




if (typeof(disqus_iframe_css) == 'undefined') {
	disqus_iframe_css = '';
}
if (typeof(disqus_def_name) == 'undefined') {
	disqus_def_name = '';
}
if (typeof(disqus_def_email) == 'undefined') {
	disqus_def_email = '';
}
if (typeof(disqus_skip_auth) == 'undefined') {
	disqus_skip_auth = false;
}
if (typeof(disqus_default_text) == 'undefined') {
	disqus_default_text = 'Type your comment here.';
}

(function(){
	
	var ie = document.uniqueID
		&& document.compatMode
		&& !window.XMLHttpRequest
		&& document.execCommand ;

	try {
		if(!!ie) {
			document.execCommand("BackgroundImageCache", false, true);
		}
	} catch(e) {};
})();

var Dsq = new function() {
	this.container = document.getElementById('dsq-content');
	this.jsonData = {"reactions": [], "has_more_reactions": false, "users": {"Sepia": {"username": "Sepia", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Sepia", "url": "http://disqus.com/Sepia/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 4801, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/9/5173/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Suprk": {"username": "Suprk", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Suprk", "url": "http://disqus.com/Suprk/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 54, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/9/5324/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a": {"username": "Michelle", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Michelle", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "514ece7311946709a77d340a35a81d09": {"username": "Micheline", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Micheline", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/514ece7311946709a77d340a35a81d09/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "evita": {"username": "evita", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "evita", "url": "http://disqus.com/evita/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://blog.evavegadiversity.com/", "remote_domain": null, "points": 454, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/3247/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "hustleandfloe": {"username": "hustleandfloe", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "hustleandfloe", "url": "http://disqus.com/hustleandfloe/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://www.hustleandfloe.com", "remote_domain": null, "points": 20, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/9/7107/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "b8b9328e61e0094ae18e247c922f9dc7": {"username": "Jay", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Jay", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/b8b9328e61e0094ae18e247c922f9dc7/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "rikyrah": {"username": "rikyrah", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "rikyrah", "url": "http://disqus.com/rikyrah/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 3391, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Texas_Girl_in_LA": {"username": "Texas_Girl_in_LA", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Texas_Girl_in_LA", "url": "http://disqus.com/Texas_Girl_in_LA/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 391, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/4043/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "CraigHickman": {"username": "CraigHickman", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "CraigHickman", "url": "http://disqus.com/CraigHickman/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://craighickman.blogspot.com", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1692, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/2947/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "bajanlady": {"username": "bajanlady", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "bajanlady", "url": "http://disqus.com/bajanlady/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 3, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "acumberbatch", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "pjamma": {"username": "pjamma", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "pjamma", "url": "http://disqus.com/pjamma/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 520, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "ce6aa58e6423b98fc646d33fcc334f28": {"username": "monica", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "monica", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/ce6aa58e6423b98fc646d33fcc334f28/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "kenyaw": {"username": "kenyaw", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "kenyaw", "url": "http://disqus.com/kenyaw/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "in/carterred", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 16, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/3390/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "antennaness": {"username": "antennaness", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "antennaness", "url": "http://disqus.com/antennaness/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 57, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/10/6361/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "6c773dc5da2f5373aee2e9eaa0341d3f": {"username": "LIL", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "LIL", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/6c773dc5da2f5373aee2e9eaa0341d3f/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "lamh": {"username": "lamh", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "lamh32", "url": "http://disqus.com/lamh/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1774, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/3483/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "60266805bc0d9559a62514e1e769b750": {"username": "parker404", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "parker404", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/60266805bc0d9559a62514e1e769b750/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "cb93b9ff117458885d94610b38060c05": {"username": "Guest", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Guest", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/cb93b9ff117458885d94610b38060c05/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "RobM": {"username": "RobM", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "RobM", "url": "http://disqus.com/RobM/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1318, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "JJai": {"username": "JJai", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "JJai", "url": "http://disqus.com/JJai/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 98, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/9/276/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b": {"username": "Miranda", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Miranda", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Town": {"username": "Town", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Town", "url": "http://disqus.com/Town/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 5447, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "313c8f108b43104806fa6f1472af3f83": {"username": "Liza", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Liza", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/313c8f108b43104806fa6f1472af3f83/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://www.seesaw.typepad.com", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Monie": {"username": "Monie", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Monie", "url": "http://disqus.com/Monie/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1104, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "dcf8f12a33c7941947fdd53f5ff10e73": {"username": "tc", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "tc", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/dcf8f12a33c7941947fdd53f5ff10e73/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Admiral_Komack": {"username": "Admiral_Komack", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Admiral_Komack", "url": "http://disqus.com/Admiral_Komack/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1036, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Coby_D": {"username": "Coby_D", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "D.", "url": "http://disqus.com/Coby_D/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com", "remote_domain": null, "points": 440, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/3378/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "womanistmusings": {"username": "womanistmusings", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "womanistmusings", "url": "http://disqus.com/womanistmusings/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://www.womanist-musings.com/", "remote_domain": null, "points": 390, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/4/5739/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "RonnieB": {"username": "RonnieB", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "RonnieB", "url": "http://disqus.com/RonnieB/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1207, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/3549/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Anderkoo": {"username": "Anderkoo", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Anderkoo", "url": "http://disqus.com/Anderkoo/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 50, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "claudia_m": {"username": "claudia_m", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "claudia_m", "url": "http://disqus.com/claudia_m/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "http://www.thebottomofheaven.com", "remote_domain": null, "points": 36, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/10/5543/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf": {"username": "lamh31", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "lamh31", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Lilytiger": {"username": "Lilytiger", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Lilytiger", "url": "http://disqus.com/Lilytiger/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 366, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/8/3435/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "NMP": {"username": "NMP", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "NMP", "url": "http://disqus.com/NMP/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 455, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "ecb8e53ad4dc175b15ab69340dd091f1": {"username": "ljf", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "ljf", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/ecb8e53ad4dc175b15ab69340dd091f1/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "nickwah22": {"username": "nickwah22", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "nickwah22", "url": "http://disqus.com/nickwah22/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 58, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/8/4252/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa": {"username": "TRW", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "TRW", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "MsKitty": {"username": "MsKitty", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "MsKitty", "url": "http://disqus.com/MsKitty/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1017, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/6838/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Sombody_took_my_username": {"username": "Sombody_took_my_username", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "TruthSeeker", "url": "http://disqus.com/Sombody_took_my_username/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 817, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/2951/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "f99b71f730d688c841df51f080d2bc23": {"username": "slowyaroll", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "slowyaroll", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/f99b71f730d688c841df51f080d2bc23/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "4d9312cd58c7caeb087835daea9d59b6": {"username": "Teacher", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Teacher", "url": "http://disqus.com/guest/4d9312cd58c7caeb087835daea9d59b6/", "registered": false, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": null, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar32.png", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": false, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "Val2": {"username": "Val2", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "Val", "url": "http://disqus.com/Val2/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 1833, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/19/8778/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}, "GreenLadyHere": {"username": "GreenLadyHere", "tumblr": "", "display_name": "GreenLadyHere", "url": "http://disqus.com/GreenLadyHere/", "registered": true, "linkedin": "", "blog": "", "remote_domain": null, "points": 600, "facebook": "", "avatar": "http://media.disqus.com/uploads/users/5/4286/avatar32.jpg", "delicious": "", "is_remote": false, "verified": true, "flickr": "", "twitter": "", "remote_domain_name": ""}}, "forum": {"use_media": true, "name": "Jack and Jill Politics", "streaming_realtime": false, "url": "jackandjillpolitics", "allow_anon_post": false, "reactions_enabled": true, "reply_position": 1, "show_avatar": true, "allow_anon_votes": false, "disqus_auth_disabled": false}, "realtime_enabled": false, "request": {"username": "", "is_global_moderator": false, "sharing": {}, "sort": 4, "forum": "jackandjillpolitics", "is_initial_load": true, "is_authenticated": false, "timestamp": "2009-12-09_14:35:32", "remote_domain": "", "page": 1, "is_moderator": false, "display_username": "", "points": null, "subscribe_on_post": 2, "moderator_can_edit": false, "is_remote": false, "is_verified": false, "missing_perm": "login"}, "realtime_paused": false, "posts": {"2522628": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thank you. You get so worked up in your commentary. ;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:01:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522528, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527671": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Teacher:  O-Man is taking it strong to da hoop!!   Boo-yah!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:48:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527396, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523658": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "My point is that Obama cannot APPROVE this bill as it is CONSTITUTED for the reasons I cited above He is still a SENATOR and gets a voice. As of now I have seen nothing from him opposing this billexcept executive compensation.<br><br>Which is more important talking about EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION or HOW TO SAVE AMERICAN HOMEOWNERS? Executive compensation is a distraction from the issue at hand; saving the financial system. Distraction from the real issues is something we all care about and WHY WE ARE BACKING OBAMA.<br><br>Another thing he is a constitutional scholar. He had no impact on the Patriot Bill because he didn't have a voice on the Senate Floor. Now that he is there he is going to approve a bill w/ NO RECOURSE TO THE COURTS? Opposing this aspect of the bill that is a political plus right there and he isn't using it.<br><br>As to calling Obama, I have said HELL to the No on this bill from day one. I have told everyone to call their Senators and congressman to vote NO as this bill is currently.<br><br>Since I was turned on to this blog I have written about economic and foreign policy issues. I have said as a whole AfricanAmericans are going to up OUR education levels on issues we never ever thought about: anybody remember BALTIC DRY SHIPPING INDEX RATES. I post articles from people in the economic field way above my pay grade. That is why I came down on Barack Obama so hard.  He is the leader of the party.  Information and positions should be flowing from his office so as to make sure not only Barack Obama but every Senate and Congressional seat Democrats are contesting is won.  All I am seeing all day long is comments from Barney Frank, the Clintons, Sen Chuck-where is the microphone- Schumer, et al about this crisis. Obama gets interviewed by John Hargrove CNBC- is good and fair- and he talks about executive pay? WTF! <br><br>Taxpayers have figured out that $700,000,000,000 is coming out of their pocket. Obama is coming across weak by not talking directly to them about their concerns which starts with STAYING IN THEIR HOMES. Admiral Komack and I have both pointed out in this thread that the bigots are already out saying the N@##$%^ are responsible. Obama should be ahead of this.<br><br>So I say again Obama wake up.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:17:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521684, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527755": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Equally offensive was...\"let McCain be lynched in the street.\" I tried to reread the post and then saw that.   Is this current financial situation a mess?  Absolutely.  But this type of commentary is totally uncalled for.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:57:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521524, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521103": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "GreenLadyHere,<br><br>This is for you. A pastor that breaks it down to the point you are like...<i>woah</i>. He is speaking about the take away from the RNC and the VP candidate. <br><br>Listen to it. You will not be disappointed. <br><br><a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al_y3g77ZsA rel=\"nofollow\">Preach...Brotha....Preach....</a href>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:58:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Texas_Girl_in_LA", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527552": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Major props to Mr. Martin!!  <br><br>Thanks for this information.  :&gt;)<br><br>Thank Y'ALL for having FEWER daily threads!  IMHO, this allows me to READ & RESPOND in more depth! [Maybe I'm a slow reader?  :&gt;)]<br><br>Again, thanks to you/JJP!   <br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:36:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527097, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528088": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I am actually very interested to see how her pow-wow with these UN leaders goes.  At this point, I wouldn't want her to go on vacation to another country, much less represent America.<br><br>Will this be the icing on the cake for the MSM if she truly screws this up?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:30:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "nickwah22", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2528026, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521107": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah:  Went \"Field Trippin'\" to the Daily Kos and found this.<br><br><a href=\"http://majorityleader.house.gov/links_and_resources/whip_resources/dailyleader.cfm?pressreleaseID=2553\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://majorityleader.house.gov/links_and_resou...</a><br>Office of the House Democratic Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer<br><br><i>\t<br>FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008<br>House Meets At\u2026 10:30 am:  Morning Hour \t<br>Last Vote Predicted\u2026  7:00 pm<br><br>12:00 p.m.: Legislative Business<br>Unlimited \u201cOne Minutes\u201d Per Side<br>\t  <br><b>Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.<br>Suspensions (31 Bills):</b></i><br><br>While there is a dire and absolutely pressing need to work on this economic crisis, LOOK what is NOT getting done today.[See article for the list of 31.] <br><br>Just another perspective on the devastation caused by Shrub, et al NOT taking care of the economic business of this country!!  <br><br>Seems, to me, as if he's acted like that <b>LAME DUCK</b> for a longer period of time than I was thinking. [Like maybe his whole second term!]<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:58:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521114": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "wonderful job. face-to-face contact matters.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:58:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527777": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "nickwah22:  \"AS The Stomach Turns!\"   [Music:  dum!    dum!    dum!]  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:59:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527648, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529314": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hey guys,<br><br>I've got a new diary up on Dkos talking about Urban Radio Host, and the AA community.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/22/224053/260/111/607056\" rel=\"nofollow\">Once You Go Black...Pollsters Underestimating African American Voter Turnout</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_23:34:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "lamh", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521639": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Evita,<br>Thank you.<br><br>Obama/Biden '08!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:42:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "kenyaw", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527272": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is terrific, Evita!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:06:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sombody_took_my_username", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520618": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Great job, Evita!  Kudos!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:21:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "JJai", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523691": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This has been a Republican talking point for the last week, that giving home loans to minorities and those with bad credit is why we're in the mess we're in today (not speculators, etc).<br><br>My question is WHY single out \"minorities?\"  Giving a home loan to ANYONE with risky credit, limited ability to pay it back or collateral is usually not a good idea.  So why single out \"minorities,\" as if giving risky loans to white people is swell?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:19:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 12, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523535, "depth": 2, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522159": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Texas_Girl:  <b>LAWD HAVE MERCY!!  LAWD HAVE MERCY!!  LAWD HAVE MERCY!!</b><br><br><b>SPEAK!  SPEAK!!  SPEAK!!</b><br><br>I was standing the WHOLE TIME!!  I promise you!!  He didn't take a Deep Breath!!  Nor did he waste 1 minute of time!!  He SPOKE with EVERY WORD!!<br><br>Put errybody \"on BLAST\" with every <i> ye,    thus,   beseech,   thee,   behold,   thou, lest,   hark,  and howbeit!!</i> He <i>stirreth up</i> the VP pot,  with his \"bipolar\" descriptor <br>of \"The Gov.\"  -  Hockey mom vs VINDICTIVE sister-in-law!  <br><br>He <i>spake</i> against selfishness:  \"I'm going ta do me\", <i>saith</i> LIEberman, \"McAncient\", \"The Gov.\",  all  -y'all!  :&gt;)<br><br>This <i>hath \"restoreth my soul\"</i>    ta-day!!  :&gt;)   :&gt;)<br><br>Now, <b>where's my Choir Robe?</b>  \"The doors of the church are open\" was a response from one commentator!  :&gt;)<br><br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvgkmX44tA&feature=related\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvgkmX44tA&feat...</a><br>\"I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me. . .\"<br><br>Couldn't find the video that I wanted - but. . . .  :&gt;)<br><br><b>THANK YOU SO MUCH!!</b>  How kind of you!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:25:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521103, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527793": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I posted this over on the new republic blog in response to a post about polling and voter turnout:<br><br>\"Check it,<br><br>I think you guys are really underestimating the turnout for AA this year.  I'm guessing that as in the rest of America, AA are in the minority when it comes to blogging, but I bet not many of the MSM or white people in general listen to Urban radio.  People like Tom Joiner, Michael Baisden, Steve Harvey, to name a few, who are nationally syndicated urban radio personalities.<br>I'm telling you, ya'll should check these shows out one day.  All they talk about daily seems to be this election, and Barack Obama.  They are on point when it comes to registration, voter suppression, and GOTV.  <br><br>Not only that, there are AA church groups, fellowships, greek organizations, NAACP who are all doing all that they can to GOTV, and help elect Barack Obama.  Trust me when I tell you that this election cycle, you won't have to worry about the turnout of AA voters.  It's the voter suppression tactics that will be attempted that will need to be watched out for.  And even on that subject, Urban Radio host daily talk to their listeners about voter registration and voter purges.  <br><br>There are a lot of Urban Radio stations, they may not individually have the numbers that Rush or Hannity have, but as a whole, they reach a lot of young people, AA, other \"urban voters\".  <br><br>Don't underestimate AA voters this year, you will be in for a surprise.  This won't be another \"why didn't AA turnout\" type of election.  This is our time, this is our moment.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:01:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "lamh", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525746": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "JJai:  LOL!!  LOL!!   Well, at least, it's more true than the \"claim\" for inventing \"Blackberry's\"!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:47:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2525278, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521139": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I have said there is more than enough blame for this financial mess for both parties. This type of partisan BS is what you really have to watch.<br><a href=\"http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarch...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:00:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525030": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You had Cavuto, Rep. Bachmann and numerous talking heads claiming that this financial mess is a result of giving loans to minorities.<br><br>Blame the individuals, sure.  But to single out \"minorities\" when the bulk of the people getting the loans were white by virtue of most of the people in this country being white is ridiculous.<br><br>I have no problem saying \"individuals who knew they couldn't afford the home shouldn't have gotten loans.\"  My problem is the talking point that has sprung up in the past couple of weeks that \"minorities getting home loans is the cause of this financial meltdown.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:50:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524510, "depth": 6, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528116": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Look what I found at <i>Daily Kos</i>   WOW!!   25,000 - 30,0000 rally for Mr. Obama in Charlotte, NC!!<br><br><a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/162726/750/309/577349\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/162...</a><br>Daily Kos:  State of the Nation<br><br>The pics are AMAZING!!  Whooo!  Hoo!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:33:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527806": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I love this. Thanks for the heads up!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:03:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "claudia_m", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526191, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524597": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"You fucked up;  you trusted us.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:20:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523908, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528320": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Rikyrah:  From my \"Field Trip\"  to mudflats:<br><br><a href=\"http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/ted-stevens-trial-gears-up/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/ted-st...</a><br><b>Ted Stevens Trial Gears Up</b><br><br><i>Today\u2019s the day. After three unsuccessful attempts to get the case thrown out, jury selection in the Ted Stevens trial will begin today.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>For all the good Stevens has done, there are many who think his time is over. Ex-Governor Walter Hickel, who appointed Stevens to his senate seat in 1968 has even said it\u2019s timefor the very senior senator to retire. Stevens has deteriorated a lot in the last few years. His frequent stammering is almost incomprehensible. His belligerence is alienating many Alaskans who used to revere him. And sometimes he\u2019s just downright embarrassing\u2026 Wearing a tie featuring the Incredible Hulk on the Senate floor, and his reference to the internet as a \u201cseries of tubes\u201d has begun to define his national image, more than his actual policies.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>So for those of you who are suffering from Sarah-fatigue, take heart. Alaska is an endless source of the strange, the sordid, and the knee deep muck of Alaskan politics.</i><br><br>Mudflats is just \"on it!\"   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:54:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523716": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'd also like to add that Bush and 'em proudly beat their chests and said \"Under US, minority home ownership has grown.\"  They can't now turn around and claim \"Giving them loans to them minorities was a bad idea.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:20:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523691, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521157": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "why call just Barack?  He isn't the be all and end all to everything.  Why not hold everyone accountable?  Why not bitch slap Bush and his cronies who saw this mess and did not make the right decisions to avoid this problems? <br><br>My recommendation would be to pick up the phone and make the round of phone calls to every govt organization, write letters and send and post to the blogs on the larger media outlets and make your voice heard.  But I would caution you to remove the expectation that Barack is responsible for this financial crisis and he has to carry the cross on his back alone.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:01:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2518226, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522694": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "NMP,<br><br>the only positive I can see from this is that it takes away ' they picked on her' bullshiit. <br><br>like I wrote before, the double standard is so glaring, it's blinding right now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:06:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522108, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529036": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "i thought this was interesting...from bloomberg<br><br><a href=\"http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=alfUj1r0Z10o&refer=politics\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_23:01:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "ce6aa58e6423b98fc646d33fcc334f28", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521675": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You conveniently ignore what is going on around you and just let this kind of thing fester and grow.  When we don't speak out about racism and sexism it says that we approve thus creating is as normal.  But yeah your moral high ground is so much better.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:46:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "womanistmusings", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521432, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524754": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\u201cBut John McCain has backed off, not just on climate change but on torture and a sensible tax policy \u2014 in other words, he\u2019s not the John McCain of 2000. \u2026 He seems to be waffling on issue after issue.\"<br><br>-Mmmmmm, John McCain waffles.<br>(John McCain) I can have them with syrup, or, jam, or wait, preserves, but...I really like jam...but syrup is really good...but if I eat 'em plain I won't make the buttons sticky on that thing I invented...the Blackberry.<br>Oh, hell...why  don't I ask Sarah...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:30:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523603, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521684": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "why call just Barack? RIGHT!<br>What is that about? This vote is in the CONGRESS. Sen Barack is in the SENATE!<br>We should be contacting our local news and our reps in congress.<br>Important post though Rob M. Other than the \"black ass\".", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:47:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "kenyaw", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521157, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522709": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "this is the second comment I've read like this on blogs.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:07:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522542, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527929": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "These two articles really get to the heart of this election with acute awareness.   I just had to pass it on.  What else is there to be said.<br><br>Source:  New York Times, Opinion, September 22, 2008 <br>Editorial Observer:  Barack Obama, John McCain and the Language of Race <br>By BRENT STAPLES <br><br>\"The discomfort with certain forms of black assertiveness is too deeply rooted in the national psyche to just disappear.\"<br> <br>Source:<br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/obama-and-the-palin-effec_b_123943.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/oba...</a><br><br>*Obama and the Palin Effect* - by Deepak Chopra***", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:15:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "antennaness", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525278": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "a commenter on CNN said that  John McCain invented lies, lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:08:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "JJai", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524778, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524255": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah:  \"McAncient\" continues in his C-O-N-F-U-S-I-O-N!<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain-defends-fiorinas-g_n_128277.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain...</a><br><b>McCain Defends Fiorina's Golden Parachute</b><br><br><i>his weekend, John McCain defended unhelpful surrogate Carly Fiorina's generous severance package from Hewlett Packard:<br><br>    <b>\"I think she did a good job as CEO in many respects,\" McCain told \"The Today Show's\" Meredith Vieira when she pressed him on the matter in light of McCain's recent accusations of greed on Wall Street.</b><br><br><br>    \"I know that she was a very successful businesswoman. Started out as a part-time secretary and made her way to the top of the corporate ladder as one of the biggest CEOs in the United States of America,\" <b>McCain said after noting that he was unaware of the specifics of her compensation package.</b></i><br><br>I don't know??  Errybody else does!!  He IS DELUSIONAL!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:56:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522725": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "From what I understand, I thought that this whould also help Biden.  All he has to do is hammer McCain's policy and get palin defending the plan.  A good debater like Biden can still hammer the floor with Palin by just using his sheer breath of knowledge.  Plus is all Palin is going to be doing is reciting talking points, then I would think that the Obama/Biden team will have ready made rebuttals that can box in Palin so that she either keeps to here talking points, or she has to respond off script<br><br>It also cuts out of the whole \"Biden beating up a girl\" meme that some in the MSM want to put out.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:08:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522108, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524778": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah:  Here's a NOVEL concept:  \"McAncient\" LIES!<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain-lies-ive-bought-am_n_128145.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain...</a><br><b><u>McCain Lies:</u> \"I've Bought American Literally All My Life\"</b><br><br><i>It seems John McCain's belief in \"Country First\" only goes so far.<br><br>Yesterday, we learned that not only does McCain own thirteen cars, but that the McCain fleet includes imports, a VW from Germany and a Honda from Japan. (His wife drives a Lexus, but that car is owned by her beer distributorship.)<br><br>And now it turns out that earlier this month he lied to Michigan voters about his car purchases, telling them \"I've bought American literally all my life\" during a September 7 interview with Detroit's WXYZ-TV. Earlier in the interview, he had told the interviewer \"Cindy and I own an automobile that's American-made\" which was about best an extremely misleading statement.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>UAW President Ron Gettelfinger on Sunday once again accused John McCain of less-than-straight talk on the issue of buying American-made cars, after Newsweek magazine reported that the McCains own at least three foreign-made vehicles. [...]<br><br><br>\"'Buy American' can't just be a slogan John McCain rolls out when he's in Michigan,\" Gettelfinger said Sunday. Americans are free to buy whatever they choose, Gettelfinger said, but he accused McCain of trying to mislead Midwestern voters about what vehicles he owns. </i><br><br><b>Let's face it -- the man is just a pathological liar.</b><br><br>ENOUGH, said!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:32:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2518637": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "They BOTH leave sum'n 2B desired..", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_09:34:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "6c773dc5da2f5373aee2e9eaa0341d3f", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522735": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "threw in Latinos and nobody applauded.<br>reminds me of the lack of applause for the Latinos they had speak at the GOP convention. <br><br>and folks wonder why I had no problem with Obama's Limbaugh/McCain political ad.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:09:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521780, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523760": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Unfortunately, it's true. It was very obvious that Bill Clinton is still mad.<br><br>Some points that stuck out to me (but I encourage all to watch for themselves):<br><br>- Praised McCain moreso than Obama, saying that if it weren't for McCain he wouldn't be able to neutralize Vietnam<br><br>- When asked why he thought Obama would win, the three things he mentioned had to do with events surrounding the election (increase in Dem registration, economy, more minorities) and nothing to do with Obama himself.<br><br>It was definitely sour grapes going on. I thought maybe, just maybe they would redeem themselves, but it's clear they don't want to help Obama. I'm officially DONE with The Clintons. <br><br>Now on to an <b>Obama-Biden '08 VICTORY!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:23:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522542, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524786": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is where it goes to \"define\" minority. Asian rates in total are  about 4% below whites. If you go in there and look at each group it is going to vary.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:33:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524379, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525300": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Rob M - step back a little.  <br><br>Why are you angry with Obama?  He didn't cause this mess.  And if you have a disgreement with him, why go off on him in a way you did not go after the folks who are currently in office?  What was up with the threats, as you pointed out, he is but one (1) voice . . . . <br><br>Anyway, Blessings to you and yours!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:09:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524891, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522743": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Minorities to blame for disaster:<br><br><a href=\"http://mediamatters.org/items/200809190021\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://mediamatters.org/items/200809190021</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:09:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 19, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525308": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You're opinon of me is none of my business.<br><br>You claimed you have not seen any opposition from Barack other than executive compensation.<br><br>That's fine, but you haven't been looking that hard.<br><br>I don't have to educate you. You're a smart guy. You just aren't looking in all the right places.<br><br>You might start with going to Barack's own campaign website.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:10:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524891, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520710": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Good job!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:28:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "MsKitty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522759": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'd like somone to explain the HOW to me too. <br>What a sitting US Senator from ANOTHER STATE can do to stop them from becoming citizens.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:11:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521969, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521740": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Three Times is Enemy Action<br><a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/9322/74248/245/602838\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/932...</a><br><br>Terrific summary of how this mess came to be.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:51:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523789": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "To echo TRW -- His black ass? Using it in a sentence that threatens him that he will not be elected?<br><br>People either direct the fury at Senator Obama because they are hurting and need someone to be a focal point regardless of reality -- or they use these situations as an deceptive excuse to publicly state their existing hostility to him under cover of whatever they are claiming to speak about.<br><br>Either way it's ugly and doesn't do anything useful except possibly in the first scenario allow the individual or group of individuals to use politics as a mode of therapy -- individual self-expression for psychological purposes. And the usefulness of THAt is severely limited given that many other people exist and this is a serious time and it's not necessarily all about the individual's inner psychological needs.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:24:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "4ec3c0272b87ba5c8ce3a9168cf4e78a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2518226, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522766": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "D:  It's called PASSION!!  :&gt;)  [She said CALMLY!]  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:11:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522628, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524269": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"D\"<br><br>Assume that 100 households represent the whole of the US. Of that 12 are African American and 35 are every other minority including Asians that leaves 53. If bad credit is assumed to be 15% of all the majority population that is 7.95 people. AfricanAmericans to hit that number it would be 66.6%  or 8 households.<br>Only 48% of Africanamericans own homes period(heartland Instittute courtesy of google) or 5.76. So if EVERY AfricanAmerican family had bad credit and we stay at the ownership levels we have now there is no way we are a majority of that anyone w/ bad credit.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:57:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523880, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524821": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "A proposal to fix the financial mess from Sen Dodd: <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/static/PPM41_ayo08b28.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.politico.com/static/PPM41_ayo08b28.html</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:35:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524822": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ummmm...to scare people?<br>BOO!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:35:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523691, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525338": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Not sure if anyone has posted but the MSM has posted a story on Palin and the rape kits in her hometown. See CNN link below:<br><br>Story Highlights<br>While Sarah Palin was mayor, Wasilla charged victims for their rape exams<br><br>Interviews, review of records show no evidence Palin knew victims were charged<br><br>Former state representative says it seems unlikely Palin was not aware of issue<br><br><a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/21/palin.rape.exams/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/21/palin.ra...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:12:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "JJai", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524315": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It's official...the McCain campaign isn't even trying to hide that they're playing all of us for chumps:<br><br><a href=\"http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/22/palin-russia-metaphorical/\" rel=\"nofollow\">McCain Aide: Palin has 'metaphorical' foreign policy experience</a><br><br>Seriously, WTF?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:00:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "MsKitty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524316": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah, Jamal Bryant broke it down.  He called out McSame OUT for Cindy's $300K outfit, Caribou Barbie's flunking out of several colleges self, and for putting up trailer trash to run against a Harvard-educated Black man.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:01:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "60266805bc0d9559a62514e1e769b750", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521103, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524829": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Admiral:  LOL!  X5  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!:/b&gt;</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:36:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524754, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525345": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "An afternooon funny<br><br>McCain certainly has a thing for beauty queens.<br><br>Brazilian beauty recalls hot Rio affair with young John McCain<br><a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/09/20/2008-09-20_brazilian_beauty_recalls_hot_rio_affair_.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/0...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:12:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527396": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Obama has him on the ropes and is POUNDING him mercilessly. O's ads are sticking him-jab jab cross-and now they are starting to cry. When they were trying to swiftboat O everything was cricket. If they can dish it out, surely they can take it. I hope that O's strong & forceful ads continue until Nov. 5th. Drive it like Tiger Woods! WE GOT THE BIG MO!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:20:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "4d9312cd58c7caeb087835daea9d59b6", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527005, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520741": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "When I was making MoveOn phone calls to Jacksonville yesterday I had a similar experience, although over the phone. That is, it was wonderful listening to people's stories, and their heartfelt enthusiasm either for Obama or against McCain. Several people were so glad I'd called to invite them to participate in getting out the vote, so excited about electing Obama,  that I could hear the hope and energy travellling over the phone lines. It helped that Obama had had a hugely successful appearance in Jacsonville the day before and people were still energized by it.<br><br>My favorite moment was when, after a conversation about how much we both loved Obama, and she said she would love to volunteer, I asked the woman about the gospel song that was on her phone..the music that plays when the call is being routed. She told me the name of the singer and the song - which I'm sorry to say I wrote on the MoveOn paper and forgot to transfer to my notepad - and she started singing it to me, verse and chorus. I sat and listened to her feeling so connected, if only for this brief interlude, with someone who I will never meet and never have the chance to speak to again. I'm still carrying her enthusiasm. <br><br>So yeah, I highly recommend this experience to everyone. We need each other.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:29:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "313c8f108b43104806fa6f1472af3f83", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2526377": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Val:  Thank you sooo much!!  I just posted on it.  I said that I must now have \"foreign policy experience\" 'cause I can see Alaska from here!!  :&gt;)  :&gt;)<br><br>Someone responded  -  What's up from JJP!  :&gt;)<br><br>This was GREAT!!!  :&gt;)   Thanks, again!<br><br><br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_18:41:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526191, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521770": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I don't think she's presenting it to condone it. She doesn't seem too happy about what the lady said.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:53:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521432, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527005": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Utterly hilarious comment over at Ta-Nehisi Coates' blog:<br><br>Referencing McAncient's bitching and whining about the NYTimes<br><br><br><i><br>A few thoughts<br><br>1. The McCain campaign is flailing around like Sonny Liston in the first fight before Ali/Clay-- the Obama campaign has clearly gotten into their head (which I suggested/predicted in the Uppity Thread). I expect someone (Axelrod? Bruton?) to finally tell the McCain folks to grow a pair. <br><br>2. The McCain campaign is flailing around because their campaign has functionally married a stripper in picking Palin (as opposed to dull but economically knowledgable Romney). They had 2 weeks of fun-- but the stripper's baggage is starting to show (no foreign policy curiosity, all kinds of ethical flags, etc.). Palin not having a press conference is like not having your parents meet your wife (it suggests you have something to hide). And folks, things won't get better with Palin on the ticket for McCain. McCain has (by analogy) had two weeks of stripper sex-- now he starts to discover his finances and respect from his friends are (by analogy) going down (e.g. conservative intellectuals like Sully, Frum are calling him out; the press are laughing at his ads). Now her baggage will sink him (sort of like picking up herpes from a stripper). <br><br>3. BTW, my apologies to strippers out there. But Romney was the better pick as VP. <br><br>Posted by: Lemar Mundane | September 22, 2008 6:55 PM </i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:39:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2515572": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No Science whatsoever.  No evolution.   Creationism only. <br><br>No enjoyable sex.  No premarital sex.  Missionary position only...and don't you dare like it!<br><br>No contraception.  Women must carry every fertilized egg.   Rapist's and Pedophile's choice.<br><br>I need some sleep.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_03:22:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sombody_took_my_username", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2514755, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521780": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "He's in Scranton talking about Italian-, Irish-, and Polish-American immigrants to thunderous applause. Claiming Barack is ruining their chances to become citizens in this great nation of immigrants to thunderous applause. Threw in HIspanic immigrants as an afterthought, to which no one applauded.<br><br>It was a Klan rally in a state where confederate flags adorn cars in the T.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:54:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520570, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524341": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Most home prices peaked between 2004-2007 while interest rates were at record lows and stayed there because of Greenspan's reluctance to raise them.  I don't blame simply Congress for this mess, but we know Democrats have only held a small majority since the 2006 elections and were sworn in January 2007----so this cannot fall solely on Democrats when we had a Republican financial ideology and President and Congress at the helm for the greater part of this housing crisis---which built up over the course of YEARS.<br><br>Growing up, I was always told, keep your credit in top- notch order because when it is time to purchase a home, they are going to scrutinize your  credit history like it ain't funny------so it amazed me a couple of years ago when people with seemingly average jobs were buying $300-400 thousand dollars homes, at least in South Florida where I have some  family---and lo and behold, people were getting NINJA loans ( no income, no job verified loans) or subprime loans/ARM loans.  We stayed away from it because 1) the home values were EXTREMELY inflated and 2) I figured this bubble would completely burst.  I persoanlly did not feel comfortable with a mortgage payment that could balloon 2-3 years down the road.<br><br>Homeowners  do bear some responsibility---but these banks were willing to put there business in jeopardy for greed. PERIOD.  You can't go to a dealership and buy a Porsche with a minimum wage job because the dealer knows you will not be able to pay it---but mortgage companies simply wanted to lend out as much as they could to sell it off quickly  as securities (it was no longer \"risky\" to their operation) because they knew that everywhere you turned, people were told---Get in now because, Interest rates are at an all-time low---Present homeowners can cash in on the tremendous equity your home has by rising home prices---You can afford that home that is normally out-of-reach by getting an adjustable mortgage for lower payments now, and then refinance later when the ARM resets.  It was a dream sold to many homebuyers by mortgage brokers, realtors, the media, etc.<br><br>Point blank, banks wanted to make as many loans as they could because they knew they would repackage them as securities and cared little about the risk of the loan.   Average Americans who did not understand the bigger picture simply though they were getting a break and finally a chance at home ownership.<br><br>Some of these banks and firms have been in over a hundred years---they should have been experts on the  financial markets, risks and losses---the average American is not.<br><br>And it wasn't all poor people.  Bloomberg had an article form Feb. of this year<br><br><a href=\"http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&refer+=home&sid=aejJZdodTCM\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109...</a> <br><br>of a business owner who hasn't paid onhis foreclosed $1.5 million dollars Boca Raton home since 2002 because his  original mortgage company could not provide  his mortgage note since his mortgage was packaged off into a securities and so----thus, he questioned, who owns my mortgage?  And there are thousands of cases like his.  It is not even apparent who owns many of these foreclosed homes---the investment bank or the mortgage company.  And that is why the repeal of Glass-Steagall was detrimental--because it has now given rise to this mess we see now.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:03:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523535, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522806": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I just want the video.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:14:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522709, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520761": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Does my heart good to see so many people fighting teh stoopid this election season.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:31:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "MsKitty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2514698, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2526906": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Stop it Town! You're confusing them. I sill can't figure out how if Obama is the anti-Christ he couldn't make his student loans disappear...unless the home office of Sallie Mae is really the opening vortex to the gates of hell - which may be possible.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:29:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526591, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2519741": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hillary's not on the ballot.<br><br>Sorry.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_10:08:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2518637, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523844": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>My point is that Obama cannot APPROVE this bill as it is CONSTITUTED for the reasons I cited above He is still a SENATOR and gets a voice. As of now I have seen nothing from him opposing this billexcept executive compensation.</i><br><br>::<br><br>Then you aren't looking.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:28:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523658, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524872": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "No you didn't take it there.....LOLOLOLOL!!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:39:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "Texas_Girl_in_LA", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524583, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522827": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  I think that I posted \"The View\" 9-22-08 up thread. :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:16:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522709, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524880": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Russian Navy ships heads to Venezuela, a deployment of military power that has been unprecendented since the Cold War.....<br><br><a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/22/russia.venezuela.ap/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/22/ru...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:39:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2518226": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This  morning I find out that Morgan Stanley have been permission to go to the Fed discount window. They are now being allowed to be banks w/ no discussion. They can now take deposits that are federally insured. This is BEYOND RIDICULOUS.<br><br>The bond holders are being given 100% return on interest and principal. The mortgage holders(taxpayers) whose mortgages underlie the plan have to pay 100% even if they go bankrupt. There is no provision to change the bankruptcy law so that mortgages can be worked out.  So now not only are you out of your home, you are broke and you are paying twice; once, to repay the bondholders(taxes) and the second time, on your orginal mortgage.<br><br>Call Barack Obama now and tell him HELL NO. Tell him his black ass will be back in the senate earning $200,000 a year, that Michelle will be back at work and your million dollar mortgage is still owed if he approves this. Let McCain be lynched in the streets for causing a depression.<br>TELL HIM<br>One, this bill cannot pass w/ no recourse to the courts.<br><br>Two, without work outs for the underlying mortgage holders through changes in the bankruptcy courts it is a bail out to bondholders on the backs of us.<br><br>Three, if capital is going to be given the taxpayers should get what capital gets in the opne market ; a return on capital. This means instead of buying the garbage paper, we should be buying a percentage of the bank just like we did w/ AIG. You get cash we get equity.  And no equity purchases of foreign banks and entities.<br><br>Four, whomever runs this operation at the top it can not be anyone currently in the government.  Paul O'Neill,Paul Volker, Richard Parsons come to mind. (the list of can't go on is beyond the capacity of this blog).<br><br>Finally, bitch slap Obama for having this stupid conversation about executive pay. It is a complete distratction and tells me he has no clue about what is going on(listening to Robert Rubin is a waste of time; Rubin is responsible for the end of glass-stegall).No matter how much they receieve(steal) it is nothing compared to what the taxpayers are being burden with for the reasons I gave above. Exec's will still have to run their companies and there isn't going to be any money to give people if we the taxpayers have and equity stake and seats on the boards of governors.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_08:55:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 12, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520788": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "evita:  <b>Standing \"O\" for all your efforts!!</b>   Thanks for sharing!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:33:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524373": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/22/143539/493/535/606616\" rel=\"nofollow\">McCain Campaign Throws Another Tantrum over NYT article</a><br><br>McGrumpy camp: \"...the New York Times once was, it is not today by any standard a journalistic organization,\" Schmidt said. \"It is a pro-Obama organization that every day attacks Senator McCain, attacks Governor Palin, and excuses Senator Obama.\" <br><br><br>Obama camp response:<br>Number of probing stories the NY Times has written over the course of the campaign about Barack Obama, his life, his religion, his childhood, his politics, his time in the state senate, his time in the U.S. Senate, his family, his religion, his friends, his fundraising and all other manner of associations: more than 40<br><br><b>Number of stories the NY Times has written over the course of the campaign about the last major financial regulatory crisis, resulting in a huge bailout, and which John McCain was centrally involved in with his political <u>godfather Charles Keating: 0</b></u> CLASSSSSSIIIIC!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:05:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "b8b9328e61e0094ae18e247c922f9dc7", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2518230": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is a few days old, but still a good sign. The \"Conservative \" Seattle Times endorses Obama. Here is a brief part of their endorsement. <br><br><i>\"An economic Katrina is shattering the confidence of hardworking, middle-class Americans. The war that should never have been in Iraq is dragging on too long. At a time of huge challenge, the candidate with the intelligence, temperament and judgment to lead our nation to a better place is Sen. Barack Obama.<br><br>Obama should be the next president of the United States because he is the most qualified change agent.<b> Obama is a little young, but also brilliant. If he sometimes seems brainy and professorial, that's OK. We need the leader of the free world to think things through, carefully. We have seen the sorry results of shooting from the hip.</b></i><br><br><a href=\"http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorial...</a>...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_08:56:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "Suprk", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524891": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Then educate me please. Otherwise while I am angry w/ Obama you are simply childish.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:40:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523844, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2519772": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Perhaps \"those in the know\" know the ish is about to hit the fan for real, so they're backing Obama, whethr that's because they'd rather see the country fall apart under the black dude so he can take the blame or whether its' because they know McCain and Palin will throw more matches and kerosene on the fire remains to be seen.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_10:12:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2518438, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522852": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I simply believe that certain things don't need attention. We know exactly what's going on. There is no ignorance. It's not about a moral high ground. (Although your criticism of dissent sounds, well, pretty morally-high-grounded.)<br><br>Here's the thing: some of us smell the odor and simply refuse to raise the lid off the garbage can to see all the maggots swarming around the rancid trash.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:18:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521675, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2539839": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Good point!<br>  ----- Original Message ----- <br>  From: Disqus&lt;mailto:&gt; <br>  To: dtdeskins@msn.com&lt;mailto:dtdeskins@msn.com&gt; <br>  Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 2:09 PM<br>  Subject: [jackandjillpolitics] Re: Monday Open Thread", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_08:11:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "NMP", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522725, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527976": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I am angry w/ Obama because in my opinion his response(s) have been to slow to everything and on this issue silence is ignorance. <br><br>The American people are being asked to fork over $700,000,000,000 in cash: from the big <a href=\"http://picture.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">picture.com</a><br>Want to get a sense of exactly how expensive the Paulson Plan is?<br><br><br>1 million seconds is 11 days   <br><br>1 billion seconds is 32 years  <br><br>1 trillion seconds is 3 centuries  <br><br>If we take on as much debt as Paulson wants (well over a trillion dollars) and we pay it back at the rate of a dollar per second, it would  take 3 centuries to repay. And that assumes its \"only\" a trillion dollars . . .  it could be much, much more.(his numbers are off it is 32,000 years<br><br>The american taxpayer know this money can only come from two places print it or taxes. In both cases it is a huge impact on themselves. If they are going to \"SAVE\" themselves they at least ought to know what  the FINAL REWARD. is. This is where a leader leadsand I do not see leadership here.<br><br>As to the folks in office I have repeatedly warned that this situation has more than enough blame for every last American politician. The magnitude of the problem is indicative of how long it has been ignored by everyone. It is time to solve it<br><br>In my world a bitch slap is not a threat. The purpose is to refocus the mind that is under stress. If you go to a good dojo after a certain level of work you will go into weapons training. Once there they will use a real knife when you learn how to disarm an attacker using one. They want you to go into disarm mode whether the knife is real or not. Otherwise you will be in a situation where you are trying to decide if it is a real knife.<br><br>Obama is under attack by a whole lot more than a knife here. The current financial disaster can bring us to a DEPRESSION.  In a depression nothing happens because there is no MONEY to lube the engine of commerce. He needs to be ahead of the plan by working as a Senator because he could inherit the depression. Instead he is in Florida to debate McCain. Giving a speech on the floor of the Senate showing your command of the issues is way better form of leadership.<br><br>Plus IMO he argues like it is a debating society. Go to your strength. Put together a speech on the floor showing your command of the issues. Rally the Democrats around you the LEADER.<br><br>Any charge of Partisanship to keep the taxpayer from getting raped is not partisanship. It is showing leadership by protecting your people, the citizens of the USA.<br><br>Craig<br>I am not seeing anything Bloomberg, CNBc, CNN, Fox NEWS, this website:http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/, this blog:http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/,. If you are going to put an idea out there don't you think you can do better defendign yur point?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:20:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2525300, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2530025": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  BUT, it will be interesting IF \"The Gov.\" is among the witnesses!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!&gt;/b</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_00:50:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2529548, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524907": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That was a triple snap, reverse, full 360, head turn, roll eyes, oh no they didn't, you got me bent, screw you, go to hell, try me ONE MO TIME - response.......LOL...the Obama camp WENT THERE! They SOOOOOO went there!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:41:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524487, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527980": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Evita, I really enjoyed reading your post. What a wonderful thing you are doing! I'm trying to get up the courage to volunteer myself (I live in South Carolina, so you can imagine what I would be up against....). I really want to do more than just give money and buy t-shirts (smile). Do you mind if I ask - what kind of training are you given to prepare for canvassing? Do you prefer going door to door rather than reaching out by phone? <br><br>Thanks again for your great work.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:20:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "claudia_m", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528466": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "FYI---William Donaldson is a Republican and has endorsed Barack, and was quoted in Bloomberg News as saying that he was talking to Barack about the housing issues as far back as a year ago.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_22:10:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521911, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521329": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sandra Bernhard has decided that it is absolutely funny to threaten Sarah Palin <a href=\"http://www.womanist-musings.com/2008/09/sandra-bernhard-racist-and-colluder.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">with rape from her big black brothers</a> because she is a whore and a bitch.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:14:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "womanistmusings", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 9, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524914": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Rut-Roh!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:42:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524373, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523178": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Looking hysterical!  Acting hysterical!!  Guess the meds, I mean -gloves are off!  :&gt;)<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain-camp-goes-to-war-w_n_128297.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain...</a><br><b>McCain Camp Goes To <u>WAR</u> With New York Times</b><br><br><i>It is a truism of modern campaigns that Republican candidates will take umbrage with perceived liberal media bias. And often, the target of their condemnation is the New York Times, a paper of record but nevertheless the scourge of many a conservative.<br><br>John McCain was different. He enjoyed close relations with much of the fourth estate and, it was reported, took particular delight in winning plaudits from editorial boards, including that of the Times.<br><br>That McCain is no longer. Today, the Arizona Republican's presidential campaign went to war with the Grey Lady. Asked to respond to an article that brought to light the fact that McCain campaign manager Rick Davis had earned nearly $2 million in lobbying fees from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (based, almost primarily, on his access to McCain) at the same time that he was attacking Barack Obama for his own ties to those very institutions, <b>aides to McCain went off.</b><br><br>SKIP<br><br>Usually, going to war with the press produces fantastic results for Republican candidates. It rallies the compassion and support of conservative voters while encouraging more negative coverage on the opposition (driven by an editorial decision by the paper that their reporting must be more \"even-handed.\") But this campaign has proven a bit different. News outlets have called McCain out for his distortions lies with a general tone of confidence. We shall see how the Times' responds to this latest salvo.</i><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:44:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520820": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Liza:  Did you have your \"Choir Robe\"?   :&gt;)<br><br>Thanks for sharing!  <b>Good job!</b><br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:35:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520741, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527990": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Saw this at HuffPo:<br><br>Fury at $2.5bn Bonus for Lehman's New York Staff<br>Monday, September 22, 2008<br><br>Up to 10,000 staff at the New York office of the bankrupt investment bank Lehman Brothers will share a bonus pool set aside for them that is worth $2.5bn (\u00a31.4bn), Barclays Bank, which is buying the business, confirmed last night<br><br>The revelation sparked fury among the workers' former colleagues, Lehman's 5,000 staff based in London, who currently have no idea how long they will go on receiving even their basic salaries, let alone any bonus payments. It also prompted a renewed backlash over the compensation culture in global finance, with critics claiming that many bankers receive pay and rewards that bore no relation to the job they had done.<br><br>A spokesman for Barclays said the $2.5bn bonus pool in New York had been set aside before Lehman Brothers filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States a week ago. Barclays has agreed that the fund should continue to be ring-fenced now it has taken control of Lehman's US business, a deal agreed by American bankruptcy courts over the weekend.<br><br>Barclays is paying $1.75bn for the US operation of Lehman and is keen to retain its best staff. It said it had made no promises to individual staff members about how much they will receive but that the bonus fund would be paid out. In addition to the $2.5bn cash pool, Barclays is also in negotiations with about 30 executives it considers to be Lehman's best assets and plans to offer them contracts worth tens of millions of dollars. British employees of Lehman described the bonus payments as a \"scandal\" as they waited anxiously yesterday to see whether a deal could be struck with buyers circling the bank's European operations.<br><br>Many of Lehman's UK staff are particularly angry about the US payouts because it has emerged that in the days running up to the bankruptcy, some $8bn in cash was transferred out of the account of the bank's European business into accounts at the New York head office.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/fury-at-25bn-bonus-for-lehmans-new-york-staff-937560.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news...</a><br><br>These mofos set aside $2.5 billion BEFORE they declared bankrutcy----while Barclays is paying $1.75 billion  to take them over.   And on top of that, Barcalys wants to offer 30 executives from Lehman's contracts worth millions of dollars.<br><br>Ain't that a bitch-------and the government wants taxpayers to bailout other companies who are very likely doing the same unscrupulous things as Lehmans.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:21:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524577": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Fiorina was a horrible CEO, it's well documented.  The employees I talked to saw her \"golden parachute\" as the Board paying her to leave so he didn't run it further into the ground.<br><br>I guess his standards for measuring success are really low.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:19:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524255, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529017": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Dang, next they'll say if she eats cous cous she's an expert on the Middle East.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_22:59:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527648, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2526591": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-waldman/was-sarah-palin-sent-by-g_b_128408.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-waldman/wa...</a><br><br>Sarah Palin was sent by God to battle the Anti-Christ Barack Obama.<br><br>Riddle me this:  if Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ and the radical Christians want the end of the world/rapture to commence ASAP, shouldn't they be voting for Barack Obama?<br><br>And if Barack Obama really is the Anti-christ, will losing the presidency REALLY stop his nefarious goals?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:01:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525226": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I dont think a lot of people understand what \"deregulation\" did...it wasn't even just the bundling of the loans in a way that was damn near inevitable to collapse..it was all of these lenders and banks and financial companies fighting DISCLOSURE. Everything from the language you can use in contracts and notices to the size of the font was regulated, but a lot of those rules were fought and eliminated. Hell, I work in regulatory compliance and watch us fight so that we can put some darn 4 or 5 point font on a contract where the person will think its a freaking line as opposed to actual words telling you something important that we don't necessarily want you to know about! Certain words and phrases are used to purposely confuse the consumer. It really bothers me, but it shouldnt since I know the deal, when people say 'well the consumer should have known\"....look, these companies are PURPOSELY manipulating the contracts and the system and fighting the rules. There were people employed by the states at the various State Banking Depts and Insurance Depts whose job was to review each contract JUST for these types of things...and now a lot of those people are jobless and went to work for the same damn companies trying to bullshyt you, and now they're jobless AGAIN. You don't blame the victim of the freaking carjacking, and people are kidding themselves if you don't think that is exactly what happened in the vast majority of these cases.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:03:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524041, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523904": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sepia:  It sure feels like it!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden'08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:32:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523488, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523908": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "WOW!<br><br><br>\"Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.\"  <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/dirty-secret-of-the-bailo_n_128294.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Dirty Secret of bailout</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:33:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "b8b9328e61e0094ae18e247c922f9dc7", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524118": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Okay. I've just seen the clips of Billy J on the view.<br><br>Did he once say Barack is the leader the nation needs right now like he did at the convention? <br><br>No.<br><br>But the reportage I read of him playing the race card are completely false.<br><br>Billy J is a Leo. Anytime he has an opportunity to praise himself (or his wife) he'll take it. John McCain IS his friend. We can't ever expect him to go negative on McCain over anything except his policies. We know the Clintons will do anything to win, so if anyone was expecting him to criticize McCain for playing the same tricks, they're smoking something I want.<br><br>I don't like Bill Clinton. Not at all.<br><br>But this interview didn't represent a deep betrayal to me.<br><br>He didn't cheerlead for Barack, but he didn't diminish him either.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:46:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514698": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah:  Just gotta post this!! there are some BRAVE people in Alaska!!   :&gt;)<br><br><a href=\"http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/confessions-of-a-sign-hacker/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/confes...</a><br><b>Confessions Of A Sign Hacker</b><br><br><i>I have a confession to make.<br><br>I was driving to work on Friday, approaching a familiar overpass on the Seward Highway, when I noticed a hand-painted sign that someone had put up so it would hang over traffic.  I\u2019ve seen signs on this overpasses before.  Sometimes it\u2019s a birthday greeting, sometimes a welcome home message.  I even once saw a \u201cNo Blood for Oil\u201d sign before the invasion of Iraq.  This one looked like it had been painted on a white sheet.  It was mostly red and blue\u2026.it\u2026.was\u2026.an\u2026\u2026 Obama sign!  I smiled as the car got close enough to read it.  \u201cObama 4 Change\u201d it said.  But then as I got closer still, I realized that there was more.  It continued, \u201c2 Islamic Law -N- U.S.A.\u201d  Obama for change to Islamic Law in U.S.A.??  Argh!<br><br>SKIP [Obeying the \"SNIPET RULE  :&gt;)]<br><br>I was outraged, not only at the sheer stupidity and misinformation in the content of the sign, but \u201c-N-\u201d??  There was plenty of space to write \u201cIN\u201d.  And isn\u2019t \u201c-N-\u201d  supposed to mean \u2018and\u2019? <br><br>The plan? Not to take the sign down as I first thought, but to quickly and surgically remove the bottom half!  Brilliant. Not only would the sign be correct in content, but the -N- and the rest of the nonsense would be relegated to the dust bin.<br><br>The procedure took about five minutes, as we discovered there were actually two identical signs, one facing north and one facing south.  I present to you, dear Mudflatters, my trophies. No antlers or moose heads from this Alaskan hunt, but something even better.<br><br><br><br>The signs are down now, but they survived all the way through the morning and evening commute on Friday.  I wonder if the original sign hangers got to enjoy the edited version\u2026</i><br><br>You gotta appreciate the B4 and AFTER SIGNS!!  BEAUTIFUL HACK JOB!!  :&gt;)<br><br>The \"comments\" are pleasingly scathing!  :&gt;)<br><br>ENJOY & APPRECIATE!  <b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_01:36:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522379": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah:  Look at me {Ms. \"Tech-Challenged\"} tryin'  ta post a video. :&gt;)<br><br><b>Bill Clinton on \"The View\"  9-22-08</b><br><br>I'm just watchin' this!  Comments L8R!<br><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b><br><br>OOPS!  Trying AGAIN!!<br><br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODoSotQmkKA\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODoSotQmkKA</a><br>Part 1<br><br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiLJIk32_0\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiLJIk32_0</a><br>Part 2<br><br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U08fA93lpEk\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U08fA93lpEk</a><br>Part 3<br><br>Lawd he'p me!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:41:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529548": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "this trial doesn't seem that complicated. <br><br>he had income he didn't report. <br><br>I hope they nail him.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_00:11:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2528320, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524430": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Wow, that is an excellent summary", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:09:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "bajanlady", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521740, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2517777": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "not worth that much drama... \"...the freeze applies to the entire budget, most of which doesn't relate to science.\"", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_07:47:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "f99b71f730d688c841df51f080d2bc23", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2515572, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521364": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I couldn't get through this post because of the vitriol.  Tell Obama's \"black ass\"...really?  Why take it there.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:17:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2518226, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523417": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think this one may have been misunderstood from the git.  to read it, it seems that Val agrees with womanist in calling Bernhard ignorant.  ...but that may be moot at this point.<br><br>I agree that certain things don't need indulgence but do need attention.  As in, don't dig in the trash, but DO take it out.  <br><br>my measure on this one is, \"does this person have a voice in the national sphere?\"  if so, then because of the influence she may have, it may be worth paying attention to as news.<br><br>I think this is news and worth a look - not at the tired content, but at who's saying it and what it means.<br><br>she is a well-known figure in entertainment who has issued yet another racist rant hiding behind the \"it's just a joke\" curtain, following Kramer in lockstep while I believe, fooling herself to think she's not the same.  In this context, though, she becomes poster child for classic arrogant/intolerant Left, not a help to the party.<br><br>arrogance and racism mix yet again like bleach and ammonia as she dares to defend the joke about \"my black brothers\"  without mentioning these black brothers in this weak defense, trying to flip it to some women's rights stuff...  <br><br><a href=\"http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/09/20/Bernhard_defends_Palin_gang_rape_joke/UPI-54281221944567/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/09/2...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:59:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "hustleandfloe", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522852, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528026": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "nichwah22:  Annnnnd, another thing:  If she attends the \"Tea Party\" with foreign dignitaries/heads of state,  will that make her <b>more foreign to us?</b><br><br>Deep apologies to all foreigners!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:24:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527648, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527517": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "By attack, they mean question & challenge?  Like we should be doing so that our country doesn't further go down the crapper.  Jeez.  <br><br>Great response from Obama.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:33:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "nickwah22", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524373, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525471": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "the above is supposed to be a joke. this isn't:The three-page rescue plan sent to Congress Sept. 20 empowers Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to purchase mortgage- related securities from U.S. financial companies. The administration widened the scope of bad loans that may be acquired, potentially including car loans, credit-card debt and other devalued assets held by banks.<br><br><br>Read the rest:http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601213&sid=a7iCv1F0kuvQ&refer=home", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:24:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2525365, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523936": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sandra Bernhard is a has-been.<br><br>She's looking for attention.<br><br>I'm not giving her any.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:34:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523417, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525986": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyraH;; Overheard this conversation while watching CNN:<br><br>Did you see that?<br><br>What??<br><br>  Thaaaaaaat  - over there!<br><br>Where?<br><br><b>In the middle of the room!!</b><br><br>Ya mean. .   . . . .<br><br>Yeah.   . .  <br><br>Did I see that -um, humungous, enormous, huge, big   -um   thing?<br><br>Yeah!!<br><br>Well, actually, I've been seeing it since <b>DAY 1</b> of this whole election process!<br>But, I didn't feel the need ta say anything!!<br><br>So do we have ta discuss it now?<br><br>Yeah!  It's on!<br>_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<br><br>Wolfe Dasher, -um,  Dancer,  -um Prancer,   -uh Blitzen,  O.K.  <b>Blitzer</b>  is 'bout to moderate the discussion on <b>RACE</b> in the race!  He just got finished presenting all the known survey statistics!                       <b>I can't stand him!!</b><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_18:06:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524379": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Okay, as far as we're concerned, fair enough.<br><br>But including other majorities-not just African Americans-does that \"not being the majority\" still hold?<br><br>(trying to do the math myself)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:06:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524269, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527699": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  I go \"mining for GOLD\" daily!!  :&gt;)<br><br>Thar's GOLD in them thar hills!!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:51:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527128, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524455": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Alaskans take on \"The Gov.\"s\" inaccessibility.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/alaskans-angry-that-palin_n_128044.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/alaska...</a><br><b>Alaskans Angry That Palin Is Suddenly Off-Limits</b><br><br><i>Jerry McCutcheon went to Sarah Palin's office here last week to request information about the firing of former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, the scandal that for weeks has threatened to overshadow the governor's role as Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>In stubbornly independent Alaska, the sudden intrusion of a political campaign into so many corners of state government -- not to mention Wasilla, where a dozen or more campaign researchers and lawyers have also begun overseeing the release of any information about Palin's years as mayor -- has touched a raw nerve. <b>McCain staffers have even been assigned to answer calls for Palin's family members, who have been instructed not to talk.</b></i><br><br>Again, I ask, how is it that the REPUG.  Presidential Campaign is now serving as \"The Gov.\" of Alaska??  Have any of the other 49 state governors been offered the same??<br><br>Just askin' . . . . <br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:11:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514731": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Alaskans worry about fishing industry  --their economic plight!<br><a href=\"http://www.adn.com/money/story/532412.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.adn.com/money/story/532412.html</a><br><br><i>PRINCE RUPERT, British Columbia -- Alaska residents who attended a conference in Prince Rupert say they're concerned about the future of the fishing industry in their state.<br><br>Delegates at the Southeast Alaska Conference heard that this year's harvested salmon stock is likely to be only 137 million fish, down 75 million from last year.<br><br>John Sund, spokesman for the OceansAlaska Marine Science Center, said the major problem facing the industry is not a declining population of fish but the decreasing number of fishing people living and working in Alaska.<br><br>A combination of increasing energy costs for rural areas, federal litigation inhibiting fishing and decreasing fish stocks is keeping fishermen at home.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>Dan Robinson, spokesman for the Alaska Department of Labor, told delegates that although their state's oil revenues have grown, oil is not a priority in southeast Alaska and that's affecting the region's economy.</i><br><br>Even though EACH ALASKAN is getting $2000+ this year, they seem to be realizing that they are a part of the economy of the UNITED STATES!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_01:46:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528047": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well said.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:26:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "Texas_Girl_in_LA", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527793, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524465": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Okay Craig - get outta my head. Day-um.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:12:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "bajanlady", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523936, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520882": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "MsKitty:  ABSOLUTELY!!  <i>It takes a village . . . </i>  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:40:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520761, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521396": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is funny.<br><br>McCain was for golden parachutes before he was against it.  LOL<br><br>McCain on Fiorina's golden parachute<br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDzToc9xbuU&eurl=http://thinkprogress.org/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDzToc9xbuU&eurl...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:19:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521397": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Whoa that is some racist and sexist crap. How tacky. You know there will be some McCain/ Palin supporters who will tie this to Obama/Biden instead of the ignorance of a stupid comic.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:19:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "evita", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521329, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522423": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Barack is kicking some serious ass in Green Bay right now.<br><br>Some <i>serious</i> ass.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:45:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524984": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The two main \"minorities\" that the GOP uses to scare white people are blacks (\"oooooh they're coming to get ya, they're gonna rape and kill ya and have sex with your daughter and have 10 children and use up all your money on food stamps and welfare benefits\")...<br><br>and Latinos (\"oooh they're running 'cross the border and breeding like roaches, they refuse to learn English and they clog up the system taking jobs away from hard working white Americans...\")<br><br>A third groups are \"Muslims\" (\"oooh those Muslims are comign to get ya, they're gonna chop off your head and make you pray to Allah 10 times a day, anyone with an Arabic or funny sounding name like Barack Obama must be a Manchurian Muslim coming to infiltrate the White House, they'll have us all eating cous cous and wearing burquas in the streets.\")<br><br>But the number 1 group the GOP uses to scare people is BLACK people.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:47:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524379, "depth": 6, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2526516": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That may be true....but I found some other infomation about our  how  deep  our trading relationship with Venezuela is .....and Chavez is angry because of an alleged coup attempt on his government in 2002 by the U.S..... <br><br>Venezuela was once known solely for its oil deposits and compliant trade relations with the United States; Washington\u2019s interest in the country was largely limited to the narrow, oil-driven economic ties between the two countries. Only when Ch\u00e1vez became the leader of what was beginning to become an important trading partner and threatened to destabilize a status-quo that was not in Venezuela\u2019s favor, did the United States express much concern over the well-being of the latter\u2019s population. The sudden intense concern that then followed seems directly tied to the U.S.\u2019s economic interests, glazed over by a revival of a heavy dose of Cold War-era ideology. <br><br>The commercial ties between the U.S. and Venezuela are deep if not broad. Venezuela is one of the largest Latin American investors in the U.S. and one of its top four foreign oil suppliers. In 2007, bilateral trade between the countries totaled U.S. $50 billion, consisting of $10 billion in U.S. exports and $40 billion coming from Venezuela. The U.S is Venezuela\u2019s most important trading partner, representing about 22 per cent of its imports and approximately 60 per cent of Venezuelan exports. Ninety-five per cent of Venezuelan oil is exported to the U.S., establishing it as Venezuela\u2019s principal energy client. Venezuela is the U.S.\u2019s second largest Latin American trading partner, purchasing U.S. machinery, transportation equipment, agricultural commodities, and auto parts. Thus, the rhetorical battles between the two nations carried very little heft due to the importance of the petroleum trade relationship to their mutual economic stability... <br><br>Venezuela\u2019s antagonism towards the U.S. has escalated since the April 2002 attempted coup against Ch\u00e1vez, which the U.S. allegedly backed. In January 2006, the Ch\u00e1vez government expelled a militant attach\u00e9 from the U.S. embassy in Caracas, claiming that he had been spying on the Venezuelan armed forces; Washington was quick to respond that the accusation was concocted. In May 2008, a U.S. fighter plane \u201cinadvertently\u201d violated Venezuelan airspace due to an acknowledged navigation error. Despite U.S. air-traffickers contacting the Venezuelan tower to report the accidental incursion while it was occurring, Venezuelan Defense Minister Gustavo Reyes Rangel characterized the action as \u201cdeliberate on the part of the North American Navy\u2026 <br><br>Further, he has consistently railed against the Bush administration\u2019s strong-armed practices. On a number of occasions, he has accused the U.S. of infiltration, invasion, and assassination plots. Ch\u00e1vez claims that the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq are evidence of the \u201cEmpire\u201d arrogantly flexing its muscles. For this reason, he insists that any improvement of relations with Washington will have to wait for the next administration. <br><br><a href=\"http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3721\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3721</a><br><br>We need a leader who will diplomatically resolve our relations with Chavez....Too much resentment is building up with Russia and Venezuela....the crisis in Georgia, and our agreement to place anti-missile defense circling Russia could be building up a new Cold War....", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_18:54:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2525567, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522429": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "val:  Thanks for the warning!  I didn't \"click\" just from reading your comment!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:46:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521432, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523455": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Interesting that you conveniently neglected to mention that this article was an OPINION PIECE written by an ADVISOR TO MCCAIN'S CAMPAIGN!!<br><br><i>(Kevin Hassett, director of economic-policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, is a Bloomberg News columnist. He is an adviser to Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona in the 2008 presidential election. The opinions expressed are his own.) </i>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:02:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521139, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2539840": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Someone else made that point, and it's a very good point!<br>  ----- Original Message ----- <br>  From: Disqus&lt;mailto:&gt; <br>  To: dtdeskins@msn.com&lt;mailto:dtdeskins@msn.com&gt; <br>  Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 2:07 PM<br>  Subject: [jackandjillpolitics] Re: Monday Open Thread", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_08:11:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "NMP", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522694, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514755": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "McCain Freeze Would Chill Science<br><br><a href=\"http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/919/1\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/fu...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_01:54:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514758": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "muflats is a gem. a true gem.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_01:54:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2514698, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524487": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Oh no they didn't!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:14:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524373, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2539848": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I trust your judgement, Craig.<br>  ----- Original Message ----- <br>  From: Disqus&lt;mailto:&gt; <br>  To: dtdeskins@msn.com&lt;mailto:dtdeskins@msn.com&gt; <br>  Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 1:54 PM<br>  Subject: [jackandjillpolitics] Re: Monday Open Thread", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_08:12:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "NMP", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522529, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527561": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I read the bill last night, lets hope Congress doesn't let this crap get passed as is.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:37:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "nickwah22", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523908, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521911": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I want to share with you this interview that Bill Moyer had with veteran market watcher Robert Kuttner and former SEC chair William Donaldson, who resigned after 2 years in 2005.  This interview took place October 2007.  I think it is an overal1 good assessment  without the partisan BS.  And again this is  interview from last October, almost a year ago .....many knew this meltdown was coming.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10122007/transcipt1.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10122007/tran...</a><br><br>Here's an excerpt<br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: I think there are three big parallels between what happened in the '20s and what has been happening on Wall Street lately. One is insiders with conflicts of interest that are not fully disclosed to the public, generally. Secondly, there's much too much borrowed money. There's much too much leverage in the economy, and particularly in the financially engineered parts of the economy. <br><br>BILL MOYERS: Which would be hedge funds? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Which would be hedge funds and derivatives, which are instruments that hedge funds often use. And I think the third is the lack of transparency. The regulators-- <br><br>BILL MOYERS: What do you mean? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Regulators and the public don't get any kind of disclosure. And hedge funds, because of the loophole in the securities laws, they're not regulated at all. And to the extent that there is a degree of transparency, regulators do get to look at the assets of banks. Sometimes they don't know what they're looking at. Now, you put those three things together, you have a risk of an economy based on asset bubbles where people-- <br><br>BILL MOYERS: Asset bubbles? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Yeah. It's what happened in the '20s and it's what happened in the '90s. There's a euphoria that sets in. Some of it's engineered euphoria. If you cook your company's books to make it look like your profits are higher than they really are, that's gonna bid up the price of your stock. <br>And if you're an executive who's compensated on the basis of the price of the stock, that's called a conflict of interest. And that was at the heart of what happened in the '20s and what happened in the '90s. That's why we need the kind of transparency that Mr. Donaldson was promoting when he was head of the SEC. <br><br>WILLIAM DONALDSON: Well, I think we've created a number of instruments in this country in particular derivatives and so forth and so on. I think these instruments are not necessarily understood in their entirety. <br><br>BILL MOYERS: Let me tell you, I don't understand them. <br><br>WILLIAM DONALDSON: Well I'm not sure that many of the people that buy them understand them. I have a feeling that somewhere there's an institution that's just bought a derivative and they don't understand what they bought. <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: You know, the problem is that in the old days when a bank examiner went to a bank and looked at its portfolio of loans, the examiner could tell which of the loans were performing. Was interest being paid on the loans? Was the principal being paid back? Which ones weren't? And the examiner could direct the bank to reserve assets against the risk of a loan default.<br><br>Well, today it's a kind of a regulatory black box. The regulators are relying on the banks' own so-called stress models, which make certain assumptions about human behavior. And we just had a full field test of this in the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. The models didn't work. Behavior wasn't supposed to occur along these lines.<br><br>And a lot of this turned out to be junk. And a lot of innocent people got hurt. And the only reason the economy didn't crash was the Fed, which was not inclined to do this before the sub-prime meltdown-- the Fed opened the spigots. And so even though the sub-prime sector is a complete mess, the stock market, as you pointed out in your introduction, hit new highs.<br><br>Why? Because the more alarmed the Fed is about the economy, the more the Fed is gonna lower money. And that's good for the stock market. <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: I mean Alan Greenspan, is one of the revered public figures of our time. I think he made one huge mistake \u2014 he did not use a lot of the regulatory power that he had. Every time there was a credit crunch, he would race to the rescue. <br><br>BILL MOYERS: By putting in cheap money? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Yeah. So it seems to me, if you're gonna bail out-- problems after the fact, you have an obligation to prevent some of them before they start. And for 13 years, Greenspan's Fed and now Bernanke's Fed has had not just the authority but the mandate from Congress to look at mortgage loan origination standards. <br><br>Had they issued regulations under that authority, you never would have had a sub-prime crisis because they would have gone in and noticed that loans were being made that people couldn't possibly pay off. And the only reason they were being made was that somebody at the end of the daisy chain was willing to buy the paper. <br><br>WILLIAM DONALDSON: I don't, you know, I don't know about the Federal Reserve system and why they didn't do what they should have done. I do know about the SEC and I do know the efforts that we made to anticipate where things were gonna go wrong. We formed an office of risk control and risk management.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:04:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521139, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523880": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think that even if you just left it at \"giving a home loan to ANYONE with risky credit, limited ability to pay it back or collateral ...,\" you still end up including a majority of minorities in that \"anyone.\" I'm no expert, but I've heard/seen/read that minorities-as a whole-seem to have historically worse credit ratings that whites.<br><br>Unfortunate that that's the way it is, but the statement/\"talking point\" isn't completely inaccurate or without merit.<br><br>Referencing your point below, that \"Bush and 'em\" also includes the 235 dhimmicratic House members and 50.5 (I'll reduce Lieberman to half) dhimmicratic Senate members...the majority in both houses.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:31:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523691, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514766": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Unless I missed it, HuffPost had a slide show.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/mccain-owns-13-cars-obama_n_128047.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/mccain...</a><br><b>McCain Owns 13 Cars; Obama 1 [slide show]</b><br><br><i>Newsweek has a story up comparing the number of cars owned by the presidential candidates. It's not even close. And certainly, it doesn't provide the type of man-of-the-people image that John McCain's handlers want to present in the current economic crisis.<br><br>As the magazine reports: \"When you have seven homes, that's a lot of garages to fill. After the fuss over the number of residences owned by the two presidential nominees, NEWSWEEK looked into the candidates' cars. And based on public vehicle-registration records, here's the score. John and Cindy McCain: 13. Barack and Michelle Obama: one.\"</i><br><br>Some commentators didn't see how this was \"relevant\" to the \"issues.\"<br><br>Guess they forgot those terms previously floated by the Repugs:  <b>ELITIST! UPPITY!</b><br><br> <b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_01:57:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2530130": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "lamh:  I will go \"Field Trippin'\"!   Thanks.  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_01:09:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2529314, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521432": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "See this is the type of nonsense that I choose to ignore.  Clearly no intelligent person will condone this trash.<br><br>I refuse to click on the link.<br><br>That is a sad state of affairs womanistmusings.  Well ignorance comes in all colors.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:22:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521329, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521437": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Great stuff and great work! It's so important, and remember that just the face-to-face contact alone -- even if you don't \"persuade\" them -- is effective. People will remember that you came to their door as a volunteer on behalf of Obama-Biden, and that's got a BIG impact. (Also, feeling listened to is so important for a lot of these folks too)<br><br>As for the door-slammers, well, some people really do value their privacy and don't like feeling pressured. Don't take it personally!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:22:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anderkoo", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2519969, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524510": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As much as I hear people say that it was \"failed Bush (or Bush-McCain)\" policies that caused these problems, I haven't heard anyone say with any specificity that \"it's all the minorities' fault\" or \"it's all the Dems' fault.\"<br><br>I'm seeing three pieces to this puzzle, and tell me where I'm wrong:<br><br>1. The individuals-minority or not-who brought into homes knowing damn well they couldn't afford them,<br>2. The Congress-both sides of the aisle-for passing legislation that forced/suggested/incentivized (depending on viewpoint) banks to do business with a client base that they would not normally touch, and<br>3. The financial institutions who preyed on that same client base, and just kept passing their risks around.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:15:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524156, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523488": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Bill Clinton is still mad.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:04:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522379, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527585": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:   BWAHAHAHAHAH!!  LOL!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:39:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527005, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514786": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  A - men!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_02:01:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2514758, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527076": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Roland S. Martin Joins The Tom Joyner Morning Show<br>Today Martin begins his new role as senior news analyst for the TJMS <br><br>(Dallas, TX \u2013 September 22nd, 2008) \u2013 Roland Martin, a popular CNN analyst and TV One Cable Network commentator, has joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as senior news analyst to the nation\u2019s No. 1 nationally syndicated urban radio show, company officials announced today. Martin\u2019s daily contribution can be heard every morning at 6:20 am CST. He will offer daily insight into major news events and other issues affecting Black America. <br><br>\"I am excited to join The Tom Joyner Morning Show, which has been at the forefront of community advocacy in urban radio,\" said Martin. \u201cAs senior analyst, my goal is to bring clarity and a sense of purpose to the morning show\u2019s eight million listeners on the issues surrounding the current presidential election, but also provide a common sense perspective on the many other social and cultural issues of the day through interviews with top newsmakers, and occasionally commentary.\u201d<br><br>As one of Black America\u2019s most recognized journalist, just this year alone Martin has been named by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States and won a NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for \"In Conversation: The Sen. Barack Obama Interview.\" Martin was also named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom and was awarded the 2008 President's Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms.<br><br>\"This is a time when people need to be challenged where they are on the issues, regardless of ideology, class, race and gender, and I intend to be honest and 'real' in every way possible,\u201d explains Martin.<br><br>A seasoned member of the press, Martin is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation's largest Black daily newspaper, as well as the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine and <a href=\"http://BlackAmericaWeb.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">BlackAmericaWeb.com</a>. He earned a B.S. in journalism from Texas A&M University and recently received a Masters in Christian Communications from Louisiana Baptist University. <br><br>Martin\u2019s segments can be heard on a local Tom Joyner Morning Show affiliate or online at <a href=\"http://BlackAmericaWeb.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">BlackAmericaWeb.com</a> (<a href=\"http://www.blackamericaweb.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.blackamericaweb.com</a>). Also, reports will be available on demand on the \u201cIf You Missed It\u201d page. <br><br>Additionally, Martin hosts his own talk show on WVON-AM/1690 in Chicago and is a special correspondent for Essence Magazine, writing a bi-monthly column and a daily blog on <a href=\"http://Essence.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">Essence.com</a>. His last day at WVON is Oct. 3, and he will simulcast his Joyner segment daily until then.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:46:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2515302": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "rikyrah:  Hope this is not a duplicate.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/abc-panel-tears-into-mcca_n_128055.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/abc-pa...</a><br><b>ABC Panel Tears Into McCain:  Not Presidential; Age Should Be An Issue</b><br><br><i>For John McCain, the panel discussion on This Week with George Stephanopoulos could not have been more brutal.<br><br>Minutes after conservative columnist George Will declared that the Senator was decidedly un-presidential is his unexpected call for the firing of SEC Chairman Chris Cox, Sam Donaldson, the long-time ABC hand, said that McCain's erratic message on the economy again raised questions about his age.</i><br><br>This was fairly brutal!!  Yaaaaa!   :&gt;)  <br><br>Going to pop some corn!  I plan to watch this a couple of times!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!&gt;/b&gt;</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_02:18:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "8343911": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "As individuals I think by learning something new it expands and improves who and what we are.  Everyone should keep learning and never stop.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-04-19_01:42:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "cb93b9ff117458885d94610b38060c05", "has_been_anonymized": true, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "7 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520427": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "McCain is now straight-up race-baiting in every appearance. <br><br>He's basically calling for the KKK to rise up.<br><br>It's kind of funny actually.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:05:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 9, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521454": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thanks for the kudos! I'm fired up and ready to go!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:24:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "evita", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520618, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521455": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Minor point of contention: the President doesn't control what Congress does as far as their business on the floor goes. That would be controlled by none other that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (<B>D</B>), Speaker of the House.<br><br>So, in this case, blame her.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:24:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521107, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521969": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly HOW is Obama ruining their chances to become citizens?<br><br>There's an undertone of \"blame Juan\" in there, too.  How endearing to Hispanic/Latino people.  Lookit Juan and Oscar jumping dat fence and getting all yo' benefits while Sal, Seamus and Mr. Kzysskvski are denied their benefits!  Why, if we hadn't loaned money to Mookie and Boomsheeka to buy houses, we wouldn't be in this mess we're in today!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:08:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521780, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524530": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Wow. Just...wow.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:16:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524315, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529140": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "thx hustleandfloe.  Its really ironic that Palin represents the the dark side (knight), I guess sadly the joker would be race.  She had been brought in as the great white hope to save the day.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_23:14:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "antennaness", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2528668, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528118": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I came across this article while looking for others.....this is over 2 years old but describes Goldman Sachs, when Hank Paulson was at the helm.<br><br><br>$521,000: The average pay of Goldman Sachs employees \u00ad and that includes secretaries<br><br>By Stephen Foley in New York<br>Sunday, 12 February 2006 <br><br>They call it Goldmine Sachs. And well they might. Because the Wall Street giant has become the first major investment bank to see its average salary top half a million dollars. <br><br><br>The extraordinary figure is disclosed in the company's latest regulatory filings and comes as a record bonus season draws to a close on both sides of the Atlantic.<br><br>It is sure to be used to entice people to join the bank, which expects to boost its number of employees by up to 10 per cent in anticipation of another bumper year for trading and mergers and acquisitions activity.<br><br>Last year, Goldman Sachs paid out $11.7bn (\u00a36.7bn) to its 22,425 employees - around 3,000 of whom are in London.<br><br>Hank Paulson, the chairman and chief executive, was paid $38m in salary, shares and options - a 21 per cent increase on 2004. An average figure per staff member of $521,000 bursts through a barrier not even breached during the dot-com boom in 1999 and 2000.<br><br>This is a 12 per cent increase on the $466,000 average disclosed for 2004. It is twice the level of average pay at rivals Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.<br><br>Wall Street banks are paying out a record $21.5bn in bonuses for 2005, according to New York State figures. That dwarfs 2004's $18.6bn and tops the previous record of $19.5bn in 2000. The average bonus in 2005 was $125,500 - some $25,000 more than in 2000<br><br>Deutsche Bank last week became the latest to disclose to its staff the bonus cheques they will soon be taking home. Some top executives will receive bonuses 75 per cent higher than last year.<br><br>The average bonus is believed to have increased by a double-digit percentage, and the subtle boast is meant to signal Deutsche's return to health after several lacklustre years. <br><br>-------<br><br>Of course now, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have been granted a change in status from investment banks to bank holding companies by the Federal Reserve last night, amidst the \"banking crisis.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:34:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527097": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm sad about Roland leaving WVON - he was perfect to listen to the mornings as I worked out.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:48:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527076, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2515322": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Lilytiger:  I'm handing you some \"virtual 'GREEN TEA'\"!   <br><br>Now let's get  -   you know the drill -  <b>FIRED UP!   READY TO GO!!</b><br><br>There are times when I like House.  Not when he's soo egocentric, though!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b><br><br>Suggestion:  Go to \"Alaska\"  - to Mudflats!!  The articles and comments are very supportive!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_02:24:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2514880, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523515": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I agree! He was just getting warmed up when Andrea \"But I Don't Want The Negro To Win\" Mitchell interrupted his speech. &gt;:-(", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:06:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522423, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529661": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "shameless big up to Roland Martin, if only because he's the exact same brother he's been since the days at Texas A&M - hustling harder than a one-blade ceiling fan at his journalism craft - (even while on line. nah - the old kind, nobody's \"online\" in '87 cept those few in computer lab) sweatpants, high top sneaks (I think the Olajuwon's - paying H-town respect)...and steno pad glued to hand.  we were 1200 black students of total enrollment 43,000 (surprise, the numbers are the same from 1986 today... no surprise) - and he made a real mark, as many of those 1200.  good to see him stirring conversation on screen.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_00:27:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "hustleandfloe", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527076, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525567": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I was reading somewhere that Chavez prefers McCain to Obama because he has more control over his people when using the US as a scapegoat for Venezuela's problems.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:32:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "514ece7311946709a77d340a35a81d09", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524880, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525365": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This is laugh out loud funny. Get rid of your s@#$. Sec paulson is buying:<br><a href=\"http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93BUITG0&show_article=1\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93BUIT...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:14:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521479": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Craig - McCain with the help of most major media outlets this week to include Huffpo.  My expectation is it will get worse but it will have an adverse effect which will HELP Obama.  Why?  Because God don't like ugly.<br><br>I brush that dirt of my shoulders (and other Obama supporters should too), we know what tihs is.  You are right, it is funny.  However,  I choose to stay focused and my eyes are firmly focused on Nov 4..", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:26:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520427, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524041": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The crooked landlord who's been taking my money--while going into foreclosure--is as white as Sarah Palin.<br><br>Fcuk Neil Cavuto and all of his Fox Noose buddies.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:41:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "RonnieB", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522743, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523019": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Latest SurveyUSA of VIRGINIA<br><br>Obama 51<br>McCain 45", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_14:32:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524557": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Also:<br><br>If the Obama campaign raises a ruckus about the Veep Debates, the MSM will be lazy and write stories about Obama complaining about the format, which will dovetail nicely into any pro-Palin spin they will want to use once the debate is over.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:18:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524070, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523535": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Ok, I feel compelled to ask.....<br><br>Is what Cavuto saying-that someone in Congres should have said, \"Wait, are the laws we're putting in place to make homes available to everyone financially sound?\"-not a valid question?<br><br>Everyone's trying to just throw Bush under the bus for the housing/financial crises. But, like Cavuto said, the laws that set this fiasco in motion did come through Congress. Granted, Bush didn't have to sign them, but Congress didn't  have to pass them either.<br><br>I don't think he's saying it's specifically \"the minorities'\" fault...I think he's trying to point out that Congress (or more specifically, the dhimmicrats in Congress; it is Fox, after all!!) shoulder a lot of the blame for our economic standing today as well.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:08:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 15, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522743, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527640": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Miranda:  Was that <b>Sallie Mae JOHNSON</b>  -  Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Lincoln Johnson's youngest chil'??  If it was, I saw her last night hanging all over that man and he wa'n't her husband.  ANNNd it was right after evening choich!!   :&gt;)<br><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:44:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526906, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2518418": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Here is another alternative solution to the problem. It addresses the real underlying problem; mortgage values/housing values underlying the bonds are not the same:<br><a href=\"http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/09/fixing-housing.html?cid=131712116#comment-131712116\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/09/...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_09:14:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527128": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "this IS hilarious. <br><br>mudflats has indeed become a discovered treasure during this political season.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:51:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526191, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2526191": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hi All - if you want a laugh - skip over to mudflats.  Someone always steals an Obama/Biden sign from this person's yard so they put up a webcam.<br>You can post comments to the instant messaging service while you watch.  It is hilarious.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.ustream.tv/channel/obama-sign-cctv-1\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ustream.tv/channel/obama-sign-cctv-1</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_18:23:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528668": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "antennaness. thx for this. dead on and cleanly worded opinion to be taken, unfortunately, very seriously.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_22:30:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "hustleandfloe", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527929, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527646": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "D, I agree with you to a point.  I think that the blame needs to be spread around.  I think many Democrats were pushing home ownership programs/laws without checking to see whether the laws were financially sound.  I think that Republicans were pushing for greater deregulation in the financial services industry without checking to see whether the laws were financially sound.  I think that people who were obsessed with home ownership, but had bad credit, did not consider the serious implications of owning a home that they couldn't afford.  And, I think that banks were more concerned with interest rates, instead of sound business practices--no one put a gun to their head and made them give the no money down loans, no work history check loans, or the other shady deals that they didn't investigate thoroughly.  <br><br>So yes, Repubs, Democrats, Wall Street financiers, bankers, and even homeowners have their fingerprints all over this mess.  <br><br>But let us not forget that the Dems did not become the majority until January 07'.  This crisis has been on the bubble for a while now (which doesn't vindicate the Dems), and the Repubs have been the majority for the last 12 years.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:45:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523880, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525366": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"metaphorical\" - just a fancy smancy word for \"dont know a damn thang\".", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:14:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524315, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522528": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "D:  Thanks for your comment.  Let me try this again.<br><br>IFFF, the Congress was NOT thrown off their SCHEDULE by having to deal with the present ECONOMIC CRISIS [created under Shrubs WATCH!; 'cause 1 thing is fer sure, the aftermath WILL be blamed on Mr. Obama when he takes office, . . .], <br><br>THEN they would be about their 9-22-08 SCHEDULE ta-day!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:53:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521455, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2519969": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "My day canvassing for Obama in rural PA:<br><br><br>This Sunday I spent the day and a 2 \u00bd drive to rural PA to canvass for the local Obama/ Biden Campaign. After arriving at 10:30 am I was told that my cousin (my road dog) and I would need to wait until at least 11am when the entire state left church, so we grabbed a cup of course and took a brief trip around \u201ctown\u201d which was a sad looking place. Clearly economically depressed with run down buildings juxtaposed with the most amazing mountain views of pre foliage season change. Once back at the Wilkes-Barre campaign headquarters we were given some tasks of highlighting required information on voter registration forms. During our \u201corientation\u201d we practiced the basic script of how to greet and what to say to people have self-dentified as \u201cundecided voters.\u201d Our job was to tell them about the Obama/Biden platform and to \u201cearn their vote.\u201d My cousin is an African American man and am a Latina woman, and we decided to stick together for the day as opposed to splitting up as was recommended. My cousin didn\u2019t like the idea of to seeing other Black people and then he being a random Black person knocking on the door of some random white person. I suspect he also didn\u2019t like the idea of me doing the same.  It doubled the amount of ground we had to cover, but we decided safety would come first.<br><br>Here\u2019s a breakdown of who we spoke to:<br><br>Talked to about 100 people <br>70% of these undecided already decided they were voting for Obama. Many of them engaged us in conversation about how they hate McCain and the Republicans\u2026 citing issues related to the economy as their number reason for not wanting to see the Republicans have another four more years.<br><br>20% of these undecided were still undecided when we got to the door. Among these people many of them cited issues with Obama and he being \u201cpro abortion.\u201d I addressed the issue that he is actually personally pro-life but  he believes strongly in our nation\u2019s Constitution and the separation between church and state. Also mentioned that his health and education plan call for more education and support for young people. I mentioned that not all parent\u2019s are like the Palin\u2019s\u2026 and don\u2019t you know parents who have kicked their kids out for mistakenly getting pregnant? I old them Obama wants to provide the support to young people so they will have the support to make the choice to preserve life. I told them the Republican agenda wants to draw a line, not provide education or take any steps to assist young people when this challenge occurs. Obama wants to at least shift the discussion to what can we do to help people who feel like an abortion is the only choice. Believe it or not, this worked. We walked away from this group knowing that at least of these people we swayed, but many we already leaning Obama. There was one guy who wasn\u2019t sure if his number one issue was the war or the economy. We left him on the fence but hopefully we made the case that McCain didn\u2019t speak to the economic issues that he faced. This guy drove almost 2 hours to work in NJ because there was no work in his area! Also, some women mentioned they really supported Hillary and were disappointed about her not getting the nomination. It was a great time to ask them in what ways they believe Clinton and Palin\u2019s policy were similar. And the follow up question, do you just want Palin because she\u2019s a woman or because you believe she will be able to advocate for our issues like universal healthcare? I told them I\u2019m from NY- and Hillary sent me to talk with you today. She\u2019s supporting Barack Obama\u2026 (puke! I can\u2019t stand Hillary! But I will do what I need to do hammer the message!)<br><br>10% of these people refused to talk with us- slamming the door in our faces etc. One elderly woman said to me it\u2019s my vote and its my privilege and so I said \u201cIsn\u2019t it great to have that privilege?\u201d And she said, \u201cYes so I don\u2019t have to tell you!\u201d and then slammed the door shut. No idea where that came from, but the house smelled like moth balls so I was happy to keep it moving.<br>Along the way we met lots of young people hanging outside with their infants and toddlers, tattoos blazing. Many of them weren\u2019t registered to vote and they didn\u2019t believe that their vote made a difference etc. It was really sad because you could tell it was an issue of self-esteem. We were able to register 10 new voters yesterday.<br><br>It was a great day! I have never canvassed for ANY campaign, but yesterday I drove 2 \u00bd hours (each way) to a rural place to speak with people I thought I would have nothing in common with. At the end of the day I realized that our issues and reasons for supporting Barack Obama were more in sync than not. I had a great time! Had a lot of laughs, heard a lot of stories about their lives and dreams and it was amazing.<br><br>I highly recommend this experience to everyone!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_10:29:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "evita", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524070": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Re: the Veep Debates<br><br>The expectations for Palin are already very low. She's been exposed as someone with an extremely limited knowledge and grasp of issues confronting a president or vice president. So, I'm betting that Obama has acquiesced and is content to let the news media do his dirty work for him. Serious voters--and hopefully some serious jounalists--will see Palin for what she is (and more importantly is not) and will make up their minds accordingly.<br><br>Think about it: If Obama/Biden already view Palin as an intellectual lightweight, do they really care if she asks for a handicap?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:42:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "RonnieB", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524583": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "In my best Dee from \"What's Happening\" impression...<br><br>\"Oooooh you're in trouble now, Raj\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:19:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "MsKitty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524373, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525340": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If people want to see what deregulation looks like, then read this:<br><a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/9322/74248/245/602838\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/932...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:12:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2525226, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528071": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This is pure comedy! Thanks Val", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:28:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "Texas_Girl_in_LA", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526191, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522542": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't watch the View. Can anyone verify that this happened?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:53:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522039, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525861": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "From TMP Election Central <a href=\"http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/palin_claims_obamabiden_democr.php\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com...</a><br><br><i><b>Palin Claims \"Obama-Biden Democrats\" Are Regularly Attacking Her Family, But...</b><br>By Greg Sargent - September 22, 2008, 3:25PM<br><br>The McCain camp has just blasted out to its list a fundraising email by Sarah Palin claiming that Obama-Biden Democrats are waging frequent attacks on her family. From the email:<br><br>Friends, in the course of a few weeks, the Obama-Biden Democrats have launched attack after attack on me, my family and John McCain. They're desperate to win and they'll no doubt launch these attacks against other reformers on our ticket.<br><br>I didn't remember any attacks on Palin's family from Obama, Biden, or their top supporters. So I asked the McCain campaign what this was a reference to.<br><br>Here, according to a McCain campaign aide, are the attacks on Palin's family from \"Obama-Biden Democrats\" that the email refers to:<br><br>1) Obama finance committee member Howard Gutman questioning Palin's parenting and her willingness to take on the Veep candidate role when her family is so consuming -- a comment he subsequently apologized for.<br><br>2) Andrew Sullivan's demand that the McCain campaign release medical records putting to rest rumors about the birth of Trig Palin.<br><br>3) A user diary on DailyKos, which is of course the site of leading Obama supporter Markos Moulitsas, raising questions about that pregnancy.<br><br>And that's it.<br><br>Meanwhile, just today, on a McCain campaign conference call, McCain senior adviser Steve Schmidt laid into the alleged ties between Joe Biden's son and the credit card industry.</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:55:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521524": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "TRW -- that comment got me too but I let it go.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:29:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521364, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525086": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I have no problem with anyone saying that the problem stems from making loans available to people who were high risk applicants.  I take offense when it is spelled out as minorities and high risk. <br><br>I'm a minority, I own a home,  I put 20% down and got a 30 year fixed mortgage.  So did my brother, sister, cousins, parents aunts and uncles.  We all bought what we could afford like you are suppose to.<br><br>Banks offered more then I could afford to get me to over extend myself but I know if something is too good to be true it is.<br><br>I have many white friends who fell for the no down, adjustable rate mortgages and they are in trouble now.  They made a bad decision falling for a good sales job.<br><br>I am so sick of problems like these being divided across racial lines.  Some people of all races made good decisions, some made bad. \"Lending to minorities\" is not the problem.  Lowering standards for credit and compensating people to sell the loans to high risk targets is.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:54:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523535, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2515382": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Gee, thanks, I like green tea. Okay, tomorrow is another day! <br><br>And there is always next year for Hugh. <br><br>But it's this year for Obama!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_02:40:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Lilytiger", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2515322, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522039": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/22/124343/616/671/606496\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/22/124343/...</a><br><br>Bill Clinton sabotages Obama on the View?  Is this a new episode?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:14:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2532285": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "hustleandfloe:   \". . . . one-blade ceiling fan. . . \"    ROTHLMHO!!!!  :&gt;)<br><br>I am tha  -rough!!:&gt;)    :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-23_02:04:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2529661, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2514880": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Trying to entertain myself for a few hours I tuned into the Emmy's to see Hugh Laurie in a tux, giving a fun interview on the red carpet, a funny repartee handing out an award and perhaps, finally, a win for best Drama actor. No, no, no on all three fronts. He had the flu and he didn't win. <br><br>This week has been an all around downer. <br><br>Back to the slog.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_02:10:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "Lilytiger", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2527648": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "McCain says Palin understands our National Security issues because her son has been deployed.  Hell, that would probably make some, if not all of us, VP material.<br><br>This election season is like a bad soap opera.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_20:45:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "nickwah22", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2529219": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "thx for this.  this whole \"I know it because I'm next to it\" osmotic method of expertise-havin' is the worst result of our newly palin-driven, Alaska's-next-to-Russia hoodwinkery.<br><br>my fam's been deployed a bunch of times in places all over the world.  we talk, but I can't extrapolate that into knowledge of national security.  Besides, they, just like Palin's son, have a whole lot of stuff that they CANNOT tell me, anyway.  Apart from giving some real and necessary empathy to use in policy-making, having family over there ain't near 'bouts enough when it comes to making decisions for a nation.  Some folks with kids over there say we shoulda just laid that joint flat on day one.  Others say you shouldnt'a sent my kid there in the first place.<br><br>Which one should be President?  (The second, but not by resume.)", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_23:21:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "hustleandfloe", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2527648, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522529": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I said it before and I mean it again:<br><br>This will work to Biden's advantage.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:53:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522108, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522060": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If this is true, how can anyone scream that they don't see Bill Clinton on the campaign trail?  Maybe he needs to smoke a nice cigar and sit down somewhere.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:16:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522039, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522061": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep.  It's more than clear that Bill Clinton is trying to sabotage Obama.  Why is non one calling him on it?!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:16:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "NMP", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2522039, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525137": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "METAPHORICAL<br><br>uh huh", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:57:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524315, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2523603": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "rikyrah:  He/they said  WHAT?<br><br><a href=\"http://coloradoindependent.com/8807/evangelical-leader-smacks-mccain-for-lack-of-principle\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://coloradoindependent.com/8807/evangelical...</a><br><b>Evangelical Leader Smacks McCain For Lack of Principles</b><br><br><i>Richard Cizik is one of the country\u2019s most powerful and outspoken Christian evangelical leaders. He happens to be a Republican, and he has known the GOP\u2019s presidential nominee for many years. \u201cI thought John McCain was a principled person,\u201d Cizik says. \u201cBut John McCain has backed off, not just on climate change but on torture and a sensible tax policy \u2014 in other words, he\u2019s not the John McCain of 2000. \u2026 He seems to be waffling on issue after issue.<br><br>It\u2019s not illogical for someone to conclude that John McCain is going to be more like George Bush than John McCain is going to be like John McCain in 2000.\u201d<br><br>Characterizing the GOP\u2019s presidential nominee as an unprincipled waffler is strong stuff from the man who oversees governmental affairs and is the chief lobbyist of the 30-million-member Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Evangelicals. But Cizik \u2014 named this year by TIME magazine one of the world\u2019s 100 most influential people \u2014 is no stranger to controversies that come from strong convictions.</i><br><br><b>Finally  - the TRUTH!!</b>  :&gt;)<br><br>It's soo tempting to do more than SNIPETS.   :&gt;)  But it's cool!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:13:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522069": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You think he needs to explain HOW?<br><br>All he's got to do is say it.<br><br>The media is pimping that Fournier racist poll right about now as well.<br><br>It's not going to work, but it sure has become funny watching.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:17:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "CraigHickman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521969, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522582": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Like I said last week, the McCain campaign feels like they can do the race baiting because the media is so complicit in this.  But I think this will ultimately come back to bite the campaign because the more they feel they can get away with it, the more blatant they're going to be about it until it goes one step too far.<br><br>It's gonna happen, mark my words.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:57:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "MsKitty", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521479, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2526783": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Before McCain picked Palin, I've been reading far right wingnuts' blogs.  A lot of these blogs through around the idea that Obama is the anti-Christ.  I knew they could not wrap their minds around the idea that Obama could actually become president.  After Palin came into to picture and McCain was leading in the poll I thought that they would have dropped that meme.  I guess that not going to happened.  <br><br>There is some scary ish out there.  All the crazies are coming out of the woodwork", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_19:19:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "ecb8e53ad4dc175b15ab69340dd091f1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2526591, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2515418": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Lilytiger:  Me   2!   Yes it is!!        Yes!           Yaaaaaaaa!!!!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_02:48:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2515382, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521055": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I wanna know too.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:54:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520427, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524130": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The real problem with subprime loans is not the issue of one person with bad credit getting a loan they couldn't handle.  The real issue, and what has caused this globabl financial crisis, is that the greedy banks devised a convoluted new commodity consisting of bundles of these subprime loans.  The banks knew the subprime customers would never repay, but the banks were able to make money off the debts regardless by selling them off.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:47:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "60266805bc0d9559a62514e1e769b750", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523691, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2518438": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Now here is something to put all the bullish that has happened this past week into perspective, asolutely terrifying! Please pass this along:<br><br><a href=\"http://www.stomverbaasd.com/stomverbaasd-congress-secret-session-march-13-2008-about-the-collapse-of-the-usa/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.stomverbaasd.com/stomverbaasd-congre...</a><br><br>T in NC", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_09:16:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "dcf8f12a33c7941947fdd53f5ff10e73", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2528230": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "nickwah22:<br>1.  Co-sign!  But, I'm believin' that some of \"McAncient's\" campaign funds will go to anyone who even \"thinks about\" saying something NEGATIVE about her after this \"meeting!?\"<br><br>2.Also, IMHO, the MSM will not throw \"The Gov.\" under the proverbial bus, unless and until she publicly renounces her citizenship of the US of A.  They are this fawning  -IMHO!     <br><br>I'll be waiting for them to use the \"icing\" so that I can lick the bowl!  :&gt;)<br><br>O.K. Maybe that's a little over the edge!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_21:45:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2528088, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524156": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't think so...minorities were not the bulk of the people getting home loans.  So to say that \"giving loans to minorities is why we're in the financial crisis we're in today\" is bullshit.  Lenders were handing out money like candy to EVERYONE, that's why we're in the jam we're in today.  Bush himself is the one who claimed \"under him, minority home ownership grew\" so for the Republicans to turn around and say \"its' all these minorities getting loans that's causing this meltdown\" is fraudulent, especially when it was the Republicans encouraging these loans in the first place.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_15:49:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2523880, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521582": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Profile of Valerie Jarrett in the new issue of Vogue.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:36:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2521583": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "And I hope you also noticed that this article was written by an economic advisor of John McCain who is obviously biased and will place a lot of the blame on the opposing party.  True, there is plenty of blame to go around.....I've read that this deregulation has been in the making since the early 80's until present  and over the span of many years   legislation  has been slowly chipping away at the firewalls enacted since the 1930's to prevent the crisis that we are in now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_12:36:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Monie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2521139, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2525171": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "OMG<br><br>HILARIOUS", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_17:00:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524373, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2524663": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "pjamma:  <i>. . standards. . . . really low. . . </i><br><br>Got that right!!  :&gt;)<br><br>Thanks for the other information.  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  '08!</b>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_16:24:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2524577, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2520570": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "What did he do this time?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_11:17:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 2520427, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "2522108": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I COMPLETELY agree with Andrew Sullivan.  Of the many head scratching decisions made by the Obama Campaign, agreeing to the quick Q&A format for the VP debate is at the top.  If you've watched her gubernatorial debates, you know she is an expert at bull shitting when the format does not provide for back-and-forth.  She'll give a bunch of talking points delivered in a folksy manner, and will be declared the winner for merely surviving.  I wish someone could help me understand this decision by the Obama team.  You would think he was 20 points ahead in the polls.<br><br><a href=\"http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/deference-watch.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-09-22_13:19:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "NMP", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "1 year ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}}, "integration": {"receiver_url": "", "theme": 4, "reply_position": true, "disqus_logo": false}, "timer": {"timer_url": "http://localhost:8005", "thread_id": "4858500", "user_id": "anonymous", "forum_id": "21630", "hash": 5116744880450170095}, "thread": {"days_alive": 0, "slug": "monday_open_thread_44", "paginate": false, "num_pages": 1, "num_posts": 204, "per_page": 0, "total_posts": 0, "realtime_paused": true, "id": 4858500, "queued": false}, "reactions_limit": 10, "context": {"show_reply": true, "use_fb_connect": true, "forum_facebook_key": "bd6a8bc56f8eb204984f34b6fefe228d", "use_yahoo": false, "subscribed": false, "use_twitter_signin": true, "use_openid": false, "realtime_speed": 5000}, "reactions_start": 0, "settings": {"debug": false, "disqus_url": "http://disqus.com", "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"}, "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"};
	/* */ this.jsonData.cookie_messages = {"user_created": null, "post_has_profile": null, "post_twitter": null, "post_not_approved": null}; this.jsonData.session = {"url": null, "name": null, "email": null}; /* */

