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October 14, 2011· scvtalk.com · WordPress (SCVTalk 3.0) · Wayback capture

October 14, 2011 – Daily Brief

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

  • City pats itself on back for a year of accomplishments, “sunny outlook”, SIGNAL,KHTS
  • Some locals appear to agree that the results of the redistricting commission need to be tossed out SIGNAL
  • October may be typically hot and dry but light winds mean fire danger is low SIGNAL
  • Driver negotiates a turn at high speed, hits curb, ends upside down and in hospital SIGNAL
  • Part time COC faculty get 2% raise SIGNAL
  • I Heart talks up SCV bird watching, the sighting of a rare arctic bird at Castaic, and a new movie coming out this weekend about birds I HEART SCV
  • Buck McKeon says priority one for super-committee should be “not a penny more out of defense.” I’d read the whole thing but you have to pay for it and I already know what it says WALL STREET JOURNAL
  • LA Times editorial says we should bring back the dollar coin and get rid of the penny and nickel TIMES
  • Zombie march in Old Town Newhall on October 22 KHTS
  • Tammy Messina says Reagan’s commandment to not attack other Republicans doesn’t mean you can’t ask informed questions SIGNAL

Comments

168 · as published
  1. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 8:59 am
    That crash looked bad in person and there must have been nasty injuries since they had to go to the “hostpial” instead of the hospital LOL
  2. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 8:59 am
    October 14, 2008 — The day the economy as we knew it died… Interesting info and take on TARP… http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/october-14-2008-the-day-the-economy-as-we-knew-it-died/
  3. Timothy Myers SROctober 14, 2011 at 9:19 am
    Though I realize that the State of the City Luncheon will always be a congratulations fest even if the venue was burning to the ground, why must we continue this trope that the City purposely eliminated the special County library tax?
  4. IHeartSCVOctober 14, 2011 at 9:27 am
    I’m surprised they didn’t highlight the fact that the State Legislature finally took notice of something Santa Clarita did. They even passed legislation just for us: AB 438, to make sure there are competitive bids and tangible benefits for subsequent library takeovers (i.e., no more Santa Clarita style fiascoes).
  5. Timothy Myers SROctober 14, 2011 at 9:55 am
    Is it just me or is the City government like the cat that runs headlong into a sliding glass door and then immediately adopts a look like they met to do that?
  6. IHeartSCVOctober 14, 2011 at 10:01 am
    Your cat phrase isn’t quite as tidy as “Ender Math”, but it’s just as apt. I agree, wholeiheartedly.
  7. Alan FerdmanOctober 14, 2011 at 10:17 am
    Tim I think our city residents, council and staff would be much better served if the “State of the City” Luncheon also contained a discussion of the major challenges the city will facing over the next X years. For example, the Heroin problem and Cemex was mentioned, but not one word spoken about the impending Chloride issue or payback of the $12 million in costs required to purchase Library Assets from the County and implement the new City Library process. There is nothing wrong with the “State of the City” Luncheon celebrating accomplishments so long as it is balanced with challenges. That is what transparency in government is all about.
  8. Eric HeilbrunOctober 14, 2011 at 11:47 am
    Transparency in government….hmmm, I like it. Maybe we should form an organization to advocate for more transparency….we could call it “Citizens for Integrity in Government”. Oh damn, someone is already using that name.
  9. spineflower2October 14, 2011 at 5:27 pm
    Or SCOPE…
  10. Phil EllisOctober 14, 2011 at 12:33 pm
    What fiasco – I thought the library was working fine.
  11. SplashGuardOctober 14, 2011 at 2:59 pm
    I think I lost a book. Can’t find it. So I went in to do whatever. I couldn’t renew it because someone else wanted it. What do I do? Call back tomorrow when a “manager” is here, I was told. Yeah, okay. I mean you really don’t need a librarian for that kind of question, but you do need staff that has been trained to answer it. But if they are trained that well, then someone might expect answers to more complicated questions. That training might cost more money and your company might not be able to make a profit. Just keep it simple. Do you want some extra ketchup with that hamburger? Oh, sorry, wrong part time job. How about some dessert? The apple pie is really good.
  12. ExLibrisOctober 14, 2011 at 7:03 pm
    It’s good to see you frequenting the wonderful new city library. It’s surprising, though, to see you admit the mistake of losing a library book; although you are apparently less than perfect you appear to expect perfection of others, particularly the new library staff. Why not try the Stevenson Ranch Roach Coach, I mean “Bookmobile”? Michael, make sure you get there before it pulls out at 5 PM. And don’t attempt a visit on a Monday because it won’t be there – the LA County Library can’t afford to have it there every weekday.
  13. DAZZLEDOctober 15, 2011 at 7:39 am
    After only 3 months of operation the new staff has probably not had to deal with a lot of patrons losing library books. You can’t train everyone for every possible customer issue, it’s just notmtime effective. But people learn these things over time. So maybe don’t be so rude and dismissive? We are absolutely DAZZLED with the new city library. We check out a few dozen books, dvd’s and cd’s each month and we manage to never lose a single one. But then again, we aren’t mining for things to pick apart and complain about.
  14. ExLibrisOctober 15, 2011 at 8:49 am
    DAZZLED and Michael / Splash Guard / Truth Seeker / Library User Michael / Library Card Carrying Book Reader / etc, etc, the fact is that all public libraries make heavy use of part-time employees. The mix of part-time employees is usually between 67% and 75% of staff. This includes the County of Los Angeles Public Library as well as very highly rated public libraries such as Pasadena Public Library and Santa Monica Public Library. The heavy use of part-time staff is not unique to the Santa Clarita Public Library or any other library staffed by LSSI. Deploying part-time staff for the nuts and bolts operation of a public library is both cost effective and provides much greater scheduling flexibility.
  15. SplashGuardOctober 15, 2011 at 9:06 am
    Dazed Exlibris, do they pay you by the word for you apologetics? Or is that part of a job with LSSI or the City? The City’s promise was to provide comparable service for less expense by engaging the contract with LSSI. Ostensibly protecting young untrained staff from the accusation of a book loser is a rather poor deflection from the issue. We had degreed librarians, now managers do not appear even daily. That is unfair to the public and to the staff, many probably in their first jobs.
  16. DAZZLEDOctober 15, 2011 at 10:09 am
    In addition to extra ketchup and a slice of apple pie, Michael should have some cheese and crackers with his “whine.”
  17. ExLibrisOctober 15, 2011 at 12:57 pm
    At my library some families check out more than 100 books or audiobooks a month, have done so for years, and have never lost or damaged a single one. It’s called responsibility. Michael loses a book and paints himself as a victim. Sounds like “Library Card Carrying Book Reader” will now be “Library Fine Paying Book Loser.”
