There is much food for thought here as opposed to a lot of the name calling one reads on the Huff Po;I can't tell you all how grateful I am to have real feed back from people.

It's one of the things I like about CW's site. The comments section in our local newspaper politics section could best be characterized by this brief back and forth: "You're liberal!" "Oh yeah, well, you're stupid!"

The Internet seems to provide a buffer similar to a car. People will say and do things inside their car that they would never say or do if they weren't in the car.

Oh, I suppose I could come up with a few comments over at HP to help CW ... every now and again ... you know, sing his praises and ask for money. :)

Seriously, David ... you don't even have to ask. I think it's very important, in the post-press era in which we live, to support extraordinary journalism and Chris certainly provides that and so much more.

So, I will happily be joining your mission here and at HP and encourage everyone who appreciates the excellent product Chris publishes to support those efforts, both through comments and by financial contributions to http://www.chrisweigant.com. I will also suggest that they even consider making those contributions annual payments ... and that they buy his excellent primer on how to be a good Democrat, too!

I didn't know. But that would have been my guess. I don't usually hang out over at Huff Po. Do you know the regulars over at HuffPo?

Would you be open to posting a few comments over at HuffPo to help CW? I posted over there last night and will continue to do so, but the regulars over there may know you better. Though I did recognize a couple of names (dsws, for example).

Shoot me an e-mail at akadjian@yahoo.com if you're open and we can talk offline. Basically, all you'd have to do is every now and then say a few things about CW and ask folks who like his work to pitch in.

See Monday's column's comments for update on pledge drive...

Thanks for posting, CW. I think we can have some fun with this. Now, all you have to do is write that article that gets picked up by the MSM and drives a million or so people here! :)

Hay, don't blame me for CrapCare. David came up with that!

Now who's pushing buttons!!! :)

-David

Bush didn't run on a mantle of "change"... Obama did.

If Obama truly cares about this country and not his political agenda, he would announce he is not seeking a 2nd term.

Obama is on record as saying, "I would rather be a great 1 term President than a mediocre 2 term President."

It's time for Obama to put up or shut up. IE Put the country first and his version of the Democratic Party agenda second..

CW,

Um, when did we stop being a superpower? I must have missed that in the news...

Read the news of Obama's failed Asian tour. Better yet, listen to an ardent Obama supporter about it..

nation.foxnews.com/bob-schieffer/2010/11/15/even-bob-schieffer-turns-obama

Under Bush, the rest of the world may have hated the US, but they still respected and/or feared the US's position in the world.

Now, the rest of the world is simply dismissive of the US.. And such an attitude can be laid directly at the feet of President Obama.

I don't think I have ever been embarrassed by our President.. Until now..

I'm going to hold you to that. $0.50 now until Xmas. Heh. I bet you'll be astounded how fast that adds up.

I am just going to have to be more conservative in my postings. :D Howz THAT for a double-meaning, eh?? :D

Once again, without quoting a Fox personality, when exactly has Obama said America isn't an exceptional country? I bet you can't come up with a quote even remotely approaching that...

"I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism."
-President Barack Obama

In other words, what Obama is saying is that everyone is special.. Which is simply another way of saying that no one is special.

I won't even bother with Michelle Obama's quote that she was never proud of her country until it nominated her husband for the Presidency..

That would be just too damn easy an argument to make. :D

Again, please provide quotes for Obama's "apology tour" as it didn't exactly happen that way (outside of the world of Drudge and Fox News).

How about Real Clear Politics?? :D

realclearpolitics.com/2010/09/06/obama039s_china_apology_tour_241133.html

Or simply GOOGLE Obama Apology Tour and see how many listings you get from LEFT oriented websites..

What Americulchie is trying to say here is (to paraphrase) "The British thought exactly the same thing, up until their empire receded. How is America any different?"

Time will tell if America is actually different than the British empire.

But it's not what I believe. It's not what you believe.

It's what our president believes that is important.

Even more important, it's what the rest of the world believes about our president.

When our president can't even sign an already agreed upon trade agreement with a staunch ally, you have to know that the US stature in the world has fallen dramatically..

Don't take my word for it. Simply read all about what world leaders are saying and thinking about Obama these days..

Those same leaders may not have liked Bush and his cowboy diplomacy. But they were NEVER dismissive with Bush, like they are today with Obama.

For those unaware, here are Michale's largest buttons, should you wish to exploit them in order to make him pay dearly for the privilege of being our (and I do say this with all possible due respect and love) resident House Troll:

Now, come on.. Don't feed the delusion that I am a troll... There isn't a definition of Troll anywhere on the 'Net (more than a 5 years old) that fits me and my postings. At least none that wouldn't fit anyone else here. :D

Anyone can find one, I'll immediately PayPal them $100... Dollars, not quatloos... That's how confident I am.. :D

(1) Torture

Always a fun topic.. :D Still hoping for you to watch UNTHINKABLE so we can have another So Is Torturing A Daughter OK? discussion.. :D

pamphleteeringpress.com/archive/060915HuffPost.html

(2) What he likes to call "CrapCare," our new healthcare reform law.

