[Robert J. Clawson]

Originally posted by Jerry Glenn Hartwig:

Overall, you're blaming one group of people for problems that have existed throughout various leaderships.

No, Jerry, I just said that historically the economy fairs better under Democratic administrations. It's not a huge difference, but it belies the Republican pitch that the Dems are tax and spend, a myth that let's them fleece the innocent.

You can argue economic indicators all you wish, I'm looking at the track record of my investments. Rather than take out a "low interest student" loan at 8 - 8.5% for Ben's college, I watched adjustable 2nd mortgage rates drop to 4.5%. Works well for me - with an average $40K balance for four years that will save me about $8000. Of course, I don't expect to maintain those low rates should Obabma get into office.

Why not?

I was invested in juicy 8-9.5% bonds during Bush 41's administration. When he was trying to get re-elected, he had Greenspan dropping interest rates almost weekly until my bonds got called. Made me feel grim about my retirement and Bush lost anyway.

However, this personal specific leads to no general history. It's been writ.

If they have to announce the fact they're an 'idealist',

Is there a requirement, some kind of club?

"Beware the man who stands on the street corner praising God in a loud voice..." Or praising himself.

It's interesting to see what scares you. I should think McCain, who trades on his POW status ad infinitum, would make you wary.

You have a different definition of the term grunt than I do, and obviously less respect for them.

None of the grunts I served with were sons of admirals or legacies at military colleges. They were mostly poor country boys or urban toughs. I respected them because we all had to shoulder the load with good spirit.

On most committees I serve, I'm frequently heard to plead for less bullshit and more willingness to do the grunt work. It gets stuff done. You can have your third-generation legacies who need to pump themselves up to the size of their dads.

Onward!

Shameless

edited to correct "Bush 43's"