Wednesday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 01:58:35 PM EST
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In case you missed it, President Obama signed a bill labeled "financial reform." Since I do not think the bill particularly meaningful (not even the consumer agency part), I have chosen not to blog about it.

Open Thread.

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Wednesday Morning Open Thread | 80 comments (80 topical)

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"I have chosen not to blog about it." (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:35:27 PM EST

I guess the same goes for the NCAA investigation of the Gators (and 'Bama).

EsssssEeeeeeSeeeeeee greed--catch it!

You're back! (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:38:23 PM EST

Where the hell have you been? Hope all is well.

Parent

Recovering. (5.00 / 2) (#11)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:41:35 PM EST

A tough battle. Thanks for asking.

Parent

Was thinking about you... (5.00 / 3) (#17)
by kdog on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:50:36 PM EST

last night rockin' out with Sublime with Rome...good show man. If they come by Denver way and you're up to it, check 'em out.

And not to sound like Mama MileHi, but be sure to at least check-in with us every so often...you had your cyber family worried!

Parent

I was going to ask you... (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:55:53 PM EST

...how that was. Its hard for me to imagine seeing "Sublime" without Bradley. Did they play all the old classics?

Parent

Yeah man... (none / 0) (#22)
by kdog on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:09:54 PM EST

I think they played one new song...the rest were the greatest hits. I hear they've got a new record planned after the tour.

I give Rome credit...big big shoes to fill, and he tries to bring his own style instead of doing a straight mimic. The guy's legit.

Parent

: I think... (none / 0) (#54)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 10:59:06 PM EST

...I heard the new song on the radio on the way to dinner tonight. Not bad.
But yeah, ain't nobody that can fill Brad's shoes but Brad.

Parent

Good thoughts (5.00 / 2) (#19)
by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:55:55 PM EST

And I won't even think about poaching Ferentz for the Gators when Meyer leaves in the future . . .

Parent

Maybe the Donkey's... (none / 0) (#20)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:03:07 PM EST

...will poach him when Josh McIdiot gets run out of town on a rail.

I'm definitely ready for some football...

Stanziball '10 baby!

Parent

While sitting at Coors Field watching (none / 0) (#21)
by oculus on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:08:00 PM EST

the Rockies beat the Pads with numerous homeruns, the Denver resident sitting next to me (a high school friend of my brother's) asked if I went to Chargers games. I sd., no. Asked if he is a Broncos fan. He sd., yes. I sd. you got Tim Tebow! He was non-responsive except to ask why I cared. I sd. he is good looking but politically the opposite of me. He sd., where are you as to politics. I sd., pretty liberal. He sd., I used to be politically liberal.

Parent

Tebow... (none / 0) (#23)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:20:05 PM EST

...is not even close to being the great American and patriot that Ricky Stanzi is.

Other than the Pads losing, did you enjoy your trip to Coors?

Parent

: Yes, indeed. Beautiful venue. (none / 0) (#24)
by oculus on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:23:12 PM EST

Pads won the next day but I was in Silverthorne!

Parent

Use to be... (none / 0) (#45)
by jimakaPPJ on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 05:13:24 PM EST

Lotta that going around.

Parent

Is the new kidney functioning properly? (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by oculus on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:25:02 PM EST

Certainly hope so. Best wishes.

Parent

Wow, new kidney?! (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by andgarden on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:37:10 PM EST

I had no idea. I'm glad to see that you're on the mend.

Parent

You have been missed (5.00 / 2) (#28)
by sher on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:42:25 PM EST

continued prayers for your recovery

Parent

Sending You Robust Recovery Wishes (5.00 / 4) (#49)
by daring grace on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 06:40:47 PM EST

dear Mile Hi...

Parent

Thanks... (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 11:02:07 PM EST

...for the good thoughts everyone! Kidney is working fine so far--it is the side effects of the meds that are problematic right now. And the new huge scar that's been added to the collection...

Parent

: Ha. I empathize. (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 11:25:27 PM EST

I have one of those scars -- from removal, not transplant, of a kidney -- from the old days long ago. I understood that scars were much smaller these days. Not so, huh?
And I've got keloid skin, so it's wide as well as long! -- about halfway around me. One of my kids who was into magic as a boy used to enjoy my stories of having been the lady in the magician's box on the day that the magician's sword slipped. Try that at the beach, if need be -- in my days of two-piece suits, I used to get some stares. :-)
(Serious note: As one who was told half a century ago that I might need a new kidney someday, I have followed your odyssey, worried along with others here when we didn't hear from you, and am glad to hear that all went as well as can be. But, ugh, kidney meds. Don't let them get you down. You're going to win this round.)