  18. IHeartSCVOctober 15, 2011 at 2:18 pm
    “It’s called responsibility.” And your tone is called “insufferable.”
  19. ExLibrisOctober 15, 2011 at 3:07 pm
    Insufferable? When did the conversation turn to your pathetically negative blog? You’ve cornered the market on insufferable. Your twice monthly summaries are so predictable they fall far short of being clever or witty. So you of all people should not call another insufferable.
  20. SplashguardOctober 15, 2011 at 2:55 pm
    dAZZLED EXLIBRIS—You seem to be certain about my identity. Does that certainty come from being a City employee who has accessed certain files improperly or an LSSI “librarian” defending the realm by accessing library information? Looks like the privacy issues that began this thing may be quite real. Am I going to need an attorney? You know as well as I do, that people use “handles” to try to protect themselves from personal attack for their views, and in your case to anonymously attack others. You have justified my use, and gotten so sloppy with your mouth with personal attacks to question your own credibility.
  21. ExLibrisOctober 15, 2011 at 3:16 pm
    None of the above. You see, a few weeks ago you sloppily posted a comment here under one alias and then posted the same comment, verbatim, under another alias to a Signal story. I did some Googling and found that you’ve done this previously. You see, you need a system for tracking your use of yourself.
  22. FJJOctober 14, 2011 at 9:50 am
    @Buck McKeon and others who said there must be items cut from the budget to offset any increases. What about taxing millionaires to pay for two 10-year old wars and other increased pentagon expenses? I think the poor and working class families who have family members fighting in the wars are doing their share.
  23. LarMccOctober 14, 2011 at 10:03 am
    We can’t cut defense spending one penny. The US needs every single one of the 700+ foreign military bases they operate, don’t they?
  24. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 10:25 am
    The problem with that number is all it takes is to have a small piece of land sorrounded by concertina(barbed) wire with 10 guys on it to be labeled as a “base.” The true sinking of our economy came at the hand of TARP, DHS HUGE budget, and a multitude of other bad decisions on our politicians behalf. When you start discussing cutting defense, the first to feel the heat tend to be those on the bottom rung, troops. I have taken a $1200/ yr pay cut 2 years in a row because apparently the cost of living in LA has gone down according Pentagon calculations. There will be major cuts but we have to be careful to not cut too deep and create a Task Force Smith type of military.
  25. Hey, that guy's right!October 14, 2011 at 9:59 am
    Surprised no one noticed this from the KHTS article: “Although the council members all chided Communications Manager Gail Ortiz for warning them to stay on script, Councilman Frank Ferry took the liberty of thanking those gathered for their support when he was gravely ill last winter.” Unelected city staff writes the talking points for our elected officials. I’m not really surprised by this but it seems to fit the narrative some have that it’s the city staff running everything, not the people elected by us. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that none of the local media outlets mentioned that the City, while remaining in good fiscal standing and free of major crime, managed to anger many Santa Claritans in the last year over the library issue. There’s not even a “We wish we had done things a bit differently,” or a “Gosh we stumbled through this a bit, but came out of it in the end and hope you’ll join us.” Nope, the City considers itself beyond reproach, incapable of error, and unquestionable. I can’t wait for the day when some force (be it voters, a court, the Attorney General, or a districting movement) breaks up the cabal on Valencia Blvd.
  26. LarMccOctober 14, 2011 at 10:10 am
    The city will never admit they are wrong. A good example is the farmers market in Old Town. It sucks, and they still keep promoting it like it is the best thing. This has gone on for years. Several vendors at the COC market told me that the city was begging them to come to the Newhall Market, but they have no interest in being a part of it. The city staff also routinely writes the PR pieces that The Signal runs and the council members rotate signing their name to. The writing style is always consistent, it’s blatantly obvious.
  27. Need for Involved CitizenryOctober 14, 2011 at 12:53 pm
    Like the article staff (probably Gail Ortiz) wrote for Marsha Mclean in the Pasadena Star News about the Library?
  28. Scott BerryOctober 14, 2011 at 12:16 pm
    On that note, maybe someone can tell me who else to contact at the city since Gail hasn’t responded to my emails and calls. Her contact information is on a city website that pertains to my needs (I didn’t just pull it out of thin air).. not very good communication.
  29. Gail OrtizOctober 14, 2011 at 1:33 pm
    Scott Berry-I return all of my emails and phone calls everyday and I’ve never received either from you. Please feel free to email me at: gortiz@santa-clarita.com . I’m happy to help you.
  30. Scott BerryOctober 14, 2011 at 1:36 pm
    Gail, much appreciated response, talk about city in action. I left both for you last week, will re-send my emails now. Thank you!
  31. Phil EllisOctober 14, 2011 at 1:58 pm
    It looks like scvtalk may soon be the preferred method of communication. Much faster than e-mail, phone calls or even tweets. Congratulations, Jeff
  32. Scott BerryOctober 14, 2011 at 2:12 pm
    LOL!
  33. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 2:01 pm
    Santa Clarita is not the only city to have staff put together talking points and commentaries for their elected officials. Big cities have press aids, small cities have PIOs, this is simply how it is done. Now if city staff helps write campaign brochures, then you have problems and as far as I know, this is not happening. City staff knows the laws.
  34. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 10:17 am
    Buck will be on FOX News at 1:20 pm PST. Obama has dispatched troops to Uganda to kill Christians. Another illegal war started by the Hope and Change man. See you at Central Park on Sunday.
  35. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 10:37 am
    If Petz wants to align himself with the Lord’s Resistance Army then he is basically pulling an Awlaki in his allegiance to OBL. The leader of the LRA is murdering thug who has led the world in recruiting children to fight for him. Is Petz a supporter of this type of terrorism and human rights violations? Or does Petz align himself with the rest of the respectful world Christian leaders in their condemnation of this barbarian?? And the President actually has an approved Act of Congress for this deployment and action.
  36. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 10:41 am
    A whole lotta R’s in the Yes column, to include Congressman McKeon http://maplight.org/us-congress/bill/111-s-1067/434817/total-contributions and here is a good article written about LRA BY CHRISTIANS! http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/january/20.36.html
  37. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 12:33 pm
    And where does it say that military action is authorized ? You can oppose the LRA without unauthorized military force. You can always count on Obama for a Friday surprise.
  38. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 12:51 pm
    “(1) providing political, economic, military, and intelligence support for viable multilateral efforts to protect civilians from the Lord’s Resistance Army, to apprehend or remove Joseph Kony and his top commanders from the battlefield in the continued absence of a negotiated solution, and to disarm and demobilize the remaining Lord’s Resistance Army fighters” a) the troops sent are in an advisor capacity b) the ROE dictates we do not seek out LRA militarily but if engaged, appropriate use of force is authorized and c) we are authorized per the bill to take Kony down What is your issue with this action and Bill specifically? I mean first you used the Us vs Them argument but failed to realize the LRA don’t represent you or Christianity. Now its a legal decision you are arguing? I guess I am trying to figure out your motivation in this law.