	
	this.curPageId = 'dsq-comments';

	this.frames = {};
};

var disqus_popup_reference = null;

if(typeof DsqLocal == 'undefined') {
	DsqLocal = {};
}



/**
 * Dsq.Strings: UI strings
 */
Dsq.Strings = new function() {
	this.ADD_NEW_COMMENT = "Add New Comment";
	this.LOG_INTO_DISQUS = "Log into DISQUS";
	this.USE_MEDIA = "Use Media";
	this.LOGOUT = "Logout";
	this.SHARING_OPTIONS = "Sharing options";
	this.SHARE_ON = "Share on";
	this.TWEET_THIS_COMMENT = "Tweet this comment";
	this.SHARE_ON_NEWSFEED = "Share on news feed";
	this.SEND_UPDATE_TO_YAHOO = "Send update to Yahoo!";
	this.REBLOG_ON = "Reblog on";
	this.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS = "Configure options";
	this.POST_AS = "Post as";
	this.SORT_BY = "Sort by";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe by email";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS = "Subscribe by RSS";
	this.POPULAR_NOW = "Popular now";
	this.BEST_RATING = "Best Rating";
	this.NEWEST_FIRST = "Newest first";
	this.OLDEST_FIRST = "Oldest first";
	this.HIGHLIGHTED = "Highlighted";
	this.UNSUBSCRIBE = "Unsubscribe";
	this.REQUIRED = "Required";
	this.OPTIONAL = "Optional";
	this.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A = "You are commenting as a";
	this.LOGIN_BELOW = "Login below";
	this.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT = "Please login below to comment.";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe to all comments by email";
	this.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS = "Do not subscribe to comments";
	this.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS = "Real-time updating is";
	this.ENABLED = "enabled";
	this.PAUSED = "paused";
	this.PAUSE = "Pause";
	this.RESUME = "Resume";
	this.SHOW = "Show";
	this.JUST_NOW = "Just now";
	this.REPLY = "Reply";
	this.EDIT = "Edit";
	this.FLAG = "Flag";
	this.MODERATE = "Moderate";
	this.CANCEL = "Cancel";
	this.REPLYING_TO = "Replying to";
	this.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS = "Report missing reactions";
	this.POST_A_COMMENT = "Post a comment";
	this.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT = "Flag inappropriate comment";
	this.FLAGGED = "Flagged";
	this.NO = "No";
	this.YES = "Yes";
	this.NEVER_MIND = "Never mind";
	this.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR = "Are you sure you would like to report this comment to a moderator";
	this.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION = "This will flag comments for moderators to take action";
	this.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN = "To rate, please log in";
	this.JUST_A_MOMENT = "Just a moment...";
	this.GUEST = "Guest";
	this.NAME = "Name";
	this.EMAIL = "Email";
  this.WEBSITE = "Website";
  this.SETTINGS = "Settings";
  this.MODERATOR_OPTIONS = "Moderator options: ";
};
// Dsq.Strings

/**
 * Dsq.FmtStrings: functions that return interpolated UI strings
 */
Dsq.FmtStrings = new function() {
	// Seems we have to use named interpolation for Django to translate. Investigate more.
	this.LOGGED_IN_AS = function(username) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logged in as %(username)s', {username:username});
	};

	this.LOGOUT_FROM = function(disqus) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logout from %(disqus)s', {disqus:disqus});
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL = function(total, num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comment", {num:num, total:total});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comments", {num:num, total:total});
		}
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION = function(num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comment", {num:num});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comments", {num:num});
		}
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s comment'
				: '%(num)s comments'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_LIKES = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s like'
				: '%(num)s likes'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_POINTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s point'
				: '%(num)s points'
			), {num:num});
	};
};
// Dsq.FmtStrings





Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN = '3a1994e3330279e78957da82fb64f754';
Dsq.COMMENTS_RE = /(<li.*?id="?dsq-comment-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/li>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_RE = /(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-header-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/div>)\s*(<div.*?class="?dsq-comment-body"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_BODY_RE = /\s*(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-message-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
// HACK: Safari ends with "-->" while other browsers end with "--&gt;" as expected.
Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE = /&lt;!--\[(.*?)\]--(?:>|&gt;)/gim;



var FragmentPacket = function(reader, writer, writer_url, is_child, receiveCallback) {
	var that = this;
	this.reader = reader;
	this.writer = writer;
	this.writer_url = writer_url;

	this.is_child = is_child || false;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;

	this._lastHash = null;

	this._accumMsg = '';

	this._lastSeqno = 0;

	this.MAX_DATA_LEN	= 1024;

	this.WAIT_TIME		= 10;

	this.READY		= 0x1;
	this.WRITING	= 0x2;
	this.FIN		= 0x4;
	this.ACK		= 0x8;

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;
	var listener = function() {
		that.recv();
	};
	return window.setInterval(listener, 10);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.log = function(msg) {



};

FragmentPacket.prototype.recv = function() {
	var hash;
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {

		hash = this.reader.name;
	} else {

		var hashIndex = this.reader.location.href.indexOf('#');
		if (hashIndex == -1) {
			return;
		}
		hash = this.reader.location.href.substring(hashIndex+1);
	}
	var flags = parseInt(hash.substring(0, 4), 10);
	var seqno = parseInt(hash.substring(4, 24), 10);
	var data  = hash.substring(24);

	if (this._lastHash !== hash) {
		this._lastHash = hash;
		this.log('recv: ' + hash);

		this.log(' flags: ' + flags);
		this.log(' seqno: ' + seqno + ' len: ' + hash.substring(4, 24).length + ' (' + hash.substring(4, 24) + ')');
		this.log(' data: ' + data + ' len: ' + data.length);

		this._lastSeqno = seqno;

		if (flags & this.WRITING) {
			this._accumMsg += data;
			this.sendFlag(this.ACK, seqno);
			if (flags & this.FIN) {
				this.log('recv finished: ' + decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));
				this.receiveCallback(decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));

				this._accumMsg = '';

				this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
			}
		}
	}

	return {
		flags: flags,
		seqno: seqno,
		data: data
	};
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendRawPacket = function(packet) {
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {
		this.writer.name = packet;
	} else {

		this.writer.location.href = this.writer_url + '#' + packet;
	}

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendFlag = function(flag, seqno) {
	this.sendRawPacket(this._zerofill(flag, 4) + this._zerofill(seqno, 20));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {
	this._send(0, encodeURIComponent(msg));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._send = function(packetNum, msg) {
	var that = this;
	var recvBuf = this.recv();

	if (packetNum === 0) {

		if (!(recvBuf.flags & this.READY)) {
			this.log('client is not ready, waiting...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		}
	} else {

		if (!( (recvBuf.flags & this.ACK) && (recvBuf.seqno === this._lastSeqno) )) {
			this.log('waiting for ack from client...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		} else {
			this.log('received ack: ' + this._lastSeqno + ' ' + recvBuf.seqno);
		}
	}

	var flags = this.WRITING;
	var num_packets = Math.ceil(msg.length / this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	this.log('num_packets: ' + num_packets);

	if (num_packets === packetNum) {

		this.log('message successfully sent!');
		this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
		return true;
	}

	this._lastSeqno++;

	if (packetNum == num_packets-1) {
		flags |= this.FIN;
	}

	var data = msg.substring(packetNum * this.MAX_DATA_LEN, (packetNum+1) * this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	var packet = this._zerofill(flags, 4) + this._zerofill(this._lastSeqno, 20) + data;

	this.log('sending raw packet: ' + packet);
	this.sendRawPacket(packet);

	return this._send(packetNum + 1, msg);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._zerofill = function(num, width) {
	var retval = num.toString();
	var retval_len = retval.length;
	for (var i = 0; i < width - retval_len; i++) {
		retval = '0' + retval;
	}
	return retval;
};

var PostMessagePacket = function(receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId) {
	var that = this;
	this.receiver = receiver;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;
	this.id = id;


	this.receiverId = receiverId;
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;

	var listener = function(e) {

		if (!that.id) {
			that.id = e.data;
			return;
		}


		var id = e.data.split(';')[0];
		if (id !== that.id) {
			return;
		}
		var data = e.data.substring(e.data.indexOf(';') + 1);

		that.receiveCallback(data);
	};

	if (typeof window.attachEvent == 'function') {
		window.attachEvent('onmessage', listener);
	} else if (typeof window.addEventListener == 'function') {
		window.addEventListener('message', listener, false);
	} else {
		throw new Error('No method found to create event listener for PostMessagePacket.');
	}
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {



	var needs_reget = false;
	try {
		if (typeof this.receiver.id == 'undefined' || typeof this.receiver.postMessage == 'undefined') {
			needs_reget = true;
		}
	} catch(e) {


	}
	if (needs_reget && typeof this.receiverId != 'undefined') {
		this.receiver = document.getElementById(this.receiverId).contentWindow;
	}

	var packet;
	if (!msg) {

		packet = this.id;
	} else {
		packet = this.id + ';' + msg;
	}
	this.receiver.postMessage(packet, '*');
};

PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = null;
PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id = function() {
	var id = (new Date()).getTime();
	if (id == PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id) {
		id++;
	}
	PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = id;
	return id.toString();
};

var JsonRpc = function() {

	this.ids = {};

	this.objectToJSON = function(obj) {
		var json = '';
		var results = [];

		if (obj === undefined || obj === null) {
			return 'null';
		}

		switch (obj.constructor) {
			case Object:
				for (var property in obj) {
					if (obj.hasOwnProperty(property)) {
						results.push(this.objectToJSON(property) + ': ' + this.objectToJSON(obj[property]));
					}
				}
				json = '{' + results.join(', ') + '}';
				break;
			case Array:
				for (var i = 0; i < obj.length; i++) {
					results.push(this.objectToJSON(obj[i]));
				}
				json = '[' + results.join(', ') + ']';
				break;
			case Number:
			case Boolean:
				json = obj.toString();
				break;
			case String:

				var specialChars = {'\b': '\\b', '\t': '\\t', '\n': '\\n', '\f': '\\f', '\r': '\\r', '\\': '\\\\'};

				json = obj.replace(/[\x00-\x1f\\]/g, function(match) {
					var ch = specialChars[match];
					return ch ? ch : '\\u00' + match.charCodeAt().toPaddedString(2, 16);
				});

				json = '"' + json.replace(/"/g, '\\"') + '"';
				break;
			default:

				json = 'null';
				break;
		}

		return json;
	};

	this.createHandler = function(send_func, registered_funcs) {
		var that = this;
		var handler = function(message) {

			try {
				var rpc = eval('(' + message + ')');
			} catch(e) {
				alert('bad JSON: ' + message);
				return;
			}
			if (rpc.method) {

				if (!registered_funcs[rpc.method]) {
					return;
				}

				var retval = registered_funcs[rpc.method].apply(null, rpc.params);
				if (rpc.id) {
					var response = {
						result: retval,
						error: null,	// TODO
						id: rpc.id
					};
					send_func(that.objectToJSON(response));
				}
			} else if(rpc.result) {

				if (!that.ids[rpc.id]) {
					return;
				}

				that.ids[rpc.id](rpc.result);
				delete that.ids[rpc.id];
			}
		};
		return handler;
	};

	this.execute = function(send_func, method, params, response_callback) {
		response_callback = response_callback || null;
		var id = (response_callback) ? (new Date()).getTime() : null;

		var request = {
			method: method,
			params: params,
			id: id
		};

		send_func(this.objectToJSON(request));

		if (id) {
			this.ids[id] = response_callback;
		}
	};
};
JsonRpc = new JsonRpc();

var ParentMessenger = function(childUrl, receiverUrl, container, receiveCallback) {


	if (navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Safari') >= 0 && parseInt(navigator.userAgent.substring(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Version/') + 8), 10) == 3) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	} else if (window.opera) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}



	if (!receiverUrl &&
		navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Gecko') >= 0 &&
		parseFloat(navigator.userAgent.slice(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 3, navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 6)) < 1.9) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}


	if (/msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent)) {


		if (document.domain == window.location.hostname) {
			receiverUrl = '';
		}
	}

	var that = this;
	this.childUrl = childUrl;
	this.receiverUrl = receiverUrl;
	this.container = container || document.body;

	this.packetHandler = null;


	this._ready = false;
	this._error = false;


	var _createReceiverForFragmentPacket = function() {

		that.receiver = document.createElement('iframe');
		that.receiver.src = receiverUrl;
		that.receiver.id = 'receiver_' + (new Date()).getTime();
		that.receiver.name = that.receiver.id;

		that.receiver.frameBorder = '0';
		that.receiver.frameSpacing = '0';
		that.receiver.style.borderStyle = 'none';

		var receiver_onload = function() {
			var receiver = document.getElementById(that.receiver.id).contentWindow;

			try {
				receiver.document.body.innerHTML = '';
			} catch(e) {

				that._error = true;
			}
			receiver.document.body.style.padding = '0px';
			receiver.document.body.style.margin = '0px';

			var child = receiver.document.createElement('iframe');
			child.id = 'child';
			child.name = 'child';
			child.src = that.childUrl;

			child.frameBorder = '0';
			child.frameSpacing = '0';
			child.style.borderStyle = 'none';
			child.style.width = '100%';
			child.style.height = '100%';
			receiver.document.body.appendChild(child);

			that.child = receiver.document.getElementById('child').contentWindow;
			that.receiver = receiver;

			that.packetHandler = new FragmentPacket(that.receiver, that.child, that.childUrl, false, receiveCallback);

			that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();

			that.packetHandler.sendFlag(that.packetHandler.READY, 0);

			that._ready = true;
		};

		that.receiver.onreadystatechange = function() {
			if (this.readyState == 'complete') {
				receiver_onload();
			}
		};

		that.receiver.onload = receiver_onload;







		if (Dsq.Utils.ie) {
			if (that.container.clientWidth === 0) {

				var _waitForWidth = function() {
					if (that.container.clientWidth > 0) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					} else {
						window.setTimeout(_waitForWidth, 100);
					}
				};
				_waitForWidth();

				that._once = false;
				that.receiver.onresize = function() {
					if (!that._once) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					}
					that._once = true;
				};
			}
		}

		that.container.appendChild(that.receiver);
	};


	var _createReceiverForPostMessage = function() {

		var receiver_onload = function() {

			that.packetHandler.send();
			that._ready = true;
		};

		var id = PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id();
		var receiverId = 'child_' + id;


		ParentMessenger['_receiver_onload_' + receiverId] = receiver_onload;

		that.container.innerHTML += '<iframe ' +
			'src="' + childUrl + '" ' +
			'id="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'name="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'onload="ParentMessenger._receiver_onload_' + receiverId +'();" ' +
			'></iframe>';

		that.receiver = document.getElementById(receiverId).contentWindow;
		that.packetHandler = new PostMessagePacket(that.receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId);
		that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();
	};

	if (typeof window.postMessage == 'function') {
		_createReceiverForPostMessage();
	} else {
		_createReceiverForFragmentPacket();
	}

};

ParentMessenger.prototype.sendMessage = function(message) {
	var that = this;
	if (!this._ready) {

		window.setTimeout(function() { that.sendMessage(message); }, 10);
		return;
	}
	this.packetHandler.send(message);
	return true;
};

Dsq.NewFrames = function(url) {
	this.url = url;
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype.init = function(onFailure) {
	var that = this;

	try {
		this.messenger = new ParentMessenger(this.url, Dsq.jsonData.integration.receiver_url, this.container, this.receive_callback);
	} catch(e) {
		if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
			onFailure();
		}
	}

	if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
		var iId = window.setInterval(function() {
			if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				return;
			}
			if (that.messenger._ready) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
			} else if (that.messenger._error) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				onFailure();
			}
		}, 10);
	}
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype._execute = function(method, args, callback) {
	var that = this;
	if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
		return false;
	}
	JsonRpc.execute(
		function(msg) { that.messenger.sendMessage(msg); },
		method,
		args || [],
		callback);
	return true;
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame = function(container, parent_post_id) {
	var that = this;
	this.container = container;
	this.parent_post_id = parent_post_id;

	var sendFunc = function(msg) {

		Dsq.Debug.log('Dsq.ReplyFrame.sendFunc');
		that.messenger.sendMessage(msg);
	};


	var postComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		Dsq.jsonData.posts[response.message.id] = response.message.post_meta;
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key]) {
			Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key] = response.message.user_meta;
		}


		var reply_position = (typeof(disqus_insert_wrt_sort) == 'undefined' 
			? (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reply_position ? -1 : null) 
			: (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? null : -1));
		
		if (response.message.post_meta.approved) {
			Dsq.Post.insert(response.message.post_meta.parent_post_id || reply_position, response.message.id, response.message.post_meta.message);
		}

		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var postComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(response.message, 'Error');
		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onFailure(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var editComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);
		
		message.innerHTML = response.message;
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
	
	var editComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('Sorry, there was an error editing this comment.', 'Edit Error');
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	var getUserByEmail_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var msg = response.message;
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(parent_post_id);

		if (msg.username) {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'login', {
				'username': msg.username,
				'display_name': msg.display_name,
				'avatar_url': msg.avatar_url,
				'verified': msg.verified,
				'email': fields.email.value
			});
		} else {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'register');
		}
	};

	var validateAuth_onSuccess = function(response, auth_choice) {
		Dsq.Templates.postComment(parent_post_id, null, true, auth_choice);
	};

	var validateAuth_onFailure = function(response, auth_choice) {
		var pid = parent_post_id ? '-' + parent_post_id : '';
		var msg = response.message;

		if (auth_choice == 'register') {
			var fields = ['email', 'username', 'password'];

			for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; i++) {
				var field = fields[i];
				var errorDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-' + field + '-errors' + pid);

				if (msg[field]) {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = msg[field];
				} else {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = '';
				}
			}
		} else if (auth_choice == 'login') {
			Dsq.$('dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid).innerHTML = '<p>We couldn\'t log you in. Please verify your login.</p>';
		}
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.receive_callback = JsonRpc.createHandler(sendFunc, {
		'postComment.onSuccess': postComment_onSuccess,
		'postComment.onFailure': postComment_onFailure,
		'editComment.onSuccess': editComment_onSuccess,
		'editComment.onFailure': editComment_onFailure,		
		'getUserByEmail.onSuccess': getUserByEmail_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onSuccess': validateAuth_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onFailure': validateAuth_onFailure,
		'reload': function() { window.location.reload(); }
	});

	this.url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY +
		'?' + (new Date()).getTime() +
		'&f=jackandjillpolitics' +
		'&t=monday_open_thread_44' +
		'&ff=' + Dsq.Thread.ff +
		'&default_text=' + disqus_default_text +
		'&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
	if (this.parent_post_id) {
		this.url += '&parent_post=' + this.parent_post_id;
	}
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype = new Dsq.NewFrames(Dsq.ReplyFrame.url);