Parent
: I'm so glad it is working well (none / 0) (#72)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 01:43:29 PM EST

I'm desensitized to scars on my children though now. There are usually four new incisions on Joshua's back every six months. And now they have to put extra collagen pads between his skin and the titanium so that it doesn't eventually break down his skin and become exposed. A new nurse practitioner asked to see his back last week and check its healing when he had a sinus infection. She had never seen it before, and when she pulled up his shirt she quickly sucked in her breath and I realized that scars mean all sorts of things to everyone...but I'm numb now :)

Parent

Bernanke's Greenspan moment (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by ding7777 on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:48:46 PM EST

Chairman Ben Bernanke called the economic outlook "unusually uncertain"

CNN is about to run, for the first time (none / 0) (#1)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:11:11 PM EST

on your teevee screens, the entire tape (about 35 minutes) of the Sherrod speech from 1986 (as I recall), which may settle some of the debates here about what she said, what the audience did, etc.

Oh, and early in her speech (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:38:53 PM EST

in talking about good jobs for the young people in her audience, she recommends the USDA -- and asks "have you ever heard of anyone in the federal government losing their job"?

That will be excerpted and go viral, too, I bet.

Parent

: Here's the full speech (none / 0) (#13)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:44:35 PM EST

from My DD -- and note that early on, Sherrod notes (on the anniversary of her father's murder and the role of an infamous sheriff) that she is a cousin of Bobby Hall, from a significant civil rights case before the Supreme Court.
Oh, my. The White House really stepped in it. She is part of a family of a civil rights movement hero.

Parent
: Since Sherrod has in fact lost her job (none / 0) (#14)
by ding7777 on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:44:57 PM EST

I'm not sure a youtube viral will have its intended effect.

Parent

The speech... (none / 0) (#2)
by Tony on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:14:51 PM EST

was not from 1986, unless there is another speech in question? 1986 is when the incident occurred, and she references it in a recent speech (in many recent speeches, apparently, she says).

Parent

I think you are right (none / 0) (#3)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:18:02 PM EST

The speech was from this past March, telling a story about what she did 24 yrs ago.

Parent

Ah, thank you, sorry -- (none / 0) (#4)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:18:08 PM EST

as I'm trying to remember all the oddities in this.

Btw, from the presser: Sherrod was the first African American in Georgia ever hired for her position. Reporter states that in asking what is being done by the first African American ever hired, by Americans, for his position. . . .

Parent

I turned on CNN (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:38:06 PM EST

since you were 'enjoying' it. I'm working at home today, so I can do that.

Playing the whole speech now.

But gees, is that Rick Sanchez a buffoon or what? I normally only see him in Daily Show tapes.

Parent

Sanchez is... is... (5.00 / 1) (#57)
by gyrfalcon on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 11:27:07 PM EST

all I can do is sputter. The guy is an insufferable clown. And he repeatedly during today's program did his level best to make it seem as though all of this happened because of him. As in, "After we played the tape on this program on Monday, the White House did thus and so." FEH!!!

I can't stand that guy. Unfortunately, the alternatives at that time of day are the even more insufferable O'Reilly wannabe Dylan Ratigan on MSNBC and the unspeakable Neil Cavuto on Fox at 4:00. At 3:00, there's the always interesting and unpredictable Shepard Smith on Fox for an hour-- when he's not taking the day off once or twice a week.

But man, 3 to 5 is a near wasteland, and it's the time period I'm usually in the mood to watch some, um, news, not circuses.

Parent

Ratigan (none / 0) (#63)
by NYShooter on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 02:39:52 AM EST

is not too bad, imo. He really "takes it to" the bankers and their pundits whenever they're guests.

He was fired from CNBC once for getting into a Producer's face(through his ear piece), while on the air. He vehemently refused to go along with the "here's the other side of the story," and "for another perspective.." bla bla bla. He also won't shill for the "stock market only goes up" crowd so prevalent with the other hosts.

anyway, just one man's opinion...

Parent

Have you seen him recently? (5.00 / 1) (#68)
by gyrfalcon on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 07:49:16 AM EST

Parent

uh, oh (none / 0) (#71)
by NYShooter on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 12:39:31 PM EST

....no (timidly)

was there a transformation I should be aware of?

Parent

Tune in sometime and see what you think (none / 0) (#78)
by gyrfalcon on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 11:02:38 PM EST

I didn't see him in his earlier incarnation, so I have no basis for giving him the benefit of the doubt. But he's now doing almost non-stop ranting and raving about usually unspecified "special interests," which seem to be his explanation for pretty much everything.