  39. Whiskey Tango FoxtrotOctober 15, 2011 at 7:45 pm
    This clearly is a human rights issue and the US has chosen to assist in a limited military role. No problem with me. My rub with the White House is the label they put on this. Obama said that America acted “in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States” In my humble opinion, that’s hog wash. No national security issues here that are significant enough to warrant deploying military assests. And even if it were (hypothetically) a security issue, aren’t there bigger fly’s to swat than this? Obama was getting pressure from various human rights groups to act and he decided to package this and sell it to the American people under a label that has better appeal. Again, I’m OK with helping to rid the earth of the LRA, but don’t B.S. us. Hope to see you Tues BTW.
  40. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 9:52 pm
    As I found when I did a quick Google search, Uganda has a tremendous amount of oil that has not been drilled yet. Things that make you go Hmmmmm. Definately on Tuesday, we need to get Petz there as well
  41. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 11:07 am
    And to further caveat, the LRA is Africa’s version of the Taliban. Are you pro-Taliban?
  42. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 11:08 am
    You sir are an ASS.
  43. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 11:18 am
    You forgot that it’s not complete without my full title and didn’t use HOLE at the end
  44. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 11:21 am
    I wasn’t talk to you.
  45. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 3:48 pm
    One can always insert the other word as a replacement lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBTn500wasE
  46. Timothy Myers SROctober 14, 2011 at 11:17 am
    The LRA needs destruction! Pray that US soldiers are the efficient hammers of God’s justice!
  47. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 2:11 pm
    Petz, do your research on this, this group is the most horrible of butchers Africa has ever seen — mutilations, rape, mass killing of civilians, forcing children to become soldiers. They may use the Lord’s name, but they are far from Christian — more like a dictator induced demonic cult. I applaud Obama finally taking some action on this. http://www.invisiblechildren.com/history-of-the-war
  48. Mike MOctober 14, 2011 at 2:49 pm
    You’re a really nice guy to talk to at a BBQ party, but if you think those guys are Christian I now have a much better idea why we disagree on nearly everything.
  49. Petz2October 14, 2011 at 10:52 am
    What in the hell are we doing in Uganda?
  50. mikecOctober 14, 2011 at 11:03 am
    please see your prior post…you stated the reason…
  51. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 12:29 pm
    So you going to occupy Central Park on Sunday, or do your union goons demand extra pay for weekends ?
  52. mikecOctober 14, 2011 at 4:56 pm
    Petz, Thanks for responding to my response, by changing the subject! Needless to say, I won’t be at central park on Sunday, my wife is attending a Baby Shower for her friend and I will be spending time with my kids. I don’t get paid overtime, never have with the city…you get time off in lieu of pay
  53. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 11:04 am
    Read the approved Congressional Bill combined with what the LRA have done in that region and you will see what we are doing. I understand your concern with the financial perspective and how it on the surface resembles how we got into Vietnam. But outside of that, did you have the same objections with military operations minus Libya in the last 20 years?
  54. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 11:10 am
    You sir are still an ASS.
  55. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 11:19 am
    Every time you get my official title wrong, a Green Bay Packer loses his wings
  56. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 11:21 am
    Still wasn’t talking to you.
  57. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 11:23 am
    Er, my bad
  58. PackfanOctober 14, 2011 at 4:35 pm
    Every time you get my official title wrong, a Green Bay Packer loses his wings Hey, Hey! Don’t mess with the wings!
  59. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 9:08 am
    Da Bears!
  60. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 1:01 pm
    Petz, I love you like a brother but you are on the wrong side of this issue. If anything you should’ve been yelling for this to have been addressed long before we militarily were involved anywhere else. In fact look at the attached article and one may be able to piece together what is a motivator finally…….. Uganda poised to become top-50 oil producer http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/11/24/us-oil-africa-uganda-analysis-idUSTRE5AN2FM20091124
  61. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 2:12 pm
    See my comments above.
  62. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 12:03 pm
    Obama does not have the authority to hunt down miltant rebels wherever he wants to. How about starting with Iran and Ahmedimijad? Where is the congressional authority for this action?
  63. Scott BerryOctober 14, 2011 at 12:19 pm
    Do you really have nothing to do all day aside from post the same diatribe over and over? You started 3 new “reply threads” here while not responding to any of the rebuttals.
  64. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 12:28 pm
    For the love of God Petz, I posted you the Congressional Act that was approved already for him to do this. How about asking Congressman McKeon why he voted for it as well.
  65. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 12:34 pm
    The sponsor of the bill was Russ Feingold-and where is he today?
  66. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 12:53 pm
    At home in WI saying that the innocent people of Uganda will now have some assistance and maybe we can take out on despot who was behind Children Soldiers.
  67. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 2:11 pm
    And “War Wives” aka Sex Slaves… not very Christ like but neither is Petz.
  68. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 2:17 pm
    Petz, Valencia High School even has an “Invisible Children” club that meets to raise money to help the children of the war. This group has chapters in high schools and colleges throughout the U.S. and is based out of San Diego. And its founders are Christian.
  69. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 2:32 pm
    Ok, so some of them may not conform to the American ideal of Christianity. But, Obama and the United States cannot right every injustice or nation build. We are not the world’s policeman and these tragedies are best addressed by the locals in the area. Let the Sudan and Uganda resolve this situation without American soldiers. And where is the outrage for the Libyan assault on Sirt, what about protecting the civilians there?
  70. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 2:42 pm
    Please articulate in detail what you are talking about with Sirt, which is the home city of Gaddafi http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2096516,00.html Are you a fan of Gaddafi now or just upset that a Democrat President committed to military action? I bring that up because it seems alot of Conservatives and Liberals appear to be hypocritical in terms of what military actions they support. It usually has to do with the Party of the President in charge at the time. If you backed Iraq, you sure as heck need to support both Libya and Uganda since one has cost little to no lives on our side. A real warrior does not want war since he knows the cost paid by the soldier on the ground. But if a war has to be fought and the chance of death is minimal, that is the one preferred.
  71. Mike MOctober 14, 2011 at 2:52 pm
    THE AMERICAN IDEAL OF CHRISTIANITY??!?!??!? WHICH IDEAL WOULD YOU PREFER TO USE HERE??? Sorry for the caps lock getting stuck. I just have a serious problem with people being so willing to throw the “Christian” title around and have it mean whatever they want at the moment…
  72. Your Web GuruOctober 14, 2011 at 2:57 pm
    Which god do I pray to that will make Petz stop his off-topic, rambling discourse that is actually better suited for the SCVTalker’s Forum he so adamantly complained about not having, which is now freely available to him?
