. I am sure more than a few say a prayer and ask for wisdom. Did you know, Noah, that if your wife was in that situation and she decided to terminate her pregnancy good ‘ole Rick Perry would still force her to look at a sonogram and listen to a heartbeat so that she can agonize further that the child she wanted so desperately isn’t to be. I wonder how comforting you would be to her at that moment. “Look, honey. I can understand why the governor wants to have women have that firsthand experience of hearing that heartbeat, it is very powerful.” Thank goodness that you and your wife are not dealing with that.
And I assume, of course, that the child due to arrive in two months is your child? How blessed for you and your family. Did you know that if your wife had been raped and subsequently discovered that she was pregnant, she may not even want to consult with her family, her priest or even her God. She may want nothing more than to simply ask her doctor to end the unwanted pregnancy so that maybe she can begin to heal from this traumatic experience. Thank goodness that isn’t your situation Noah. Can you imagine how horrible it would for a women like your wife in this moment of sadness, anger, disbelief, denial to have Rick Perry then force her to reconsider by showing her a sonogram and letting her listen to a heartbeat. She’ll have to sign a paper declaring that she watched and listened and still decided to terminate the pregnancy.
Even worse, Noah. Imagine if that woman was your daughter. Do you know the sex of your child yet? What a world she will get to grow up in. So very different from your childhood or even mine. You were there at the invention of the internet. I was there at the invention of the television. I also grew up in a world where abortions were illegal Noah. I watched women die because they had no choices. You realize that Rick Perry wants that world back, right? This nonsense about abortions should only be legal in the case of rape or the life of the mother… what a crock. The world is never so black and white.
But that is not for you Noah. No. This is a time of great joy and celebration for you and your wife. Thank goodness. Some women struggle with the idea of motherhood. They know deep down inside that bringing a life into this world is a blessing yes - but also an enormous responsibility and for some the ultimate sacrifice. To know that another life will depend entirely on your ability to find it within yourself to love so selflessly and care so deeply. To give birth is not to be taken lightly, Noah. Some women, after very serious consideration about where they are in life and what they can and can’t offer to a child, decide that they are just not prepared to bring another life into the world. And after much thought and prayer and probably tears, they still have Rick Perry there to given them even more to consider. Thank goodness for thoughtful ‘ole Ricky.
But not you Noah. Thank goodness you and your wife have made the decision that this is a wanted child… that this will be a loved child… that you have the means to feed and care for this child. I am sure Rick Perry will be sending you a bouquet of flowers after the delivery to show you how much he cares about the very personal decision you have made. I hear that just the other day, Rick sent a letter of congratulations to the woman who just delivered her 5th child because her husband feels that using condoms are a sin. Good ‘ole Rick. I think his letter said something along the lines of don’t worry about where you will get the money to feed the child because you chose life and that is all that matters. Good ‘ole Ricky even sent her one of those lovely Choose Life license plates. She doesn’t own a car, but it’s the thought that counts.
Noah dear. Stick to football. And Mrs. Noah? Slap him for me. He really should spend more time tending to you rather than writing to me. But I digress. I mean it. Really.
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at 4:14 AM
Helen, I don’t know where you live, but if a house next door or across the street ever becomes available, please let me know. I think you’re awesome.
By: Leah Dotten on May 29, 2011
at 10:19 AM
@tammyharper — Given the length of this thread I haven’t read all the posts, but I did see that you mentioned the Katherine Windels case, and suggested that no liberals would denounce her. So I’m stepping in to say that this hardcore lefty (as in “the Dems are too conservative for my tastes”) absolutely abhors what she did, and supports her being prosecuted for it. Resorting to threats, and particularly extending those threats to your target’s family, is unconscionable. I can’t say why others haven’t spoken up–I’d like to think it’s not because they condone her actions, but who knows? Certainly there are some liberals who behave as badly as the conservatives we criticize.
I also saw you mentioned free speech, so while I’m here I’ll mention I support it strongly regardless of the speaker. For instance, I applauded the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the case against the Westboro Baptist Church, and believe it to be a perfect example of the principle of free speech. However, I don’t feel similarly compelled to defend Glenn Beck, as you implied people like me should, because he was not censored by the government, rather his platform was removed by the private entity that had previously supplied it. The misunderstanding of the difference between the right to speak [sacred, IMO] and the right to a platform [nonexistent] has always been a pet peeve of mine. But I’ll admit it was particularly galling to hear cries of censorship from some conservative-minded people who otherwise seem to think private corporations don’t have enough freedom as it is.