Hay, don't blame me for CrapCare. David came up with that! :D I liked my "DunselCare" just fine up until David came up with something more accurate...

(3) ANY quotes from movies, especially science fiction or action/adventure, and MOST especially Stargate or Star Trek. Feed him a quote, he simply cannot resist replying. Heh. His knowledge of movie (especially science fiction) quotes is encyclopedic, even I must admit, in awe.

Aww shucks, thanx.. :D

My latest button (which everyone seems to be afraid to push :D) is the illogic of the Left as Religious Freedom Crusaders.. :D

Well, once you get the RAID system fully up and running, you can rest assured that failure of one single hard drive will never again impact you in such a negative way. That's the beauty of RAID. Just had to say that, for the technically-minded...

I actually had a RAID0 system set up previously which basically gave me one big drive.. But the danger to that is, if you lose one drive in the system, you lose all the data.. I know that I can do a RAID1+ where it mirrors the data, but I really hate the idea of wasting all that space simply for the sake of redundancy.. So I simply have 4 SATA drives installed in the system and assign each drive it's own category. I have the 1.5TB Drive assigned to TV shows (It's about 3/4 full right now), a 1TB drive for Movies and Kids Shows thats about half full and two 500GB drives for HiDef TV Shows and HiDef movies, respectively..

Wow, a plug for the book, even! I'm overwhelmed! It's probably selling for like 12 cents on Amazon (used) by now, but there are still plenty of ideas in it which Democrats have so far ignored, I will admit.

Au Contraire' $11.01 :D

amazon.com/How-Democrats-Take-Back-Congress/dp/0977775909

Michale.....

p.s. I actually think I got all the attributes right!! :D

"Hold onto yer butts"
-Samuel L Jackson, JURASSIC PARK

Don't be embarrassed, it means you are a linguistic pioneer. I often try to start such viral memes, so far with little success (I'm still pushing hard for "moose poop," personally, to catch on).

The truly freaky thing for me is when I go to Google or Wikipedia to research a subject, do a search, and my own columns pop up. It's like some through-the-looking-glass sort of experience....

David [7] -

See Monday's column's comments for update on pledge drive...

Michale [9] -

Um, when did we stop being a superpower? I must have missed that in the news...

[10] -

I'm going to hold you to that. $0.50 now until Xmas. Heh. I bet you'll be astounded how fast that adds up.

Americulchie [11] -

Well, we sure haven't outgrown our Puritan ancestry from the 1600s, that's for sure...

Michale [12] -

Once again, without quoting a Fox personality, when exactly has Obama said America isn't an exceptional country? I bet you can't come up with a quote even remotely approaching that...

[14] -

Again, please provide quotes for Obama's "apology tour" as it didn't exactly happen that way (outside of the world of Drudge and Fox News).

What Americulchie is trying to say here is (to paraphrase) "The British thought exactly the same thing, up until their empire receded. How is America any different?"

David [19] -

Sedaris has CDs? Who knew?

:-)

Michale [21] -

Just no fair pushing my buttons to up my postings!! :D

For those unaware, here are Michale's largest buttons, should you wish to exploit them in order to make him pay dearly for the privilege of being our (and I do say this with all possible due respect and love) resident House Troll:

(1) Torture
(2) What he likes to call "CrapCare," our new healthcare reform law.
(3) ANY quotes from movies, especially science fiction or action/adventure, and MOST especially Stargate or Star Trek. Feed him a quote, he simply cannot resist replying. Heh. His knowledge of movie (especially science fiction) quotes is encyclopedic, even I must admit, in awe.

[22] -

Well, once you get the RAID system fully up and running, you can rest assured that failure of one single hard drive will never again impact you in such a negative way. That's the beauty of RAID. Just had to say that, for the technically-minded...

Liz [24] -

Wow, a plug for the book, even! I'm overwhelmed! It's probably selling for like 12 cents on Amazon (used) by now, but there are still plenty of ideas in it which Democrats have so far ignored, I will admit.

:-)

OK, I am down to the end... everyone, all together now...

"They're... ALLLL-read-EEEEE.... HEEEE-REEEE!"

Heh.

-CW

I'm 'LizM' at HP - I thought you knew. :)

And I have to say I much prefer Chris riffing on Tom Paine than Glenn Beck. Great suggestion.

BTW- Was that you over at HuffPo talking "Send in the Clowns"? Made me laugh and dangit, I'm still singing it :)

Cheers
-David

And, would anyone take it seriously who wasn't partisan? That's what elections are for.