  73. Phil EllisOctober 14, 2011 at 3:28 pm
    No such deity exists.
  74. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 3:33 pm
    HAHA
  75. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 3:29 pm
    “In 2001, the US Patriot Act officially declared the LRA to be a terrorist organization” So your tacit support of the LRA is no different then those who support Hamas. Send them one red cent and you can be charged with supporting a terrorist organization. Are you with us or against us Petz?
  76. iMagicOctober 14, 2011 at 3:32 pm
    Petz says… “War Wives” for everyone!!! Now pass the markers so i can make signs and harrass these unAmerican-American people in the park.
  77. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 3:38 pm
    And you dancing around admitting you may have been wrong confirms there may be a political run in your future
  78. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 3:34 pm
    Many of us have been waiting for the U.S. to take stronger action against this “terrorist” organization for some time. 100 special ops soldiers going there to train local troops is not a lot of support, but we will take what we can get. From a Christian perspective, I think we do have an obligation to defend the defenseless no matter where they reside. Justice is demanded in this situation.
  79. JeffOctober 14, 2011 at 4:07 pm
    Pretty interesting stuff. This Lord’s Resistance Army appears to base its ideas for government on a strange mix of Pentecostal Christianity and local tribal customs. They want, for instance, a government based off the 10 Commandments. Hey Alpiner, it appears you are really well informed on this matter. Do you hear about it in church briefings about missionaries to the area? I know protestants heavily target Africa and I imagine more than a few missionaries have been caught up in the violence. “I think we do have an obligation to defend the defenseless no matter where they reside. Justice is demanded in this situation.” No, we do not. The Africans should be taking care of this. The Europeans should have taken care of Bosnia, Kosovo, and all those conflicts. Most Americans are weary of foreign adventures. We are not justice crusaders and weren’t put on this earth to democratize/civilize everyone.
  80. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 4:31 pm
    I disagree Jeff. What happens in other countries can eventually affect us within our borders. Whether that be through disease, finances, or violence we never know. If we can help we need to help if only for our selfish desire to stay alive.
  81. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 9:36 am
    Well put JP.
  82. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 9:59 am
    Thanks Berta. Alot of people don’t realize simple facts like the majority of all influenza viruses come from Asia. Imagine if that area was war torn and our Public Health personnel couldn’t be there. We wouldn’t be anywhere near as prepared for flu season as we are. And unlike in times past, an infected person can leave that area and be in ours in less than 24 hours so a pandemic is much more possible.
  83. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 10:32 am
    JP that is because most folks have their heads up their…and it is difficult to think clearly that way.
  84. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 5:11 pm
    #occupyalpinershome
  85. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 10:47 pm
    No, not welcome here…or anywhere #occupypetzhome
  86. AlpinerOctober 14, 2011 at 10:14 pm
    Jeff, I understand what you are saying, but good people still have an obligation in this world to deter genocide and stand up for those whom cannot speak for themselves. Action from this nation does not always mean full military action, but as a people we need to stand for something bigger than ourselves and that can take many forms. I respect President Obama for taking action that was long overdue. Yes, there are missionaries that have gone to the area, not just as missionaries, but as doctors, nurses, etc. It is a war zone and several have been killed over the years because they took a stand, specifically for the children. What is going on there has been going on a long time and is simply horrible. I am impressed by how so many SCV teens have become involved in standing up for those children who would simply be “invisible” if it were not for them making their peers aware of what is going on there with the help of the organization “Invisible Children.” They may try to disguise themselves as “Christian”, but what they really are is simply pure evil.
  87. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 3:49 pm
    Off to do some bird watching.
  88. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 3:50 pm
    In fact Petz has a bird he wants to show you.
  89. Mr PerezOctober 14, 2011 at 4:32 pm
    Does it have 4 siblings who stay crouched low while it pokes up high?
  90. PetzOctober 14, 2011 at 5:16 pm
    anyone have a lead for good sushi in Canyon Country?
  91. Capt. GeneOctober 14, 2011 at 7:24 pm
    Petz, for real, you are on the wrong side of this one.
  92. PetzOctober 15, 2011 at 3:49 am
    Petz has profound theological differences with the Lord’s Resistance Army (ok he jumped the shark by calling them christian), in fact to do evil in the name of God is the worst sin. However Petz basic premise and major point is sound – Obama should have gone to congress before dispatching troops to Uganda, Obama’s rash action violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution that he swore to uphold. This administration is absolutely lawless and it is on the congress to take action and stop him-Now!
  93. Mike MOctober 15, 2011 at 9:51 am
    So explain to me – since Mr. Perez has repeatedly posted links and details to the congressional vote that authorized this troop dispatch, which was approved in 2010 – what are you referring to when you insist that the president is doing this without permission? Did it need to be passed in 2008 to count?
  94. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 9:56 am
    And that is the scary part Mike that people are so partisan that they can’t see their support is solely based on what letter is behind a politicians name. I don’t think Petz is like this since he has bucked Buck but I don’t think you can compare Libya to Uganda since this bill was approved long in advance.
  95. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 9:52 am
    When a bill is introduced to Congress and it carries language that allows for these types of actions. The excerpt I pasted above was directly from said APPROVED bill. The deployment of military personnel was implied and allowed. What they are doing is working as advisors even though the bill allows them to eliminate remaining members of the LRA and their leader. When we went to Bosnia we heard all the warning about how it was going to be a quagmire and that it wouldn’t resolve anything. It turned out to be anything but the truth since we played a pivotal role in peace coming there. I spoke to so many who lost loved ones to the ethnic cleansing and if I could make a difference I was happy. I am someone who raised my right hand, signed the contract, and am prepared to go on missions like this because we can make a difference. There were people during WW1 and WW2 who didn’t want us to get involved and stay isolated. It’s this thought process which allowed for the Holocaust to continue when it could have been stopped earlier. Sometimes you have to take a stand for what is right Petz.
  96. PackfanOctober 15, 2011 at 9:14 am
    We can change Americas’ name. We are no longer the “United” States. Where there is no compromise there is no unity!