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.post = function(author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe) {
	this._execute('postComment', [author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.edit = function(post_id, message) {
	this._execute('editComment', [post_id, message]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.setState = function(parent_post_id, depth) {
	this._execute('setState', [parent_post_id, depth]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.getUserByEmail = function(email) {
	this._execute('getUserByEmail', [email]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.validateAuth = function(auth_choice, email, username, password) {
	this._execute('validateAuth', [auth_choice, email, username, password]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.authenticateFacebook = function(session, forum_url) {
	this._execute('authenticateFacebook', [session, forum_url]);
};

	Dsq.Facebook = function() {
	var that = this;

	var handleSessionData = function(session) {

		var forum_url = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;




		if (typeof disqus_facebook_forum != 'undefined') {
			forum_url = disqus_facebook_forum;
		}
		Dsq.frames.reply_0.authenticateFacebook(session, forum_url);
	};

	var onLogin = function() {
		FB.Connect.getSignedPublicSessionData(handleSessionData);
	};

	this.login = function() {
		FB.Connect.requireSession(onLogin, true);
	};
};
Dsq.Facebook = new Dsq.Facebook();


	






Dsq.Themes = {};

Dsq.Themes.narcissus = new function() {
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-form-area';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-textarea-wrapper';



	
	this.header = function() {
		var comments_count, total_posts, num_posts;
		var html = '';
		var missing_perm_tmpl;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.missing_perm) {
			missing_perm_tmpl = Dsq.Templates.missingPermissions();
			if (missing_perm_tmpl) {
				html += '<div class="dsq-missing-permissions">' + missing_perm_tmpl + '</div>';
			}
		}

		total_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.total_posts;
		num_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_posts;

		if (total_posts) {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL(total_posts, num_posts);
		} else {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION(num_posts);
		}

		html += ' \
		<div id="dsq-comments-title"> \
			<h3>' + comments_count + '</h3> \
		</div> \
		';

		html += ' \
		<div class="dsq-options"> \
			<span class="dsq-item-sort">'
				+ Dsq.Strings.SORT_BY + ' \
				<select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);"> \
					<option value="hot" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 4 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.POPULAR_NOW + '</option> \
					<option value="best" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 3 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.BEST_RATING + '</option> \
					<option value="newest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.NEWEST_FIRST + '</option> \
					<option value="oldest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 1 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.OLDEST_FIRST + '</option> \
				</select> \
				&nbsp; \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<span id="dsq-subscribe">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.subscribed
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.UNSUBSCRIBE + '</a>'
						: '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL + '</a>')
				+ '</span> \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-rss" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png" alt="" /> \
				<a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/monday_open_thread_44/latest.rss">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS + '</a> \
			</span> \
		</div> \
		';

		
		

		return html;

	};
	
	this.footer = function() {
		var html = '';

		html += Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
		
			html += Dsq.Templates.realtime();
			html += Dsq.Templates.showThreadSettings();
			html += Dsq.Templates.postBox();

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		


		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) {
 			html += ' \
				<div class="dsq-global-moderator-extras">'
					+ '<strong>shortname:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url
					+ '<strong>thread id:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.id
					+ '<strong>thread slug:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.slug
				+ '</div> \
			';
		}

		return html;
	};
	
	this.realtime = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			html += '<div id="dsq-realtime-options" class="dsq-options">'
					 + Dsq.Strings.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS + ' <strong id="dsq-realtime-status" style="text-transform: lowercase">' + Dsq.Strings.ENABLED + '</strong>. \
					 <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-toggle" style="text-transform: capitalize"></a> \
					</div>';
		}

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
			html += ' \
				<div style="display: none" id="dsq-realtime-alert" class="dsq-realtime-alert"><span id="dsq-realtime-queued"></span> <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-show"></a></div> \
			';
		}
		
		return html;
	};

	this.showThreadSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '<div id="dsq-thread-settings" class="dsq-thread-settings">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATOR_OPTIONS;
		html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.showSettings(); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.SETTINGS + '</a>';
		if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled && Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.reportMissingReactions(); return false;">'
						+ Dsq.Strings.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS
						+ '</a>';
		}
		html +='</div>';

		return html;
	};

	this.postBox = function(post_id, use_fallback_iframe) {


		var html;
		var display_sharing_options = Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated;

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post) {
			return '';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.hasOwnProperty(Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain)) {
				display_sharing_options = false;
			}
		}
		
		if (post_id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];				
		}
		
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		var _requestUserInfo = function() {
			var html;



			var user_has_email = false;

			html = '<div class="dsq-request-user-info"> <!-- // If authenticated --> \
				<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT + '?ctkn=' + Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN + '" class="dsq-request-user-logout">' + Dsq.Strings.LOGOUT + '</a> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td rowspan="2">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '')
								+ '<img src="' + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR + '" width="48" height="48" class="dsq-request-user-avatar">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-name">'
								+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
									 ? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '">' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '</span>'
									 : (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_verified
											? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span>'
											: '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span>'))
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '') 
								+ Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username 
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
							+  (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && user_has_email ? ' <small>(<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.remoteAccountSettings(); return false;">change settings</a>)</small>' : '')
							+  (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <small>(<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/info/" target="_blank">change name</a> or <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/avatar/" target="_blank">picture</a>)</small>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-stats"> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count == 1 ? 'comment' : 'comments') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count == 1 ? 'like' : 'likes') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.points + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.points == 1 ? 'point' : 'points') + '</span> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		var _loginOptions = function() {
			var html;
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-authenticate"> \
				<p class="dsq-autheneticate-copy">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
					? Dsq.Strings.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A + ' <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. ' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.LOGIN_BELOW + '.'
					: Dsq.Strings.REQUIRED + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT + '.')
				+ '</p> \
				<ul class="dsq-login-buttons">'
					+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-disqus.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Facebook.login(); return false;"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-facebook.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-twitter.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL(); return false" ><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-openid.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_yahoo ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Yahoo.startYahooConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-yahoo.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
				+ '</ul> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {



				return '<div id="dsq-form-area" style="display:none"><div id="dsq-textarea-wrapper"></div></div>' + _loginOptions();
			} else {
				return '';
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<div id="' + (post_id 
			? 'dsq-reply-post-' + post_id
			: 'dsq-new-post')
		 	+ '" class="dsq-post-area"> \
			<div class="dsq-dc-logo"> \
				<a href="http://disqus.com/comments" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/disqus-logo.png"></a> \
			</div>'
			+ (post_id 
				? '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.REPLYING_TO + ' ' + userData.display_name + '</h3>'
				: '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT + '</h3>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated 
				? _requestUserInfo()
				: _loginOptions() )
			+ '<div id="dsq-form-area' + pid + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-textarea"> \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper" id="dsq-textarea-wrapper' + pid + '"></div> \
			</div>'
			+ (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated
			? ' \
			<div class="dsq-post-fields"> \
				<form action="." method="GET" onsubmit="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false); return false;"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-name' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_name ? disqus_def_name : (Dsq.jsonData.session.name ? Dsq.jsonData.session.name : Dsq.Strings.NAME + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-website' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (Dsq.jsonData.session.url ? Dsq.jsonData.session.url : Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')" class="dsq-placeholder') + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" /></div></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-email' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_email ? disqus_def_email : (Dsq.jsonData.session.email ? Dsq.jsonData.session.email : Dsq.Strings.EMAIL + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"> \
							<div class="dsq-subscribe"> \
								<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.chooseSubscribe(' + post_id + '); return false" class="dsq-subscribe-menu"><span id="dsq-subscribe-select' + pid + '">' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post ? Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL : Dsq.Strings.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS) + '</span> <small>&#9660;</small></a> \
								<ul class="dsq-panel" id="dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid + '"> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(2, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Subscribe to all comments by email</a></li> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(0, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Do not subscribe to comments</a></li> \
								</ul> \
								<input id="dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid + '" type="hidden" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post + '" /> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
				</form> \
			</div>'
			: '')
			+ '<div class="dsq-post-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-sharing-options" ' + (!display_sharing_options ? 'style="display:none;"' : '') + '> \
					<button class="dsq-button-small" onfocus="document.getElementById(\'dsq-post-button' + pid + '\').focus();"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.SHARING_OPTIONS + ' <small>&#9660;</small></span></button> \
					<div class="dsq-panel"> '
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '"'
								  + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Twitter</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook
								&& (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.enabled === true ||
										(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'facebook'))
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Facebook</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Yahoo!</label> \
								</div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Tumblr</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Wordpress</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Movable Type</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
								  <label for="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' TypePad</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ '<div><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections/" target="_blank" class="dsq-configure-options">' + Dsq.Strings.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS + '</a></div>'
					+ '</div> \
				</div>'
				+ '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-post-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.POST_AS + ' '
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					? Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					: Dsq.Strings.GUEST)
				+ '</span></button>'
				+ (post_id
					? '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-cancel-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.CANCEL + '</span></button>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
			+ '</div>' // end dsq-form-area
		+ '</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};




	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-append-post-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		html = ' \
		<table> \
			<tr> \
				<td id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-avatar" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
					<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
					? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
					: '')
				+ '</a> \
				</td> \
				<td class="dsq-comment-header-meta"> \
		';

		
		return html;
	};
	
	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var html;
		var parent_display_name = '';
		
		if(_meta.parent_post_id) {

			var _parent_meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[_meta.parent_post_id];

			if (_parent_meta) {
				var parentUserData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_parent_meta.user_key];
				parent_display_name = parentUserData.display_name;
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/moderator.png" class="dsq-moderator-star" title="Moderator" /> \
		<span class="dsq-comment-header-time"><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')" title="Permalink">' + (_meta.is_realtime ? Dsq.Strings.JUST_NOW : _meta.date) + '</a></span> '
		+ (_meta.parent_post_id && parent_display_name
			? '<a href="#comment-' + _meta.parent_post_id + '" title="Jump to comment">in reply to ' + parent_display_name + '</a>'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		<td id="dsq-like-pts-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-comment-header-likes">'
		+ (_meta.points
			? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		</tr> \
		</table> \
		';
		return html;
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		var html = '';
		return html;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed || !_meta.approved) { return ''; }
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
					? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.moderateOptions(' + post_id+ '); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATE + '</a>'
					: '')
				+ '<a href="#" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG + '</a> \
			</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right">'
				+ (_meta.votable 
					? '<span id="dsq-like-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-like">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1)" >Like</button>'
						: 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;')
					+ '</span>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-post-edit" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + ')" >' + Dsq.Strings.EDIT + '</button>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<span class="dsq-comment-footer-reply" id="dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button> \
						<button class="dsq-comment-footer-reply-tab">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button><span></span> \
					</span>'
					: '')
			+ '</div> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};



	
	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		var item = '<li class="dsq-comment dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-header"> \
			<table> \
			<tr> \
			<td class="dsq-header-avatar"> \
			';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'" class="dsq-avatar">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {

			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar92.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== ''
				? '</a>'
				: '')
			+ '</td>'
			+ '<td><cite class="dsq-comment-cite">' + reaction.author_name + '</cite> <span class="dsq-comment-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</span></td>'
			+ '<td class="dsq-comment-header-likes"></td>'
			+ '</tr></table></div>' // end dsq-comment-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header" \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-reaction-header-left">'
							+ '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png" />'
							+ ' From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
							+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
						+ '</td>'
						+ '<td class="dsq-reaction-header-right">';
			
			if(reaction.retweets) {
				var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
				if (num_retweets > 0) {
					if (num_retweets == 1) {
						item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
					} else {
						item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');
						item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
						var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 3) ? 3 : num_retweets;
						item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);
						if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
							item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
								+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
						}
					}
				}
			}	
			item += '</td></tr> \
			</table> \
			</div>' // end dsq-reaction-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-body"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left"> \
				</div>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator 
					? ' \
					<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-hide-reaction" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + ')">Hide</button> \
					</div>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 id="dsq-reactions-title" class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-container"> \
			<table> \
				<tbody> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-tl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-tr"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-body"> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
								<div class="dsq-popup-title"> \
									<button class="dsq-button-small" style="float:right" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)">Close</button>' 
									+ content['header'] 
								+ '</div>'
								+ content['body']
							+ '</div> \
							<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
						</td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-bl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-br"></td> \
					</tr> \
				</tbody> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
	};



	
	this.chooseSubscribe = function(post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		menu.style.display = menu.style.display == 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';
		
	};
	
	this.setSubscribe = function(value, el, post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var input = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid);
		var select = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-select' + pid);
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		select.innerHTML = el.innerHTML;
		input.value = value;
		this.chooseSubscribe(post_id);
	};
	
	this.getFormFields = function(post_id) {

		var fields = {};
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var name = Dsq.$('dsq-field-name' + pid);
		var email = Dsq.$('dsq-field-email' + pid);
		var website = Dsq.$('dsq-field-website' + pid);
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid);
		var password = Dsq.$('dsq-field-password' + pid);

		fields = {
			'name': name,
			'email': email,
			'website': website,
			'username': username,
			'password': password
		}
		
		return fields;
	}
	
	this.validateFields = function(post_id) {
		
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) { return true; }
		
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		
		var nameField = fields.name;
		var websiteField = fields.website;
		var emailField = fields.email;
		
		websiteField.value = (websiteField.value == Dsq.Templates.placeholder['website']) ? '' : websiteField.value;
		
		var v = [{

			validator: Dsq.Validators.name,
			value: nameField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.email,
			value: emailField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.url,
			value: websiteField.value
		}];
		
		return Dsq.Validators.validate(v, function(e) { Dsq.Popup.popModal(e, 'Oops...') } );
	};
	
	this.checkExistingUser = function(post_id) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);		
		Dsq.Popup.loading(post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		}
	};

	this.validateAuth = function(el_clicked, post_id, auth_choice) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		var email = fields.email ? fields.email.value : '';
		var username = fields.username ? fields.username.value : '';
		var password = fields.password ? fields.password.value : '';
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		}
	};

	this.lightboxUpdateEmail = function(post_id, new_email) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		fields.email.value = new_email;
	};

	this.lightboxAuthenticate = function(post_id, auth_choice, auth_data) {
		var title, body;
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		if(typeof(auth_data) == 'undefined') {
			var auth_data = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		}

		d = auth_data;

		switch(auth_choice) {
			case 'register':
				var suggestedUsername = d.name.value.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9-]/g,'').toLowerCase();
			
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Register a <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';

				body = ' \
				<ul class="dsq-lightbox-register-reasons"> \
				<li>Verify your comments</li> \
				<li>Edit and delete comments</li> \
				<li>Manage comments and replies</li> \
				</ul> \
				';

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Email</td> \
							<td><input type="text" value="' + d.email.value + '" onchange="Dsq.Templates.lightboxUpdateEmail(' + post_id + ', this.value)" /><div id="dsq-email-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + suggestedUsername + '"/><div id="dsq-username-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /><div id="dsq-password-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'login\'); return false">Login instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Register and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			case 'login':
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Login to your <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';
				body = '';
				
				if(d.avatar_url) {
					body += '<div class="dsq-lightbox-recognized"><table><tr>';
					body += '<td><img src="' + d.avatar_url + '" alt="" /></td>';
					body += '<td><span class="dsq-badge ' + (d.verified ? 'dsq-badge-verified' : 'dsq-badge-registered') + '">' + (d.verified ? 'Verified' : 'Registered') + '</span></td>';
					body += '<td>Hey <strong>' + d.display_name + '</strong>, is that you? Login below to claim this comment.';
					body += '</tr></table></div>';
				}

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username or Email</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (d.avatar_url ? d.username : '') + '" /></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password <a href="http://disqus.com/forgot" target="_blank">(cannot log in?)</a></td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'register\'); return false">Register instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Login and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
		Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid).focus();
	};
	
	this.buttonsToRestore = [];
	this.setLoadingButton = function(btn, post_id) {
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		if (btn) {

			var loadingBtn = document.createElement('button');
			loadingBtn.id = btn.id + '-loading';
			loadingBtn.innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-lite.gif" alt="" /> Just a moment...';
			loadingBtn.className = btn.className + ' dsq-post-loading';
			btn.parentNode.appendChild(loadingBtn);
			btn.style.display = 'none';
			var cancelBtn = Dsq.$('dsq-cancel-button' + pid);
			if(cancelBtn) { cancelBtn.style.display = 'none'; this.buttonsToRestore.push(cancelBtn); }
			this.buttonsToRestore.push(btn);
		} else {

			var buttons = this.buttonsToRestore;
			for(var i = 0; i < buttons.length; i++) {
				buttons[i].style.display = 'inline';
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$(buttons[i].id + '-loading'));
			}
		}
		
	};

	this.postComment = function(post_id, el_clicked, force, auth_choice) {
		var append_id = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);

		if (Dsq.Templates.validateFields(post_id)) {

			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && !force &&
				((!Dsq.Utils.readCookie('skipped_auth') && !disqus_skip_auth && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled) || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post)) {
				Dsq.Templates.checkExistingUser(post_id);
				return false;
			}
			var params = [];
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
				params.push(fields.name.value,
					fields.email.value,
					fields.website.value);

				if (auth_choice == 'login' || auth_choice == 'register') {
					params.push({
						auth_choice: auth_choice,
						username: fields.username.value,
						password: fields.password.value,
						email: fields.email.value
					});
				} else {
					params.push(null);
				}

				params.push(null /* sharing options */, Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + append_id).value);
			} else {
				var service_checked = function(name) {
					var el = Dsq.$('dsq-sharing-' + name + append_id);
					return (el !== null && el.checked === true) ? '1' : '0';
				};
				params.push(null, null, null, null, {
					tw: service_checked('twitter'),
					fb: service_checked('facebook'),
					tr: service_checked('tumblr'),
					wp: service_checked('wordpress'),
					mt: service_checked('movabletype'),
					tp: service_checked('typepad'),
					yh: service_checked('yahoo')
				});
			}

			var frame = Dsq.frames['reply_' + (post_id ? post_id : 0)];
			frame.post.apply(frame, params);

			if (el_clicked) {
				Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
			}
			
			if (force) {
				Dsq.Utils.createCookie('skipped_auth', true);	
			}
			
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	};

	this.editComment = function(el_clicked, post_id) {
		var edited_message = Dsq.$('dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id).value;

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].edit(post_id, edited_message);
	};

	this.toggleEdit = function(post_id) {
		var body = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-body-' + post_id);
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);

		if (!Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id]) {


			message.style.display = 'none';
			if (Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {

				var edit_area = document.createElement('div');
				edit_area.id = 'dsq-edit-' + post_id;
				edit_area.className = 'dsq-edit dsq-textarea';
				edit_area.innerHTML = ' \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper"> \
					<textarea class="dsq-edit-textarea" id="dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id + '">' + message.innerHTML + '</textarea> \
				</div> \
				<div class="dsq-save-edit"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Templates.editComment(this, ' + post_id + ')" class="dsq-button-small">Save Edit</button> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id + '" style="display: none"></div> \
				';

				body.appendChild(edit_area);

				if (!Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id), post_id);
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].init();
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
		} else {

			message.style.display = 'block';
			Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id] = !Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id];
	};
	
	this.edit = function(el, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(post_id, button) {
		
		if(!this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

			if (Dsq.$('dsq-reply-post-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id);
				var container = Dsq.$('dsq-textarea-wrapper-' + post_id);
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] && container) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(container, post_id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].init(function() {

						Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id, true);
						Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id).innerHTML = '';

						var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
						Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id), post_id, {theme: theme});

					});
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-append-post';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply-active';
			
		} else {

			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = '';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply';
		}
		
		this.stateReplyToggled[post_id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[post_id];

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie && this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

		}

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: post_id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]
		});
	};
	
	this.moderateOptions = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		if(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) { return false; }

		var html;
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-moderate-options"> \
		<table>'
		+ (_meta.email ? '<tr><td>Email</td><td>' + _meta.email + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ (_meta.ip ? '<tr><td>IP address</td><td>' + _meta.ip + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ '<tr> \
			<td>Actions</td> \
			<td><ul>'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
				? '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
				: '')
			+ '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Delete Comment</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li> \
			</ul></td> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		html += '<p>Go to the full <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/moderate/" target="_blank">moderate panel</a> for more options.</p>';
		
		return Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Moderate Options', post_id);
	};
	
	this.placeholder = {
		'class': 'dsq-placeholder',
		'name': Dsq.Strings.NAME,
		'email': Dsq.Strings.EMAIL,
		'website': Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')'
	};
	
	this.handlePlaceholder = function(evt, el, key) {
		var placeholder = Dsq.Templates.placeholder[key];
		var className = Dsq.Templates.placeholder['class'];
		
		switch(evt.type) {
			case 'focus':
				if(el.value == placeholder) {
					el.value = '';
					el.className = '';
				}
				break;

			case 'blur':
				if(el.value == '') {
					el.value = placeholder;
					el.className = className;
				}
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
	};
	
	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked) {

		var extra_params = '';

		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked);
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'monday_open_thread_44'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};
	
	
	this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {


		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
			}
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
				+ '?post_id='    + id
				+ '&vote='        + vote);
		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login('To rate, please log in');
		}
	};

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {

		Dsq.$('dsq-like-pts-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.';

		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;';
		}
	};




	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {
		var approved = response.message.post_meta.approved;

		if (parent_post_id) {
			Dsq.Post.toggleReply(parent_post_id);
		}

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
		
		if (approved) {
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		} else {			
			var unapproved_msg = 'Thanks for posting!\
	 Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.\
			';
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(unapproved_msg, 'Comment awaiting approval', post_id);
		}

		var sharing_results = response.message.sharing_results;
		var sharing_errors = '';
		for (var service in sharing_results) {
			if (sharing_results.hasOwnProperty(service) === true) {
				if (sharing_results[service].error === true) {
					sharing_errors += service + ', ';
				}
			}
		}

		if (sharing_results.facebook && sharing_results.facebook.callback) {
			FB.ensureInit(function() {
				FB.Connect.streamPublish('', sharing_results.facebook.attachment);
			});
		}

		if (sharing_errors !== '') {
			var message = 'Your comment was posted, but there were errors sharing with the following connections: ';
			message += sharing_errors.replace(/,\s$/, '');
			message += '<p><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections" target="_blank">Configure your connections here</a></p>'
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sharing options');
		}

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.postComment_onFailure = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
};




// TODO: It might be faster to use string methods to find all <li (...) </li> blocks and pass to Dsq.PostHandler manually.
Dsq.CommentsHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_post = Dsq.Templates.prependPost(post_id);
	var append_post = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(post_id);

	content = content.replace(Dsq.POST_RE, Dsq.PostHandler);
	Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter++;
	head = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContainer(post_id, head);
	return prepend_post + head + content + tail + append_post;
};

Dsq.PostHandler = function(str, h_head, post_id, h_content, h_tail, b_head, b_content, b_tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_header = Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader(post_id);
	var append_header = Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader(post_id);
	var prepend_body = Dsq.Templates.preBody(post_id);
	var append_body = Dsq.Templates.postBody(post_id);
	var append_footer = Dsq.Templates.postFooter(post_id);

	b_content = b_content.replace(Dsq.POST_BODY_RE, Dsq.PostBodyHandler);
	return h_head + prepend_header + h_content + append_header + h_tail + b_head + prepend_body + b_content + append_body + b_tail + append_footer;
};

Dsq.PostBodyHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	content = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContent(post_id, content);
	return head + content + tail;
};

Dsq.MediaPostHandler = function(str, args, offset, s) {
	args = args.split(' ');
	if(args[0] == 'seesmic') {
		return '<br />' + Dsq.Templates.mediaSeesmic(args[1], args[2]);
	}
	return '';
};


/**
 * Shorcuts
 */
Dsq.$ = function(element) { return document.getElementById(element); };
Dsq.$b = document.body || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0];


/**
 * Dsq.Debug: Logging functions.
 */

Dsq.Debug = new function() {this.log=function(s){};this.profile=function(f){if(typeof f == 'function')return f();else return eval(f);};};


/**
 * Dsq.Urls: URL paths
 */
Dsq.Urls = new function() {
	this.LOGIN = '/profile/login/';
	this.LOGOUT = '/logout/';
	this.REPLY = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/monday_open_thread_44/reply.html';
	this.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE = '/AnonymousUser/';
	this.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR = 'http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar92.png';
};
// Dsq.Urls

/**
 * Dsq.Validators: Validation for form fields
 */
Dsq.Validators = new function() {
	this.VALID_EMAIL_RE = /^[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*\@(([a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*)+\.[a-z]{2,}|([0-9]+\.){3}[0-9]+)$/i;
	this.name = function(name) {
		var error = false;

		if(typeof Dsq.Templates.placeholder !== 'undefined' &&
		   name == Dsq.Templates.placeholder.name) {
			error = true;
		}
		if(name.length <= 1) {
			error = true;
		}

		if(error) {
			return "Please enter a name to comment.";
		} else {
			return true;
		}
	};
	this.email = function(addr) {
		if(Dsq.Validators.VALID_EMAIL_RE.test(addr)) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please enter a valid email to comment.";
		}
	};
	this.url = function(addr) {
		if(!addr || addr.indexOf('.') != -1) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please check your website URL (this field is optional).";
		}
	};

	this.validate = function(bulk_validation, failure_callback) {
		failure_callback = failure_callback || function(e){ alert(e); };

		for(var i = 0; i < bulk_validation.length; i++) {
			v = bulk_validation[i];
			ret = v.validator(v.value);
			if(ret !== true) {
				failure_callback(ret);
				return false;
			}
		}
		return true;
	};
};

/**
 * Dsq.Utils: Generic utility functions.
 */
Dsq.Utils = new function() {
	this.ie = /msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent);
	this.ie7 = (document.all && !window.opera && window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true : false;
	this.ie6 = (!window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true: false;
	this.webkit = navigator.userAgent.indexOf('AppleWebKit/') >= 0;
	this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = {};
	this._styleSheet = null;

	this.gebiFromElement = function(el, id, tag) {
		// This only method only helps IE.
		if(!this.ie) {
			return Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var cacheKey = el.id + '-' + tag;
			tag = tag || 'div';
			if(typeof this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] != 'undefined') {
				collection = this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey];
			} else {
				collection = el.getElementsByTagName(tag);
				this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] = collection;
			}

			for(var i = 0; i < collection.length; i++) {
				if(collection[i].id == id) {
					return collection[i];
				}
			}
			return null;
		}
	};

	this.execOnReady = function(func) {
		var node = document.createElement('document:ready');
		try {
			node.doScroll('left');
			func();
			node = null;
		} catch(err) {
			setTimeout(function() { Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(func); }, 10);
		}
	};


	// Courtesy of http://www.quirksmode.org/js/cookies.html
	this.createCookie = function(name,value,days) {
		if (days) {
			var date = new Date();
			date.setTime(date.getTime()+(days*24*60*60*1000));
			var expires = "; expires="+date.toGMTString();
		}
		else var expires = "";
		document.cookie = name+"="+value+expires+"; path=/";
	};

	this.readCookie = function(name) {
		var nameEQ = name + "=";
		var ca = document.cookie.split(';');
		for(var i=0;i < ca.length;i++) {
			var c = ca[i];
			while (c.charAt(0)==' ') c = c.substring(1,c.length);
			if (c.indexOf(nameEQ) == 0) return c.substring(nameEQ.length,c.length);
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.eraseCookie = function(name) {
		Dsq.Utils.createCookie(name,"",-1);
	};

	this.deleteNode = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			this.deleteChildren(node);
			if(typeof node.outerHTML != 'undefined') { node.outerHTML = ''; }
			else if(node.parentNode) { node.parentNode.removeChild(node); }
			delete node;
		}
	};

	this.deleteChildren = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			for(var x = node.childNodes.length-1; x >= 0; x--) {
				var childNode = node.childNodes[x];
				if(childNode.hasChildNodes()) { this.deleteChildren(childNode); }
				if(typeof childNode.outerHTML != 'undefined') { childNode.outerHTML = ''; }
				else node.removeChild(childNode);
				delete childNode;
			}
		}
	};

	this.findPos = function(obj) {
		var curleft = 0;
		var curtop = 0;
		if (obj.offsetParent) {
			do {
				curleft += obj.offsetLeft;
				curtop += obj.offsetTop;
			} while (obj = obj.offsetParent);
		}
		return [curleft,curtop];
	};

	this.getWindowSize = function() {
		var windowWidth = -1;
		var windowHeight = -1;

		if(typeof(window.innerWidth) == 'number') { //Non-IE
			windowWidth = window.innerWidth;
			windowHeight = window.innerHeight;
		} else if(document.documentElement) { // IE 6+ in 'standards compliant mode'
			windowWidth = document.documentElement.clientWidth || document.body.clientWidth;
			windowHeight = document.documentElement.clientHeight || document.body.clientHeight;
		}

		return [windowWidth, windowHeight];
	}

	this.getScrollPos = function() {
		var scrollWidth, scrollTop;

		if(document.documentElement && (document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollWidth)) {
			scrollWidth = document.documentElement.scrollWidth;
			// IE is weird here.  If no doctype is provided, document.body.scrollTop is 0,
			// otherwise document.documentElement.scrollTop is 0.
			scrollTop = document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop;
		} else if(document.body.scrollTop && document.body.scrollWidth) {
			scrollWidth = document.body.scrollWidth;
			scrollTop = document.body.scrollTop;
		}

		return [scrollWidth, scrollTop];
	}

	this.addEventListener = function(instance, eventName, listener) {
		var listenerFn = listener;
		if (instance.addEventListener) {
			instance.addEventListener(eventName, listenerFn, false);
		} else if (instance.attachEvent) {
			listenerFn = function() {
				listener(window.event);
			};
			instance.attachEvent("on" + eventName, listenerFn);
		} else {
			throw new Error("Event registration not supported");
		}
		return {
			instance: instance,
			name: eventName,
			listener: listenerFn
		};
	};

	this.removeEventListener = function(event) {
		var instance = event.instance;
		if (instance.removeEventListener) {
			instance.removeEventListener(event.name, event.listener, false);
		} else if (instance.detachEvent) {
			instance.detachEvent("on" + event.name, event.listener);
		}
	};

	this.fixIframesIE = function(id) {
		var disqusThread = Dsq.$(disqus_container_id);
		var iframes = disqusThread.getElementsByTagName('iframe');

		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-content');
		}

		for(i = 0; i < iframes.length; i++) {
			if (container) {
				iframes[i].style.width = container.offsetWidth;
			}
		}
	};

	this.getElementsByClassName = function(oElm, strTagName, strClassName) {
	/* Credit: Jonathan Snook [http://www.snook.ca/jonathan], Robert Nyman [http://www.robertnyman.com] */
		var arrElements = (strTagName == "*" && oElm.all)? oElm.all : oElm.getElementsByTagName(strTagName);
		var arrReturnElements = new Array();
		strClassName = strClassName.replace(/\-/g, "\\-");
		var oRegExp = new RegExp("(^|\\s)" + strClassName + "(\\s|$)");
		var oElement;
		for(var i = 0; i < arrElements.length; i++) {
			oElement = arrElements[i];
			if(oRegExp.test(oElement.className)) {
				arrReturnElements.push(oElement);
			}
		}
		return (arrReturnElements);
	};

	this.postToUrl = function(url, post_data, opt_redirect) {
		var form = document.createElement('form');
		var iframe_container = document.createElement('div');
		var id = 'dsq-temp-iframe-' + (new Date()).getTime();

		form.method = 'POST';
		form.action = url;
		if (!opt_redirect) {
			form.target = id;
		}
		iframe_container.innerHTML = '<iframe style="display:none" name="' + id + '" id="' + id + '"></iframe>';

		for(var key in post_data) {
			if(post_data.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var input = document.createElement('input');
				input.name = key;
				input.type = 'hidden';
				input.value = post_data[key];

				form.appendChild(input);
			}
		}

		Dsq.$b.appendChild(iframe_container);
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(form);
		form.submit();
	};

	// Strips integer id from id of element in the form ('some-id-###')
	this.extractId = function(e) {
		var chunks = e.id.split('-');
		if(chunks.length <= 1) {
			return 0;
		} else {
			return parseInt(chunks[chunks.length-1]);
		}
	};

	this.getStyle = function(el, styleProp) {
		if(el.currentStyle) {
			var y = el.currentStyle[styleProp];
		} else if(window.getComputedStyle) {
			var y = document.defaultView.getComputedStyle(el, null).getPropertyValue(styleProp);
		}

		if(y == 'transparent' || y == '') {
			this.getStyle(el.parentNode, styleProp);
		} else {
			return y;
		}
	};

	this.execScript = function(url, append_qs, container) {
		var script = document.createElement('script');
		append_qs = typeof append_qs == 'undefined' ? true : append_qs;
		container = container || Dsq.container;

		if(append_qs) {
			var j = (url.indexOf('?') >= 0) ? '&' : '?';
			url += j + (new Date()).getTime();
		}
		script.type = 'text/javascript';
		script.charset = 'UTF-8';
		script.src = url;
		container.appendChild(script);
		return script;
	};

	this.pluralize = function(num, singular, plural) {
		return (num != 1) ? plural || 's' : singular || '';
	};

	this.getRequestParams = function(queryString /* optional */) {
		var pairs, tuple;
		var params = {};

		queryString = queryString || window.location.search.substring(1);
		pairs = queryString.split('&');

		for (var i = 0, pair; pair = pairs[i]; i++) {
			tuple = pair.split('=');
			params[tuple[0]] = (tuple[1] || true);
		}

		return params;
	};

	this.addCssRule = function(selector, styleText, index) {
		var stylesheet;
		index = index || 0;

		if(!this._styleSheet) {
			var styleEl = document.createElement('style');
			document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(styleEl);
			this._styleSheet = styleEl.sheet;
			if(!this._styleSheet) {
				// IE does not like our newly created stylesheet.
				this._styleSheet = document.styleSheets[document.styleSheets.length-1];
			}
		}
		stylesheet = this._styleSheet;

		if(stylesheet.insertRule) {
			var ruleText = selector + ' { ' + styleText + ' }';
			if(index == -1) {
				index = stylesheet.cssRules.length;
			}
			stylesheet.insertRule(ruleText, index);
		} else if(stylesheet.addRule) {
			stylesheet.addRule(selector, styleText, index);
		}
	};

	this.forEachIn = function(obj, callback) {
		for(var key in obj) {
			if(obj.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				callback(key, obj[key]);
			}
		}
	};

	this._interpolateGlobalContext = {
		// values that get used a lot and are global to the request
		'profile_url': Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE,

		'disqus_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url,
		'media_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url,
		'request_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.username,
		'request_display_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username,
		'forum_name': Dsq.jsonData.forum.name
	};

	this.renderFromContextStack = function(key, contexts) {
		// Returns the first instance of `key` in the array of objects `contexts` or else ''
		for (var i=0; i<contexts.length; i++) {
			if (contexts[i][key] !== undefined) {
				return String(contexts[i][key]);
			}
		}
		throw new Error('key ' + key + ' not found in context');
	};

	var that = this;
	this.interpolate = function(fmt, opt_localContext) {
		// Interpolate `fmt` named-format string with an assumed global context.
		// Based on `interpolate` in django.views.i18n
		var contextStack = [opt_localContext || {}, that._interpolateGlobalContext];
		return fmt.replace(/%\(\w+\)s/g, function(match){
			return that.renderFromContextStack(match.slice(2,-2), contextStack);
		});
	};

	this.stripTags = function(s) {
		// Removes HTML tags from `s`
		return s.replace(/(<([^>]+)>)/g,"");

	};

	this.assert = function(b) {
		if (!b) {
			throw new Error('Assertion error.');
		}
	};

};
// Dsq.Utils

/**
 * Dsq.Popup: Popup helper functions.
 */
Dsq.Popup = new function() {
	this.timeHide = new Array();
	this.timeShow = new Array();
	this.activePopup = {};
	this.profileCache = {};
	this.statusCache = {};

	this.showTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the hide timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeHide[post_id]);

		// start the timer
		if(!Dsq.Popup.profileIsOn && !Dsq.Thread.adminIsOn) {
			this.timeShow[post_id] = setTimeout("Dsq.Popup.popProfile(\"" + post_id + "\")", 400);
		}
	};

	this.hideTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the show timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeShow[post_id]);
	};

	this.updateProfile = function(username) {
		// Callback from /embed/profile.js
		if (this.statusCache[username]) {
			var statusEl = Dsq.$('dsq-profile-status-' + username);
			statusEl.innerHTML = this.statusCache[username];
			statusEl.style.display = 'block';
		}

		if (this.profileCache[username]) {
			var _cache = this.profileCache[username];

			var _genhtml = function(text) { return '<span><big>' + text + '</big></span>'; };
			var _no_comments = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS(_cache.comments_count));
			var _no_likes = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_LIKES(_cache.likes_count));
			var _no_points = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_POINTS(_cache.points));

			var statsEl = Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + username);
			statsEl.innerHTML = '';

			if (Dsq.jsonData.users[username].registered) {
				statsEl.innerHTML = _no_comments + _no_likes;
			}
			statsEl.innerHTML += _no_points;

			var activeSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.active_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.active_sites[i];
				activeSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (activeSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = activeSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = 'This site.';
			}

			var moderatedSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.moderated_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.moderated_sites[i];
				moderatedSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (moderatedSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + username).innerHTML = moderatedSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + username).innerHTML = '';
			}
		}

		// Reposition popup after full HTML is rendered
		if(Dsq.Popup.activePopup && Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el) {
			Dsq.Popup.initPopup(Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.type);
		}

	};

	this.showCookieMsgs = function() {
		var title = '';
		var message = '';
		var numAlerts = 0;

		Dsq.Utils.forEachIn(Dsq.jsonData.cookie_messages, function(k, v) {
			if (!v) return;

			switch(k) {
				// Cookie: Twitter
				case 'post_twitter':
					if (v === 'error') {
						title = 'Twitter Error!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-error">Oops, we couldn\'t tweet this comment. Please check your <a href="http://disqus.com/account/services">account settings</a>.</li>';
					} else {
						var _msg = v.split(':');
						title = 'Tweeted!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-success">Your comment was successfully tweeted. <a href="http://twitter.com/' + _msg[0] + '/status/' + _msg[1] + '">Click here to view the tweet</a>.</li>';
					}
					break;
				// Cookie: Unapproved Post
				case 'post_not_approved':
					title = 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-not-approved">Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.</li>';
					break;
				// Cookie: Profile Found
				case 'post_has_profile':
					title = 'Use your existing commenter profile';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-has-profile">You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a></li>';
					break;
				case 'user_created':
					var _data = v.split(':');
					title = 'Profile created!';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-user-created">You have just created a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, the best way to claim, manage, and track your comments all over the web. \
					<br /><br />A confirmation is being sent to <strong>' + _data[1] + '</strong>. Please check for this email in order to verify your profile. \
					<ul class="dsq-list-tick"> \
						<li>Your username is <strong>' + _data[0] +'</strong>. <a href="http://disqus.com/people/' + _data[0] + '/" target="_blank">Click here to view your public profile</a>.</li> \
						<li>Be sure to set your profile picture, as well as connect your <span class="dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> and <span class="dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> accounts. <a href="http://disqus.com/account/" target="_blank">Click here for account settings</a>.</li> \
					</ul> \
					</li>'
					break;
				default:
					break;
			}
			numAlerts++;
		});

		if(numAlerts > 1) {
			message = '<ul class="dsq-list-bluebullet">' + message;
			message += '</ul>';
			title = 'Thanks for posting!';
		}
		if(numAlerts > 0) {
			if(typeof(disqus_cookie_msgs) == 'function') {
				disqus_cookie_msgs(message, title);
			} else {
				Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
			}
		}
	};

	this.helpBadges = function(post_id) {
		var html = ' \
			<ul class="dsq-popup-help"> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile with a confirmed email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, but has not yet confirmed his or her email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span> is not logged in with any account and has not claimed his or her comments.</li> \
				<li class="dsq-help-otheraccts">Other accounts</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> is using his or her Facebook profile via Facebook Connect.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> is using his or her Twitter profile via Twitter Sign-in.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-openid">OpenID</span> is using his or her OpenID.</li> \
			</ul> \
		';

		this.popModal(html, 'Help: Types of Commenters', post_id);
		return;
	};

	this.permalink = function(post_id) {
		var header = 'Link to this comment';
		var body = '<strong>You are anchored to</strong>:<br />' + document.location.protocol + '//' + document.location.host + document.location.pathname + document.location.search + '#comment-' + post_id;

		this.popModal(body, header, post_id);
	};

	this.login = function(header, body) {
		var h = header || 'Login or Register';
		var b = body || '';
		b += Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: 'dsq-popup-login'});
		b += '</iframe>'; // HACK: Sometimes there is something funky with the IFRAME SRC that causes no end tag
		this.popModal(b, h, null, true, 'dsq-popup-login');
	};

	this.blacklist = function(id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		var title = 'Add to Blacklist';
		var message = ' \
		Adding this person to the blacklist will block him or her from commenting on this site. Check the following types that you would like to add to the blacklist:'
		+ (userData['registered'] ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-username" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-username"><strong>Username</strong>: ' + userData['username'] + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ (_meta.email ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-email" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-email"><strong>Email address</strong>: ' + _meta.email + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ '<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
			<input id="dsq-blacklist-ip" type="checkbox" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-blacklist-ip-warning\').style.display=\'block\'"> \
			<label for="dsq-blacklist-ip"><strong>IP address</strong>: ' + _meta.ip + '</label> \
		</div> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p id="dsq-blacklist-ip-warning" style="display:none">	\
				Note: Blocking this person\'s IP address may also unintentionally prevent others, who share his/her IP address, from commenting on this site. \
				This may include people who are sharing the same computer, living in the same house, or using the same Internet provider. Only block an IP address as a last resort. \
			</p> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p style="text-align:center"><button onclick="Dsq.Post.blockUser(' + id + '); this.disabled=true; this.innerHTML=\'Just one moment...\'">Add to Blacklist</button></p> \
		';