His ideology seems to me to be completely incoherent, not un-reminiscent of tea party stuff. I not infrequently tune in for a minute to find him falling all over himself with praise for some loathesome right-winger. He acts as if he's on some kind of crusade, but darned if I can figure out what the point is other than just railing.

It's pretty Glenn Beck-ish, though his IQ is obviously about quadruple that of Beck's. He seems to me to be playing an unusually self-indulgent game in aid of ginning up a following and therefore ratings.

I haven't seriously studied him because I can't stand the ranting and conspiracy theories long enough, but that's the impression I get.

Parent

: I'll check him out, but (none / 0) (#80)
by NYShooter on Fri Jul 23, 2010 at 01:41:35 AM EST

I hope we're talking about the same guy: DYLAN RATIGAN
He was & is a financial pundit and host. He does get a little wild at times, mainly talking (shouting?) over his guests ala C. Mathews.
Just doesn't seem to fit your description, but I will look him up again.

Parent

CNN is advertising that they are bumping him (none / 0) (#73)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 01:46:48 PM EST

to prime time. He drives me nuts too.

Parent

CNN? (none / 0) (#74)
by NYShooter on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 04:49:55 PM EST

Are you sure?

Parent

MT must be talking about Sanchez on CNN (none / 0) (#75)
by DFLer on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 05:55:21 PM EST

Gyrefalcon talking about Ratigan?

...the Hairy Hungarian. I love his show. His main theme these days is how the banksters and Wall Street suck all the money out of the system, and nothing gets to the other, formerly "real", economy.

Parent

I was talking Sanchez (none / 0) (#76)
by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 07:34:04 PM EST

I just saw Ratigan for the first time today, but got called away. He seems to come with his own hoopla too and dunno why. I still dunno who he is yet :)

Parent

: check him out (none / 0) (#77)
by DFLer on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 09:02:36 PM EST

formerly on CNBC
He is a fierce advocate for many of the right things, IMO

Parent

Sanchez is only on primetime (none / 0) (#79)
by gyrfalcon on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 11:04:04 PM EST

to bridge the time between Campbell Brown's departure and the debut of the new Spitzer-whatshername show.

Parent

I watched a youtube of the first (none / 0) (#10)
by BTAL on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:39:54 PM EST

5-6 minutes of the speech.

What caught my ear was her acknowledging the "president of the NAACP" as being in attendance.

Was this a national level event? Was Jealous actually there? If so, hmmmm.

Parent

Interesting. I saw Jealous on tv (none / 0) (#15)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:45:28 PM EST

yesterday, and I'm sorry to say that he came off as a blathering idiot. Not handling this well at all.

Parent

Indeed (5.00 / 1) (#59)
by gyrfalcon on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 11:46:57 PM EST

Full of justifications and rationalizations.

I thought Vilsack today, by contrast, was terrific-- no exuses, genuine remorse, repeated acknowledgement that he didn't know what he should have known about not just Sherrod but how to deal with this kind of situation in general, all in all a pretty abject mea culpa for the whole mess. I was impressed and surprised.

Parent

: yeah, I was (none / 0) (#64)
by NYShooter on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 02:43:41 AM EST

surprised yesterday when I heard how badly he bungled this in the beginning. Just didn't seem like the Vilsack I knew. Rahm-O-bama must be contagious.
Anyway, glad to hear he got his footing.

Parent

I think she meant the pres. (none / 0) (#58)
by gyrfalcon on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 11:44:23 PM EST

of the local chapter.

Parent

Great takedown of Richard Cohen (none / 0) (#6)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:36:12 PM EST

over at Salon

Perfect example of the predefined narrative driving the MSM commentary.

The Early Daze, pt. 13 (none / 0) (#12)
by Dadler on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 02:41:44 PM EST

After a month's hiatus, the memoir blog is 4800 words fatter.

Happy humpday, peeps.

Still killin' it Dadler... (none / 0) (#35)
by kdog on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:58:38 PM EST

was reminded of Bukowski in this installment...he woulda fit right in at that electrical supply shop.

Good stuff man...

Parent

: TY (none / 0) (#61)
by Dadler on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 12:42:36 AM EST

Still plugging along.

Parent

Vilsack to do a statement 4:45 est (none / 0) (#26)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:33:57 PM EST

Not sure if he is taking questions.

Hope he sacks himself. (5.00 / 3) (#29)
by oculus on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:43:57 PM EST

Parent

Knee jerk jerk (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by Militarytracy on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 07:21:53 PM EST

Parent

CNN reporting (none / 0) (#30)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:48:17 PM EST

Vilsack called Sherrod and apologized and offered her a job at the department. Not clear if it is the same job. she is thinking about it.