  97. AlpinerOctober 15, 2011 at 12:22 pm
    And much of that disunity comes from the Obama camp. Whereas Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and even both Bushes worked jointly with Congress on legislation and compromises, Obama does not. But then Obama does not have much experience in compromise. He has never really made the friends he would need on both sides of the aisle to get things he as president would need passed. His experience in Congress was almost nil with most of his time taken up by running for president. Presidents Reagan and Clinton were experts in this arena and this is what we need in our president. Even Bush 2 worked jointly with Ted Kennedy to get Medicaid revisions passed. Obama continually acts more as a community organizer which is where most of his experience comes from — seeking to find a common enemy to fight and forgetting that he represents ALL the people, not just those that elected him. On top of this he is alienating significant 2008 supporting groups such as Catholic and Jewish voters, by making decisions and pushing legislation that almost seems like he just does not care about any promises he may have made to groups he may not personally agree with once he got elected. He continually appears as a lone wolf and this is not a good place to be if you want to seek the best for your nation, let alone win a second term
  98. PetzOctober 15, 2011 at 10:12 am
    We were told that we would be out of Bosnia in a year and we still have troops on the groudd. The congress never contemplated that resolution to include boots on the ground military action and Obama owed it to us to get a Joint Resolution of Congress specifically defining the scope of military action.
  99. CastaicClayOctober 15, 2011 at 10:29 am
    We were also told “now is the time to buy”.
  100. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 10:38 am
    It’s always the time to buy when one makes their living off of commission lol
  101. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 10:37 am
    Who said we would be out of Bosnia in a year? The resolution discussed switching from IFOR to SFOR in a year, which happened. And there were continuations of that Bill which were approved. How many troops did we lose to hostilities in Bosnia or Kosovo? But using your standard, why aren’t you up in arms over our deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan? And Congress did contemplate boots on ground which is implied when you discuss military action. The troops on the ground are in adviser capacity and are highly trained for this type of mission. In fact, this is the type of mission they were created for from the beginning and were misused much over the last 8 years.
  102. PetzOctober 15, 2011 at 5:04 pm
    A non sequiter which has nothing to do with congressional authorization of force. What do you fear and why are you so anxious to commit forces?
  103. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 9:56 pm
    I fear nothing and again regret we didn’t get involved in Rwanda or Sudan. Why are you so hesitant for us to help in such a small role? Do you realize how many countries we are deployed in across the globe, and this LONG before 9-11?
  104. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 1:09 pm
    And you use the term “Joint” as if many Republicans didn’t vote for this bill to begin with. Ask Congressman McKeon why he believed so much in this bill to vote for it.
  105. PetzOctober 15, 2011 at 11:39 am
    Petz is looking for fellow patriots to help distribute pocket Constitutions at the Occupysantaclarita event tomorrow.
  106. Mike MOctober 15, 2011 at 11:52 am
    There’s an app for that Actually not speaking sarcastically – I have the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in one app, and another that tracks the activities of Congress including the full text of bills currently under discussion, as well as a GPS-enabled “contact your representative” feature. Love tech…
  107. AlpinerOctober 15, 2011 at 3:44 pm
    I have that Constitution app and it is pretty cool.
  108. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 12:01 pm
    Petz I hate to disillusion you but I doubt the folks who are sponsored by the SEIU and other thugs and want the USA to become another Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea etc are even vaguely interested in the Constitution of the United Sates of America. They most likely would use those handbooks to fuel a bonfire, or for paper to roll their joints, rather than to educate themselves and understand what the Founders had in mind. I say give them all travel visas and send them on their way to experience socialism in all it facets…I bet they come back with a renewed appreciation of the Constitution and our system of government when it is being honored.
  109. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 1:06 pm
    Not to defend an entire group but I doubt that anyone in the OWS really wants America to be an entire Socialist based, Communist, or dictator run Nation. There are concepts in socialism which are not bad but socialism was not created at the dawn of time and borrowed from somewhere, usually religion. In fact, some of our earlier influences in modern times came from Christian Socialists, think the Pledge of Allegiance. After my many discussions with people in both camps it seems everyone cares so much about America but it is just different views and approaches on how to fix things.
  110. PetzOctober 15, 2011 at 4:20 pm
    We look for the good in every person, these kids are lost because the public education has failed them. The Tea Party has the answer-we need to engage them to bring them aboard. The Bigger the Government..The Smaller the Citizen
  111. Your Web GuruOctober 15, 2011 at 6:30 pm
    Petz, I love ya man, but your statement above has you officially “jumping the shark.” The fact that the movement originated as “Occupy Wall Street” is obviously lost on you and your ilk. This isn’t about asking for government handouts, it’s about accountability to corporate greed at the expense of the middle class. What do you think a pocket constitution is going to do for those who obviously understand their rights and are speaking out for what they believe in.? I think your kind is just SO PISSED that the “Occupy” movement dwarfs anything the Tea Party has ever done…And it’s still growing. Now, before you take the straw argument path and try to associate me with the movement, or moveon.org, or thinkprogress.org, or any of those other left-wing organizations you’ve mistakenly identified me with in the past, let me tell you that personally, I am not associating myself with the movement, just their right to have a movement and a voice. I never tore down the Tea Party’s right to organize and protest, despite the fact that I have nothing in common with them and disagree with just about every tactic they’ve come up with. So just accept that not everyone agrees with your ideology. Let your proverbial hair down for a minute, and try to have some empathy for someone other than yourself. You might find it’s actually quite a nice human trait to have.
  112. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 2:17 pm
    Sorry JP but any group whose members defecate on police cars, fornicate in public, want all of their debts “forgiven” at the expense of us more responsible folks, smoke dope, mooch off the very system they protest against, turn a park into an open sewer, and are backed by thug unions, do not receive my support or empathy. I also do not hear any of their “members” speaking out against racist anti-Semitic participants either.
  113. Your Web GuruOctober 15, 2011 at 5:33 pm
    The hypocrisy of you so-called “Patriots” sickens me. Everyone has the right to protest no matter how much you disagree with their point of view, and if you want to believe the right-wing radical bullsh*t because the “Occupy” protesters don’t fall into your marginalized, narrow world view, then I have nothing more than pity for your arrogance.
  114. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 7:08 pm
    YWG I am not surprised that you support these self indulgent lawless disrespectful “protesters” since we have established many times that I am not in sync with your liberal pot smoking values, and I am proud of it thanks. There are many of us who are sober, work hard for whatever we have, will work for less than twenty dollars an hour if that means we feed our kids or ourselves, do not take advantage of every opportunity to have a public orgy, and do not share your values. If in your opinion that makes me “arrogant with a narrow world view”, God bless you. I believe in individual responsibility and rewarding productive effort, not enabling a bunch of spoiled brats. If these folks feel so damaged by the capitalistic system, they have many other countries and political systems to choose from. I encourage them to go live their dreams and enjoy that nightmare without dragging this country through the mud. It is the hard working taxpayers, who do not have the time to go trespass on private park property or use the occasion as an excuse to recklessly have sex and smoke dope in public for a few weeks, who are picking up the tab. The costs picked up by taxpayers for cleaning up the raw sewage, additional overtime for law enforcement, traffic tie-ups, and all the other expenses are in the millions. These same hardworking folks are taking care of their responsibilities instead of demanding someone else pay the tab for them like your OWS folks. Guru I certainly do not require your validation to consider myself a true patriot, Christian, or whatever. My worldview is based upon personal observations after having traveled extensively, lived in foreign countries, and understanding that liberty has responsibilities as well as benefits. Socialism does not work nor does rewarding folks for just complaining louder. In any event, they should be talking to President Obama and Congress, not Wall Street. You hang onto your set of values and worldview; I will keep and defend mine.