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
	};

	this.remoteAccountSettings = function() {
		var body = '';
		// Set up IFrame.
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/_auth/embed/remote_settings/';
		var attributes = {id: 'dsq-popup-account-settings'};
		if (typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}

		body = Dsq.Templates._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
		this.popModal(body, 'Account Settings', null, true, 'dsq-popup-account-settings');
	};

	this.popModal = function(message, title, post_id, use_listener, extra_classes) {
		var container = document.createElement('div');
		var header, body;

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);

		if(typeof(title) == 'undefined') { title = ''; }
		if(typeof(use_listener) == 'undefined') { use_listener = true; }

		if(post_id) {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message-' + post_id;
		} else {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message';
		}

		header = title;
		body = message;

		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupModal(header, body);
		Dsq.Popup.initPopup(container, post_id, 'message', extra_classes);
		if(use_listener) {
			Dsq.Popup.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', Dsq.Popup._closePopup);
		}
	};

	this.popAlert = this.popModal;

	this.loading = function(post_id) {
		var title = Dsq.Strings.JUST_A_MOMENT;
		var body = '<div style="text-align:center; padding: 5px 0 10px 0"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif" alt="" /></div>'
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
	};

	this.lightbox = function(message, title, post_id) {
		// Wraps Dsq.Popup.popModal

		var overlay = document.createElement('div');
		overlay.id = 'dsq-overlay';
		overlay.className = 'dsq-overlay';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(overlay);
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, post_id, false, 'dsq-lightbox');
	};

	this.popProfile = function(post_id, userKey) {
		var post = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id];
		if (post && post.has_been_anonymized) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('This message was anonymized by its previous owner.', 'Anonymized', post_id);
			return;
		}

		if(post_id) {
			userKey = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id].user_key;	
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][userKey];
		var elId = 'dsq-popup-profile-' + userKey;
		var container = document.createElement('div');

		if(this.activePopup.el) {
			this._closePopup(null, true);
			if(this.activePopup.linkClicked) {
				this.activePopup.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		container.id = elId;
		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupProfile(userKey);

		this.initPopup(container, post_id, 'profile');
		this.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._closePopup);

		if(!this.profileCache[userKey]) {
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/embed/profile.js'
				+ '?username=' + userKey
				+ '&anon=' + (userData['registered'] ? 0 : 1)
				+ '&f=' + Dsq.jsonData['request'].forum);
		} else {
			this.updateProfile(userKey);
		}
	};

	this._closePopup = function(e, force) {
		var activePopup = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el;
		var id = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id;
		var link = 'dsq-avatar-' + id; // HACK: Specific to profile toggle target

		// HACK: This event should be gone if there is no active popup.
		if(!activePopup) {
			return;
		}
		if(force || !Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, activePopup.id)) {
			// TODO: This is breaking iE?
			if(Dsq.Popup.popupListener) {
				Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Popup.popupListener);
			}
			
			// Kill overlay
			var overlay = Dsq.$('dsq-overlay');
			if(overlay) { Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(overlay); }
			
			try {
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(activePopup);
			} catch(e) {
				// HACK: IE6 throws an error when using deleteNode() with a node containing a <table> in the html.
				activePopup.parentNode.removeChild(activePopup);
			}
			Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {};
		}

		if(!force && Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Popup.activePopup.linkClicked = true;
		}

	};

	this.initPopup = function(popup, post_id, type, extra_classes) {
		popup.className = 'dsq-popup dsq-popup-' + type + ' ' + (extra_classes ? extra_classes : '');
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6 || Dsq.Utils.ie7) {
			// HACK: We can't modify the body before it's ready, so we need
			//       to use an IE-safe "DOMReady" workaround before loading
			//       our popup.
			Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(function() {Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup); });
		} else {
			Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup);
		}

		popup.style.display = 'block';

		var xPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[0] - popup.offsetWidth) / 2;
		var yPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[1] - popup.offsetHeight) / 2;

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
			yPos += Dsq.Utils.getScrollPos()[1];
		}

		popup.style.left = xPos + 'px';
		popup.style.top = yPos + 'px';

		Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {
			'el' : popup,
			'id' : post_id,
			'type': type,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};
	};

	this.isClicked = function(e, id) {
		var t = e.target || e.srcElement;
		while(t && t.parentNode) {
			if(t.id == id) {
				return true;
			}

			t = t.parentNode;
		}
		return false;
	};
};
// Dsq.Popup

/**
 * Dsq.Templates
 */
Dsq.Templates = new function() {
	/*
	 * Counter keeping track of the number of posts iterated over.
	 */
	this.postLoopCounter = 0;
	this.filters = {};
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-post-add';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-post-add';

	this.registerTemplate = function(name, func) {
		this['$$_' + name] = func;

		if(typeof DsqLocal.Filters != 'undefined'
		&& typeof DsqLocal.Filters[name] == 'function') {
			// Push filters to this.filters to unify code.
			this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
			this.filters[name].push(DsqLocal.Filters[name]);
		}

		this[name] = function() {
			var ret;

			if(typeof DsqLocal.Templates != 'undefined'
			&& typeof DsqLocal.Templates[name] == 'function') {
				ret = DsqLocal.Templates[name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(ret === undefined) {
				ret = this['$$_' + name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(this.filters[name]) {
				var args = [ret];

				args.push.apply(args, arguments);
				for(var i = 0; i < this.filters[name].length; i++) {
					ret = this.filters[name][i].apply(this, args);
				}
			}

			return ret;
		};
	};

	this.registerFilter = function(name, func) {
		this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
		this.filters[name].push(func);
	};

	/**
	 * Dsq.Templates.Filters
	 */
	this.Filters = new function() {
		this.commentContainer = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var classes = [];
			if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page > 1) {
				classes.push('dsq-append');
			}

			//
			// Extra classes used for custom themes
			//

			if(_meta.depth) {
				classes.push('dsq-comment-child', 'dsq-depth-' + _meta.depth, 'dsq-parent-is-' + _meta.parent_post_id);
			}


			//

			if(_meta.author_is_creator) {
				// TODO: We need to deprecate the "special" class since it is not properly prefixed.
				classes.push('special', 'dsq-special');
			}
			if(_meta.author_is_moderator) {
				classes.push('dsq-moderator');
			}
			classes.push(['dsq-odd', 'dsq-even'][Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter % 2]);

			s = s.substring(0, s.lastIndexOf('>'));
			return s + ' class="dsq-comment ' + classes.join(' ') + '" style="margin-left:' + _meta.depth*30 + 'px">';
		};

		this.commentContent = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			if (_meta.killed) {
				return '<em>Comment removed.</em>';
			} else if (!_meta.approved) {
				return '<em>This comment was flagged for review.</em>';
			}

			s = s.replace(Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE, Dsq.MediaPostHandler);
			return s;
		};
	};

	//
	// Thread
	//
	// TODO: These need to be stripped of all Django template tags.

	this.authPost = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			return '';
		}
		var result = [];
		result = result.concat([
				'<div id="dsq-auth"',
						Dsq.jsonData.integration.reply_position ? 'class="dsq-auth-bottom"' : '',
						'>',
					'<div class="dsq-by">',
						'<a href="http://disqus.com" target="_blank">',
							(Dsq.jsonData.integration.disqus_logo ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/by-disqus.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">') :
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/dsq-button-120x19.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">')
							),
						'</a>',
					'</div>',
					'<div class="dsq-auth-header">',
						'<h3 id="dsq-add-new-comment" class="dsq-h3-addcomment">',
								Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT,
						'</h3>',
						'<div id="dsq-login">',
						(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
								? '<p class="dsq-login-message" id="dsq-login-message">You are commenting as a <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. You may select one to log into:</p>'
								: '')
		]);
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			result = result.concat([
							Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
								'<a id="dsq-login-toggle" href="%(disqus_url)s%(login_url)s?next=article:%(thread_id)s" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsq-profile-btn.png" title="%(log_into)s" alt="%(log_into)s"/></a>',
								{login_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGIN, thread_id: Dsq.jsonData.thread.id, log_into: Dsq.Strings.LOG_INTO_DISQUS}
								),
							'&nbsp; ',
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ?
								'<div id="dsq-fbc-login" onlogin="DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin()" size="medium" background="light" length="short" style="display:inline; margin-right:7px"></div>' :
								''
							),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-twitter-login" class="dsq-twitter-login" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect();" style="display:inline; cursor: pointer"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/twitter-signin-short.png" style="margin-right:7px" /></div>', {}) : ''),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-openid-login" class="dsq-openid-login" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL();" style="display:inline; cursor:pointer;"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/openid-login-button.png"/></div>', {}
								) : '')
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
						'</div>', // dsq-login
					'</div>', // dsq-auth-header
					'<div id="dsq-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated" ',
						Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated ? 'style="display:block"' : '',
						'>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-pic">',
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">' +
																			'<img class="dsq-post-avatar" src="%(avatar_url)s" alt="" /></a>',
																			{avatar_url: Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR,
																			url: (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
																					 ? Dsq.jsonData.request.url
																					 : Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE) }),
						'</div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>', {url:Dsq.jsonData.request.url})
										  )
										: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(profile_url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>')
											)
									),
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">',
									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsqicon12.png" alt="%(logged_in_as)s"/>&nbsp',
											{logged_in_as: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username)})
										: ''),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="%(logout_from_disqus)s">',
											{logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN, logout_from_disqus: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('DISQUS')})
										: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'twitter')
												? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using Twitter (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
												 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
												: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'openid')
													 ? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using OpenID (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
													 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
													 : ''
													)
											)
									),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote ? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('<span class="logo-disqus">DISQUS</span>') : ''),
									'</a>',
								'</li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
		]);
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect) {
			result = result.concat([
					'<div id="dsq-fbc-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated">',
						'<div id="dsq-fbc-profilepic" class="dsq-authenticated-pic" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.ProfilePic" size="square" facebook-logo="true"></div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									'Logged in as <span id="dsq-fbc-name" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.Name" linked="true" useyou="false"></span>',
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">using Facebook Connect <a href="#" onclick="javascript:DisqusFbcParentController.logout();return false;">(Logout)</a></li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
				'</div>', // dsq-auth
				'<div id="dsq-toolbar-items">',
				'</div>'
		]);
		result = result.concat([
					//
					//
					//
				((!Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) ?
					// Needs to be translated:
					('<p id="dsq-no-anon-msg">Required: Please log into <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> ' +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? 'or connect with Facebook ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? 'or sign in with Twitter ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? 'or sign in using OpenID ' : '') +
					Dsq.Utils.interpolate('to comment on <strong>%(forum_name)s</strong>.</p>')) :
					''
				),
				'<div id="dsq-post-add"></div>',
				'<div style="margin:10px 0">',
				((Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media) ?
						'<a href="#" id="dsq-media-link" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, false, \'media\'); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.USE_MEDIA + ' <small>&#9660;</small></a>' :
						''),
				'</div>'
		]);
		return result.join('');
	};


	this.header = function() {

		var html = '\<h3 id="dsq-comments-count" class="dsq-h3-commentcount">\
	 <span id="dsq-num-posts">204</span> Comments\
	 &nbsp;\
	 <span class="dsq-item-feed">\
	 <a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/monday_open_thread_44/latest.rss"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png"></a>\
	 </span>\
	 </h3>\
	 <div id="dsq-options" style="margin:15px 0">\
	 <span class="dsq-item-sort">\
	 Sort by\
	 <select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);">\
	 <option value="hot" selected="selected">Popular now</option>\
	 <option value="best" >Best Rating</option>\
	 <option value="newest" >Newest first</option>\
	 <option value="oldest" >Oldest first</option>\
	 </select>\
	 &nbsp;\
	 </span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-cp"><a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/monday_open_thread_44/">Community Page</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-subscribe">\
	 <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle">\
	 <span id="dsq-subscribe">\
	 <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a>\
	 </span>\
	 </span>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-alerts">\
	 <p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:4858500" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p>\
	 </div>\
		';

		

		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) { 
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-alert-message dsq-upgrade-message"> \
				<strong>Disqus upgrade available.</strong> Hi ' + Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username + ', this message is being displayed to you because you are a moderator of this site. <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-upgrade-message\').style.display=\'block\';this.style.display=\'none\';return false">Click here for details.</a> \
				<div style="display:none; margin-top:10px;" id="dsq-upgrade-message"> \
					A new theme is available with added features. <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/settings/' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url + '/?p=customize">To change your theme, click here</a> and choose the theme Narcissus. \
					If you do not upgrade, you are missing out on features such as: real-time commenting, new sign-in integrations, and an upgrade interface. \
					<strong>This message will automatically go away in one week.</strong> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			' + html; 
		}
		return html;
	};

	this.footer = function() {
		var html = Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.authPost();
		

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		

		return html;
	};

	this.pagination = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) { Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = ''; }
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.thread.paginate) { return ''; }

		//
		// TODO: num_paginator still uses the template tag for pagination, 
		// 		while append_paginator does it all in JavaScript.
		//		This should all be in JavaScript.
		//

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages > 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.page < Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages) {
			html = ' \<a class="dsq-paginate-append-text" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this); return false">Show more comments...</a>\
	 <button class="dsq-button-small dsq-paginate-append-button" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this);">Load more comments</button>\
			';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = html;
			return '';
		} else {
			return '<div id="dsq-pagination" class="dsq-pagination">' + html + '</div>';
		}
	};

	this.trackbacks = function() {
		var html = '';

		if(typeof DsqLocal != 'undefined' && DsqLocal.trackback_url && DsqLocal.trackbacks) {
			var trackbacks = DsqLocal.trackbacks;
			var trackback_url = DsqLocal.trackback_url;
		} else {
			var trackbacks = [
			
			
			];
			var trackback_url = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/monday_open_thread_44/trackback/';
		}

		html += '<div class="dsq-item-trackback">Trackback URL&nbsp;&nbsp;<input class="dsq-trackback-url" onclick="this.select()" readonly="true" value="' + trackback_url + '"></div>';

		if(trackbacks.length) {
			html += '<ul id="dsq-references">'
			for(var i = 0; i < trackbacks.length; i++) {
				var trackback = trackbacks[i];
				html += '<li><cite><a href="' + trackback.author_url + '" rel="nofollow">' + trackback.author_name + '</a></cite> \
						<p class="dsq-meta">' + trackback.date + '</p> \
						<p class="dsq-content">' + trackback.excerpt + '</p></li>';
			}
			html += '</ul>';
			html = '<h3 class="dsq-h3-trackbacks">Trackbacks</h3>' + html;
		}

		return html;
	}

	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		/* Reaction HTML begins */
		var item = '<li class="dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-header-avatar">';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'">';
		} else {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="#" onclick="return false;">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {
			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar32.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png"/>'
			+ '</a></div>'
			+ '<cite><span>' + reaction.author_name + '</span></cite>'
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"><a class="dsq-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</a></span>'
			+ '</div><div class="dsq-reaction-body">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-footer">From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
			+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator ? '&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;<a class="dsq-hide-reaction" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + '); return false;">Hide</a>' : '') + '</div></div>';

		if(reaction.retweets) {
			var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
			if (num_retweets > 0) {
				item += '<div class="dsq-reaction-retweets">';
				if (num_retweets == 1) {
					item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
				} else {
					item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');

					item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
					var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 15) ? 15 : num_retweets;
					item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);

					if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
						item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
							+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
					}
				}
				item += '</div>';
			}
		}

		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this.missingPermissions = function() {
		return '	<p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:4858500" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p> \n';
	};

	//
	// Post
	//

	this.prependPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="comment-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-comment-reply-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-header-avatar" id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
				<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
				? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '</a>'
			+ '</div> \
		';
	};

	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];

		return ''
			+ (_meta.author_is_moderator
				? '<img class="dsq-mod-star" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/bullet-star.png" title="Moderator" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"> \
				<a id="dsq-time-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-time" href="#comment-' + post_id + '" title="Permalink">' + _meta.date + '</a> \
			</span>';
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		return '';
	}

	this.postBody = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Deprecate flagging conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		return ''
			+ (_meta.edited
				? '<p class="dsq-editedtxt">(Edited by a moderator)</p>'
				: '')
			;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Use media should be conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed) { return ''; }

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
				<div id="dsq-points-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-likedtxt">'
				+ (_meta.points
					? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.'
					: '')
				+ '</div>'
				+ '<ul class="dsq-comment-options dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.votable
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first dsq-rate" id="dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id + '">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Like</a>'
						: 'You liked this.') + '</li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-report' + (!_meta.votable ? ' dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '"><a href="#" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">Report</a></li> \
				</ul> \
				<ul class="dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first"><a href="#" id="dsq-reply-link-' + post_id +'" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(this, ' + post_id +'); return false;">Reply</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<li id="dsq-edit-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-edit-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="' + (!_meta.can_reply ? 'dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-more-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-more-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'more\'); return false">More <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media
					? '<li id="dsq-media-el-' + post_id +'" style="display:none"><a id="dsq-media-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'media\'); return false">Use Media <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '</ul>'
				+ '<div id="dsq-reply-bar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar" style="display:none"> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-items-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-items"> \
						</div> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-auth-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-auth"> \
							 \
								 \
									<a href="#" class="dsq-help dsq-reply-req-opt" title="You must log into an account in order to comment on Jack and Jill Politics" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Required:</a> \
								 \
								<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/dsq-favicon-16x16.png" alt="" /> \
								<a id="dsq-reply-login-' + post_id + '" href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:4858500" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">Login</a> \
								 \
									&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img class="fb_login_image" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/fbconnect/login-buttons/connect_light_small_short.gif" alt="Facebook Connect"/> \
									<a href="#" onclick="FB.Connect.requireSession(DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin); return false;">Connect</a> \
								 \
								&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/twitter-signin-icon.png" alt="" /> \
									<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false">Sign-in</a> \
								 \
								 \
							 \
						</div> \
					</div> \
					<div id="dsq-reply-' + post_id + '"></div> \
			</div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Iframes
	//

	this._makeAttributes = function(attributes) {
		// Makes a tag attributes string out of an object.
		// Caller is responsible for making sure nothing needs to be escaped.
		var result = [];
		for (key in attributes) {
			result.push(' ' + key + '="' + attributes[key] + '"');
		}
		result = result.join('');
		return result;
	};

	this._frameGeneric = function(base_url, params, attributes) {
		if(typeof(disqus_callback_params) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_callback_params = '';
		}

		var default_params = {
			// TODO: These should be moved to Dsq.jsonData.
			'f'				: 'jackandjillpolitics',
			't'				: 'monday_open_thread_44',
			// Do we need encodeURIComponent here?
			'ifrs'			: encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css),
			'to_redirect'	: encodeURIComponent(window.location),
			'cbp'			: disqus_callback_params,
			'ff'			: Dsq.Thread.ff,
			'fc'			: Dsq.Thread.fc,
			'ac'			: Dsq.Thread.ac,
			'default_text'	: disqus_default_text
		};

		base_url += '?' + (new Date()).getTime();
		// Add params to default_params.
		if(params) {
			for(var key in params) {
				if(params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					default_params[key] = encodeURIComponent(params[key]);
				}
			}
		}
		// Build querystring.
		for(var key in default_params) {
			if(default_params[key] && default_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				base_url += '&' + key + '=' + default_params[key];
			}
		}

		return [
			'<iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0"',
			(' allowtransparency="true" src="' + base_url + '"'),
			this._makeAttributes(attributes),
			'</iframe>'].join('');
	};

	this.frameLogin = function(opt_attributes) {
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/login.html';
		var attributes = opt_attributes || {};
		attributes['class'] = 'dsq-post-login';

		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameReply = function(post_id, extra_params, attributes) {
		// Returns the HTML for a reply iframe. Called by Dsq.Iframes.setReplyIframeToContainer
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY;
		var params = {
			'def_email'		: disqus_def_email,
			'def_name'		: disqus_def_name
		};
		if(extra_params) {
			for(var key in extra_params) {
				if(extra_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					params[key] = extra_params[key];
				}
			}
		}
		if(_meta) {
			params['parent_post'] = post_id;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			params['per_page'] = disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			attributes['class'] += '-authenticated';
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameEdit = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/edit.html';
		var params = {
			'p' : post_id
		};
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, {'class': 'dsq-post-edit', 'name': 'dsq-edit_' + post_id + '-frame'});
	};

	//
	// Menus
	//

	this.menuMore = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: "Remove post" button should hide menu.
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')">Link</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Profile</a></li>'
	+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
		? '	<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>' + (_meta.email ? '<li class="dsq-admin-email">' + _meta.email + '</li>' : '')
		+ '	<li class="dsq-admin-ip">' + _meta.ip + '</li> \
			<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>'
		+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
			? ' <li class="dsq-admin-edit"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
			: '')
		+ ' <li class="dsq-remove"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Remove Comment</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-report-spam"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-block-user"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li>'
		: '');
	};

	this.menuMedia = function(post_id) {
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(this, ' + post_id + ', \'seesmic\'); return false;">Record video</a></li> \
		';
	};

	this.dropProfile = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};


		var menu = '<li class="dsq-drop-showlnk"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Expand &#8663;</a></li>';
		var pointsMessage = '';
		if (userData['registered']) {
			pointsMessage = 'with ' + userData['points'] + ' points (more points are better).';
		}

		if (userData['is_remote']) {
			var domain = userData['remote_domain_name'];
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' is a ' + domain + ' user ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
			menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-' + domain.toLowerCase() + '">' + domain + '</span></li>';
		} else if (userData['registered']) {
			if (userData['verified']) {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a verified commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span></li>';
			} else {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a registered, but unverified, commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span></li>';
			}
		} else {
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has not claimed this commenter profile." onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()"><span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span></li>';
		}

		menu += _includeServices();
		return menu;
	};

	//
	// Popups
	//

	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-top"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-body" class="clearfix"> \
				<div class="dsq-popup-body-padding"> \
					<div class="dsq-popup-header"> \
						<a class="dsq-close-link" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/modal-close.png" alt="" /></a>'
						+ content['header']
					+ '</div>'
					+ content['body']
					+ '<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
				</div> <!-- padding --> \
			</div> <!-- body --> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-bottom"></div> \
		</div> \
		';
	};

	this.popupProfile = function(user_key) {
		var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(user_key, null);
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var html = '';
			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == 0
					? '<h4>Connections</h4><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li> \
					<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" title="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" /> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>'
				+ (i+1 == userServices.length ? '</ul>' : '');
			}
			return html;
		};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<table> \
				<tr> \
					<td> \
						<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><img class="dsq-popup-profile-avatar" src="' + userData['avatar'] + '" alt="" /></a> \
					</td> \
					<td> \
						<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user"> \
							<h3>' + userData['display_name'] + '</h3> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats" id="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + user_key + '">Loading...</div> \
						</div> \
					</td> \
				</tr> \
			</table> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-state"> \
				This is a&nbsp;<span class="'
					+ (userData['registered']
						? (userData['verified']
							? ' dsq-badge-verified'
							: (userData['is_remote']
								? ' dsq-badge-' + userData['remote_domain_name'].toLowerCase()
								: ' dsq-badge-registered')
							)
							: ' dsq-badge-guest') + '">'
			+ (userData['registered']
				? (userData['verified']
					? 'Verified'
					: (userData['is_remote']
						 ? userData['remote_domain_name']
						 : 'Registered')
					)
				: 'Guest')
			+ '</span>&nbsp;commenter profile.'
			+ '&nbsp;<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><strong>View more comments </strong></a>'
			+ (!userData['points']
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice">If this is you, <a href="http://disqus.com/profile" target="_blank">claim it now</a> to manage your comments.</p>'
				: '')
			+ ((userData['registered'] && !userData['verified'] && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username == userData['username'])) && !userData['is_remote'])
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice"><strong>Alert</strong>: You have not verified this account. <a href="http://disqus.com/verify">Verify it now.</a></p>'
				: '')
			+ '</div> \
			<div id="dsq-profile-status-' + user_key + '" class="dsq-popup-profile-status" style="display:none"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-snapshot"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td> \
							<div id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Most active sites</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
						<td>'
							+ _includeServices()
							+ '<div id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Moderator of</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupReblog = function() {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<cite><span>Reblog this comment</span></cite> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div id="dsq-reblog-form" class="dsq-reblog-form"> \
			</div> \
		';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupModal = function(title, message) {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<h3>' + title + '</h3> \
		';

		bodyHtml = message;

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.alertContent = function(name, post_id) {
		var alert = {
			'post_not_approved': {
				'title': 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator',
				'message': 'Thanks for posting. Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.'
			},
			'post_has_profile': {
				'title': 'Use your existing commenter profile',
				'message': 'You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> commenter profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a>'
			}
		};
		return alert[name] || false;
	};

	//
	// Actions
	//

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {
		// Update number of points
		Dsq.$('dsq-points-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.';

		// Update link text
		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.';
		}
	};

	this.subscribed = function(status) {
		var title, message;

		if(status) {
			title = 'Subscribed!';
			message = 'You have subscribed to this comment thread. New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox, where you may read and respond by email.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">Unsubscribe</a> \
			';
		} else {
			title = 'Unsubscribed';
			message = 'You have unsubscribed to this comment thread. New comments will no longer be sent to your email inbox.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a> \
			';
		}

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);

	};
	
	this.highlighted = function() {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('This comment has been highlighted.', 'Highlighted comment');
	};

	//
	// Media
	//

	this.mediaSeesmic = function(id, thumb) {
		return ' \
			<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_preview" class="dsq-seesmic-preview"><a href="http://www.seesmic.com/video/' + id + '" target="_blank" class="see_link">&nbsp;</a> \
				<div style="display:block;width:160px; height:120px; border:none; background-image:url(http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/' + thumb + ')"> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_hide" class="seePlayOverlay" style="display:none;"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',false)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/stopOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_show" class="seePlayOverlay"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',true)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/playOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; border:none; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			<div id="' + id + '_content" style="display:block; width:100%; padding-top:5px"></div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Callbacks
	//

	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(parent_post_id) {
		// Increment post count
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');
		
		if (num_posts) { 
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) { 
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
	};
};
// Dsq.Templates


/**
 * Dsq.Post
 */
Dsq.Post = new function() {
	this.openedMenu = {};
	this.menuEventListener = null;
	this.stateReplyToggled = {};
	this.stateEditToggled = {};
	this.stateRecordLink = {};

	/**
	 * Inserts a new post into the document.
	 *
	 * @param after_id {Number}	Insert a post before specified id.  If after_id
	 *							evaluates to false, then post in the front.  If
	 *							after_id is -1, post at the end.
	 */
	this.insert = function(after_id, id, message, author) {
		// Skeleton template from thread_posts.html.
		var skeleton = ' \
			<li id="dsq-comment-%(id)s"> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-header-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-header"> \
					<cite id="dsq-cite-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-cite"> \
						<a id="dsq-author-user-%(id)s" href="%(author_url)s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">%(author_name)s</a> \
					</cite> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-body-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-body"> \
					<div id="dsq-comment-message-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-message">%(message)s</div> \
				</div> \
			</li> \
		';
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var _user_meta = Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key];
		var markup = Dsq.Utils.interpolate(skeleton, {
			id: id,
			message: message,
			author_url: _user_meta.blog,
			author_name: _user_meta.display_name
		});
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		markup = markup.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
		div.innerHTML = markup;

		if (after_id === -1) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').appendChild(div);
		} else if (!after_id) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').insertBefore(div, Dsq.$('dsq-comments').firstChild);
		} else if (Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + after_id)) {
			// Get next node after "after_id", so we can insert before it.
			// If "after_id" is the last comment, the target node is the
			// last node.
			
			// var append_post_id = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(after_id).replace('<div id="','').replace('"></div>', '');
			var append_post_id = 'dsq-append-post-' + after_id;
			var node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			while (node = node.nextSibling) {
				if (!node || node.nodeType == 1) { // 1 == Node.ELEMENT_NODE
					break;
				}
			}
			if (!node) {
				node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			}
			node.parentNode.insertBefore(div, node);
		}
	};

	this.incrementPostCount = function() {
		
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');

		if (num_posts) {
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) {
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
	}
	
	this.outlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className += ' dsq-comment-outline';
		setTimeout("(function () { Dsq.Post.clearOutlineComment(" + post_id + ") })()", 3000);
	};
	
	this.clearOutlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className.replace('dsq-comment-outline', '');
	};

	this.showMenu = function(el, id, name) {
		var anchorPos = Dsq.Utils.findPos(el);
		var menu = document.createElement('ul');

		if(this.openedMenu) {
			if(this.openedMenu.linkClicked) {
				this.openedMenu.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		switch(name) {
			case 'more':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMore(id);
				break;
			case 'media':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMedia(id);
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}

		// Add menu to document body
		menu.id = 'dsq-menu-' + id;
		menu.className = 'dsq-menu';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(menu);

		// Position and show
		anchorPos[1] += 15;
		menu.style.left = anchorPos[0] + 'px';
		menu.style.top = anchorPos[1] + 'px';
		menu.style.display = 'block';

		// Set global reference
		this.openedMenu = {
			'el' : menu,
			'id' : id,
			'name' : name,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};

		// Set listener
		this.menuEventListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._hideMenu);
	};

	this._hideMenu = function(e) {
		var el = e.target || e.srcElement;
		var openedMenu = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el;
		var id = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.id;

		if(!id) {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link';
		} else {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link-' + id;
		}

		if(!openedMenu) {
			return;
		}

		if(!Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, openedMenu.id)) {
			openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Post.menuEventListener);
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(openedMenu);

		} else {
			// Hide the menu if a link was clicked inside the menu.  We can't
			// completely remove the menu until the onclick event on the link
			// fires, but the menuEventListener will prevent multiple menus
			// from polluting the DOM.
			if(el && typeof el.href != 'undefined') {
				openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el = null;
			}
		}

		if(Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Post.openedMenu.linkClicked = true;
		}
	};


	this.getUserServices = function(user_key, id) {
		if(!user_key && id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
			user_key = _meta.user_key;
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var userServices = [];

		// Keep a full list of supported services. This is the order they will display in the drop-profile.
		// Each service must have a corresponding case in _buildServiceUrl()
		var supportedServices = ['blog', 'twitter', 'facebook', 'tumblr'];

		function _buildServiceUrl(serviceName) {
			var data = userData[serviceName];
			var services = {
				blog:		function(d) { return d; },
				twitter:	function(d) { return d; },
				facebook:	function(d) { return d; },
				tumblr:		function(d) { return 'http://' + d + '.tumblr.com'; }
			};
			return services[serviceName](data);
		}

		for(var i = 0; i < supportedServices.length; i++) {
			if(userData[supportedServices[i]]) {
				var serviceUrl = _buildServiceUrl(supportedServices[i]);
				userServices.push({'name' : supportedServices[i], 'url' : serviceUrl});
			}
		}
		return userServices;
	}

	this.dropProfile = function(id) {
		var dp = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-profile-' + id);

		// IE6 needs JS to display/hide. All other browsers use CSS.
		if(dp) {
			if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) dp.style.display = (dp.style.display == 'inline') ? 'none' : 'inline';
			return false;
		} else {
			dp = document.createElement('ul');
		}

		dp.id = 'dsq-drop-profile-' + id;
		dp.className = 'dsq-drop-profile';

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) { dp.style.display = 'inline'; }

		var container = Dsq.$('dsq-header-avatar-' + id);
		dp.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.dropProfile(id);
		container.appendChild(dp);
	};

	this.dropProfileMore = function(el, id) {
		var hiddenItems = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-hidden-' + id);

		hiddenItems.style.display = 'inline';
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
	};

	this._updateReplyLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "reply / cancel" links based on state.
		var displayDict = {};

		if(id) {
			if(this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				el.innerHTML = 'Cancel';
				displayDict['media'] = 'inline';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'none';
			} else {
				el.innerHTML = 'Reply';
				displayDict['media'] = 'none';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'inline';
			}
		}

		for(var key in displayDict) {
			if(displayDict.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var	linkEl = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-el-' + id),
					spacer = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-spacer-' + id);

				if(linkEl) {
					linkEl.style.display = displayDict[key];
					if(spacer) spacer.style.display = displayDict[key];
				}
			}
		}
	};

	this._updateMediaLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "use media / cancel" links based on state.
		var appendId = (id) ? ('-' + id) : '';
		var link = Dsq.$('dsq-media-link' + appendId);

		if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			link.innerHTML = 'Cancel Media';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(link, id); return false; };
		} else {
			link.innerHTML = 'Use Media <small>&#9660;</small>';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.showMenu(link, id, 'media'); return false; };
		}
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(el, id) {
		// Create reply IFrame
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			if (!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				// Create IFrame if it doesn't exist.
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-frame-' + id), id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].init();
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].setState(id, _meta.depth);
				}
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
			}
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			if(!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				// Reply toolbar
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id), id);
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Iframes.hideAllInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id));
				if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
					// HACK: Cancel media before canceling self.
					this.toggleMediaReply(Dsq.$('dsq-media-link-' + id), id);
				}
			}
		}

		this.stateReplyToggled[id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[id];
		this._updateReplyLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-reply-' + id); }

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[id]
		});
	};

	this.toggleMediaReply = function(el, id, xtype) {
		id = id || 0;
		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(!this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id, {xtype:xtype}, 'dsq-post-video');
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id);
		}
		this.stateRecordLink[id] = !this.stateRecordLink[id];
		this._updateMediaLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};

	this.edit = function(el, id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.frameEdit(id);
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-comment-message-' + id); }
	};

    this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
                Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
            }

            Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
                + '?post_id='    + id
                + '&vote='        + vote);

		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login(Dsq.Strings.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN);
		}
    };

	this.report = function(id, confirmed) {
		if(confirmed) {
			Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/monday_open_thread_44/post_report/', {'post_id': id});
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Thank you. This comment has been flagged for moderator attention.', 'Successfully flagged');
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$('dsq-post-report-' + id));
		} else {
			var title = Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT;
			var message = Dsq.Strings.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR + '? \
			<br /><br /> \
			<button onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.NO + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.NEVER_MIND + '</button>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<button onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + id + ', true);"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.YES + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT + '</button><br /><br />'
			+ Dsq.Strings.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION + '. \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, id);
		}
	};



	this.showAlert = function(id, msg) {
		var msgEl = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id);
		var alert = '<div class="dsq-comment-alert">' + msg + '</div>';

		msgEl.innerHTML = alert + msgEl.innerHTML;
	};

};
// Dsq.Post


/**
 * Dsq.Thread
 */
Dsq.Thread = new function() {
	this.fc = null;
	this.ff = null;
	this.ac = null;

	
	this.adminIsOn = false;

	
	
	

	this.hlComment = null;
	this.hlCommentClass = null;

	this.getNextComment = function(el) {
		var start_id = el.id;
		while(el = el.nextSibling) {
			if(el.id && el.id.indexOf('dsq-comment-') != -1 && el.id != start_id) {
				return el;
			}
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.getActiveCommentId = function() {
		if (document.URL.indexOf('#comment-') >= 0) {
			var anchor = document.URL.slice(document.URL.indexOf('#') + 1);
			return anchor.replace('comment-', '');
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.highlightAnchor = function() {
		var i = this.getActiveCommentId();
		if (i == null) return false;
		var id = 'dsq-comment-' + i;
		var hash = window.location.hash;

		// Toggle the hash incase the comment isn't available when the page loads
		// for WebKit-based browsers.
		if (Dsq.Utils.webkit) {
			window.location.hash = '';
			window.location.hash = hash;
		}

		this.hlComment = Dsq.$(id);
		// Adding this conditional guard pending #289
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlCommentClass = this.hlComment.className;
		this.hlComment.className += ' dsq-hl-anchor';

		setTimeout("Dsq.Thread.highlightClear()", 3000);
	};

	this.highlightClear = function() {
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlComment.className = this.hlCommentClass;
	};

	this.login = function(toggle) {
		// toggle id is #dsq-reply-login-[id]
		var postId;
		if(toggle.id.indexOf('dsq-reply-login') != -1) {
			postId = toggle.id.slice(16);
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + postId);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(toggle) {
			if(toggle.className == 'dsq-login-active') {
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(container, postId);
				toggle.className = '';
			} else {
				Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
				toggle.className = 'dsq-login-active';
			}
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
		}

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};


	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked, per_page) {
		// Use extra_params to pass any override parameters that we need to persist.
		var extra_params = '';

		// "Per page" can either be overriden by providing it as an argument
		// (per-call) or setting the disqus_per_page override variable (global).
		if(typeof per_page == 'undefined') {
			per_page = null;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined' && per_page === null) {
			per_page = disqus_per_page;
		}

		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}
		if(per_page !== null) {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + per_page;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			el_clicked.style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'monday_open_thread_44'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};

	this.sortBy = function(sort) {
		var disqus_script = document.createElement('script');
		var disqus_date = new Date();

		if (location.hash != '') {
			location.hash = '#disqus_thread';
		}

		if(typeof(disqus_url) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_url = disqus_href;
		}
		disqus_script.type = 'text/javascript';
		disqus_script.src = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'monday_open_thread_44'
			+ '&sort='	+ sort
			+ '&title='
			+ '&'		+ disqus_date.getTime();

		Dsq.$('dsq-comments').innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif">';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(disqus_script);
	};

	this.subscribe = function(status, email) {
		// `status` is an int -- 1 to subscribe, 0 to unsubscribe
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || email) {
			// If authenticated user OR anonymous email provided

			if(email) {
				Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
			}

			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/subscribe.js'
				+'?status=' 	+ status
				+ '&slug='		+ 'monday_open_thread_44'
				+ '&email=' 	+ encodeURIComponent(email));

		} else if(!email) {
			// If anonymous user and no email has been provided yet, prompt for email

			var title = 'Subscribe to this comment thread';
			var message = ' \
				New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox! \
				<div class="dsq-subscribe-submit"> \
					<p><strong>Enter your email address below.</strong></p> \
					<input type="text" id="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1, Dsq.$(\'dsq-subscribe-email\').value)">Subscribe</button> \
				</div> \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
		}
	};

	this.showSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return;
		}

		/* The form has to be re-designed when more options will come out. */
		var html = 'Automatically close comments after <input size="3" id="dsq-thread-days-alive" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.days_alive + '" type="text" /> days. Existing comments will still be displayed.<br /><br />(Using 0 days will disable this feature)<br /><br />'
								 + '<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.updateDaysAlive();" class="dsq-button-small"><span>Save</span></button>'
								 + '<span id="dsq-thread-settings-status" class="dsq-options-status"></span>';
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Settings');
	};

	this.updateDaysAlive = function() {
		var days = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-days-alive').value;
		var status = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-settings-status');
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/update_days_alive.js', {days:days,thread:Dsq.jsonData.thread.id});
		status.innerHTML = 'Saved!';
		window.setTimeout(function() { status.innerHTML = ''; }, 1000);
	};
};
// Dsq.Thread

Dsq.Events = function() {
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var handlers = {};
	var getHandlers = function(event) {
		if (handlers[event] === undefined) {
			handlers[event] = [];
		}
		return handlers[event];
	};