Parent

I must modify my Rick Sanchez (none / 0) (#32)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:50:27 PM EST

view. He is pretty good when he is more relaxed and not in CNN fast-talk mode.

Parent

Agreed -- and CNN has been good (5.00 / 1) (#38)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:10:30 PM EST

throughout the day on this.

It also did some self-examination, congratulating itself for not jumping on the bandwagon about Sherrod as it examined the story but also talking about how it could work harder in future to get the real story faster.

And CNN is naming names, not only Fox News but also tracking through the pile-on of coverage to point out which blatherer first called for her firing:

Bill O' Reilly.

Parent

Being tasered on t.v. (none / 0) (#34)
by MKS on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:58:03 PM EST

is what I remember about Rick Sanchez....

Also, having Charlize Theron seriously come on to him during an interview by asking him to make-out.

Parent

I enjoyed seeing him tazed (5.00 / 2) (#43)
by brodie on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:15:04 PM EST

as most normal viewers probably did, and the other time when he nearly drowned as he frantically tried to get out of the submerged automobile. Obviously, somehow through the miracle of television, he survived both efforts to get him off the air ... ; )

Did not know about Rick and Charlize's tête-à-tête. Must check that one out later.

I see a lot of that breezy conversational style of anchoring in Sanchez that's a little too eerily reminiscent of one Tom Snyder from the 70s. The cool-guy casual attitude, the Snyderesque way he tends to look away while speaking then comes back to speak into the camera, his habit of talking to the crew in light banter during the show.

Small doses type anchorman before you just get fed up and can't take it any more.

Parent

: Wow, younare right about the Tom Snyder (none / 0) (#65)
by ruffian on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 05:45:26 AM EST

similarity. Funny. Maybe a late night show would be abetter fit. Anyway, I'm glad I usually do not watch during the day. When I say I modified my view, it basically went from -5 to 0 on a scale of 10!

Parent

Vilsack offers her a different job (none / 0) (#41)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:13:24 PM EST

which sounds fairly undefined. And it sounds like it could be in Washington, or perhaps just consulting from the field on how to clean up racial problems in USDA.

Now, I want to know if she is the one who did not want her same job back. I mean, the woman is past 60, and maybe she does not want to have to learn a new job. If she does, though, more power to her.

And I especially like that she told him that she needed a few days to think about it. Hahahahaha, I hope he feels like a high school bad boy getting strung along, because he certainly acted like a high schooler.

Parent

: Yup, good for her (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:15:19 PM EST

I'm sure he would have liked to announce a happy ending. but he seemed understanding of her wanting to take her time.

Parent

Very sincere (5.00 / 2) (#39)
by waldenpond on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:10:47 PM EST

He was very sincere in his apology. She was put through hell, he asked for her forgiveness and she was gracious enough to give it.

He had alot of meaningful statements to make about civil rights and the Dept in general.

Parent

Yes, I thought he was good (5.00 / 2) (#42)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:13:49 PM EST

One of the better public apologies.

Parent

Best one I ever heard (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by gyrfalcon on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 11:51:45 PM EST

and the most convincing. Quite surprising. He was very stern and full of himself prior, and in this he sounded genuinely PO'd at himself. None of this "I didn't do it, but as the secretary, I take full responsibility" garbage. He took complete ownership of the debacle. A bigger man than I had given him credit for.

Parent

: Yes - I was worried he would stray (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by ruffian on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 05:49:02 AM EST

into 'i'm sorry if people were offended' territory but he never did. Very up front about what mistakes he made.
Of course he was so clearly and publicly wrong he would have had people calling for his job with anything less than a complete mea culpa.

Parent

Speaking of consumer protection agency, (none / 0) (#31)
by DFLer on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:49:02 PM EST

whatever happened to the story that Geitner opposed Elizabeth Warren as possible head of agency?

Apparently she has pissed him off with her attitudes and questions on various panels.

from Kevin Drum:

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has expressed opposition to the possible nomination of Elizabeth Warren to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to a source with knowledge of Geithner's views.
....It's no secret the watchdog and the Treasury Secretary have had a tenuous relationship. Geithner's critics have enjoyed watching Warren question him during his four appearances before her panel. Her tough, probing questions on the Wall Street bailout and his role in it -- often delivered with a smile -- are featured on YouTube. One video is headlined "Elizabeth Warren Makes Timmy Geithner Squirm."