  115. Your Web GuruOctober 15, 2011 at 7:41 pm
    “Liberal pot smoking values?” What the hell, Berta? You don’t know SQUAT about me, but you insist that because I respect the right of ANYONE to protest, you make up some sort of negative connotation to my response. Then again, it doesn’t surprise me as you are so sorely misguided on what the protesters stand for. For what it’s worth, aside from caffeine, I’m a major teetotaler. I neither smoke (ANYTHING), drink, or do any other drugs. But I guess since I don’t agree with you, it’s easy to slander my character without knowing anything about me. It’s easy to resort to name calling when you’ve got nothing intelligent to say.
  116. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 8:04 pm
    YWG my comments are based on some very lively discussions we had on this very forum regarding legalizing marijuana last year, which you fervently espoused and I just as fervently opposed. If you do not personally partake, which was not apparent from your previous comments, you still espouse those values, which are anathema to mine. I do not nor have I ever said that you or they do not have the right to protest. I disagree with their lawless methods, to whom they direct their anger, the costs paid by the taxpayers for their right to foul a private park and tie up resources, and why they are even protesting. I believe that is still my right? To quote you “It’s easy to resort to name calling when you’ve got nothing intelligent to say.” so that must be why you called me arrogant and narrow minded, right? I believe I have said all I needed to say to you on this topic today.
  117. JeffOctober 15, 2011 at 8:21 pm
    So to sum up Berta: If you’re upset about Gilded Age 2.0, if you think it’s probably not good for anyone that 400 people control more wealth than the bottom 50%, if you think business interest in this country gets way more consideration than the public interest, you’re a dirty hippy who smokes pot, has sex in public and defecates on police cars, and so you should leave America. Great having you Berta, as usual.
  118. Lori RivasOctober 15, 2011 at 9:28 pm
    Seriously.
  119. NateOctober 16, 2011 at 11:06 pm
    Why are Republicans like Berta so threatened by this movement.
  120. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 10:04 pm
    Berta, while I may not agree with them it is wrong to categorically stereotype every person who is a part of OWC. I know a few and their morals would rival my own as they would not partake in the things you accuse them of. In fact, there were quite a few veterans present at some of the larger rallies. The problem I see with America, and especially on the Right side, is that if you don’t meet “my”definition and fix in “my” box, then you are wrong/bad and must be the polar opposite politically of who I am. As an example, when I post certain comments on ROSCV I get labeled a liberal by some. Seriously? A liberal? (no offense to liberals.) I saw the same go down with the far Left protesters against the war in Iraq. If you didn’t agree with them you were labeled a Conservative War Mongerer. I am sick of the labels and assumptions and know that there is an energy involved with the OWC that needs to be channeled better IMO. No different than with the Tea Party.
  121. Mr PerezOctober 15, 2011 at 10:05 pm
    Fix=Fit
  122. JeffOctober 16, 2011 at 12:06 am
    No different than the Tea Party? Do you see a lot of folks protesting around the world for Tea Party/Ayn Rand values? Falsely equivocate much?
  123. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 9:36 am
    They are no different in that they are using public protest as a means of getting their message across. I also think that some are being semi unreasonable in their demands as well as their approach. If I dislike a business/corporation then I will boycott them to the fullest and make sure my family and friends do the same.
  124. 4eyedsueOctober 15, 2011 at 5:32 pm
    Thank GOD! Finally we are doing something about UGANDA! I hate war, have had a shitty day, and am too tired to read all of the posts- too tired to even rag on you Petz. Thank God. It is WAY past time.
  125. BertaOctober 15, 2011 at 11:17 pm
    Jeff and JP I have expressed my opinion of the protestors. You have expressed yours. We do not agree. I have no respect for those who protest in the manner these are. These folks have been the willing recipients of the many blessings of living in a society based on the free enterprise system/capitalism, which rewards and encourages individual accomplishment. As of now, we are still not a socialist nation where everyone is expected to share equally, despite President Obama’s desire to redistribute the wealth. Even in socialist countries that is not true anyway since the privileged elites still have better everything than the regular folks. Ask anyone who has ever lived in a socialist or communist country. These protesters are not the poor downtrodden masses. They have all the latest gizmos and gadgets most likely bought by mom and dad or their government taxpayer provided checks. They protest by damaging private property, using the occasion as an excuse to break the law, smoke pot, espouse anarchy, injure law enforcement personnel, and exhibit their immoral behaviors in public. Union thugs and other agitators back these groups. If Tea Party folks were behaving like this, they would be crucified by the media not glorified. The only message I am gleaning from these protests is how embarrassing that these folks are Americans. We are showing the world that although we enjoy the greatest freedom in the world we are still ungrateful, uncivilized, uncouth savages. Emulating failing countries like Greece, Italy, etc and demanding more entitlements and socialist policies encouraged by union agitators and community organizers is not sustainable nor the America I want to perpetuate. If this is hope and change, I prefer a rewind back to the past. Our country is more racially and economically divided since Obama took office and I predicted that we were heading towards another civil war thanks to the constant demonizing of those who have achieved a measure of financial success and the racial divisiveness. This manner of protesting is not getting them any sympathy/empathy from me. We are not going to agree on this issue…
  126. JeffOctober 15, 2011 at 11:46 pm
    You’re clearly very upset about the events this week. I’m sorry we upset and frightened you so much in our discussion about the protests. I will say this. Many people have the same vision of America you do. Strong. Militaristic. Intolerant of diverse opinions. A desire to return to the old times, to 1789 (or whatever year they’re looking at now). Black & White view of right and wrong. It’s a big demographic and you’re our local representative of it. This website probably isn’t the best to read if you’re into that, and I see that now since you keep pointing out that we aren’t going to agree. However, I think if you’re looking for someone powerful to support your views, Michele Bachmann is it. Today she promised to build a fence “inch by inch” from California to the Louisiana border to solve our immigration problem. Perhaps that is a start for folks like you who think blood is about to be spilled in a new civil war. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-bachmann-immigration-20111016,0,6563993.story
  127. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 9:59 am
    I think the “civil war” being mentioned is both irresponsible and unrealistic. I heard the same claims when Bush was President and people were protesting the war. It’s like when a child doesn’t get their way and they accuse you of not loving them simply because. I won’t fully support the OWS crowd because I see too many in their ranks that were there doing the same type of protests against recruiting stations years ago. Total effin’ douche bags did that and can NEVER claim to support the troops.