	// Public
	// Value keys : postId, node, xtype
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED = 1;
	// Value keys : postId, opened
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED = 2;
	obj.fire = function(event, opt_value) {
		if (!event) {
			throw new Error('Unknown event');
		}
		var value = opt_value || {};
		for (var i=0; i<getHandlers(event).length; i++) {
			getHandlers(event)[i](value);
		}
	};
	obj.addHandler = function(event, callback) {
		getHandlers(event).push(callback);
	};

	return obj;
}();

/**
 * Dsq.Realtime
 */
Dsq.Realtime = new function() {
	var initialized = false;
	var interval = null;
	var last_checked = Dsq.jsonData.request.timestamp;
	var new_posts = [];
	var ongoing_request = false;
	var prev_script = null;

	function updateNewPostCount() {
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-alert').style.display = new_posts.length ? 'block' : 'none';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-queued').innerHTML = new_posts.length
		+ ' new '
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, 'comment', 'comments')
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, ' was', ' were')
		+ ' just posted.';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.SHOW + ')';
	}

	function insertNewPosts() {
		var post_id = null;
		var after_id = Dsq.$('dsq-sort-select').value === 'oldest' ? -1 : null;

		for (var i=0; i<new_posts.length; i++) {
			post_id = new_posts[i];
			Dsq.Post.insert(after_id, post_id, Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id].message);
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		}
		new_posts = [];
	}

	this.enableInterval = function() {
		interval = setInterval(Dsq.Realtime.check, Dsq.jsonData.context.realtime_speed);
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.ENABLED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.PAUSE + ')';
	}

	this.disableInterval = function() {
		if (interval) {
			clearInterval(interval);
			interval = null;
		}
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.PAUSED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.RESUME + ')';
	}

	this.toggleInterval = function() {
		if (!interval) {
			Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
		} else {
			Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
		}
		return false;
	}

	this.initialize = function() {
		if (!initialized) {
			initialized = true;
			Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').onclick = this.toggleInterval;
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').onclick = this.show;
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
			if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.realtime_paused) {
				Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
			} else {
				Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
			}
		}
	}

	this.show = function() {
		insertNewPosts();
		updateNewPostCount();
		return false;
	}

	this.check = function() {
		if (!ongoing_request && Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			if (prev_script) {
				prev_script.parentNode.removeChild(prev_script);
			}
			ongoing_request = true;
			prev_script = Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/4858500/realtime.js?timestamp=' + last_checked);
		}
	};

	this.update = function(timestamp, posts, users) {
		ongoing_request = false;
		last_checked = timestamp;

		if (users) {
			for (var user_id in users) {
				if (users.hasOwnProperty(user_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id] = users[user_id];
					}
				}
			}
		}

		if (posts) {
			for (var post_id in posts) {
				if (posts.hasOwnProperty(post_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] = posts[post_id];
						new_posts.push(post_id);
					}
				}
			}

			if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				insertNewPosts();
			} else {
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
		}
	};

}();

// DEPRECATED
Dsq.Iframes = function() {
	// Different style of object from the above. Hoping to switch to this for some reason.
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var showIframeInContainer = function(container, id, markup) {
		// Look through container for iframes, hiding them, except show one that matches id
		// If none of them matched id, create a new iframe using markup and insert it.
		// Returns the iframe node if and only if it was newly created.
		var found = false;
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				if (child.id == id) {
					child.style.display = 'block';
					found = true;
				} else {
					child.style.display = 'none';
				}
			}
		}
		if (found) {
			return;
		}
		// The iframe wasn't found, so construct it and add it to the container.
		// Don't use innerHTML because it might reload iframes
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		div.innerHTML = markup;
		var iframe = div.childNodes[0];
		div.removeChild(iframe);
		container.appendChild(iframe);
		return iframe;
	};

	// Public
	obj.makeReplyIframeId = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var id = 'dsq-post-add-iframe';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			id += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			id += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return id;
	};
	obj.makeLoginIframeId = function(opt_postId) {
		if (!opt_postId) {
			return 'dsq-login-iframe';
		}
		return 'dsq-login-iframe-' + opt_postId;
	};
	obj.makeReplyIframeName = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var name = 'dsq-reply-frame';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			name += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			name += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return name;
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId, opt_extraParams, opt_className) {
		// Construct the id so we can check if it's already present.
		// Hide any other iframes we find, and show this one if it's found.
		var params = opt_extraParams || {};
		// use xtype in the id and name so we can distinguish media replies from text replies:
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeId(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var name = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeName(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var attributes = {
			'id': id,
			'name': name,
			'class': opt_className || 'dsq-post-reply'
			};
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameReply(opt_postId, opt_extraParams, attributes);
		var iframe = showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
		// It was newly created
		if (iframe) {
			Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED, {
				postId: opt_postId,
				node: iframe,
				xtype: params.xtype
			});
		}
	};
	obj.showLoginIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId) {
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeLoginIframeId(opt_postId);
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: id});
		showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed = function(container, opt_postId) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			obj.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, opt_postId);
		} else {
			obj.hideAllInContainer(container);
		}
	};
	obj.hideAllInContainer = function(container) {
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				child.style.display = 'none';
			}
		}
	};

	return obj;
}();

Dsq.Twitter = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startTwitterConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._twitterWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/twitter/begin/', 'twitterWindow', popupParams);
		that._twitterInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeTwitterConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeTwitterConnect = function() {
		if (that._twitterWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._twitterInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Yahoo = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startYahooConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._yahooWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/yahoo/begin/', 'yahooWindow', popupParams);
		that._yahooInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeYahooConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeYahooConnect = function() {
		if (that._yahooWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._yahooInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.OpenID = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.requestURL = function() {
		var message = '<table class="dsq-openid-form"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="2"><img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url + '/images/openid-icon-100x100.png" /></td>';
		message += '<td><label for="dsq-openid-url">OpenID URL:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-url" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td><label for="dsq-openid-username">Display name:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-username" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td class="dsq-openid-submit" colspan="3"><input type="button" value="Sign in" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.startConnect();" /></td></tr>';
		message += "</table>";

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sign in using OpenID');
	};

	this.startConnect = function() {
		var isblank = function(str) {
			return /^\s*$/.test(str);
		};

		var openid_url = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-url').value;
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-username').value;

		if (isblank(openid_url)) {
			return;
		}

		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=500';
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/openid/begin/' + '?url=' + encodeURIComponent(openid_url) + '&username=' + encodeURIComponent(username);
		that._openidWindow = window.open(url, 'openidWindow', popupParams);
		that._openidInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeConnect = function() {
		if (that._openidWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._openidInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Reaction = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.hide = function(id) {
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/hidereaction.js?' + 'reaction_id=' + id);
	};

	this.reportMissingReactions = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled) {
			return;
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.queued) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Your report has been received. The system will automatically search for new reactions; if any are found, they will be displayed on this comment thread.<br/><br/>Thank&nbsp;you.',
												 'Reported missing reactions');
			return;
		}

		Dsq.Utils.execScript(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/forums/jackandjillpolitics/queueurl.js');
	};
};

Dsq.CNN = function() {
	var obj = {};

	obj.authenticate = function() {
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + "/saml/cnn/try/";
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl(url, {'target': document.location}, true);
	};

	return obj;
}();


if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
	(function() {
		DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE = /<div class="dsq-header-avatar"(.*?)>/gim;
		Dsq.Templates.registerFilter('postPrependHeader', function(html, post_id) {
			// Add "onmouseout" for dsq-header-avatar for dropProfile
			// functionality since IE6 cannot use :hover.
			function _headerAvatarReplace(content, inner, _unused, html) {
				return '<div class="dsq-header-avatar" '
					+ inner
					+ ' onmouseout="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')">';
			}
			html = html.replace(DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE, _headerAvatarReplace);
			return html;
		});
	})();
}





	// TODO: Move Seesmic code outside of the main script.  Don't let this script clobber the global namespace.
	if(typeof seesmic == 'undefined') { var seesmic = {}; }
	seesmic.widget = new function () {
		this.callback = function (data) {
			playerVersion = data.disqusplayer;
		};
	};

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('src', 'http://seesmic.com/version.js?callback=seesmic.widget.callback');
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(scriptEl);

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('src', 'http://media.disqus.com/javascript/library/swfobject.js');
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(scriptEl);

	function see_play_video(_videoUri, _add) {
		var swf = !!playerVersion ? playerVersion : 'http://seesmic.com/embeds/StandalonePlayer.swf';

		flashcontentDiv = Dsq.$(_videoUri + '_content');
		previewDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_preview');
		hideDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_hide');
		showDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_show');
		if(_add) {
			// push flash widget
			var so = new SWFObject(swf, 'sotester', '300', '270', '9', '#000000');
			so.addVariable('video', _videoUri);
			so.addParam('allowFullScreen', 'true');
			so.addParam('allowScriptAccess','always');
			so.useExpressInstall('swfobject/expressinstall.swf');
			so.write(_videoUri + '_content');

			previewDiv.style.display = 'none';
			hideDiv.style.display = 'block';
			showDiv.style.display = 'none';
		}
		else {
			flashcontentDiv.innerHTML = '';
			previewDiv.style.display = 'block';
			hideDiv.style.display = 'none';
			showDiv.style.display = 'block';
		}
	};





(function() {
	//
	// Load theme.  This overrides the base templates with template functions
	// from the respective themes.
	//
	if (Dsq.jsonData.integration.theme == 4) {
		var theme = 'narcissus';
		// HACK: Set variable on window to use post message.
		window.disqus_use_postmessage = true;

		
		for(var prop in Dsq.Themes[theme]) {
			if(Dsq.Themes[theme] && Dsq.Themes[theme].hasOwnProperty(prop)) {
				Dsq.Templates[prop] = Dsq.Themes[theme][prop];
			}
		}
		
		for(var prop in Dsq.Post) {
			if(Dsq.Themes[theme] && Dsq.Themes[theme].hasOwnProperty(prop)) {
				Dsq.Post[prop] = Dsq.Themes[theme][prop];
			}
		}
	}

	//
	// Register templates.  This must be done after all themes are loaded.
	//
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('authPost', Dsq.Templates.authPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('header', Dsq.Templates.header);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('footer', Dsq.Templates.footer);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('trackbacks', Dsq.Templates.trackbacks);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('reactions', Dsq.Templates.reactions);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('prependPost', Dsq.Templates.prependPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('appendPost', Dsq.Templates.appendPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postPrependHeader', Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postAppendHeader', Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('preBody', Dsq.Templates.preBody);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postBody', Dsq.Templates.postBody);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postFooter', Dsq.Templates.postFooter);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('_popupGeneric', Dsq.Templates._popupGeneric);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('voted', Dsq.Templates.voted);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('popupProfile', Dsq.Templates.popupProfile);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postBox', Dsq.Templates.postBox);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('pagination', Dsq.Templates.pagination);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postComment_onSuccess', Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess);

})();