Finally, for the record, I am not alone in my feelings, but I’ve found people like me often avoid certain sites or threads because it’s tiresome to read endless variations on “Rethuglicans are evil”/”Libtards are stupid.” The state of political discourse in this country saddens and frustrates me because it’s so hard to know how to fix it. I only know for sure that it starts with a personal resolve to be the better person in a conflict.
(Oh, and the abortion issue? Not touching that with a ten-foot pole!!)
By: Diane on May 12, 2011
at 4:00 PM
jsri, I agree, we still face the possibility of attacks in this country and around the world, in that regard President George W Bush was right in his statement about not obsessing about OBL’s capture. The great thing, about the raid, is all the intellgence that has been recovered in this raid. I bet that is a great read!
By: No one's puppet on May 4, 2011
at 10:47 AM
To my friends and some detractors who said I was not worthy of debate I say that boat has sailed and there were missed opportunities to discuss rationally but instead was broadsided. I have made some good friends James and PFessor and hopefully some good people’s trust. I’m thankful that a few of you have rallied about me and my wife during these last few months and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
To Jean and a few others who were not comfortable with rational posts well….she is
Better off now since she has the kitchen where she can hold court and postulate about days gone by.
The board was undone by people not wanting to acknowledge others ideas and yet pounce on any rational thought that did not come from the ones at the top of the dirt pile. So as in school yard games those at the bottom of the hill would be clobbered with dirt clods for trying to play the game.
I’m hanging in there as is the wife..the best friend of my life who will receive the Deans award tomorrow night. Remember..I’m the one not bright enough to have married an intellectual. Oh but I did, and life has been a roller coaster full of thrills and delights. Looking forward to many more curves and loops with Valerie.
By: Craig on May 4, 2011
at 8:39 AM
Here’s Nancy Pelosi from a press conference on September 7, 2006:
[E]ven if [Osama bin Laden] is caught tomorrow, it is five years too late. He has done more damage the longer he has been out there. But, in fact, the damage that he has done . . . is done. And even to capture him now I don’t think makes us any safer.
And here’s Nancy Pelosi yesterday:
The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida. . . . I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. . . . [T]he death of Osama bin Laden is historic. . . .
This devastating then-and-now comparison comes to us courtesy of John Hideraker of Power Line. It underscores the degree to which partisanship can ravage people’s fair-mindedness and, in the process, make them look like fools and hacks. Such things aren’t uncommon in politics—but what is rare is to see such intellectual dishonesty proven so conclusively.
By: Craig on May 4, 2011
at 8:23 AM
http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/end-of-days/
This is for anyone still wanting to try Helen’s stuffing recipe………thanks to Alaskapi for helping me find it.
Hope these two wonderful ladies will still grace us with their wonderful wit and wisdom. I am checking daily but am having some doubts that we will ever hear from them again.
By: Crafty Lady in Illinois on May 2, 2011
at 5:50 PM
I have deeply mixed feelings about the assassination of Usama Bin Ladin. Certainly the world is a better place without him but Al Qaeda, though seeming to be headless at the moment, has cells and operatives all across the globe and it’s only a matter of time before we get hit again. And I’m sure Al Qaeda operatives will not forget the image of ecstatic Americans celebrating in front of the White House. I suspect that that image will be used over and over again as justification for their future actions.
Why do we always have to glorify “winning”? The Israeli’s are known for carrying out clandestine operations to suit their purposes and more often than not leave the world guessing about their participation. For the sake of our nation I wish we could do the same. I fear that the death of Usama Bin Ladin will simply be an opening shot in a never-ending terror campaign that will be escalated through mutual reinforcement without ever having clear cut “winners”.
Only a fool would believe that this is the end of the issue
By: jsri on May 2, 2011
at 1:47 PM
Looks like Noah can’t wait for “this board is finished” & the “class dismissed”. If Noah says it’s so, it must be so! Been there, done that, find a new mantra, yours is long dead.
By: marthauys on May 2, 2011
at 12:49 PM
Noah, that’s about the dumbest comment I’ve read so far! Thanks for the giggle.