  128. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 2:19 pm
    JP warning of a rift so great that it may cause another civil war is neither irresponsible nor unrealistic. When you have something that I want and I can get it from you by force by rioting or other lawless means, rather than earning it by my own efforts, one of us is bound to get hurt. That is fact and if there is not a major change in policy direction, it is coming. Class warfare, racial divisiveness, partisan politics, are all real issues in the USA and that nearly boiling over pot has been stirred by President Obama and his policies of redistributing the wealth. I do believe President Obama has lead to a deteriorating climate of racial cohesiveness since he plays to his audience and forgets that he is the president of ALL of the CITIZENS and legal residents of the United States of America, not just the black folks, Hispanics, or the illegal aliens. I do not believe that you have to tear down those who have worked hard and succeeded in order to bring up those who have less. I do not fault Caucasian Americans for resenting having to pay for policies enacted by many politicians, which they do not want to support. I also do not believe they want to “hold onto power”. Caucasians have helped fellow Americans of every race, creed, ethnic background, etc to raise themselves up and enjoy America’s prosperity. We are the most generous and tolerant nation in the world. America is great because it has been a nation of laws, where everyone has the same OPPORTUNITIES. Equal opportunity is allowing all of us to have the same opportunity to live in freedom, attend school, work, live in any neighborhood we can afford; vote our choice of candidate or issue, etc. Equal opportunity does not mean everyone gets to ignore the laws, or gets a free ride at my expense, or the taxpayers owe anyone free housing, medical, education, etc. I am very concerned for the future of the America I grew up in and love.
  129. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:42 pm
    Again, what does this protest have to do with race? I see the majority of the protesters being Caucasian themselves so are we alluding to the rich being white and the protesters not being white? I’m confused, please help me here. And I am also confused over how you insinuate that President Obama is causing racial divides. I just want to see it from your shoes and with concrete facts. If anything by him being the POTUS, it shows that we have made a major accomplishment in equality if nothing else. You can’t disagree with that.
  130. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 2:14 pm
    Jeff and other like-minded commenters, I have consistently said these folks have the right to protest but I have also said they need to do so within the bounds of the law. They are not. They are engaging in criminal behaviors and using this “cause” as an excuse to do so. If by consistently saying that I believe we are a nation of laws and that folks should follow the rule of law whether the topic is immigration, voting, protesting or whatever, that makes me “Intolerant of diverse opinions” then we have a different understanding of what constitutes diverse opinions. I welcome diverse opinions, debate, challenging the status quo, and I welcome exercising my and their free speech and peaceful assembly rights. I do not welcome lawlessness and anarchy. You are correct that many people have the same vision of America as I do. We were once a strong, united, nation governed for and by a people who enjoyed the greatest freedom and prosperity of any nation on this planet. A country where legal immigrants are welcomed and become part of the fabric of this great democracy. A country with enough resources to take care of her own citizens and to help those living under repressing regimes. Where personal responsibility and effort can take the son of a house cleaner and chauffeur, and maybe put him in the White House. Where women have the right to vote, drive, and yes even demonstrate against the very government system that permits those freedoms. You say, “It’s a big demographic and you’re our local representative of it.” I am proud to be of service if that is the role you allot me!
  131. JeffOctober 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm
    ” I welcome diverse opinions, debate, challenging the status quo, and I welcome exercising my and their free speech and peaceful assembly rights.” No you don’t. You think the #OWS protesters should leave America because they don’t see things the way you see things. I would never tell you should leave America because you’re conservative. What gives?
  132. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 7:16 pm
    Jeff, I said: I believe in individual responsibility and rewarding productive effort, not enabling a bunch of spoiled brats. If these folks feel so damaged by the capitalistic system, they have many other countries and political systems to choose from. I encourage them to go live their dreams and enjoy that nightmare without dragging this country through the mud. I also said: I say give them all travel visas and send them on their way to experience socialism in all it facets…I bet they come back with a renewed appreciation of the Constitution and our system of government when it is being honored. You said: You think the #OWS protesters should leave America because they don’t see things the way you see things. I DID NOT say they should leave America because they do not agree with me. I said they should visit some of these other countries with the very system of government they are calling for and they would likely return with a renewed appreciation for how we live in the USA. I disagree with you frequently and am not calling for your forcible expulsion either so please stop making my comments out to be something they are not.
  133. JeffOctober 16, 2011 at 7:19 pm
    “I DID NOT say they should leave America because they do not agree with me.” You’re right. I’m sorry. There’s a world of difference between the phrase “they should leave America” and “give them all travel visas and send them on their way.”
  134. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 7:30 pm
    You conveniently forgot the rest of the sentence… to experience socialism in all it facets…I bet they come back with a renewed appreciation of the Constitution and our system of government when it is being honored. So yes, there is a difference and it has nothing to do with agreeing with me either. It has to do with understanding and appreciating our system of government, warts and all. You should be sorry but I get the sarcasm just fine.
  135. VenturanOctober 16, 2011 at 7:35 pm
    “a bunch of spoiled brats” How much time have you spent engaging with anyone protesting? The folks I’ve spoken with who have clocked time picketing are teachers, firefighters, retail workers – and yes, many unemployed, many who are educated and ready and willing to work.
  136. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 9:03 pm
    ND I have probably spent as much time with them as you have spent with us Tea Party folks. According to you, they are all educated and ready to work but at least the ones who have been interviewed on TV are not willing to work for less than $20 an hour if at all. When you are unkempt, have lots of visible tattoos, long hair, smoke pot, and sound like you are stoned and not too bright job prospects are somewhat limited even in a very good economy. I am sure there must be some intelligent folks in these protest groups too but they are protesting the wrong folks. It is the previous and current President’s policies, which have acerbated our economic woes, not the capitalistic system. Following capitalist precepts there would have been no bailouts for anyone. If they have student loans, they are their responsibility. Should I also ask the government to replace my lost IRA funds because of the market decline? It was not my fault after all. I mean some of the OWS folks cannot find a job, so they feel their education was a bad investment, and someone else should pay for it now? Come on… Get government out of the way, end these stupid job-killing policies and let entrepreneurs create industries and jobs for those genuinely willing to work.
  137. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:02 am
    And despite what you may admit Berta, I think our country is more divided racially because there is a Blackman in the White House and whites are slowly but surely losing a foothold in being the dominant group in America. I don’t agree with his immigration policies, nor those of President Bush, but you can’t honestly sit there and say he is stirring the “Racial Pot.”