I just wanted to commend you for taking the idea of supporting extraordinary journalism to the next level and I intend to make my donation an annual contribution to support the good work Chris does here every day.

I would also suggest that everyone get their copy of How Democrats Can Take Back Congress ... by "Tom Paine". It is a timeless analysis but even more timely in the wake of the recent midterms.

I live in fear of this happening. Which is why my backup drive has a backup drive. (Basically RAID- which I think you'll like once you get used to it. I am a bit surprised though at its behavior. RAID 0 perhaps for faster performance?)

As for the suggestion about Obama's next steps from the 2 kindly FoxNews gentlemen, I find it hilarious. Why? Here's the thesis: Here's how you can win, just give up. But I guess those folks did their job for the Post and generated a lot of hits. I'd rather talk about more interesting things than the latest attempt to generate outrage.

Here's where CW's columns rarely fall into the name calling trap of Left vs. Right. He brings us more interesting things than what the standard corp-O-news brings us. If the idgits are talking about it, he's probably not.

Which is why I encourage folks to support his unique brand of "reality-based commentary". It's never cliche and there's always something new.

Click in the upper righthand corner to donate! Funds are being matched up to the first $250 donated. Donate now! And we can all get back to what we do best, arm-chair politicking.

Cheers
David

Speaking of Computer/Network problems, I just HAVE to tell you about MY week.. :D

As I mentioned earlier, we have a video server set up here that has 4 hard drives in it with a total of about 2.4 Terabytes of storage.. I had just gotten in this nice little External 4X HD Enclosure that I wanted to put onto the system and make it look all nice n' purty.. Unbeknownst to me, the Enclosure was actually a RAID enclosure that takes all 4 HDs and makes one big one... But I didn't know this so, when I put the HDs in, it overwrote the data on my MOVIE hard drive.

Over 6000 family pictures and over 900 movies disappeared in the blink of an eye.. :(

The GOOD news is I was able to do a recovery that got back practically everything. But the recovery system doesn't recover the file names. It simply lists them as File0001.jpg File0002.jpg File003.avi File0004.avi..

With the pics, that's no big deal, as we use a BROWSE feature that allows us to view thumbnails of the pics.

But now I have to go thru over 900 movie files, watch a bit of the movie to learn what it is and then rename each and every one. :D

Ahhhh the life of a computer geek.. :D

Michale.....

Seriously though. Knowing how much you post here, that's a very generous offer.

It's the least I could do.. Ya'all (and CW especially) display a lot of grace in allowing me to display my thoughts here.. Unlike the "head stomping" sites that permeate the Leftist blogosphere. If CW goes under, I would be a lost babe in the woods.. OK OK, a lost fat bald guy in the woods.. :D

Just no fair pushing my buttons to up my postings!! :D

As for the Jags. Un ... effin ... believable. Saw that on TV earlier and still can't believe it.

Yea, it was pretty astounding.. I was all prepared to watch the game go into overtime.. You can bet Josh Scobee (Jags Kicker) is thanking his stars for that Hail Mary. He had blown two kicks earlier that were well within his range, either of which would have broken the tie.. Scobee definitely owes Thomas a beer or 12.. :D

CW,

Michale, thanks for your offer, too, wanted to say that as well! More later....

De nada... :D

Michale....

Wow! I spent all weekend upgrading my house's network, which involved my computer being basically off the wire for the past few days (it also involved much crawling around in the attic, but I won't bore you with that part).

In any case, just wanted to explain why I haven't reacted to your overwhelming suggestion of a fall donation drive, AND your VERY generous offer!

I think it's a great idea, but then I would, wouldn't I?

Heh. No, seriously, I am about to turn in for the evening (I'm bushed, see previous comment RE: crawling in attic), and was just checking out the site to see if everything's working, when I came across your offer. I will get some details up and running starting tomorrow, and thank you for the idea and your generousity. In other words: "Watch this space, more to follow!"

But right now, I'm falling asleep at the keyboard, so I've got to leave it there for now.

Michale, thanks for your offer, too, wanted to say that as well! More later....

:-)

-CW

Hope this doesn't post twice. Having a few network problems this eve. But just wanted to say thanks for the pledge!

If I had a tote bag or the latest David Sedaris CD I'd send it to you. That's a little NPR humor. Ok, very little. Gimme a break.

Seriously though. Knowing how much you post here, that's a very generous offer.

As for the Jags. Un ... effin ... believable. Saw that on TV earlier and still can't believe it.

Will comment on the WashPo piece later, but it's late on a Sunday so will just say thank you again before signing off.

-David

"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?" - Airplane

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/12/AR2010111202846.html

Michale.....

Fair enough..

Exactly what "egregious sins" have we "as Americans" visited upon the members of the Muslim faith..

And what about the "egregious sins" that the Muslim faith have visited upon Americans??