Dsq.container.className = "clearfix";
Dsq.container.innerHTML = ' \
<ul id="dsq-comments">\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524373">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524373" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524373" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524373">Jay</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524373" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524373" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/22/143539/493/535/606616" rel="nofollow">McCain Campaign Throws Another Tantrum over NYT article</a><br><br>McGrumpy camp: "...the New York Times once was, it is not today by any standard a journalistic organization," Schmidt said. "It is a pro-Obama organization that every day attacks Senator McCain, attacks Governor Palin, and excuses Senator Obama." <br><br><br>Obama camp response:<br>Number of probing stories the NY Times has written over the course of the campaign about Barack Obama, his life, his religion, his childhood, his politics, his time in the state senate, his time in the U.S. Senate, his family, his religion, his friends, his fundraising and all other manner of associations: more than 40<br><br><b>Number of stories the NY Times has written over the course of the campaign about the last major financial regulatory crisis, resulting in a huge bailout, and which John McCain was centrally involved in with his political <u>godfather Charles Keating: 0</b></u> CLASSSSSSIIIIC!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524487">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524487" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524487" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524487">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524487" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524487" class="dsq-comment-message">Oh no they didn\'t!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524907">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524907" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524907" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524907">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524907" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524907" class="dsq-comment-message">That was a triple snap, reverse, full 360, head turn, roll eyes, oh no they didn\'t, you got me bent, screw you, go to hell, try me ONE MO TIME - response.......LOL...the Obama camp WENT THERE! They SOOOOOO went there!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524583">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524583" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524583" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524583">MsKitty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524583" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524583" class="dsq-comment-message">In my best Dee from "What\'s Happening" impression...<br><br>"Oooooh you\'re in trouble now, Raj"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524872">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524872" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524872" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524872">Texas_Girl_in_LA</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524872" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524872" class="dsq-comment-message">No you didn\'t take it there.....LOLOLOLOL!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524914">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524914" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524914" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524914">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524914" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524914" class="dsq-comment-message">Rut-Roh!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525171">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525171" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525171" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525171">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525171" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525171" class="dsq-comment-message">OMG<br><br>HILARIOUS</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527517">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527517" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527517" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527517">nickwah22</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527517" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527517" class="dsq-comment-message">By attack, they mean question & challenge?  Like we should be doing so that our country doesn\'t further go down the crapper.  Jeez.  <br><br>Great response from Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524821">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524821" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524821" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524821">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524821" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524821" class="dsq-comment-message">A proposal to fix the financial mess from Sen Dodd: <a href="http://www.politico.com/static/PPM41_ayo08b28.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.politico.com/static/PPM41_ayo08b28.html</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524070">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524070" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524070" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524070">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524070" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524070" class="dsq-comment-message">Re: the Veep Debates<br><br>The expectations for Palin are already very low. She\'s been exposed as someone with an extremely limited knowledge and grasp of issues confronting a president or vice president. So, I\'m betting that Obama has acquiesced and is content to let the news media do his dirty work for him. Serious voters--and hopefully some serious jounalists--will see Palin for what she is (and more importantly is not) and will make up their minds accordingly.<br><br>Think about it: If Obama/Biden already view Palin as an intellectual lightweight, do they really care if she asks for a handicap?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524557">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524557" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524557" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524557">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524557" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524557" class="dsq-comment-message">Also:<br><br>If the Obama campaign raises a ruckus about the Veep Debates, the MSM will be lazy and write stories about Obama complaining about the format, which will dovetail nicely into any pro-Palin spin they will want to use once the debate is over.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524118">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524118" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524118" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2524118" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524118" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524118" class="dsq-comment-message">Okay. I\'ve just seen the clips of Billy J on the view.<br><br>Did he once say Barack is the leader the nation needs right now like he did at the convention? <br><br>No.<br><br>But the reportage I read of him playing the race card are completely false.<br><br>Billy J is a Leo. Anytime he has an opportunity to praise himself (or his wife) he\'ll take it. John McCain IS his friend. We can\'t ever expect him to go negative on McCain over anything except his policies. We know the Clintons will do anything to win, so if anyone was expecting him to criticize McCain for playing the same tricks, they\'re smoking something I want.<br><br>I don\'t like Bill Clinton. Not at all.<br><br>But this interview didn\'t represent a deep betrayal to me.<br><br>He didn\'t cheerlead for Barack, but he didn\'t diminish him either.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524778">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524778" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524778" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524778">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524778" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524778" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Here\'s a NOVEL concept:  "McAncient" LIES!<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain-lies-ive-bought-am_n_128145.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain...</a><br><b><u>McCain Lies:</u> "I\'ve Bought American Literally All My Life"</b><br><br><i>It seems John McCain\'s belief in "Country First" only goes so far.<br><br>Yesterday, we learned that not only does McCain own thirteen cars, but that the McCain fleet includes imports, a VW from Germany and a Honda from Japan. (His wife drives a Lexus, but that car is owned by her beer distributorship.)<br><br>And now it turns out that earlier this month he lied to Michigan voters about his car purchases, telling them "I\'ve bought American literally all my life" during a September 7 interview with Detroit\'s WXYZ-TV. Earlier in the interview, he had told the interviewer "Cindy and I own an automobile that\'s American-made" which was about best an extremely misleading statement.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>UAW President Ron Gettelfinger on Sunday once again accused John McCain of less-than-straight talk on the issue of buying American-made cars, after Newsweek magazine reported that the McCains own at least three foreign-made vehicles. [...]<br><br><br>"\'Buy American\' can\'t just be a slogan John McCain rolls out when he\'s in Michigan," Gettelfinger said Sunday. Americans are free to buy whatever they choose, Gettelfinger said, but he accused McCain of trying to mislead Midwestern voters about what vehicles he owns. </i><br><br><b>Let\'s face it -- the man is just a pathological liar.</b><br><br>ENOUGH, said!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525278">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525278" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525278" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525278">JJai</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525278" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525278" class="dsq-comment-message">a commenter on CNN said that  John McCain invented lies, lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525746">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525746" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525746" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525746">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525746" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525746" class="dsq-comment-message">JJai:  LOL!!  LOL!!   Well, at least, it\'s more true than the "claim" for inventing "Blackberry\'s"!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523603">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523603" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523603" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523603">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523603" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523603" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  He/they said  WHAT?<br><br><a href="http://coloradoindependent.com/8807/evangelical-leader-smacks-mccain-for-lack-of-principle" rel="nofollow">http://coloradoindependent.com/8807/evangelical...</a><br><b>Evangelical Leader Smacks McCain For Lack of Principles</b><br><br><i>Richard Cizik is one of the country’s most powerful and outspoken Christian evangelical leaders. He happens to be a Republican, and he has known the GOP’s presidential nominee for many years. “I thought John McCain was a principled person,” Cizik says. “But John McCain has backed off, not just on climate change but on torture and a sensible tax policy — in other words, he’s not the John McCain of 2000. … He seems to be waffling on issue after issue.<br><br>It’s not illogical for someone to conclude that John McCain is going to be more like George Bush than John McCain is going to be like John McCain in 2000.”<br><br>Characterizing the GOP’s presidential nominee as an unprincipled waffler is strong stuff from the man who oversees governmental affairs and is the chief lobbyist of the 30-million-member Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Evangelicals. But Cizik — named this year by TIME magazine one of the world’s 100 most influential people — is no stranger to controversies that come from strong convictions.</i><br><br><b>Finally  - the TRUTH!!</b>  :&gt;)<br><br>It\'s soo tempting to do more than SNIPETS.   :&gt;)  But it\'s cool!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524754">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524754" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524754" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524754">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524754" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524754" class="dsq-comment-message">“But John McCain has backed off, not just on climate change but on torture and a sensible tax policy — in other words, he’s not the John McCain of 2000. … He seems to be waffling on issue after issue."<br><br>-Mmmmmm, John McCain waffles.<br>(John McCain) I can have them with syrup, or, jam, or wait, preserves, but...I really like jam...but syrup is really good...but if I eat \'em plain I won\'t make the buttons sticky on that thing I invented...the Blackberry.<br>Oh, hell...why  don\'t I ask Sarah...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524829">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524829" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524829" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524829">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524829" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524829" class="dsq-comment-message">Admiral:  LOL!  X5  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!:/b&gt;</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522423">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522423" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522423" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522423" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522423" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522423" class="dsq-comment-message">Barack is kicking some serious ass in Green Bay right now.<br><br>Some <i>serious</i> ass.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523515">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523515" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523515" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523515">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523515" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523515" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree! He was just getting warmed up when Andrea "But I Don\'t Want The Negro To Win" Mitchell interrupted his speech. &gt;:-(</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523019">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523019" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523019" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523019">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523019" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523019" class="dsq-comment-message">Latest SurveyUSA of VIRGINIA<br><br>Obama 51<br>McCain 45</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514698">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514698" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514698" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514698">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514698" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514698" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Just gotta post this!! there are some BRAVE people in Alaska!!   :&gt;)<br><br><a href="http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/confessions-of-a-sign-hacker/" rel="nofollow">http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/21/confes...</a><br><b>Confessions Of A Sign Hacker</b><br><br><i>I have a confession to make.<br><br>I was driving to work on Friday, approaching a familiar overpass on the Seward Highway, when I noticed a hand-painted sign that someone had put up so it would hang over traffic.  I’ve seen signs on this overpasses before.  Sometimes it’s a birthday greeting, sometimes a welcome home message.  I even once saw a “No Blood for Oil” sign before the invasion of Iraq.  This one looked like it had been painted on a white sheet.  It was mostly red and blue….it….was….an…… Obama sign!  I smiled as the car got close enough to read it.  “Obama 4 Change” it said.  But then as I got closer still, I realized that there was more.  It continued, “2 Islamic Law -N- U.S.A.”  Obama for change to Islamic Law in U.S.A.??  Argh!<br><br>SKIP [Obeying the "SNIPET RULE  :&gt;)]<br><br>I was outraged, not only at the sheer stupidity and misinformation in the content of the sign, but “-N-”??  There was plenty of space to write “IN”.  And isn’t “-N-”  supposed to mean ‘and’? <br><br>The plan? Not to take the sign down as I first thought, but to quickly and surgically remove the bottom half!  Brilliant. Not only would the sign be correct in content, but the -N- and the rest of the nonsense would be relegated to the dust bin.<br><br>The procedure took about five minutes, as we discovered there were actually two identical signs, one facing north and one facing south.  I present to you, dear Mudflatters, my trophies. No antlers or moose heads from this Alaskan hunt, but something even better.<br><br><br><br>The signs are down now, but they survived all the way through the morning and evening commute on Friday.  I wonder if the original sign hangers got to enjoy the edited version…</i><br><br>You gotta appreciate the B4 and AFTER SIGNS!!  BEAUTIFUL HACK JOB!!  :&gt;)<br><br>The "comments" are pleasingly scathing!  :&gt;)<br><br>ENJOY & APPRECIATE!  <b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514758">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514758" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514758" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514758">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514758" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514758" class="dsq-comment-message">muflats is a gem. a true gem.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514786">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514786" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514786" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514786">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514786" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514786" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  A - men!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520761">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520761" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520761" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520761">MsKitty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520761" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520761" class="dsq-comment-message">Does my heart good to see so many people fighting teh stoopid this election season.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520882">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520882" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520882" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520882">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520882" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520882" class="dsq-comment-message">MsKitty:  ABSOLUTELY!!  <i>It takes a village . . . </i>  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514731">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514731" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514731" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514731">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514731" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514731" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Alaskans worry about fishing industry  --their economic plight!<br><a href="http://www.adn.com/money/story/532412.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.adn.com/money/story/532412.html</a><br><br><i>PRINCE RUPERT, British Columbia -- Alaska residents who attended a conference in Prince Rupert say they\'re concerned about the future of the fishing industry in their state.<br><br>Delegates at the Southeast Alaska Conference heard that this year\'s harvested salmon stock is likely to be only 137 million fish, down 75 million from last year.<br><br>John Sund, spokesman for the OceansAlaska Marine Science Center, said the major problem facing the industry is not a declining population of fish but the decreasing number of fishing people living and working in Alaska.<br><br>A combination of increasing energy costs for rural areas, federal litigation inhibiting fishing and decreasing fish stocks is keeping fishermen at home.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>Dan Robinson, spokesman for the Alaska Department of Labor, told delegates that although their state\'s oil revenues have grown, oil is not a priority in southeast Alaska and that\'s affecting the region\'s economy.</i><br><br>Even though EACH ALASKAN is getting $2000+ this year, they seem to be realizing that they are a part of the economy of the UNITED STATES!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514755">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514755" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514755" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514755">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514755" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514755" class="dsq-comment-message">McCain Freeze Would Chill Science<br><br><a href="http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/919/1" rel="nofollow">http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/fu...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2515572">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2515572" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2515572" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2515572">TruthSeeker</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2515572" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2515572" class="dsq-comment-message">No Science whatsoever.  No evolution.   Creationism only. <br><br>No enjoyable sex.  No premarital sex.  Missionary position only...and don\'t you dare like it!<br><br>No contraception.  Women must carry every fertilized egg.   Rapist\'s and Pedophile\'s choice.<br><br>I need some sleep.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2517777">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2517777" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2517777" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2517777">slowyaroll</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2517777" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2517777" class="dsq-comment-message">not worth that much drama... "...the freeze applies to the entire budget, most of which doesn\'t relate to science."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514766">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514766" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514766" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514766">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514766" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514766" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Unless I missed it, HuffPost had a slide show.<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/mccain-owns-13-cars-obama_n_128047.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/mccain...</a><br><b>McCain Owns 13 Cars; Obama 1 [slide show]</b><br><br><i>Newsweek has a story up comparing the number of cars owned by the presidential candidates. It\'s not even close. And certainly, it doesn\'t provide the type of man-of-the-people image that John McCain\'s handlers want to present in the current economic crisis.<br><br>As the magazine reports: "When you have seven homes, that\'s a lot of garages to fill. After the fuss over the number of residences owned by the two presidential nominees, NEWSWEEK looked into the candidates\' cars. And based on public vehicle-registration records, here\'s the score. John and Cindy McCain: 13. Barack and Michelle Obama: one."</i><br><br>Some commentators didn\'t see how this was "relevant" to the "issues."<br><br>Guess they forgot those terms previously floated by the Repugs:  <b>ELITIST! UPPITY!</b><br><br> <b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2514880">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2514880" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2514880" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2514880">Lilytiger</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2514880" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2514880" class="dsq-comment-message">Trying to entertain myself for a few hours I tuned into the Emmy\'s to see Hugh Laurie in a tux, giving a fun interview on the red carpet, a funny repartee handing out an award and perhaps, finally, a win for best Drama actor. No, no, no on all three fronts. He had the flu and he didn\'t win. <br><br>This week has been an all around downer. <br><br>Back to the slog.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2515322">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2515322" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2515322" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2515322">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2515322" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2515322" class="dsq-comment-message">Lilytiger:  I\'m handing you some "virtual \'GREEN TEA\'"!   <br><br>Now let\'s get  -   you know the drill -  <b>FIRED UP!   READY TO GO!!</b><br><br>There are times when I like House.  Not when he\'s soo egocentric, though!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b><br><br>Suggestion:  Go to "Alaska"  - to Mudflats!!  The articles and comments are very supportive!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2515382">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2515382" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2515382" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2515382">Lilytiger</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2515382" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2515382" class="dsq-comment-message">Gee, thanks, I like green tea. Okay, tomorrow is another day! <br><br>And there is always next year for Hugh. <br><br>But it\'s this year for Obama!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2515418">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2515418" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2515418" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2515418">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2515418" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2515418" class="dsq-comment-message">Lilytiger:  Me   2!   Yes it is!!        Yes!           Yaaaaaaaa!!!!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2515302">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2515302" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2515302" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2515302">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2515302" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2515302" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Hope this is not a duplicate.<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/abc-panel-tears-into-mcca_n_128055.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/abc-pa...</a><br><b>ABC Panel Tears Into McCain:  Not Presidential; Age Should Be An Issue</b><br><br><i>For John McCain, the panel discussion on This Week with George Stephanopoulos could not have been more brutal.<br><br>Minutes after conservative columnist George Will declared that the Senator was decidedly un-presidential is his unexpected call for the firing of SEC Chairman Chris Cox, Sam Donaldson, the long-time ABC hand, said that McCain\'s erratic message on the economy again raised questions about his age.</i><br><br>This was fairly brutal!!  Yaaaaa!   :&gt;)  <br><br>Going to pop some corn!  I plan to watch this a couple of times!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!&gt;/b&gt;</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2518226">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2518226" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2518226" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2518226">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2518226" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2518226" class="dsq-comment-message">This  morning I find out that Morgan Stanley have been permission to go to the Fed discount window. They are now being allowed to be banks w/ no discussion. They can now take deposits that are federally insured. This is BEYOND RIDICULOUS.<br><br>The bond holders are being given 100% return on interest and principal. The mortgage holders(taxpayers) whose mortgages underlie the plan have to pay 100% even if they go bankrupt. There is no provision to change the bankruptcy law so that mortgages can be worked out.  So now not only are you out of your home, you are broke and you are paying twice; once, to repay the bondholders(taxes) and the second time, on your orginal mortgage.<br><br>Call Barack Obama now and tell him HELL NO. Tell him his black ass will be back in the senate earning $200,000 a year, that Michelle will be back at work and your million dollar mortgage is still owed if he approves this. Let McCain be lynched in the streets for causing a depression.<br>TELL HIM<br>One, this bill cannot pass w/ no recourse to the courts.<br><br>Two, without work outs for the underlying mortgage holders through changes in the bankruptcy courts it is a bail out to bondholders on the backs of us.<br><br>Three, if capital is going to be given the taxpayers should get what capital gets in the opne market ; a return on capital. This means instead of buying the garbage paper, we should be buying a percentage of the bank just like we did w/ AIG. You get cash we get equity.  And no equity purchases of foreign banks and entities.<br><br>Four, whomever runs this operation at the top it can not be anyone currently in the government.  Paul O\'Neill,Paul Volker, Richard Parsons come to mind. (the list of can\'t go on is beyond the capacity of this blog).<br><br>Finally, bitch slap Obama for having this stupid conversation about executive pay. It is a complete distratction and tells me he has no clue about what is going on(listening to Robert Rubin is a waste of time; Rubin is responsible for the end of glass-stegall).No matter how much they receieve(steal) it is nothing compared to what the taxpayers are being burden with for the reasons I gave above. Exec\'s will still have to run their companies and there isn\'t going to be any money to give people if we the taxpayers have and equity stake and seats on the boards of governors.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521157">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521157" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521157" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521157">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521157" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521157" class="dsq-comment-message">why call just Barack?  He isn\'t the be all and end all to everything.  Why not hold everyone accountable?  Why not bitch slap Bush and his cronies who saw this mess and did not make the right decisions to avoid this problems? <br><br>My recommendation would be to pick up the phone and make the round of phone calls to every govt organization, write letters and send and post to the blogs on the larger media outlets and make your voice heard.  But I would caution you to remove the expectation that Barack is responsible for this financial crisis and he has to carry the cross on his back alone.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521684">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521684" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521684" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521684">kenyaw</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521684" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521684" class="dsq-comment-message">why call just Barack? RIGHT!<br>What is that about? This vote is in the CONGRESS. Sen Barack is in the SENATE!<br>We should be contacting our local news and our reps in congress.<br>Important post though Rob M. Other than the "black ass".</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523658">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523658" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523658" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523658">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523658" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523658" class="dsq-comment-message">My point is that Obama cannot APPROVE this bill as it is CONSTITUTED for the reasons I cited above He is still a SENATOR and gets a voice. As of now I have seen nothing from him opposing this billexcept executive compensation.<br><br>Which is more important talking about EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION or HOW TO SAVE AMERICAN HOMEOWNERS? Executive compensation is a distraction from the issue at hand; saving the financial system. Distraction from the real issues is something we all care about and WHY WE ARE BACKING OBAMA.<br><br>Another thing he is a constitutional scholar. He had no impact on the Patriot Bill because he didn\'t have a voice on the Senate Floor. Now that he is there he is going to approve a bill w/ NO RECOURSE TO THE COURTS? Opposing this aspect of the bill that is a political plus right there and he isn\'t using it.<br><br>As to calling Obama, I have said HELL to the No on this bill from day one. I have told everyone to call their Senators and congressman to vote NO as this bill is currently.<br><br>Since I was turned on to this blog I have written about economic and foreign policy issues. I have said as a whole AfricanAmericans are going to up OUR education levels on issues we never ever thought about: anybody remember BALTIC DRY SHIPPING INDEX RATES. I post articles from people in the economic field way above my pay grade. That is why I came down on Barack Obama so hard.  He is the leader of the party.  Information and positions should be flowing from his office so as to make sure not only Barack Obama but every Senate and Congressional seat Democrats are contesting is won.  All I am seeing all day long is comments from Barney Frank, the Clintons, Sen Chuck-where is the microphone- Schumer, et al about this crisis. Obama gets interviewed by John Hargrove CNBC- is good and fair- and he talks about executive pay? WTF! <br><br>Taxpayers have figured out that $700,000,000,000 is coming out of their pocket. Obama is coming across weak by not talking directly to them about their concerns which starts with STAYING IN THEIR HOMES. Admiral Komack and I have both pointed out in this thread that the bigots are already out saying the N@##$%^ are responsible. Obama should be ahead of this.<br><br>So I say again Obama wake up.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523844">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523844" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523844" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2523844" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523844" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523844" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>My point is that Obama cannot APPROVE this bill as it is CONSTITUTED for the reasons I cited above He is still a SENATOR and gets a voice. As of now I have seen nothing from him opposing this billexcept executive compensation.</i><br><br>::<br><br>Then you aren\'t looking.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524891">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524891" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524891" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524891">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524891" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524891" class="dsq-comment-message">Then educate me please. Otherwise while I am angry w/ Obama you are simply childish.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525300">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525300" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525300" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525300">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525300" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525300" class="dsq-comment-message">Rob M - step back a little.  <br><br>Why are you angry with Obama?  He didn\'t cause this mess.  And if you have a disgreement with him, why go off on him in a way you did not go after the folks who are currently in office?  What was up with the threats, as you pointed out, he is but one (1) voice . . . . <br><br>Anyway, Blessings to you and yours!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527976">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527976" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527976" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527976">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527976" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527976" class="dsq-comment-message">I am angry w/ Obama because in my opinion his response(s) have been to slow to everything and on this issue silence is ignorance. <br><br>The American people are being asked to fork over $700,000,000,000 in cash: from the big <a href="http://picture.com" rel="nofollow">picture.com</a><br>Want to get a sense of exactly how expensive the Paulson Plan is?<br><br><br>1 million seconds is 11 days   <br><br>1 billion seconds is 32 years  <br><br>1 trillion seconds is 3 centuries  <br><br>If we take on as much debt as Paulson wants (well over a trillion dollars) and we pay it back at the rate of a dollar per second, it would  take 3 centuries to repay. And that assumes its "only" a trillion dollars . . .  it could be much, much more.(his numbers are off it is 32,000 years<br><br>The american taxpayer know this money can only come from two places print it or taxes. In both cases it is a huge impact on themselves. If they are going to "SAVE" themselves they at least ought to know what  the FINAL REWARD. is. This is where a leader leadsand I do not see leadership here.<br><br>As to the folks in office I have repeatedly warned that this situation has more than enough blame for every last American politician. The magnitude of the problem is indicative of how long it has been ignored by everyone. It is time to solve it<br><br>In my world a bitch slap is not a threat. The purpose is to refocus the mind that is under stress. If you go to a good dojo after a certain level of work you will go into weapons training. Once there they will use a real knife when you learn how to disarm an attacker using one. They want you to go into disarm mode whether the knife is real or not. Otherwise you will be in a situation where you are trying to decide if it is a real knife.<br><br>Obama is under attack by a whole lot more than a knife here. The current financial disaster can bring us to a DEPRESSION.  In a depression nothing happens because there is no MONEY to lube the engine of commerce. He needs to be ahead of the plan by working as a Senator because he could inherit the depression. Instead he is in Florida to debate McCain. Giving a speech on the floor of the Senate showing your command of the issues is way better form of leadership.<br><br>Plus IMO he argues like it is a debating society. Go to your strength. Put together a speech on the floor showing your command of the issues. Rally the Democrats around you the LEADER.<br><br>Any charge of Partisanship to keep the taxpayer from getting raped is not partisanship. It is showing leadership by protecting your people, the citizens of the USA.<br><br>Craig<br>I am not seeing anything Bloomberg, CNBc, CNN, Fox NEWS, this website:http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/, this blog:http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/,. If you are going to put an idea out there don\'t you think you can do better defendign yur point?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525308">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525308" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525308" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2525308" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525308" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525308" class="dsq-comment-message">You\'re opinon of me is none of my business.<br><br>You claimed you have not seen any opposition from Barack other than executive compensation.<br><br>That\'s fine, but you haven\'t been looking that hard.<br><br>I don\'t have to educate you. You\'re a smart guy. You just aren\'t looking in all the right places.<br><br>You might start with going to Barack\'s own campaign website.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521364">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521364" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521364" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521364">TRW</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521364" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521364" class="dsq-comment-message">I couldn\'t get through this post because of the vitriol.  Tell Obama\'s "black ass"...really?  Why take it there.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521524">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521524" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521524" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521524">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521524" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521524" class="dsq-comment-message">TRW -- that comment got me too but I let it go.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527755">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527755" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527755" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527755">TRW</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527755" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527755" class="dsq-comment-message">Equally offensive was..."let McCain be lynched in the street." I tried to reread the post and then saw that.   Is this current financial situation a mess?  Absolutely.  But this type of commentary is totally uncalled for.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523789">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523789" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523789" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523789">Michelle</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523789" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523789" class="dsq-comment-message">To echo TRW -- His black ass? Using it in a sentence that threatens him that he will not be elected?<br><br>People either direct the fury at Senator Obama because they are hurting and need someone to be a focal point regardless of reality -- or they use these situations as an deceptive excuse to publicly state their existing hostility to him under cover of whatever they are claiming to speak about.<br><br>Either way it\'s ugly and doesn\'t do anything useful except possibly in the first scenario allow the individual or group of individuals to use politics as a mode of therapy -- individual self-expression for psychological purposes. And the usefulness of THAt is severely limited given that many other people exist and this is a serious time and it\'s not necessarily all about the individual\'s inner psychological needs.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2518230">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2518230" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2518230" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2518230">Suprk</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2518230" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2518230" class="dsq-comment-message">This is a few days old, but still a good sign. The "Conservative " Seattle Times endorses Obama. Here is a brief part of their endorsement. <br><br><i>"An economic Katrina is shattering the confidence of hardworking, middle-class Americans. The war that should never have been in Iraq is dragging on too long. At a time of huge challenge, the candidate with the intelligence, temperament and judgment to lead our nation to a better place is Sen. Barack Obama.<br><br>Obama should be the next president of the United States because he is the most qualified change agent.<b> Obama is a little young, but also brilliant. If he sometimes seems brainy and professorial, that\'s OK. We need the leader of the free world to think things through, carefully. We have seen the sorry results of shooting from the hip.</b></i><br><br><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion" rel="nofollow">http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorial...</a>...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2518418">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2518418" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2518418" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2518418">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2518418" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2518418" class="dsq-comment-message">Here is another alternative solution to the problem. It addresses the real underlying problem; mortgage values/housing values underlying the bonds are not the same:<br><a href="http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/09/fixing-housing.html?cid=131712116#comment-131712116" rel="nofollow">http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/09/...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2518438">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2518438" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2518438" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2518438">tc</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2518438" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2518438" class="dsq-comment-message">Now here is something to put all the bullish that has happened this past week into perspective, asolutely terrifying! Please pass this along:<br><br><a href="http://www.stomverbaasd.com/stomverbaasd-congress-secret-session-march-13-2008-about-the-collapse-of-the-usa/" rel="nofollow">http://www.stomverbaasd.com/stomverbaasd-congre...</a><br><br>T in NC</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2519772">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2519772" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2519772" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2519772">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2519772" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2519772" class="dsq-comment-message">Perhaps "those in the know" know the ish is about to hit the fan for real, so they\'re backing Obama, whethr that\'s because they\'d rather see the country fall apart under the black dude so he can take the blame or whether its\' because they know McCain and Palin will throw more matches and kerosene on the fire remains to be seen.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2518637">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2518637" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2518637" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2518637">LIL</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2518637" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2518637" class="dsq-comment-message">They BOTH leave sum\'n 2B desired..</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2519741">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2519741" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2519741" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2519741">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2519741" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2519741" class="dsq-comment-message">Hillary\'s not on the ballot.<br><br>Sorry.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2519969">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2519969" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2519969" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2519969" href="http://blog.evavegadiversity.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">evita</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2519969" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2519969" class="dsq-comment-message">My day canvassing for Obama in rural PA:<br><br><br>This Sunday I spent the day and a 2 ½ drive to rural PA to canvass for the local Obama/ Biden Campaign. After arriving at 10:30 am I was told that my cousin (my road dog) and I would need to wait until at least 11am when the entire state left church, so we grabbed a cup of course and took a brief trip around “town” which was a sad looking place. Clearly economically depressed with run down buildings juxtaposed with the most amazing mountain views of pre foliage season change. Once back at the Wilkes-Barre campaign headquarters we were given some tasks of highlighting required information on voter registration forms. During our “orientation” we practiced the basic script of how to greet and what to say to people have self-dentified as “undecided voters.” Our job was to tell them about the Obama/Biden platform and to “earn their vote.” My cousin is an African American man and am a Latina woman, and we decided to stick together for the day as opposed to splitting up as was recommended. My cousin didn’t like the idea of to seeing other Black people and then he being a random Black person knocking on the door of some random white person. I suspect he also didn’t like the idea of me doing the same.  It doubled the amount of ground we had to cover, but we decided safety would come first.<br><br>Here’s a breakdown of who we spoke to:<br><br>Talked to about 100 people <br>70% of these undecided already decided they were voting for Obama. Many of them engaged us in conversation about how they hate McCain and the Republicans… citing issues related to the economy as their number reason for not wanting to see the Republicans have another four more years.<br><br>20% of these undecided were still undecided when we got to the door. Among these people many of them cited issues with Obama and he being “pro abortion.” I addressed the issue that he is actually personally pro-life but  he believes strongly in our nation’s Constitution and the separation between church and state. Also mentioned that his health and education plan call for more education and support for young people. I mentioned that not all parent’s are like the Palin’s… and don’t you know parents who have kicked their kids out for mistakenly getting pregnant? I old them Obama wants to provide the support to young people so they will have the support to make the choice to preserve life. I told them the Republican agenda wants to draw a line, not provide education or take any steps to assist young people when this challenge occurs. Obama wants to at least shift the discussion to what can we do to help people who feel like an abortion is the only choice. Believe it or not, this worked. We walked away from this group knowing that at least of these people we swayed, but many we already leaning Obama. There was one guy who wasn’t sure if his number one issue was the war or the economy. We left him on the fence but hopefully we made the case that McCain didn’t speak to the economic issues that he faced. This guy drove almost 2 hours to work in NJ because there was no work in his area! Also, some women mentioned they really supported Hillary and were disappointed about her not getting the nomination. It was a great time to ask them in what ways they believe Clinton and Palin’s policy were similar. And the follow up question, do you just want Palin because she’s a woman or because you believe she will be able to advocate for our issues like universal healthcare? I told them I’m from NY- and Hillary sent me to talk with you today. She’s supporting Barack Obama… (puke! I can’t stand Hillary! But I will do what I need to do hammer the message!)<br><br>10% of these people refused to talk with us- slamming the door in our faces etc. One elderly woman said to me it’s my vote and its my privilege and so I said “Isn’t it great to have that privilege?” And she said, “Yes so I don’t have to tell you!” and then slammed the door shut. No idea where that came from, but the house smelled like moth balls so I was happy to keep it moving.<br>Along the way we met lots of young people hanging outside with their infants and toddlers, tattoos blazing. Many of them weren’t registered to vote and they didn’t believe that their vote made a difference etc. It was really sad because you could tell it was an issue of self-esteem. We were able to register 10 new voters yesterday.<br><br>It was a great day! I have never canvassed for ANY campaign, but yesterday I drove 2 ½ hours (each way) to a rural place to speak with people I thought I would have nothing in common with. At the end of the day I realized that our issues and reasons for supporting Barack Obama were more in sync than not. I had a great time! Had a lot of laughs, heard a lot of stories about their lives and dreams and it was amazing.<br><br>I highly recommend this experience to everyone!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520618">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520618" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520618" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520618">JJai</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520618" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520618" class="dsq-comment-message">Great job, Evita!  Kudos!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521454">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521454" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521454" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521454" href="http://blog.evavegadiversity.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">evita</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521454" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521454" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for the kudos! I\'m fired up and ready to go!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520710">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520710" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520710" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520710">MsKitty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520710" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520710" class="dsq-comment-message">Good job!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520741">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520741" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520741" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2520741" href="http://www.seesaw.typepad.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Liza</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520741" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520741" class="dsq-comment-message">When I was making MoveOn phone calls to Jacksonville yesterday I had a similar experience, although over the phone. That is, it was wonderful listening to people\'s stories, and their heartfelt enthusiasm either for Obama or against McCain. Several people were so glad I\'d called to invite them to participate in getting out the vote, so excited about electing Obama,  that I could hear the hope and energy travellling over the phone lines. It helped that Obama had had a hugely successful appearance in Jacsonville the day before and people were still energized by it.<br><br>My favorite moment was when, after a conversation about how much we both loved Obama, and she said she would love to volunteer, I asked the woman about the gospel song that was on her phone..the music that plays when the call is being routed. She told me the name of the singer and the song - which I\'m sorry to say I wrote on the MoveOn paper and forgot to transfer to my notepad - and she started singing it to me, verse and chorus. I sat and listened to her feeling so connected, if only for this brief interlude, with someone who I will never meet and never have the chance to speak to again. I\'m still carrying her enthusiasm. <br><br>So yeah, I highly recommend this experience to everyone. We need each other.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520820">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520820" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520820" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520820">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520820" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520820" class="dsq-comment-message">Liza:  Did you have your "Choir Robe"?   :&gt;)<br><br>Thanks for sharing!  <b>Good job!</b><br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520788">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520788" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520788" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520788">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520788" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520788" class="dsq-comment-message">evita:  <b>Standing "O" for all your efforts!!</b>   Thanks for sharing!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521114">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521114" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521114" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521114">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521114" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521114" class="dsq-comment-message">wonderful job. face-to-face contact matters.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521437">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521437" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521437" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521437">Anderkoo</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521437" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521437" class="dsq-comment-message">Great stuff and great work! It\'s so important, and remember that just the face-to-face contact alone -- even if you don\'t "persuade" them -- is effective. People will remember that you came to their door as a volunteer on behalf of Obama-Biden, and that\'s got a BIG impact. (Also, feeling listened to is so important for a lot of these folks too)<br><br>As for the door-slammers, well, some people really do value their privacy and don\'t like feeling pressured. Don\'t take it personally!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521639">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521639" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521639" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521639">kenyaw</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521639" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521639" class="dsq-comment-message">Evita,<br>Thank you.<br><br>Obama/Biden \'08!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527272">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527272" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527272" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527272">TruthSeeker</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527272" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527272" class="dsq-comment-message">This is terrific, Evita!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527980">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527980" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527980" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2527980" href="http://www.thebottomofheaven.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">claudia_m</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527980" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527980" class="dsq-comment-message">Evita, I really enjoyed reading your post. What a wonderful thing you are doing! I\'m trying to get up the courage to volunteer myself (I live in South Carolina, so you can imagine what I would be up against....). I really want to do more than just give money and buy t-shirts (smile). Do you mind if I ask - what kind of training are you given to prepare for canvassing? Do you prefer going door to door rather than reaching out by phone? <br><br>Thanks again for your great work.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520427">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520427" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520427" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2520427" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520427" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520427" class="dsq-comment-message">McCain is now straight-up race-baiting in every appearance. <br><br>He\'s basically calling for the KKK to rise up.<br><br>It\'s kind of funny actually.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2520570">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2520570" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2520570" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2520570">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2520570" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2520570" class="dsq-comment-message">What did he do this time?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521780">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521780" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521780" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521780" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521780" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521780" class="dsq-comment-message">He\'s in Scranton talking about Italian-, Irish-, and Polish-American immigrants to thunderous applause. Claiming Barack is ruining their chances to become citizens in this great nation of immigrants to thunderous applause. Threw in HIspanic immigrants as an afterthought, to which no one applauded.<br><br>It was a Klan rally in a state where confederate flags adorn cars in the T.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521969">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521969" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521969" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521969">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521969" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521969" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly HOW is Obama ruining their chances to become citizens?<br><br>There\'s an undertone of "blame Juan" in there, too.  How endearing to Hispanic/Latino people.  Lookit Juan and Oscar jumping dat fence and getting all yo\' benefits while Sal, Seamus and Mr. Kzysskvski are denied their benefits!  Why, if we hadn\'t loaned money to Mookie and Boomsheeka to buy houses, we wouldn\'t be in this mess we\'re in today!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522069">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522069" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522069" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522069" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522069" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522069" class="dsq-comment-message">You think he needs to explain HOW?<br><br>All he\'s got to do is say it.<br><br>The media is pimping that Fournier racist poll right about now as well.<br><br>It\'s not going to work, but it sure has become funny watching.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522759">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522759" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522759" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522759">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522759" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522759" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'d like somone to explain the HOW to me too. <br>What a sitting US Senator from ANOTHER STATE can do to stop them from becoming citizens.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522735">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522735" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522735" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522735">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522735" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522735" class="dsq-comment-message">threw in Latinos and nobody applauded.<br>reminds me of the lack of applause for the Latinos they had speak at the GOP convention. <br><br>and folks wonder why I had no problem with Obama\'s Limbaugh/McCain political ad.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521055">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521055" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521055" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521055">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521055" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521055" class="dsq-comment-message">I wanna know too.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521479">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521479" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521479" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521479">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521479" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521479" class="dsq-comment-message">Craig - McCain with the help of most major media outlets this week to include Huffpo.  My expectation is it will get worse but it will have an adverse effect which will HELP Obama.  Why?  Because God don\'t like ugly.<br><br>I brush that dirt of my shoulders (and other Obama supporters should too), we know what tihs is.  You are right, it is funny.  However,  I choose to stay focused and my eyes are firmly focused on Nov 4..</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522582">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522582" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522582" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522582">MsKitty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522582" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522582" class="dsq-comment-message">Like I said last week, the McCain campaign feels like they can do the race baiting because the media is so complicit in this.  But I think this will ultimately come back to bite the campaign because the more they feel they can get away with it, the more blatant they\'re going to be about it until it goes one step too far.<br><br>It\'s gonna happen, mark my words.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521103">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521103" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521103" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521103">Texas_Girl_in_LA</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521103" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521103" class="dsq-comment-message">GreenLadyHere,<br><br>This is for you. A pastor that breaks it down to the point you are like...<i>woah</i>. He is speaking about the take away from the RNC and the VP candidate. <br><br>Listen to it. You will not be disappointed. <br><br><a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al_y3g77ZsA rel="nofollow">Preach...Brotha....Preach....</a href></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522159">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522159" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522159" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522159">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522159" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522159" class="dsq-comment-message">Texas_Girl:  <b>LAWD HAVE MERCY!!  LAWD HAVE MERCY!!  LAWD HAVE MERCY!!</b><br><br><b>SPEAK!  SPEAK!!  SPEAK!!</b><br><br>I was standing the WHOLE TIME!!  I promise you!!  He didn\'t take a Deep Breath!!  Nor did he waste 1 minute of time!!  He SPOKE with EVERY WORD!!<br><br>Put errybody "on BLAST" with every <i> ye,    thus,   beseech,   thee,   behold,   thou, lest,   hark,  and howbeit!!</i> He <i>stirreth up</i> the VP pot,  with his "bipolar" descriptor <br>of "The Gov."  -  Hockey mom vs VINDICTIVE sister-in-law!  <br><br>He <i>spake</i> against selfishness:  "I\'m going ta do me", <i>saith</i> LIEberman, "McAncient", "The Gov.",  all  -y\'all!  :&gt;)<br><br>This <i>hath "restoreth my soul"</i>    ta-day!!  :&gt;)   :&gt;)<br><br>Now, <b>where\'s my Choir Robe?</b>  "The doors of the church are open" was a response from one commentator!  :&gt;)<br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvgkmX44tA&feature=related" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvgkmX44tA&feat...</a><br>"I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me. . ."<br><br>Couldn\'t find the video that I wanted - but. . . .  :&gt;)<br><br><b>THANK YOU SO MUCH!!</b>  How kind of you!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524316">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524316" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524316" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524316">parker404</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524316" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524316" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah, Jamal Bryant broke it down.  He called out McSame OUT for Cindy\'s $300K outfit, Caribou Barbie\'s flunking out of several colleges self, and for putting up trailer trash to run against a Harvard-educated Black man.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521107">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521107" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521107" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521107">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521107" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521107" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Went "Field Trippin\'" to the Daily Kos and found this.<br><br><a href="http://majorityleader.house.gov/links_and_resources/whip_resources/dailyleader.cfm?pressreleaseID=2553" rel="nofollow">http://majorityleader.house.gov/links_and_resou...</a><br>Office of the House Democratic Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer<br><br><i>	<br>FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008<br>House Meets At… 10:30 am:  Morning Hour 	<br>Last Vote Predicted…  7:00 pm<br><br>12:00 p.m.: Legislative Business<br>Unlimited “One Minutes” Per Side<br>	  <br><b>Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.<br>Suspensions (31 Bills):</b></i><br><br>While there is a dire and absolutely pressing need to work on this economic crisis, LOOK what is NOT getting done today.[See article for the list of 31.] <br><br>Just another perspective on the devastation caused by Shrub, et al NOT taking care of the economic business of this country!!  <br><br>Seems, to me, as if he\'s acted like that <b>LAME DUCK</b> for a longer period of time than I was thinking. [Like maybe his whole second term!]<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521455">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521455" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521455" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521455" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521455" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521455" class="dsq-comment-message">Minor point of contention: the President doesn\'t control what Congress does as far as their business on the floor goes. That would be controlled by none other that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (<B>D</B>), Speaker of the House.<br><br>So, in this case, blame her.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522528">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522528" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522528" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522528">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522528" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522528" class="dsq-comment-message">D:  Thanks for your comment.  Let me try this again.<br><br>IFFF, the Congress was NOT thrown off their SCHEDULE by having to deal with the present ECONOMIC CRISIS [created under Shrubs WATCH!; \'cause 1 thing is fer sure, the aftermath WILL be blamed on Mr. Obama when he takes office, . . .], <br><br>THEN they would be about their 9-22-08 SCHEDULE ta-day!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522628">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522628" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522628" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522628" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522628" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522628" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you. You get so worked up in your commentary. ;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522766">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522766" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522766" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522766">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522766" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522766" class="dsq-comment-message">D:  It\'s called PASSION!!  :&gt;)  [She said CALMLY!]  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521139">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521139" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521139" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521139">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521139" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521139" class="dsq-comment-message">I have said there is more than enough blame for this financial mess for both parties. This type of partisan BS is what you really have to watch.<br><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0" rel="nofollow">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarch...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521583">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521583" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521583" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521583">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521583" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521583" class="dsq-comment-message">And I hope you also noticed that this article was written by an economic advisor of John McCain who is obviously biased and will place a lot of the blame on the opposing party.  True, there is plenty of blame to go around.....I\'ve read that this deregulation has been in the making since the early 80\'s until present  and over the span of many years   legislation  has been slowly chipping away at the firewalls enacted since the 1930\'s to prevent the crisis that we are in now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521911">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521911" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521911" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521911">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521911" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521911" class="dsq-comment-message">I want to share with you this interview that Bill Moyer had with veteran market watcher Robert Kuttner and former SEC chair William Donaldson, who resigned after 2 years in 2005.  This interview took place October 2007.  I think it is an overal1 good assessment  without the partisan BS.  And again this is  interview from last October, almost a year ago .....many knew this meltdown was coming.<br><br><a href="http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10122007/transcipt1.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10122007/tran...</a><br><br>Here\'s an excerpt<br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: I think there are three big parallels between what happened in the \'20s and what has been happening on Wall Street lately. One is insiders with conflicts of interest that are not fully disclosed to the public, generally. Secondly, there\'s much too much borrowed money. There\'s much too much leverage in the economy, and particularly in the financially engineered parts of the economy. <br><br>BILL MOYERS: Which would be hedge funds? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Which would be hedge funds and derivatives, which are instruments that hedge funds often use. And I think the third is the lack of transparency. The regulators-- <br><br>BILL MOYERS: What do you mean? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Regulators and the public don\'t get any kind of disclosure. And hedge funds, because of the loophole in the securities laws, they\'re not regulated at all. And to the extent that there is a degree of transparency, regulators do get to look at the assets of banks. Sometimes they don\'t know what they\'re looking at. Now, you put those three things together, you have a risk of an economy based on asset bubbles where people-- <br><br>BILL MOYERS: Asset bubbles? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Yeah. It\'s what happened in the \'20s and it\'s what happened in the \'90s. There\'s a euphoria that sets in. Some of it\'s engineered euphoria. If you cook your company\'s books to make it look like your profits are higher than they really are, that\'s gonna bid up the price of your stock. <br>And if you\'re an executive who\'s compensated on the basis of the price of the stock, that\'s called a conflict of interest. And that was at the heart of what happened in the \'20s and what happened in the \'90s. That\'s why we need the kind of transparency that Mr. Donaldson was promoting when he was head of the SEC. <br><br>WILLIAM DONALDSON: Well, I think we\'ve created a number of instruments in this country in particular derivatives and so forth and so on. I think these instruments are not necessarily understood in their entirety. <br><br>BILL MOYERS: Let me tell you, I don\'t understand them. <br><br>WILLIAM DONALDSON: Well I\'m not sure that many of the people that buy them understand them. I have a feeling that somewhere there\'s an institution that\'s just bought a derivative and they don\'t understand what they bought. <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: You know, the problem is that in the old days when a bank examiner went to a bank and looked at its portfolio of loans, the examiner could tell which of the loans were performing. Was interest being paid on the loans? Was the principal being paid back? Which ones weren\'t? And the examiner could direct the bank to reserve assets against the risk of a loan default.<br><br>Well, today it\'s a kind of a regulatory black box. The regulators are relying on the banks\' own so-called stress models, which make certain assumptions about human behavior. And we just had a full field test of this in the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. The models didn\'t work. Behavior wasn\'t supposed to occur along these lines.<br><br>And a lot of this turned out to be junk. And a lot of innocent people got hurt. And the only reason the economy didn\'t crash was the Fed, which was not inclined to do this before the sub-prime meltdown-- the Fed opened the spigots. And so even though the sub-prime sector is a complete mess, the stock market, as you pointed out in your introduction, hit new highs.<br><br>Why? Because the more alarmed the Fed is about the economy, the more the Fed is gonna lower money. And that\'s good for the stock market. <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: I mean Alan Greenspan, is one of the revered public figures of our time. I think he made one huge mistake — he did not use a lot of the regulatory power that he had. Every time there was a credit crunch, he would race to the rescue. <br><br>BILL MOYERS: By putting in cheap money? <br><br>ROBERT KUTTNER: Yeah. So it seems to me, if you\'re gonna bail out-- problems after the fact, you have an obligation to prevent some of them before they start. And for 13 years, Greenspan\'s Fed and now Bernanke\'s Fed has had not just the authority but the mandate from Congress to look at mortgage loan origination standards. <br><br>Had they issued regulations under that authority, you never would have had a sub-prime crisis because they would have gone in and noticed that loans were being made that people couldn\'t possibly pay off. And the only reason they were being made was that somebody at the end of the daisy chain was willing to buy the paper. <br><br>WILLIAM DONALDSON: I don\'t, you know, I don\'t know about the Federal Reserve system and why they didn\'t do what they should have done. I do know about the SEC and I do know the efforts that we made to anticipate where things were gonna go wrong. We formed an office of risk control and risk management.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528466">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528466" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528466" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528466">TRW</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528466" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528466" class="dsq-comment-message">FYI---William Donaldson is a Republican and has endorsed Barack, and was quoted in Bloomberg News as saying that he was talking to Barack about the housing issues as far back as a year ago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523455">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523455" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523455" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523455">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523455" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523455" class="dsq-comment-message">Interesting that you conveniently neglected to mention that this article was an OPINION PIECE written by an ADVISOR TO MCCAIN\'S CAMPAIGN!!<br><br><i>(Kevin Hassett, director of economic-policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, is a Bloomberg News columnist. He is an adviser to Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona in the 2008 presidential election. The opinions expressed are his own.) </i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521329">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521329" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521329" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521329" href="http://www.womanist-musings.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">womanistmusings</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521329" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521329" class="dsq-comment-message">Sandra Bernhard has decided that it is absolutely funny to threaten Sarah Palin <a href="http://www.womanist-musings.com/2008/09/sandra-bernhard-racist-and-colluder.html" rel="nofollow">with rape from her big black brothers</a> because she is a whore and a bitch.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521397">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521397" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521397" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521397" href="http://blog.evavegadiversity.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">evita</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521397" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521397" class="dsq-comment-message">Whoa that is some racist and sexist crap. How tacky. You know there will be some McCain/ Palin supporters who will tie this to Obama/Biden instead of the ignorance of a stupid comic.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521432">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521432" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521432" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521432">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521432" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521432" class="dsq-comment-message">See this is the type of nonsense that I choose to ignore.  Clearly no intelligent person will condone this trash.<br><br>I refuse to click on the link.<br><br>That is a sad state of affairs womanistmusings.  Well ignorance comes in all colors.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521675">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521675" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521675" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521675" href="http://www.womanist-musings.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">womanistmusings</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521675" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521675" class="dsq-comment-message">You conveniently ignore what is going on around you and just let this kind of thing fester and grow.  When we don\'t speak out about racism and sexism it says that we approve thus creating is as normal.  But yeah your moral high ground is so much better.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522852">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522852" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522852" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522852" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522852" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522852" class="dsq-comment-message">I simply believe that certain things don\'t need attention. We know exactly what\'s going on. There is no ignorance. It\'s not about a moral high ground. (Although your criticism of dissent sounds, well, pretty morally-high-grounded.)<br><br>Here\'s the thing: some of us smell the odor and simply refuse to raise the lid off the garbage can to see all the maggots swarming around the rancid trash.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523417">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523417" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523417" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2523417" href="http://www.hustleandfloe.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">hustleandfloe</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523417" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523417" class="dsq-comment-message">I think this one may have been misunderstood from the git.  to read it, it seems that Val agrees with womanist in calling Bernhard ignorant.  ...but that may be moot at this point.<br><br>I agree that certain things don\'t need indulgence but do need attention.  As in, don\'t dig in the trash, but DO take it out.  <br><br>my measure on this one is, "does this person have a voice in the national sphere?"  if so, then because of the influence she may have, it may be worth paying attention to as news.<br><br>I think this is news and worth a look - not at the tired content, but at who\'s saying it and what it means.<br><br>she is a well-known figure in entertainment who has issued yet another racist rant hiding behind the "it\'s just a joke" curtain, following Kramer in lockstep while I believe, fooling herself to think she\'s not the same.  In this context, though, she becomes poster child for classic arrogant/intolerant Left, not a help to the party.<br><br>arrogance and racism mix yet again like bleach and ammonia as she dares to defend the joke about "my black brothers"  without mentioning these black brothers in this weak defense, trying to flip it to some women\'s rights stuff...  <br><br><a href="http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/09/20/Bernhard_defends_Palin_gang_rape_joke/UPI-54281221944567/" rel="nofollow">http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/09/2...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523936">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523936" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523936" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2523936" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523936" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523936" class="dsq-comment-message">Sandra Bernhard is a has-been.<br><br>She\'s looking for attention.<br><br>I\'m not giving her any.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524465">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524465" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524465" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524465">bajanlady</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524465" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524465" class="dsq-comment-message">Okay Craig - get outta my head. Day-um.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521770">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521770" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521770" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521770" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521770" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521770" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t think she\'s presenting it to condone it. She doesn\'t seem too happy about what the lady said.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522429">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522429" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522429" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522429">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522429" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522429" class="dsq-comment-message">val:  Thanks for the warning!  I didn\'t "click" just from reading your comment!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521396">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521396" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521396" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521396">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521396" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521396" class="dsq-comment-message">This is funny.<br><br>McCain was for golden parachutes before he was against it.  LOL<br><br>McCain on Fiorina\'s golden parachute<br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDzToc9xbuU&eurl=http://thinkprogress.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDzToc9xbuU&eurl...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521582">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521582" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521582" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2521582">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521582" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521582" class="dsq-comment-message">Profile of Valerie Jarrett in the new issue of Vogue.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2521740">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2521740" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2521740" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2521740" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2521740" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2521740" class="dsq-comment-message">Three Times is Enemy Action<br><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/9322/74248/245/602838" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/932...