  138. Gang FangOctober 16, 2011 at 12:01 am
    Wow. Berta UNLEASHED. Much like a seismologist, I’m predicting a run on paragraph of at least a 7.0 on the Berta scale.
  139. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 7:34 pm
    Gang Fang can you tell me what it takes to achieve a ten so I know what to shoot for?
  140. Gang FangOctober 16, 2011 at 12:04 am
    Also, don’t forget to bring your favorite side dish to this month’s “Orgy, Weed, & Anarchy” pot luck. It’s sure to a great day for the family. Thanks!
  141. PetzOctober 16, 2011 at 2:58 am
    My regressive and liberal friends are reminded that the Ten Commandments are silent about greed-but do forbid coveting. The problem with this crowd is between their ears-they have allowed the mainstream media and Democrat mantra to #occupytheirheads. Anyone up for a round of frisbee gold after the organizational meeting?
  142. PetzOctober 16, 2011 at 3:15 am
    Petz condems the violence at #occupyrome and hopes that those who occupysantaclarita will respect the rule of law today.
  143. Lori RivasOctober 16, 2011 at 4:16 am
    I am continually shocked at the aggressive name-calling and broad generalizations, and the complete and utter lack of discussion of ideas. Do we really live in a world of where a differing opinion merits such vitriol? Talk about cultural hegemony. Sheesh.
  144. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:04 am
    Lori, the thought process is either one is with us or against us. And when ppl do meet their goal is to convert, if even subconsciously, that different person to be like them. I see this on both sides of the aisle.
  145. PetzOctober 16, 2011 at 2:35 pm
    Guess you were sitting at home on the couch watching football.
  146. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:45 pm
    No, I was spending time with my daughter and encouraging physical fitness. I am not down with the OWS crowd anymore than I was with the Tea Party. I think each has some valid points but I won’t be buying either philosophy today. Lions got beat by the way, go Bears! lol
  147. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 2:23 pm
    These comments are from the woman who always has the time to criticize others but no time to answer direct questions or debate an issue?
  148. Need for Involved CitizenryOctober 16, 2011 at 3:08 pm
    So I guess it is ok to criticize if you have six paragraphs of rubbish to support your criticism while it is not ok to criticize if you don’t?
  149. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 7:21 pm
    NFIC one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You write plenty of paragraphs I disagree with too but I still read them and do not call them rubbish either.
  150. Lori RivasOctober 16, 2011 at 4:47 pm
    Berta, just lay off. You are being very nasty, and it is unattractive and uninviting.
  151. Phil EllisOctober 16, 2011 at 6:47 pm
    Got a mirror
  152. BertaOctober 16, 2011 at 7:18 pm
    Lori nice try but I do not take my marching orders from you and your negative comments do not phase me particularly since you will not answer a direct question. If you do not like what I have to say, please skip my comments. You will not hurt my feelings…
  153. NateOctober 16, 2011 at 11:01 pm
    I agree with Berta on this…
  154. PetzOctober 16, 2011 at 3:18 pm
    Petz was very impressed with the leader “Sam” an attractive young woman who is concerned with the direction of this country. Several names like Lutness and Trautman in attendance. Petz identified himself and was trying to build a bridge between the Tea Party and the 99ers. There certainly is a broad area of concern “crony capitalism” that could prove to be of mutual interest. Certainly do not agree with many of their positions, but they are sincere and civil. Ended up with about twenty folks at Central Park-meeting went for two hours.
  155. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:47 pm
    I give you much credit for doing that Petz. Like I have said so many times before, we as a people have more in common than what we give ourselves credit for. Coffee on Tuesday?
  156. AlpinerOctober 16, 2011 at 3:52 pm
    What I really worry about is this sense of “entitlement” that is overwhelming our society. This is what really worries me.
  157. VenturanOctober 16, 2011 at 5:42 pm
    Few blinked an eye when we bailed out the banks with trillions of our dollars. I don’t recall any discussion of “where will this money come from?” They had a gun to our heads and Paulson was all too ready to extend a helping hand sans a national discussion. Then more followed under Geithner/Obama, Fannie and Freddie being the most expensive. We either put conditions on those bailouts (after the fact – call the notes otherwise, it’s our damn money) to bail out Main Street (think “HAMP” with teeth, including principal write-down and possibly some student loan forgiveness) or this, I fear, will only escalate. And we might even get the economy going with some badly needed clarity in the housing market, who knows. We already set the precedent. We need to either reset it or extend it.
  158. JeffOctober 16, 2011 at 6:02 pm
    Entitlement? Last I checked I and every other working American pay into social security, Medicare, workman’s comp and all the other programs that address market failures. They’re more like earned benefits, not entitlement. Hey Alpiner- did you know the home interest mortgage deduction program costs more than generalized “welfare” programs? Are you ready to give up that entitlement for the good of our deficit?
  159. Capt. GeneOctober 16, 2011 at 8:53 pm
    I am.
  160. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:55 pm
    The theory is if that program is sunk, property values would drop. That may not be a bad thing here in California where home prices are out of control.
  161. PetzOctober 16, 2011 at 4:43 pm
    We really need to help educate them and be willing to learn about their cares and concerns. It was not a lot easier when Petz graduated college with a BA in Economics circa 1980 and thought he was owed a living. It does no good to sit at home. There is more similiarity than there is difference. Many of us are working under assumptions that are not true. We can work together to restore the promise of the United States for all citizens. Liberty, In God We Trust, E Pluribus Unum -ain’t nothing going to get in our way.
  162. Your Web GuruOctober 16, 2011 at 4:51 pm
    Apparently early reports indicate the Occupy Santa Clarita organization meeting went off without any fornicating (in the park, cars, or anywhere else), pot smoking or public defecating.
  163. 4eyedsueOctober 16, 2011 at 5:22 pm
    dud
  164. PetzOctober 16, 2011 at 6:20 pm
    Lucy defecated, but Petz disposed of it.
  165. PackfanOctober 16, 2011 at 4:56 pm
    You would see us descend into anarchy before you let go of your religious stranglehohd on politics. We will go to war before we accept your theologic nonsense! Get your martyr crap ready!
  166. Mr PerezOctober 16, 2011 at 10:51 pm
    If people were truly focused on theology there wouldn’t be an argument over me being rich and not giving more to the poor. Yes, I know that rich people give in charity but if we followed our respected religions there wouldn’t be those living in mansions while others lived under bridges and this wouldn’t have to come via taxes.
  167. AlpinerOctober 16, 2011 at 5:55 pm
    Religious “stranglehold” on politics…..??? Yeah right, that is why this state is so solidly blue….
  168. BertaOctober 17, 2011 at 12:14 am
    Nate I am neither Republican nor threatened. I have no political party affiliation. I am aware, concerned, and prepared.
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