Additionally, Sen Dodd thinks she is too controversial to be confirmed. Last I heard about this, there was movement on behalf of Warren by Sen Harkin. I want to hear more.

Oh, Timmy doesn't like her "attitude"? (5.00 / 2) (#46)
by Cream City on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 05:36:16 PM EST

Uh huh. Heard that one before. Bet I know what it means -- about her, but more about him.

Parent

: Exposing the scams... (none / 0) (#70)
by kdog on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 08:43:50 AM EST

that rip off hard working Americans every second of every banking hour is an attitude?
Yeah, I guess it is...the right attitude!
I don't think it's her womanhood that has brought out the hound dogs...it's her knowledge of the inner-workings of the scams. Timmy wants somebody who either doesn't understand the scams or will go along with them.

Parent

I have not heard more either (none / 0) (#33)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 03:52:20 PM EST

and I have been paying attention to that story. I did not like Dodd's remarks I heard on Young Turks the other day, going out of his way to say she would be hard to confirm, and there were many qualified people.

Parent

follow the "controversial" link above to (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by DFLer on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:06:44 PM EST

David Sirota who makes the point that "controversial" didn't stop the WH from appointing Gary Gensler, the former Goldman Sachs executive, to head the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, for example.

Parent

Yup. Read that. (5.00 / 2) (#37)
by ruffian on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:09:09 PM EST

I'd say they are trying as hard as they can to not appoint her.

Parent

: yup...makes me love Timmeh even more! (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by DFLer on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 04:13:06 PM EST

Parent

Sad news for Massachusetts. (none / 0) (#47)
by dk on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 05:51:08 PM EST

Margaret Marshall, the Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, who authored the Goodridge decision legalizing gay marriage in our state, announced today that she will be retiring.

Since I disagree with BTD and don't buy the weakness argument regarding the Democratic leadership (IOW, I don't think they're scared or weak on the economy or civil rights, but rather they're doing what they and their corporate bosses want to do), it's sad to see a true advocate for liberal interests go. But, if anyone deserves a rest, it is she.

CA Supreme Court CJ George is (none / 0) (#48)
by oculus on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 05:58:12 PM EST

retiring and the Gov. will appoint the first Asian/American female CJ.

Parent

: And if confirmed (none / 0) (#53)
by nycstray on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 10:39:37 PM EST

will make the court majority female :)

Parent

The New Lepers (none / 0) (#51)
by squeaky on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 09:15:23 PM EST

digby, on Mosque-phobia near ground zero

They Aren't Even Trying To Hide It

Opposition to the construction of mosques has skyrocketed in cities and towns across the country, scholars and advocates of Muslim culture tell The Upshot.
Public protests against three planned mosques have made news in the past week: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin joined others in opposition to the building of a mosque a few blocks from the World Trade Center site.....

I have no problem with the Mosque. That area in lower Manhattan, is perfect place for a Mosque, imo.

Instead of the tower, that is being built now, I would have preferred a large park, stocked with wild boar, a lake with trout, maybe a couple of deer..

really now, the former gov of Alaska (5.00 / 1) (#67)
by ruffian on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 05:54:31 AM EST

would have hunted the wild boar right out of your park!

Definitely agree with you both. There are megachurches going up all over the place, and they get police traffic direction on Sundays. Mosques should have the same rights, no matter where they are.

Parent

I woulda vote for a legitimate casino... (5.00 / 1) (#69)
by kdog on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 08:20:09 AM EST

not the Wall St. kind...I'm talking legit with blackjack, roulette, craps...the whole nine. Tourism would skyrocket...the city that never sleeps needs a proper casino.

But I don't have a problem with a mosque...the best part of this whole thing is watching the haters tie themselves into ideological knots when you mention freedom of religion. "But but but...9/11, 9/11...but but but".

Parent

I really wish the former (none / 0) (#52)
by nycstray on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 10:38:54 PM EST

Gov of Alaska would STFU about the Mosque in NYC. Does she not understand NYC? (another reason she should STFU).

I'm not there anymore, but I happen to be a big fan of co-mingling. (Thankfully, my new hood in CA is a fan also ;)) I think the idea of the Mosque and COMMUNITY CENTER etc are a great idea. I like your park idea also. I now happen to live within walking (if you're up for a good walk) of a wildlife area. No boar that I know of though . . . you can fish and catch site of deer round here :)

Parent

: Wow, Sounds Amazing (none / 0) (#62)
by squeaky on Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 12:55:13 AM EST

And you are lucky not to have wild boar around, they are not nice creatures, pretty ill tempered.

Parent

Wednesday Morning Open Thread | 80 comments (80 topical)

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