</a><br><br>Terrific summary of how this mess came to be.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524430">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524430" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524430" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524430">bajanlady</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524430" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524430" class="dsq-comment-message">Wow, that is an excellent summary</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522039">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522039" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522039" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522039">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522039" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522039" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/22/124343/616/671/606496" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/22/124343/...</a><br><br>Bill Clinton sabotages Obama on the View?  Is this a new episode?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522061">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522061" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522061" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522061">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522061" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522061" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep.  It\'s more than clear that Bill Clinton is trying to sabotage Obama.  Why is non one calling him on it?!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522060">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522060" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522060" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522060">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522060" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522060" class="dsq-comment-message">If this is true, how can anyone scream that they don\'t see Bill Clinton on the campaign trail?  Maybe he needs to smoke a nice cigar and sit down somewhere.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522542">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522542" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522542" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522542" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522542" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522542" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t watch the View. Can anyone verify that this happened?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522709">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522709" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522709" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522709">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522709" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522709" class="dsq-comment-message">this is the second comment I\'ve read like this on blogs.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522806">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522806" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522806" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522806" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522806" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522806" class="dsq-comment-message">I just want the video.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522827">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522827" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522827" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522827">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522827" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522827" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  I think that I posted "The View" 9-22-08 up thread. :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523760">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523760" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523760" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523760">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523760" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523760" class="dsq-comment-message">Unfortunately, it\'s true. It was very obvious that Bill Clinton is still mad.<br><br>Some points that stuck out to me (but I encourage all to watch for themselves):<br><br>- Praised McCain moreso than Obama, saying that if it weren\'t for McCain he wouldn\'t be able to neutralize Vietnam<br><br>- When asked why he thought Obama would win, the three things he mentioned had to do with events surrounding the election (increase in Dem registration, economy, more minorities) and nothing to do with Obama himself.<br><br>It was definitely sour grapes going on. I thought maybe, just maybe they would redeem themselves, but it\'s clear they don\'t want to help Obama. I\'m officially DONE with The Clintons. <br><br>Now on to an <b>Obama-Biden \'08 VICTORY!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522108">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522108" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522108" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522108">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522108" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522108" class="dsq-comment-message">I COMPLETELY agree with Andrew Sullivan.  Of the many head scratching decisions made by the Obama Campaign, agreeing to the quick Q&A format for the VP debate is at the top.  If you\'ve watched her gubernatorial debates, you know she is an expert at bull shitting when the format does not provide for back-and-forth.  She\'ll give a bunch of talking points delivered in a folksy manner, and will be declared the winner for merely surviving.  I wish someone could help me understand this decision by the Obama team.  You would think he was 20 points ahead in the polls.<br><br><a href="http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/deference-watch.html" rel="nofollow">http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522529">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522529" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522529" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2522529" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522529" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522529" class="dsq-comment-message">I said it before and I mean it again:<br><br>This will work to Biden\'s advantage.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2539848">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2539848" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2539848" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2539848">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2539848" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2539848" class="dsq-comment-message">I trust your judgement, Craig.<br>  ----- Original Message ----- <br>  From: Disqus&lt;mailto:&gt; <br>  To: dtdeskins@msn.com&lt;mailto:dtdeskins@msn.com&gt; <br>  Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 1:54 PM<br>  Subject: [jackandjillpolitics] Re: Monday Open Thread</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522694">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522694" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522694" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522694">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522694" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522694" class="dsq-comment-message">NMP,<br><br>the only positive I can see from this is that it takes away \' they picked on her\' bullshiit. <br><br>like I wrote before, the double standard is so glaring, it\'s blinding right now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2539840">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2539840" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2539840" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2539840">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2539840" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2539840" class="dsq-comment-message">Someone else made that point, and it\'s a very good point!<br>  ----- Original Message ----- <br>  From: Disqus&lt;mailto:&gt; <br>  To: dtdeskins@msn.com&lt;mailto:dtdeskins@msn.com&gt; <br>  Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 2:07 PM<br>  Subject: [jackandjillpolitics] Re: Monday Open Thread</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522725">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522725" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522725" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522725">lamh31</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522725" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522725" class="dsq-comment-message">From what I understand, I thought that this whould also help Biden.  All he has to do is hammer McCain\'s policy and get palin defending the plan.  A good debater like Biden can still hammer the floor with Palin by just using his sheer breath of knowledge.  Plus is all Palin is going to be doing is reciting talking points, then I would think that the Obama/Biden team will have ready made rebuttals that can box in Palin so that she either keeps to here talking points, or she has to respond off script<br><br>It also cuts out of the whole "Biden beating up a girl" meme that some in the MSM want to put out.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2539839">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2539839" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2539839" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2539839">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2539839" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2539839" class="dsq-comment-message">Good point!<br>  ----- Original Message ----- <br>  From: Disqus&lt;mailto:&gt; <br>  To: dtdeskins@msn.com&lt;mailto:dtdeskins@msn.com&gt; <br>  Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 2:09 PM<br>  Subject: [jackandjillpolitics] Re: Monday Open Thread</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522379">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522379" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522379" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522379">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522379" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522379" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Look at me {Ms. "Tech-Challenged"} tryin\'  ta post a video. :&gt;)<br><br><b>Bill Clinton on "The View"  9-22-08</b><br><br>I\'m just watchin\' this!  Comments L8R!<br><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b><br><br>OOPS!  Trying AGAIN!!<br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODoSotQmkKA" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODoSotQmkKA</a><br>Part 1<br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiLJIk32_0" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiLJIk32_0</a><br>Part 2<br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U08fA93lpEk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U08fA93lpEk</a><br>Part 3<br><br>Lawd he\'p me!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523488">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523488" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523488" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523488">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523488" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523488" class="dsq-comment-message">Bill Clinton is still mad.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523904">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523904" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523904" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523904">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523904" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523904" class="dsq-comment-message">Sepia:  It sure feels like it!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden\'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2522743">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2522743" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2522743" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2522743">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2522743" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2522743" class="dsq-comment-message">Minorities to blame for disaster:<br><br><a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200809190021" rel="nofollow">http://mediamatters.org/items/200809190021</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524041">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524041" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524041" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524041">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524041" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524041" class="dsq-comment-message">The crooked landlord who\'s been taking my money--while going into foreclosure--is as white as Sarah Palin.<br><br>Fcuk Neil Cavuto and all of his Fox Noose buddies.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525226">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525226" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525226" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525226">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525226" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525226" class="dsq-comment-message">I dont think a lot of people understand what "deregulation" did...it wasn\'t even just the bundling of the loans in a way that was damn near inevitable to collapse..it was all of these lenders and banks and financial companies fighting DISCLOSURE. Everything from the language you can use in contracts and notices to the size of the font was regulated, but a lot of those rules were fought and eliminated. Hell, I work in regulatory compliance and watch us fight so that we can put some darn 4 or 5 point font on a contract where the person will think its a freaking line as opposed to actual words telling you something important that we don\'t necessarily want you to know about! Certain words and phrases are used to purposely confuse the consumer. It really bothers me, but it shouldnt since I know the deal, when people say \'well the consumer should have known"....look, these companies are PURPOSELY manipulating the contracts and the system and fighting the rules. There were people employed by the states at the various State Banking Depts and Insurance Depts whose job was to review each contract JUST for these types of things...and now a lot of those people are jobless and went to work for the same damn companies trying to bullshyt you, and now they\'re jobless AGAIN. You don\'t blame the victim of the freaking carjacking, and people are kidding themselves if you don\'t think that is exactly what happened in the vast majority of these cases.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525340">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525340" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525340" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2525340" href="http://craighickman.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CraigHickman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525340" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525340" class="dsq-comment-message">If people want to see what deregulation looks like, then read this:<br><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/9322/74248/245/602838" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/932...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523535">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523535" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523535" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2523535" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523535" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523535" class="dsq-comment-message">Ok, I feel compelled to ask.....<br><br>Is what Cavuto saying-that someone in Congres should have said, "Wait, are the laws we\'re putting in place to make homes available to everyone financially sound?"-not a valid question?<br><br>Everyone\'s trying to just throw Bush under the bus for the housing/financial crises. But, like Cavuto said, the laws that set this fiasco in motion did come through Congress. Granted, Bush didn\'t have to sign them, but Congress didn\'t  have to pass them either.<br><br>I don\'t think he\'s saying it\'s specifically "the minorities\'" fault...I think he\'s trying to point out that Congress (or more specifically, the dhimmicrats in Congress; it is Fox, after all!!) shoulder a lot of the blame for our economic standing today as well.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523691">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523691" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523691" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523691">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523691" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523691" class="dsq-comment-message">This has been a Republican talking point for the last week, that giving home loans to minorities and those with bad credit is why we\'re in the mess we\'re in today (not speculators, etc).<br><br>My question is WHY single out "minorities?"  Giving a home loan to ANYONE with risky credit, limited ability to pay it back or collateral is usually not a good idea.  So why single out "minorities," as if giving risky loans to white people is swell?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524130">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524130" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524130" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524130">parker404</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524130" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524130" class="dsq-comment-message">The real problem with subprime loans is not the issue of one person with bad credit getting a loan they couldn\'t handle.  The real issue, and what has caused this globabl financial crisis, is that the greedy banks devised a convoluted new commodity consisting of bundles of these subprime loans.  The banks knew the subprime customers would never repay, but the banks were able to make money off the debts regardless by selling them off.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523716">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523716" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523716" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523716">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523716" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523716" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'d also like to add that Bush and \'em proudly beat their chests and said "Under US, minority home ownership has grown."  They can\'t now turn around and claim "Giving them loans to them minorities was a bad idea."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523880">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523880" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523880" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2523880" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523880" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523880" class="dsq-comment-message">I think that even if you just left it at "giving a home loan to ANYONE with risky credit, limited ability to pay it back or collateral ...," you still end up including a majority of minorities in that "anyone." I\'m no expert, but I\'ve heard/seen/read that minorities-as a whole-seem to have historically worse credit ratings that whites.<br><br>Unfortunate that that\'s the way it is, but the statement/"talking point" isn\'t completely inaccurate or without merit.<br><br>Referencing your point below, that "Bush and \'em" also includes the 235 dhimmicratic House members and 50.5 (I\'ll reduce Lieberman to half) dhimmicratic Senate members...the majority in both houses.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524269">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524269" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524269" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524269">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524269" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524269" class="dsq-comment-message">"D"<br><br>Assume that 100 households represent the whole of the US. Of that 12 are African American and 35 are every other minority including Asians that leaves 53. If bad credit is assumed to be 15% of all the majority population that is 7.95 people. AfricanAmericans to hit that number it would be 66.6%  or 8 households.<br>Only 48% of Africanamericans own homes period(heartland Instittute courtesy of google) or 5.76. So if EVERY AfricanAmerican family had bad credit and we stay at the ownership levels we have now there is no way we are a majority of that anyone w/ bad credit.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524379">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524379" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524379" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2524379" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524379" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524379" class="dsq-comment-message">Okay, as far as we\'re concerned, fair enough.<br><br>But including other majorities-not just African Americans-does that "not being the majority" still hold?<br><br>(trying to do the math myself)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524984">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524984" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524984" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524984">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524984" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524984" class="dsq-comment-message">The two main "minorities" that the GOP uses to scare white people are blacks ("oooooh they\'re coming to get ya, they\'re gonna rape and kill ya and have sex with your daughter and have 10 children and use up all your money on food stamps and welfare benefits")...<br><br>and Latinos ("oooh they\'re running \'cross the border and breeding like roaches, they refuse to learn English and they clog up the system taking jobs away from hard working white Americans...")<br><br>A third groups are "Muslims" ("oooh those Muslims are comign to get ya, they\'re gonna chop off your head and make you pray to Allah 10 times a day, anyone with an Arabic or funny sounding name like Barack Obama must be a Manchurian Muslim coming to infiltrate the White House, they\'ll have us all eating cous cous and wearing burquas in the streets.")<br><br>But the number 1 group the GOP uses to scare people is BLACK people.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524786">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524786" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524786" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524786">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524786" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524786" class="dsq-comment-message">This is where it goes to "define" minority. Asian rates in total are  about 4% below whites. If you go in there and look at each group it is going to vary.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524156">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524156" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524156" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524156">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524156" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524156" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t think so...minorities were not the bulk of the people getting home loans.  So to say that "giving loans to minorities is why we\'re in the financial crisis we\'re in today" is bullshit.  Lenders were handing out money like candy to EVERYONE, that\'s why we\'re in the jam we\'re in today.  Bush himself is the one who claimed "under him, minority home ownership grew" so for the Republicans to turn around and say "its\' all these minorities getting loans that\'s causing this meltdown" is fraudulent, especially when it was the Republicans encouraging these loans in the first place.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524510">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524510" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524510" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2524510" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524510" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524510" class="dsq-comment-message">As much as I hear people say that it was "failed Bush (or Bush-McCain)" policies that caused these problems, I haven\'t heard anyone say with any specificity that "it\'s all the minorities\' fault" or "it\'s all the Dems\' fault."<br><br>I\'m seeing three pieces to this puzzle, and tell me where I\'m wrong:<br><br>1. The individuals-minority or not-who brought into homes knowing damn well they couldn\'t afford them,<br>2. The Congress-both sides of the aisle-for passing legislation that forced/suggested/incentivized (depending on viewpoint) banks to do business with a client base that they would not normally touch, and<br>3. The financial institutions who preyed on that same client base, and just kept passing their risks around.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525030">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525030" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525030" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525030">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525030" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525030" class="dsq-comment-message">You had Cavuto, Rep. Bachmann and numerous talking heads claiming that this financial mess is a result of giving loans to minorities.<br><br>Blame the individuals, sure.  But to single out "minorities" when the bulk of the people getting the loans were white by virtue of most of the people in this country being white is ridiculous.<br><br>I have no problem saying "individuals who knew they couldn\'t afford the home shouldn\'t have gotten loans."  My problem is the talking point that has sprung up in the past couple of weeks that "minorities getting home loans is the cause of this financial meltdown."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527646">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527646" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527646" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527646">TRW</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527646" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527646" class="dsq-comment-message">D, I agree with you to a point.  I think that the blame needs to be spread around.  I think many Democrats were pushing home ownership programs/laws without checking to see whether the laws were financially sound.  I think that Republicans were pushing for greater deregulation in the financial services industry without checking to see whether the laws were financially sound.  I think that people who were obsessed with home ownership, but had bad credit, did not consider the serious implications of owning a home that they couldn\'t afford.  And, I think that banks were more concerned with interest rates, instead of sound business practices--no one put a gun to their head and made them give the no money down loans, no work history check loans, or the other shady deals that they didn\'t investigate thoroughly.  <br><br>So yes, Repubs, Democrats, Wall Street financiers, bankers, and even homeowners have their fingerprints all over this mess.  <br><br>But let us not forget that the Dems did not become the majority until January 07\'.  This crisis has been on the bubble for a while now (which doesn\'t vindicate the Dems), and the Repubs have been the majority for the last 12 years.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524822">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524822" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524822" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524822">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524822" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524822" class="dsq-comment-message">Ummmm...to scare people?<br>BOO!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525086">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525086" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525086" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525086">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525086" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525086" class="dsq-comment-message">I have no problem with anyone saying that the problem stems from making loans available to people who were high risk applicants.  I take offense when it is spelled out as minorities and high risk. <br><br>I\'m a minority, I own a home,  I put 20% down and got a 30 year fixed mortgage.  So did my brother, sister, cousins, parents aunts and uncles.  We all bought what we could afford like you are suppose to.<br><br>Banks offered more then I could afford to get me to over extend myself but I know if something is too good to be true it is.<br><br>I have many white friends who fell for the no down, adjustable rate mortgages and they are in trouble now.  They made a bad decision falling for a good sales job.<br><br>I am so sick of problems like these being divided across racial lines.  Some people of all races made good decisions, some made bad. "Lending to minorities" is not the problem.  Lowering standards for credit and compensating people to sell the loans to high risk targets is.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524341">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524341" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524341" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524341">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524341" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524341" class="dsq-comment-message">Most home prices peaked between 2004-2007 while interest rates were at record lows and stayed there because of Greenspan\'s reluctance to raise them.  I don\'t blame simply Congress for this mess, but we know Democrats have only held a small majority since the 2006 elections and were sworn in January 2007----so this cannot fall solely on Democrats when we had a Republican financial ideology and President and Congress at the helm for the greater part of this housing crisis---which built up over the course of YEARS.<br><br>Growing up, I was always told, keep your credit in top- notch order because when it is time to purchase a home, they are going to scrutinize your  credit history like it ain\'t funny------so it amazed me a couple of years ago when people with seemingly average jobs were buying $300-400 thousand dollars homes, at least in South Florida where I have some  family---and lo and behold, people were getting NINJA loans ( no income, no job verified loans) or subprime loans/ARM loans.  We stayed away from it because 1) the home values were EXTREMELY inflated and 2) I figured this bubble would completely burst.  I persoanlly did not feel comfortable with a mortgage payment that could balloon 2-3 years down the road.<br><br>Homeowners  do bear some responsibility---but these banks were willing to put there business in jeopardy for greed. PERIOD.  You can\'t go to a dealership and buy a Porsche with a minimum wage job because the dealer knows you will not be able to pay it---but mortgage companies simply wanted to lend out as much as they could to sell it off quickly  as securities (it was no longer "risky" to their operation) because they knew that everywhere you turned, people were told---Get in now because, Interest rates are at an all-time low---Present homeowners can cash in on the tremendous equity your home has by rising home prices---You can afford that home that is normally out-of-reach by getting an adjustable mortgage for lower payments now, and then refinance later when the ARM resets.  It was a dream sold to many homebuyers by mortgage brokers, realtors, the media, etc.<br><br>Point blank, banks wanted to make as many loans as they could because they knew they would repackage them as securities and cared little about the risk of the loan.   Average Americans who did not understand the bigger picture simply though they were getting a break and finally a chance at home ownership.<br><br>Some of these banks and firms have been in over a hundred years---they should have been experts on the  financial markets, risks and losses---the average American is not.<br><br>And it wasn\'t all poor people.  Bloomberg had an article form Feb. of this year<br><br><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&refer+=home&sid=aejJZdodTCM" rel="nofollow">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109...</a> <br><br>of a business owner who hasn\'t paid onhis foreclosed $1.5 million dollars Boca Raton home since 2002 because his  original mortgage company could not provide  his mortgage note since his mortgage was packaged off into a securities and so----thus, he questioned, who owns my mortgage?  And there are thousands of cases like his.  It is not even apparent who owns many of these foreclosed homes---the investment bank or the mortgage company.  And that is why the repeal of Glass-Steagall was detrimental--because it has now given rise to this mess we see now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523178">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523178" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523178" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523178">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523178" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523178" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Looking hysterical!  Acting hysterical!!  Guess the meds, I mean -gloves are off!  :&gt;)<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain-camp-goes-to-war-w_n_128297.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain...</a><br><b>McCain Camp Goes To <u>WAR</u> With New York Times</b><br><br><i>It is a truism of modern campaigns that Republican candidates will take umbrage with perceived liberal media bias. And often, the target of their condemnation is the New York Times, a paper of record but nevertheless the scourge of many a conservative.<br><br>John McCain was different. He enjoyed close relations with much of the fourth estate and, it was reported, took particular delight in winning plaudits from editorial boards, including that of the Times.<br><br>That McCain is no longer. Today, the Arizona Republican\'s presidential campaign went to war with the Grey Lady. Asked to respond to an article that brought to light the fact that McCain campaign manager Rick Davis had earned nearly $2 million in lobbying fees from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (based, almost primarily, on his access to McCain) at the same time that he was attacking Barack Obama for his own ties to those very institutions, <b>aides to McCain went off.</b><br><br>SKIP<br><br>Usually, going to war with the press produces fantastic results for Republican candidates. It rallies the compassion and support of conservative voters while encouraging more negative coverage on the opposition (driven by an editorial decision by the paper that their reporting must be more "even-handed.") But this campaign has proven a bit different. News outlets have called McCain out for his distortions lies with a general tone of confidence. We shall see how the Times\' responds to this latest salvo.</i><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2523908">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2523908" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2523908" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2523908">Jay</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2523908" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2523908" class="dsq-comment-message">WOW!<br><br><br>"Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency."  <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/dirty-secret-of-the-bailo_n_128294.html" rel="nofollow">Dirty Secret of bailout</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524597">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524597" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524597" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524597">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524597" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524597" class="dsq-comment-message">"You fucked up;  you trusted us."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527561">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527561" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527561" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527561">nickwah22</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527561" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527561" class="dsq-comment-message">I read the bill last night, lets hope Congress doesn\'t let this crap get passed as is.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524255">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524255" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524255" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524255">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524255" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524255" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  "McAncient" continues in his C-O-N-F-U-S-I-O-N!<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain-defends-fiorinas-g_n_128277.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/22/mccain...</a><br><b>McCain Defends Fiorina\'s Golden Parachute</b><br><br><i>his weekend, John McCain defended unhelpful surrogate Carly Fiorina\'s generous severance package from Hewlett Packard:<br><br>    <b>"I think she did a good job as CEO in many respects," McCain told "The Today Show\'s" Meredith Vieira when she pressed him on the matter in light of McCain\'s recent accusations of greed on Wall Street.</b><br><br><br>    "I know that she was a very successful businesswoman. Started out as a part-time secretary and made her way to the top of the corporate ladder as one of the biggest CEOs in the United States of America," <b>McCain said after noting that he was unaware of the specifics of her compensation package.</b></i><br><br>I don\'t know??  Errybody else does!!  He IS DELUSIONAL!!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524577">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524577" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524577" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524577">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524577" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524577" class="dsq-comment-message">Fiorina was a horrible CEO, it\'s well documented.  The employees I talked to saw her "golden parachute" as the Board paying her to leave so he didn\'t run it further into the ground.<br><br>I guess his standards for measuring success are really low.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524663">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524663" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524663" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524663">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524663" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524663" class="dsq-comment-message">pjamma:  <i>. . standards. . . . really low. . . </i><br><br>Got that right!!  :&gt;)<br><br>Thanks for the other information.  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524315">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524315" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524315" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524315">MsKitty</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524315" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524315" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s official...the McCain campaign isn\'t even trying to hide that they\'re playing all of us for chumps:<br><br><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/22/palin-russia-metaphorical/" rel="nofollow">McCain Aide: Palin has \'metaphorical\' foreign policy experience</a><br><br>Seriously, WTF?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524530">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524530" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524530" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524530">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524530" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524530" class="dsq-comment-message">Wow. Just...wow.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525137">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525137" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525137" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525137">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525137" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525137" class="dsq-comment-message">METAPHORICAL<br><br>uh huh</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525366">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525366" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525366" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525366">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525366" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525366" class="dsq-comment-message">"metaphorical" - just a fancy smancy word for "dont know a damn thang".</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524455">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524455" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524455" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524455">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524455" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524455" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Alaskans take on "The Gov."s" inaccessibility.<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/alaskans-angry-that-palin_n_128044.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/alaska...</a><br><b>Alaskans Angry That Palin Is Suddenly Off-Limits</b><br><br><i>Jerry McCutcheon went to Sarah Palin\'s office here last week to request information about the firing of former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, the scandal that for weeks has threatened to overshadow the governor\'s role as Republican presidential candidate John McCain\'s running mate.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>In stubbornly independent Alaska, the sudden intrusion of a political campaign into so many corners of state government -- not to mention Wasilla, where a dozen or more campaign researchers and lawyers have also begun overseeing the release of any information about Palin\'s years as mayor -- has touched a raw nerve. <b>McCain staffers have even been assigned to answer calls for Palin\'s family members, who have been instructed not to talk.</b></i><br><br>Again, I ask, how is it that the REPUG.  Presidential Campaign is now serving as "The Gov." of Alaska??  Have any of the other 49 state governors been offered the same??<br><br>Just askin\' . . . . <br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2524880">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2524880" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2524880" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2524880">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2524880" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2524880" class="dsq-comment-message">Russian Navy ships heads to Venezuela, a deployment of military power that has been unprecendented since the Cold War.....<br><br><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/22/russia.venezuela.ap/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/22/ru...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525567">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525567" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525567" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525567">Micheline</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525567" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525567" class="dsq-comment-message">I was reading somewhere that Chavez prefers McCain to Obama because he has more control over his people when using the US as a scapegoat for Venezuela\'s problems.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2526516">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2526516" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2526516" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2526516">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2526516" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2526516" class="dsq-comment-message">That may be true....but I found some other infomation about our  how  deep  our trading relationship with Venezuela is .....and Chavez is angry because of an alleged coup attempt on his government in 2002 by the U.S..... <br><br>Venezuela was once known solely for its oil deposits and compliant trade relations with the United States; Washington’s interest in the country was largely limited to the narrow, oil-driven economic ties between the two countries. Only when Chávez became the leader of what was beginning to become an important trading partner and threatened to destabilize a status-quo that was not in Venezuela’s favor, did the United States express much concern over the well-being of the latter’s population. The sudden intense concern that then followed seems directly tied to the U.S.’s economic interests, glazed over by a revival of a heavy dose of Cold War-era ideology. <br><br>The commercial ties between the U.S. and Venezuela are deep if not broad. Venezuela is one of the largest Latin American investors in the U.S. and one of its top four foreign oil suppliers. In 2007, bilateral trade between the countries totaled U.S. $50 billion, consisting of $10 billion in U.S. exports and $40 billion coming from Venezuela. The U.S is Venezuela’s most important trading partner, representing about 22 per cent of its imports and approximately 60 per cent of Venezuelan exports. Ninety-five per cent of Venezuelan oil is exported to the U.S., establishing it as Venezuela’s principal energy client. Venezuela is the U.S.’s second largest Latin American trading partner, purchasing U.S. machinery, transportation equipment, agricultural commodities, and auto parts. Thus, the rhetorical battles between the two nations carried very little heft due to the importance of the petroleum trade relationship to their mutual economic stability... <br><br>Venezuela’s antagonism towards the U.S. has escalated since the April 2002 attempted coup against Chávez, which the U.S. allegedly backed. In January 2006, the Chávez government expelled a militant attaché from the U.S. embassy in Caracas, claiming that he had been spying on the Venezuelan armed forces; Washington was quick to respond that the accusation was concocted. In May 2008, a U.S. fighter plane “inadvertently” violated Venezuelan airspace due to an acknowledged navigation error. Despite U.S. air-traffickers contacting the Venezuelan tower to report the accidental incursion while it was occurring, Venezuelan Defense Minister Gustavo Reyes Rangel characterized the action as “deliberate on the part of the North American Navy… <br><br>Further, he has consistently railed against the Bush administration’s strong-armed practices. On a number of occasions, he has accused the U.S. of infiltration, invasion, and assassination plots. Chávez claims that the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq are evidence of the “Empire” arrogantly flexing its muscles. For this reason, he insists that any improvement of relations with Washington will have to wait for the next administration. <br><br><a href="http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3721" rel="nofollow">http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/3721</a><br><br>We need a leader who will diplomatically resolve our relations with Chavez....Too much resentment is building up with Russia and Venezuela....the crisis in Georgia, and our agreement to place anti-missile defense circling Russia could be building up a new Cold War....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525338">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525338" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525338" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525338">JJai</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525338" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525338" class="dsq-comment-message">Not sure if anyone has posted but the MSM has posted a story on Palin and the rape kits in her hometown. See CNN link below:<br><br>Story Highlights<br>While Sarah Palin was mayor, Wasilla charged victims for their rape exams<br><br>Interviews, review of records show no evidence Palin knew victims were charged<br><br>Former state representative says it seems unlikely Palin was not aware of issue<br><br><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/21/palin.rape.exams/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/21/palin.ra...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525345">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525345" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525345" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525345">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525345" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525345" class="dsq-comment-message">An afternooon funny<br><br>McCain certainly has a thing for beauty queens.<br><br>Brazilian beauty recalls hot Rio affair with young John McCain<br><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/09/20/2008-09-20_brazilian_beauty_recalls_hot_rio_affair_.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/0...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525365">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525365" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525365" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525365">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525365" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525365" class="dsq-comment-message">This is laugh out loud funny. Get rid of your s@#$. Sec paulson is buying:<br><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93BUITG0&show_article=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93BUIT...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525471">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525471" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525471" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525471">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525471" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525471" class="dsq-comment-message">the above is supposed to be a joke. this isn\'t:The three-page rescue plan sent to Congress Sept. 20 empowers Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to purchase mortgage- related securities from U.S. financial companies. The administration widened the scope of bad loans that may be acquired, potentially including car loans, credit-card debt and other devalued assets held by banks.<br><br><br>Read the rest:http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601213&sid=a7iCv1F0kuvQ&refer=home</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525861">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525861" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525861" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525861">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525861" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525861" class="dsq-comment-message">From TMP Election Central <a href="http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/palin_claims_obamabiden_democr.php" rel="nofollow">http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com...</a><br><br><i><b>Palin Claims "Obama-Biden Democrats" Are Regularly Attacking Her Family, But...</b><br>By Greg Sargent - September 22, 2008, 3:25PM<br><br>The McCain camp has just blasted out to its list a fundraising email by Sarah Palin claiming that Obama-Biden Democrats are waging frequent attacks on her family. From the email:<br><br>Friends, in the course of a few weeks, the Obama-Biden Democrats have launched attack after attack on me, my family and John McCain. They\'re desperate to win and they\'ll no doubt launch these attacks against other reformers on our ticket.<br><br>I didn\'t remember any attacks on Palin\'s family from Obama, Biden, or their top supporters. So I asked the McCain campaign what this was a reference to.<br><br>Here, according to a McCain campaign aide, are the attacks on Palin\'s family from "Obama-Biden Democrats" that the email refers to:<br><br>1) Obama finance committee member Howard Gutman questioning Palin\'s parenting and her willingness to take on the Veep candidate role when her family is so consuming -- a comment he subsequently apologized for.<br><br>2) Andrew Sullivan\'s demand that the McCain campaign release medical records putting to rest rumors about the birth of Trig Palin.<br><br>3) A user diary on DailyKos, which is of course the site of leading Obama supporter Markos Moulitsas, raising questions about that pregnancy.<br><br>And that\'s it.<br><br>Meanwhile, just today, on a McCain campaign conference call, McCain senior adviser Steve Schmidt laid into the alleged ties between Joe Biden\'s son and the credit card industry.</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2525986">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2525986" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2525986" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2525986">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2525986" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2525986" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyraH;; Overheard this conversation while watching CNN:<br><br>Did you see that?<br><br>What??<br><br>  Thaaaaaaat  - over there!<br><br>Where?<br><br><b>In the middle of the room!!</b><br><br>Ya mean. .   . . . .<br><br>Yeah.   . .  <br><br>Did I see that -um, humungous, enormous, huge, big   -um   thing?<br><br>Yeah!!<br><br>Well, actually, I\'ve been seeing it since <b>DAY 1</b> of this whole election process!<br>But, I didn\'t feel the need ta say anything!!<br><br>So do we have ta discuss it now?<br><br>Yeah!  It\'s on!<br>_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<br><br>Wolfe Dasher, -um,  Dancer,  -um Prancer,   -uh Blitzen,  O.K.  <b>Blitzer</b>  is \'bout to moderate the discussion on <b>RACE</b> in the race!  He just got finished presenting all the known survey statistics!                       <b>I can\'t stand him!!</b><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2526191">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2526191" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2526191" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2526191">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2526191" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2526191" class="dsq-comment-message">Hi All - if you want a laugh - skip over to mudflats.  Someone always steals an Obama/Biden sign from this person\'s yard so they put up a webcam.<br>You can post comments to the instant messaging service while you watch.  It is hilarious.<br><br><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/obama-sign-cctv-1" rel="nofollow">http://www.ustream.tv/channel/obama-sign-cctv-1</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2526377">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2526377" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2526377" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2526377">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2526377" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2526377" class="dsq-comment-message">Val:  Thank you sooo much!!  I just posted on it.  I said that I must now have "foreign policy experience" \'cause I can see Alaska from here!!  :&gt;)  :&gt;)<br><br>Someone responded  -  What\'s up from JJP!  :&gt;)<br><br>This was GREAT!!!  :&gt;)   Thanks, again!<br><br><br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527128">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527128" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527128" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527128">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527128" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527128" class="dsq-comment-message">this IS hilarious. <br><br>mudflats has indeed become a discovered treasure during this political season.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527699">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527699" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527699" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527699">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527699" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527699" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  I go "mining for GOLD" daily!!  :&gt;)<br><br>Thar\'s GOLD in them thar hills!!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527806">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527806" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527806" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2527806" href="http://www.thebottomofheaven.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">claudia_m</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527806" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527806" class="dsq-comment-message">I love this. Thanks for the heads up!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528071">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528071" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528071" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528071">Texas_Girl_in_LA</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528071" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528071" class="dsq-comment-message">This is pure comedy! Thanks Val</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2526591">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2526591" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2526591" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2526591">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2526591" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2526591" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-waldman/was-sarah-palin-sent-by-g_b_128408.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-waldman/wa...</a><br><br>Sarah Palin was sent by God to battle the Anti-Christ Barack Obama.<br><br>Riddle me this:  if Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ and the radical Christians want the end of the world/rapture to commence ASAP, shouldn\'t they be voting for Barack Obama?<br><br>And if Barack Obama really is the Anti-christ, will losing the presidency REALLY stop his nefarious goals?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2526783">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2526783" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2526783" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2526783">ljf</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2526783" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2526783" class="dsq-comment-message">Before McCain picked Palin, I\'ve been reading far right wingnuts\' blogs.  A lot of these blogs through around the idea that Obama is the anti-Christ.  I knew they could not wrap their minds around the idea that Obama could actually become president.  After Palin came into to picture and McCain was leading in the poll I thought that they would have dropped that meme.  I guess that not going to happened.  <br><br>There is some scary ish out there.  All the crazies are coming out of the woodwork</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2526906">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2526906" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2526906" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2526906">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2526906" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2526906" class="dsq-comment-message">Stop it Town! You\'re confusing them. I sill can\'t figure out how if Obama is the anti-Christ he couldn\'t make his student loans disappear...unless the home office of Sallie Mae is really the opening vortex to the gates of hell - which may be possible.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527640">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527640" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527640" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527640">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527640" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527640" class="dsq-comment-message">Miranda:  Was that <b>Sallie Mae JOHNSON</b>  -  Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Lincoln Johnson\'s youngest chil\'??  If it was, I saw her last night hanging all over that man and he wa\'n\'t her husband.  ANNNd it was right after evening choich!!   :&gt;)<br><br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527005">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527005" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527005" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527005">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527005" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527005" class="dsq-comment-message">Utterly hilarious comment over at Ta-Nehisi Coates\' blog:<br><br>Referencing McAncient\'s bitching and whining about the NYTimes<br><br><br><i><br>A few thoughts<br><br>1. The McCain campaign is flailing around like Sonny Liston in the first fight before Ali/Clay-- the Obama campaign has clearly gotten into their head (which I suggested/predicted in the Uppity Thread). I expect someone (Axelrod? Bruton?) to finally tell the McCain folks to grow a pair. <br><br>2. The McCain campaign is flailing around because their campaign has functionally married a stripper in picking Palin (as opposed to dull but economically knowledgable Romney). They had 2 weeks of fun-- but the stripper\'s baggage is starting to show (no foreign policy curiosity, all kinds of ethical flags, etc.). Palin not having a press conference is like not having your parents meet your wife (it suggests you have something to hide). And folks, things won\'t get better with Palin on the ticket for McCain. McCain has (by analogy) had two weeks of stripper sex-- now he starts to discover his finances and respect from his friends are (by analogy) going down (e.g. conservative intellectuals like Sully, Frum are calling him out; the press are laughing at his ads). Now her baggage will sink him (sort of like picking up herpes from a stripper). <br><br>3. BTW, my apologies to strippers out there. But Romney was the better pick as VP. <br><br>Posted by: Lemar Mundane | September 22, 2008 6:55 PM </i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527396">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527396" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527396" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527396">Teacher</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527396" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527396" class="dsq-comment-message">Obama has him on the ropes and is POUNDING him mercilessly. O\'s ads are sticking him-jab jab cross-and now they are starting to cry. When they were trying to swiftboat O everything was cricket. If they can dish it out, surely they can take it. I hope that O\'s strong & forceful ads continue until Nov. 5th. Drive it like Tiger Woods! WE GOT THE BIG MO!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527671">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527671" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527671" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527671">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527671" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527671" class="dsq-comment-message">Teacher:  O-Man is taking it strong to da hoop!!   Boo-yah!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527585">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527585" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527585" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527585">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527585" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527585" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:   BWAHAHAHAHAH!!  LOL!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527076">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527076" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527076" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527076">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527076" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527076" class="dsq-comment-message">Roland S. Martin Joins The Tom Joyner Morning Show<br>Today Martin begins his new role as senior news analyst for the TJMS <br><br>(Dallas, TX – September 22nd, 2008) – Roland Martin, a popular CNN analyst and TV One Cable Network commentator, has joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as senior news analyst to the nation’s No. 1 nationally syndicated urban radio show, company officials announced today. Martin’s daily contribution can be heard every morning at 6:20 am CST. He will offer daily insight into major news events and other issues affecting Black America. <br><br>"I am excited to join The Tom Joyner Morning Show, which has been at the forefront of community advocacy in urban radio," said Martin. “As senior analyst, my goal is to bring clarity and a sense of purpose to the morning show’s eight million listeners on the issues surrounding the current presidential election, but also provide a common sense perspective on the many other social and cultural issues of the day through interviews with top newsmakers, and occasionally commentary.”<br><br>As one of Black America’s most recognized journalist, just this year alone Martin has been named by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States and won a NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for "In Conversation: The Sen. Barack Obama Interview." Martin was also named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom and was awarded the 2008 President\'s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms.<br><br>"This is a time when people need to be challenged where they are on the issues, regardless of ideology, class, race and gender, and I intend to be honest and \'real\' in every way possible,” explains Martin.<br><br>A seasoned member of the press, Martin is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation\'s largest Black daily newspaper, as well as the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine and <a href="http://BlackAmericaWeb.com" rel="nofollow">BlackAmericaWeb.com</a>. He earned a B.S. in journalism from Texas A&M University and recently received a Masters in Christian Communications from Louisiana Baptist University. <br><br>Martin’s segments can be heard on a local Tom Joyner Morning Show affiliate or online at <a href="http://BlackAmericaWeb.com" rel="nofollow">BlackAmericaWeb.com</a> (<a href="http://www.blackamericaweb.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.blackamericaweb.com</a>). Also, reports will be available on demand on the “If You Missed It” page. <br><br>Additionally, Martin hosts his own talk show on WVON-AM/1690 in Chicago and is a special correspondent for Essence Magazine, writing a bi-monthly column and a daily blog on <a href="http://Essence.com" rel="nofollow">Essence.com</a>. His last day at WVON is Oct. 3, and he will simulcast his Joyner segment daily until then.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527097">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527097" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527097" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527097">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527097" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527097" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m sad about Roland leaving WVON - he was perfect to listen to the mornings as I worked out.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527552">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527552" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527552" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527552">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527552" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527552" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Major props to Mr. Martin!!  <br><br>Thanks for this information.  :&gt;)<br><br>Thank Y\'ALL for having FEWER daily threads!  IMHO, this allows me to READ & RESPOND in more depth! [Maybe I\'m a slow reader?  :&gt;)]<br><br>Again, thanks to you/JJP!   <br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529661">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529661" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529661" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2529661" href="http://www.hustleandfloe.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">hustleandfloe</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529661" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529661" class="dsq-comment-message">shameless big up to Roland Martin, if only because he\'s the exact same brother he\'s been since the days at Texas A&M - hustling harder than a one-blade ceiling fan at his journalism craft - (even while on line. nah - the old kind, nobody\'s "online" in \'87 cept those few in computer lab) sweatpants, high top sneaks (I think the Olajuwon\'s - paying H-town respect)...and steno pad glued to hand.  we were 1200 black students of total enrollment 43,000 (surprise, the numbers are the same from 1986 today... no surprise) - and he made a real mark, as many of those 1200.  good to see him stirring conversation on screen.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2532285">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2532285" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2532285" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2532285">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2532285" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2532285" class="dsq-comment-message">hustleandfloe:   ". . . . one-blade ceiling fan. . . "    ROTHLMHO!!!!  :&gt;)<br><br>I am tha  -rough!!:&gt;)    :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527648">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527648" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527648" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527648">nickwah22</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527648" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527648" class="dsq-comment-message">McCain says Palin understands our National Security issues because her son has been deployed.  Hell, that would probably make some, if not all of us, VP material.<br><br>This election season is like a bad soap opera.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527777">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527777" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527777" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527777">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527777" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527777" class="dsq-comment-message">nickwah22:  "AS The Stomach Turns!"   [Music:  dum!    dum!    dum!]  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528026">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528026" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528026" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528026">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528026" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528026" class="dsq-comment-message">nichwah22:  Annnnnd, another thing:  If she attends the "Tea Party" with foreign dignitaries/heads of state,  will that make her <b>more foreign to us?</b><br><br>Deep apologies to all foreigners!<br><br><b>Obama-Biden \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528088">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528088" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528088" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528088">nickwah22</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528088" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528088" class="dsq-comment-message">I am actually very interested to see how her pow-wow with these UN leaders goes.  At this point, I wouldn\'t want her to go on vacation to another country, much less represent America.<br><br>Will this be the icing on the cake for the MSM if she truly screws this up?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528230">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528230" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528230" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528230">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528230" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528230" class="dsq-comment-message">nickwah22:<br>1.  Co-sign!  But, I\'m believin\' that some of "McAncient\'s" campaign funds will go to anyone who even "thinks about" saying something NEGATIVE about her after this "meeting!?"<br><br>2.Also, IMHO, the MSM will not throw "The Gov." under the proverbial bus, unless and until she publicly renounces her citizenship of the US of A.  They are this fawning  -IMHO!     <br><br>I\'ll be waiting for them to use the "icing" so that I can lick the bowl!  :&gt;)<br><br>O.K. Maybe that\'s a little over the edge!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529017">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529017" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529017" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2529017">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529017" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529017" class="dsq-comment-message">Dang, next they\'ll say if she eats cous cous she\'s an expert on the Middle East.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529219">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529219" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529219" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2529219" href="http://www.hustleandfloe.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">hustleandfloe</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529219" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529219" class="dsq-comment-message">thx for this.  this whole "I know it because I\'m next to it" osmotic method of expertise-havin\' is the worst result of our newly palin-driven, Alaska\'s-next-to-Russia hoodwinkery.<br><br>my fam\'s been deployed a bunch of times in places all over the world.  we talk, but I can\'t extrapolate that into knowledge of national security.  Besides, they, just like Palin\'s son, have a whole lot of stuff that they CANNOT tell me, anyway.  Apart from giving some real and necessary empathy to use in policy-making, having family over there ain\'t near \'bouts enough when it comes to making decisions for a nation.  Some folks with kids over there say we shoulda just laid that joint flat on day one.  Others say you shouldnt\'a sent my kid there in the first place.<br><br>Which one should be President?  (The second, but not by resume.)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527793">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527793" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527793" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527793">lamh32</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527793" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527793" class="dsq-comment-message">I posted this over on the new republic blog in response to a post about polling and voter turnout:<br><br>"Check it,<br><br>I think you guys are really underestimating the turnout for AA this year.  I\'m guessing that as in the rest of America, AA are in the minority when it comes to blogging, but I bet not many of the MSM or white people in general listen to Urban radio.  People like Tom Joiner, Michael Baisden, Steve Harvey, to name a few, who are nationally syndicated urban radio personalities.<br>I\'m telling you, ya\'ll should check these shows out one day.  All they talk about daily seems to be this election, and Barack Obama.  They are on point when it comes to registration, voter suppression, and GOTV.  <br><br>Not only that, there are AA church groups, fellowships, greek organizations, NAACP who are all doing all that they can to GOTV, and help elect Barack Obama.  Trust me when I tell you that this election cycle, you won\'t have to worry about the turnout of AA voters.  It\'s the voter suppression tactics that will be attempted that will need to be watched out for.  And even on that subject, Urban Radio host daily talk to their listeners about voter registration and voter purges.  <br><br>There are a lot of Urban Radio stations, they may not individually have the numbers that Rush or Hannity have, but as a whole, they reach a lot of young people, AA, other "urban voters".  <br><br>Don\'t underestimate AA voters this year, you will be in for a surprise.  This won\'t be another "why didn\'t AA turnout" type of election.  This is our time, this is our moment."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528047">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528047" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528047" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528047">Texas_Girl_in_LA</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528047" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528047" class="dsq-comment-message">Well said.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527929">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527929" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527929" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527929">antennaness</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527929" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527929" class="dsq-comment-message">These two articles really get to the heart of this election with acute awareness.   I just had to pass it on.  What else is there to be said.<br><br>Source:  New York Times, Opinion, September 22, 2008 <br>Editorial Observer:  Barack Obama, John McCain and the Language of Race <br>By BRENT STAPLES <br><br>"The discomfort with certain forms of black assertiveness is too deeply rooted in the national psyche to just disappear."<br> <br>Source:<br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/obama-and-the-palin-effec_b_123943.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/oba...</a><br><br>*Obama and the Palin Effect* - by Deepak Chopra***</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528668">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528668" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528668" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-2528668" href="http://www.hustleandfloe.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">hustleandfloe</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528668" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528668" class="dsq-comment-message">antennaness. thx for this. dead on and cleanly worded opinion to be taken, unfortunately, very seriously.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529140">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529140" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529140" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2529140">antennaness</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529140" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529140" class="dsq-comment-message">thx hustleandfloe.  Its really ironic that Palin represents the the dark side (knight), I guess sadly the joker would be race.  She had been brought in as the great white hope to save the day.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2527990">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2527990" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2527990" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2527990">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2527990" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2527990" class="dsq-comment-message">Saw this at HuffPo:<br><br>Fury at $2.5bn Bonus for Lehman\'s New York Staff<br>Monday, September 22, 2008<br><br>Up to 10,000 staff at the New York office of the bankrupt investment bank Lehman Brothers will share a bonus pool set aside for them that is worth $2.5bn (£1.4bn), Barclays Bank, which is buying the business, confirmed last night<br><br>The revelation sparked fury among the workers\' former colleagues, Lehman\'s 5,000 staff based in London, who currently have no idea how long they will go on receiving even their basic salaries, let alone any bonus payments. It also prompted a renewed backlash over the compensation culture in global finance, with critics claiming that many bankers receive pay and rewards that bore no relation to the job they had done.<br><br>A spokesman for Barclays said the $2.5bn bonus pool in New York had been set aside before Lehman Brothers filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States a week ago. Barclays has agreed that the fund should continue to be ring-fenced now it has taken control of Lehman\'s US business, a deal agreed by American bankruptcy courts over the weekend.<br><br>Barclays is paying $1.75bn for the US operation of Lehman and is keen to retain its best staff. It said it had made no promises to individual staff members about how much they will receive but that the bonus fund would be paid out. In addition to the $2.5bn cash pool, Barclays is also in negotiations with about 30 executives it considers to be Lehman\'s best assets and plans to offer them contracts worth tens of millions of dollars. British employees of Lehman described the bonus payments as a "scandal" as they waited anxiously yesterday to see whether a deal could be struck with buyers circling the bank\'s European operations.<br><br>Many of Lehman\'s UK staff are particularly angry about the US payouts because it has emerged that in the days running up to the bankruptcy, some $8bn in cash was transferred out of the account of the bank\'s European business into accounts at the New York head office.<br><br><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/fury-at-25bn-bonus-for-lehmans-new-york-staff-937560.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news...</a><br><br>These mofos set aside $2.5 billion BEFORE they declared bankrutcy----while Barclays is paying $1.75 billion  to take them over.   And on top of that, Barcalys wants to offer 30 executives from Lehman\'s contracts worth millions of dollars.<br><br>Ain\'t that a bitch-------and the government wants taxpayers to bailout other companies who are very likely doing the same unscrupulous things as Lehmans.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528116">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528116" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528116" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528116">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528116" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528116" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  Look what I found at <i>Daily Kos</i>   WOW!!   25,000 - 30,0000 rally for Mr. Obama in Charlotte, NC!!<br><br><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/162726/750/309/577349" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/162...</a><br>Daily Kos:  State of the Nation<br><br>The pics are AMAZING!!  Whooo!  Hoo!!  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528118">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528118" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528118" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528118">Monie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528118" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528118" class="dsq-comment-message">I came across this article while looking for others.....this is over 2 years old but describes Goldman Sachs, when Hank Paulson was at the helm.<br><br><br>$521,000: The average pay of Goldman Sachs employees ­ and that includes secretaries<br><br>By Stephen Foley in New York<br>Sunday, 12 February 2006 <br><br>They call it Goldmine Sachs. And well they might. Because the Wall Street giant has become the first major investment bank to see its average salary top half a million dollars. <br><br><br>The extraordinary figure is disclosed in the company\'s latest regulatory filings and comes as a record bonus season draws to a close on both sides of the Atlantic.<br><br>It is sure to be used to entice people to join the bank, which expects to boost its number of employees by up to 10 per cent in anticipation of another bumper year for trading and mergers and acquisitions activity.<br><br>Last year, Goldman Sachs paid out $11.7bn (£6.7bn) to its 22,425 employees - around 3,000 of whom are in London.<br><br>Hank Paulson, the chairman and chief executive, was paid $38m in salary, shares and options - a 21 per cent increase on 2004. An average figure per staff member of $521,000 bursts through a barrier not even breached during the dot-com boom in 1999 and 2000.<br><br>This is a 12 per cent increase on the $466,000 average disclosed for 2004. It is twice the level of average pay at rivals Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.<br><br>Wall Street banks are paying out a record $21.5bn in bonuses for 2005, according to New York State figures. That dwarfs 2004\'s $18.6bn and tops the previous record of $19.5bn in 2000. The average bonus in 2005 was $125,500 - some $25,000 more than in 2000<br><br>Deutsche Bank last week became the latest to disclose to its staff the bonus cheques they will soon be taking home. Some top executives will receive bonuses 75 per cent higher than last year.<br><br>The average bonus is believed to have increased by a double-digit percentage, and the subtle boast is meant to signal Deutsche\'s return to health after several lacklustre years. <br><br>-------<br><br>Of course now, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have been granted a change in status from investment banks to bank holding companies by the Federal Reserve last night, amidst the "banking crisis."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2528320">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2528320" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2528320" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2528320">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2528320" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2528320" class="dsq-comment-message">Rikyrah:  From my "Field Trip"  to mudflats:<br><br><a href="http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/ted-stevens-trial-gears-up/" rel="nofollow">http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/ted-st...</a><br><b>Ted Stevens Trial Gears Up</b><br><br><i>Today’s the day. After three unsuccessful attempts to get the case thrown out, jury selection in the Ted Stevens trial will begin today.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>For all the good Stevens has done, there are many who think his time is over. Ex-Governor Walter Hickel, who appointed Stevens to his senate seat in 1968 has even said it’s timefor the very senior senator to retire. Stevens has deteriorated a lot in the last few years. His frequent stammering is almost incomprehensible. His belligerence is alienating many Alaskans who used to revere him. And sometimes he’s just downright embarrassing… Wearing a tie featuring the Incredible Hulk on the Senate floor, and his reference to the internet as a “series of tubes” has begun to define his national image, more than his actual policies.<br><br>SKIP<br><br>So for those of you who are suffering from Sarah-fatigue, take heart. Alaska is an endless source of the strange, the sordid, and the knee deep muck of Alaskan politics.</i><br><br>Mudflats is just "on it!"   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529548">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529548" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529548" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2529548">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529548" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529548" class="dsq-comment-message">this trial doesn\'t seem that complicated. <br><br>he had income he didn\'t report. <br><br>I hope they nail him.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2530025">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2530025" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2530025" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2530025">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2530025" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2530025" class="dsq-comment-message">rikyrah:  BUT, it will be interesting IF "The Gov." is among the witnesses!   :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!&gt;/b</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529036">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529036" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529036" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2529036">monica</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529036" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529036" class="dsq-comment-message">i thought this was interesting...from bloomberg<br><br><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=alfUj1r0Z10o&refer=politics" rel="nofollow">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2529314">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2529314" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2529314" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2529314">lamh32</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2529314" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2529314" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey guys,<br><br>I\'ve got a new diary up on Dkos talking about Urban Radio Host, and the AA community.<br><br><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/22/224053/260/111/607056" rel="nofollow">Once You Go Black...Pollsters Underestimating African American Voter Turnout</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-2530130">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-2530130" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-2530130" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-2530130">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-2530130" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-2530130" class="dsq-comment-message">lamh:  I will go "Field Trippin\'"!   Thanks.  :&gt;)<br><br><b>Obama-Biden  \'08!</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-8343911">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-8343911" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-8343911" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-8343911">Guest</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-8343911" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-8343911" class="dsq-comment-message">As individuals I think by learning something new it expands and improves who and what we are.  Everyone should keep learning and never stop.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 </ul>\
';