By: marthauys on May 2, 2011
at 12:40 PM
Just a note on Osama bin Laden. Both Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh have given MAJOR high praise to Obama for taking this guy down. Further proof the class of the conservative side that the Liberal party could learn from and should be taking note. We all know were it Bush that had done it the left would never acknowledge his role as they are not now acknowledging his role.
This will be telling if our hosts are still around or not. Should they ignore this event we will know for sure in the next couple days that this board is finished.
By: Noah on May 2, 2011
at 10:16 AM
And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last just as the time bell rings
‘Goodnight, now it’s time to go home’
And he makes it fast with one more thing
‘We are the Sultans… We are the Sultans of Swing’
By: PFesser on April 30, 2011
at 11:19 AM
Anonymous, I understand why you might feel as you do, coming from a position of ignorance and short sightedness.
My understanding from people on this board that have been around much longer than I have is that I am the only person to have been addressed directly and had a post dedicated to by this boards host. Exactly how many posts have you had commented on by them? That would be zero. That would mean I have a point of view worth commenting on, and you did not. I’ll take that as a victory, and your commentary as a jealous rant.
As far as being sliced up and roasted, no not really. Considering they commented on my opinions and never once had the intestinal fortitude to respond, there was no slicing to be done. They offered their myopic opinion to my brilliant and well thought out argument because it threatened what they believed in. Had I not gotten inside their heads they would not have been so moved to respond.
AS for ID’ing yourself, since you have been served once again, might just be better to stay Anonymous, and crawl back into the shadows. Class dismissed.
By: Noah on April 29, 2011
at 8:06 PM
OOOOPS!!!
Forgot to ID myself.
By: Anonymous on April 29, 2011
at 12:06 PM
Haven’t been on this site for a while and after reading Noah’s post I thought I was visiting Comedy Central. When somebody who’s been sliced up like a roasted turkey by the site’s host, tells the world that being roundly skewered by her is an “honor” – that’s gut busting funny. Instead of “opening another’s mind to ideas they had not considered” it was his rude and nasty behavior as a guest on her site that prompted her to take him to the woodshed – not some philosophical collision.
About the only point of agreement between Noah and me is that this board has seen the end of its days. Going on for almost four months now is too long an absence to recover from. The only reason I wonder where Noah and his ilk will end up next is because I have no intention of going there. And, Noah, a real philosopher might also say, “self praise is no recommendation”.
By: Anonymous on April 29, 2011
at 12:04 PM
I like the story PFessor.
Hi Craig, you left while I was gone. I have thought about you and wondered how you and your family are. Yes, the last post was written in hate, but it was a back- handed complement that they would take the trouble to write about you.
This reminds me of the last episode of MASH or the last day of school. I also lived through a closing on my last base before I returned to the US to become a civilian. The base was closing and we all were going our separate ways. Life unraveled for a month or two as people left. We had the most memorable good bye party of my life.
Just in case it is over:
“Closing time Time for you to go out
to the places you will be from
Closing time. This room won’t be open
until your brothers and sisters come
…Closing time. Every beginning comes
from some other beginning’s end.”
Semisonic
By: James on April 28, 2011
at 12:48 PM
Hey guys. It does appear this board has seen its end of days. I consider it a great honor that this boards last post was directed at me, even if it was in hate. To a true philosopher there is no greater reward than to open another’s mind to ideas they had not considered, I believe I did just that. Even though the reactions were negative and hostile, I got inside their head and made them think, and that was my only goal.
I do hope that our hosts are both alive and well and if they are able or of the mind too should have a farewell post to thank all their loyal followers. I leave you with one of my favorite videos.
http://vimeo.com/22439234
By: Noah on April 28, 2011
at 10:34 AM
Molly Ivins?????????
By: PFesser on April 27, 2011
at 7:22 PM
Are you sure you’re not the reincarnation of Molly Ivins?????
By: Linda on April 27, 2011
at 11:39 AM
I located my favorite (tough!) high school teacher in Cleveland many years ago. She was in her lower nineties, having never married (had something to do with a fiancee’ who died in the war according to local legend) and was living with her 90′s brother.
When I came to visit, I said, “Miss Deitz, do you remember me?”
“Why yes, of course. You were lazy.”
Well, nothing wrong with the old girl’s head…
I later discovered her brother had died and she’d moved to a retirement home. I called her every Christmas Day (her birthday) until about five years ago, when they told me she had died. I think she was about 100.
Great, great lady.
By: PFesser on April 27, 2011
at 6:11 AM