No mention of that???

Regardless, I share your sentiment of all organized religions as well..

To me, belief in a god is a very small step up from believing in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.

No offense to anyone here... Just how I feel about it..

Michale.....

Ordinarily I would let you have the last word but this one was just too juicy.I have stated before I am an agnostic;as such I have contempt for all religions as far as I can see very little good has come from any religion;that being said there are many demagogues(all from the right I might add)who have stoked the fires of intolerance.As much in the same vein that the right to lifers in the Christian community have gone all fringy there is a fringe in the Muslim community.I think it rather principled of someone named Barack Hussein Obama to make an apology for the egregious sins we as Americans have visited on members of the Muslim faith.

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/11/14/jaguars-hail-mary-beats-texans-video/

Check out that video..

Michale......

I never said the US was perfect.. I specifically mentioned that, yes, we do have faults..

I simply maintain that, in the totality of existence, the US is the best country on the planet..

But, let's approach this from a different angle. And, since a big part of Obama's "Apology Tour" dealt with Muslims and Islam, let's key in on that aspect.

What do you think the US should apologize for with regards to Islam and Muslims??

Once you list that, then please list what Muslims and Islam should apologize for??

We can start there and move on...

Michale.....

I am a veteran of two branches of the US Armed Forces and have served in security, LEO and CT capacities for most of my adult life.

The United States is an exceptional country despite the claims of Obama and the Democrats...

Are we a perfect country?? No, of course not... But we are, by far, the best country on the planet. :D

Michale....

Democrats could manage to market themselves on the side of "improve," I think they win.

Democrats had a year to "improve" CrapCare... They felt that it was perfect the way it is.

Why do you think all of the sudden, Dems are going to change??

Granted, they got their asses to them at the last election. But, judging from all the quotes since the mid-terms, Dems STILL don't get it..

Americans want healthcare REFORM..

CrapCare ain't it. Period.

I like your idea about giving CW a nice christmas gift..

Here's my pledge.. I'll donate $0.50 for every post I make starting with this commentary.. :D

Michale....

Comes with the territory of being the only remaining Superpower...

At least, we were until Obama got elected...

Michale.....

This leads me to propose the first ever CHRIS WEIGANT FALL FUND DRIVE!

Yes, we interrupt these comments for a quick pitch for CW.

You can find any number of progressive blogs that scream about the latest zaniness from conservatives and fall into the back and forth game of "Who's Nuttier?", but few ignore this game and focus on the larger picture.

Few also have CW's sense of humor and intricate knowledge of American history. I learn new things here all the time.

For example: Where else would you learn about Brazil electing an actual clown?

That said, I'm going to put my money where my mouth is (silencing me and likely pleasing many) and announce a matching grant of $250 from now through Xmas.

I will match donations up to the first $250 raised for Chris. If y'all can pitch in $250 together, then this would be a $500 xmas present for CW.

$1 a week is a $52 donation. Or pledge based on how many comments you make (I'm talking to you, Michale :) )!

For each dollar you donate, up until $250 total is reached, I'll match your contribution.

To donate, all you have to do is click on the button on the upper right-hand side of this web page.

And if you donate early, I'll stop interrupting the comments. Thought I'd start here with the Weigantites, but will probably go over to HuffPo as well (*sigh*).

Any CW pledge drive ideas or help are also welcome - y'all are a pretty creative bunch!

Help our favorite writer on the Interwebs with a little extra Xmas scratch! Donate now and encourage others to donate!

Cheers
-David

p.s. CW, I'm assuming you can track donations through Xmas and let me know at akadjian@yahoo.com. Apologies, I should have talked to you about this before announcing, but I thought it would be a nice surprise.

p.s.s. My FTP comment for the day:

A new poll just out shows almost six in ten Americans want to keep what we passed intact or even make it stronger, while less than four in ten wanted to see it repealed.

This is really good. The trick here I think is "repeal" vs. "improve". Republicans have already put themselves on the side of repeal, if Democrats could manage to market themselves on the side of "improve," I think they win.

The top three listings are CW.COM!!! :D

I hope that's not true.

As a fan of this site, that would be very disappointing and disheartening ...

Color me embarrassed.. :^/

Michale.....

Do a GOOGLE on Majority Americans Repeal CrapCare...

The top three listings are CW.COM!!! :D

Michale.....

I would contest this...

While there are a couple individual aspects of CrapCare that Independents like, Independents and NPAs are overwhelmingly against CrapCare.

The majority of Americans support repeal of CrapCare in it's entirety and then replace it with something that actually reforms Health Care...

Michale.....

I would have to disagree with this..

The rest of the world couldn't care less about the working poor and middle class of America..

The US has lost esteem and clout in the world because the very first thing Obama did upon being elected is go abroad and tell the rest of the world how bad America is...

Michale.....

...Stan