(function() {
	
	





Dsq.Debug.profile(function() {
	if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page == 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.is_initial_load) {
		Dsq.container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.header() + Dsq.container.innerHTML + Dsq.Templates.footer();
	}
	Dsq.$(Dsq.curPageId).innerHTML = Dsq.$(Dsq.curPageId).innerHTML.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
}); // Dsq.Debug.Profile

// HACK: Resetting cache because we're done with.
Dsq.Utils.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = null;


	
	
	var dsq_styleEl = document.getElementById(disqus_container_id);
	var dsq_anchorEl = document.getElementsByTagName('a')[0];
	
	Dsq.Thread.fc = Dsq.Utils.getStyle(dsq_styleEl, 'color');
	if(dsq_anchorEl) { Dsq.Thread.ac = Dsq.Utils.getStyle(dsq_anchorEl, 'color'); }
	Dsq.Thread.ff = Dsq.Utils.getStyle(dsq_styleEl, (Dsq.Utils.ie || window.opera ? 'fontFamily' : 'font-family'));
	// For Safari / Opera: strip quotes.
	Dsq.Thread.ff = Dsq.Thread.ff.replace(/['"]/g, '');
	Dsq.Thread.fc = encodeURIComponent(Dsq.Thread.fc);
	Dsq.Thread.ac = encodeURIComponent(Dsq.Thread.ac);
	Dsq.Thread.ff = encodeURIComponent(Dsq.Thread.ff);

	
	
	
	if(Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.addPostContainer)) {
		// TODO: Check to see if theme uses postmessage.
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.textareaContainer));
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].init(function() {
				// Use fallback iframe
				Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.addPostContainer).innerHTML = '';
				var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$(Dsq.Templates.addPostContainer), null, {theme: theme});
				// if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
			});
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-post-add'));
		}
	}

	
	

	
	if(document.location.hash != '') {
		document.location.hash = document.location.hash.substring(1);
	}

	Dsq.Popup.showCookieMsgs();

	
	if(document.location.search != '' && location.hash != '#disqus_thread') {
		var reply_id = Dsq.Utils.getRequestParams().dsq;
		if(reply_id) { document.location.hash = 'comment-' + reply_id; }
	}

	
	if((typeof OB_Script != 'undefined') && (typeof OB_versionNum != 'undefined')) {
		if(navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Firefox") != -1) {
			if(window.frames['dsq-reply-frame']) {
				window.frames['dsq-reply-frame'].location = Dsq.Urls.REPLY + (new Date()).getTime() + '&f=jackandjillpolitics&t=monday_open_thread_44&to_redirect=' + encodeURIComponent(window.location) + '&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
			}
		}
	}

	if (Dsq.jsonData.integration.theme == 4) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			Dsq.Realtime.initialize();
		}
	}

	



	window.ExecuteWhen = (function () {
	var obj = {}
	
	// Private
	var running = false;
	var timer = null;
	var pending = [];
	var startTimer = function() {
		running = true;
		timer = setInterval(obj.heartBeat, 100);
	};
	var stopTimer = function() {
		running = false;
		clearInterval(timer);
	};
	
	// Public
	obj.add = function (condition, code) {
		pending.push([condition,code]);
		this.heartBeat(); //!
		if (!running) {
			startTimer();
		}
	};
	obj.heartBeat = function() {
		if (!pending.length) {
			stopTimer();
		}
		var newPending = [];
		for (var i=0; i<pending.length; i++) {
			var cond = pending[i][0];
			var code = pending[i][1];
			// FIXME: if cond or code throw an error, they never get removed from pending
			if (cond()){
				code();
			}
			else {
				newPending.push([cond, code]);
			}
		}
		pending = newPending;
	};
	return obj;
})();

// also used in embed_thread.js:
window.fbIsReady = function () {return window.FB && FB.init;};
// NOTE: This script gets executed again without threadEl
//       set when we are loaded again as the fbc_receiver.
//       In this case, we don't need the hidden container.

if(!window.FB || !FB.init) {
	if(window.Dsq && Dsq.container) {
		// container is not present when init.js is loaded from an xd-receiver iframe; in this case,
		// we don't need the FB_HiddenContainer anyway.
		var fbDiv = document.createElement('div');
		fbDiv.id = "FB_HiddenContainer";	// Required or else FeatureLoader will execute a document.write.
		fbDiv.style.position = 'absolute';	// This is intentionally not setting display to none as this breaks
		fbDiv.style.top = '-10000px';		// Flash in Safari.
		fbDiv.style.left = '-10000px';
		fbDiv.style.width = '0px';
		fbDiv.style.height = '0px';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(fbDiv);
	}
	var fbJS = document.createElement('script');
	fbJS.type = "text/javascript";
	fbJS.src = "http://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php";
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(fbJS);

	ExecuteWhen.add(window.fbIsReady,
		function () {
			// HACK: This is a workaround FBC's single domain limitation by
			//		 allowing sites to create multiple forums with different
			//		 Facebook API keys.  This must be used in conjunction with
			//		 disqus_facebook_forum (see authenticateFacebook).
			var facebook_api_key = 'bd6a8bc56f8eb204984f34b6fefe228d';
			if (typeof disqus_facebook_api_key != 'undefined') {
				facebook_api_key = disqus_facebook_api_key;
			}

			FB.init(facebook_api_key, window.facebookXdReceiverPath || null,
				{fetchSignedPublicSessionData: true});
		});
}


	


if(typeof(disqus_callback) == 'function') {
	var callback_params = Dsq.Utils.getRequestParams()['dsq_cbp'] || null;

	// We don't care about any errors in third-party code
	try {
		disqus_callback(callback_params);
	} catch (x) {
		if (typeof(console) != 'undefined' && typeof(console.log) == 'function') {
			// But it would be nice to let developers know about them
			console.log(x);
		}
		// pass
	}

	// HACK: We don't know if the callback wraps our container, which may
	// possibly result in a new DOM element.
	Dsq.container = document.getElementById('dsq-content');
}

})();




