The American Spectator : Romney's Lawnmower Problem

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Romney’s Lawnmower Problem

By George Neumayr on 10.20.11 @ 6:10AM

Why did a petty attack unnerve him?

Mitt Romney wasn’t always “heartless” on the issue of illegal immigration. He once hired Community Lawn Service with a Heart, the actual name of the landscaping company to which Rick Perry alluded in Tuesday’s debate. Perry was reviving the story that Romney had hired the company, which used some illegal immigrants from Guatemala, to tend the ample grounds of his Massachusetts home.

Annoyed by Romney’s charge that he is soft on illegal immigration, Perry had to dig something up to silence his opponent. This story was the best he could do. In the grand scheme of things, it is a pretty minor matter, but Perry pretended to treat it with extreme gravity, arguing that it destroys Romney’s credibility as an opponent of illegal immigration. Perry even circled back to the story, triggering some boos from the crowd.

At first Romney literally laughed off Perry’s lunge. But the fakeness of the laugh was quickly revealed by the sudden and strange loss of Romney’s customary composure. Somewhat flustered at the unexpected attack, Romney started grabbing at Perry’s shoulder and made a nerdy appeal for help to “Anderson” after Perry kept up his prepared, though poorly executed, patter.

Romney’s usually unflappable demeanor is one of his more impressive qualities, but in Tuesday’s debate he betrayed the prickliness of a perfectionist under fire. Above-the-fray aloofness would have served him better. It would have strengthened the view that his candidacy is inevitable. His defensiveness only served to raise Perry up to his level and left the impression that a long slog through the primary season with Perry may have just begun.

Apparently Romney’s old lawnmower problem still bothers him. Other prominent perfectionists have been unnerved by niggling nanny issues. For Romney it is his trivial hiring of Community Lawn Service with a Heart that still rankles. In 2006, the Boston Globe provided all hands-on-deck coverage of Romney’s lawn maintenance, even dispatching reporters to Guatemala to track down members of his old ground crew:

The Globe received a tip in July alleging that Romney was using illegal immigrants to landscape his property. Reporters then observed the lawn service workers outside Romney’s house more than a dozen times, sometimes as frequently as twice a week.

Reporters tracked down four current and former employees of the company at their homes in Chelsea and in Guatemala. All had landscaped Romney’s property while working for Community Lawn Service with a Heart, and their tenure ranged from one worker who had joined the company just a month ago to another who had worked there 10 years.

The Globe found one worker down in Guatemala who recalled that the Romneys treated him nicely. He sometimes got a “buenos dias” from the passing governor and a glass of water from his wife.

Confronted with the Globe’s story, Romney said, “Aw, geez.” A Romney spokesman explained that the governor was ignorant of the immigration status of these workers.

The owner of the landscaping company, according to the Globe, “said he met Romney through the Mormon Church and said Romney has used his company’s services for a decade” without ever asking about the immigration status of his workers.

Perry now calls this the “height of hypocrisy,” and the Globe’s 2006 story adopts this same tone: “Even as Romney travels the country, vowing to curb the flood of low-skilled illegal immigrants into the United States, some of those workers maintain his own yard, cutting grass, pruning shrubs, and mulching trees.”

Did Romney knowingly hire illegal immigrants? Probably not. On the other hand, he didn’t seem to care about their immigration status until the Globe nabbed him and this complicated his first presidential run. In Tuesday’s debate, he said that he contacted the landscaping company after the story came out, not to upbraid it for breaking the law but for exposing him to embarrassment: “So we went to the company, and we said, ‘Look, you can’t have any illegals working on our property. I’m running for office, for Pete’s sake! I can’t have illegals!” That was perhaps Romney’s most straightforward answer of the evening.

None of this would have come back up if Romney hadn’t decided to play the hardliner against Perry on illegal immigration. The truth is that neither candidate is blameless on the issue and both look opportunistic. Is the moderate Romney really outraged that the children of illegal immigrants receive in-state tuition rates in Texas? No, but he has to pretend to be in order to tap into Tea Party support. Is Perry really outraged that Romney hired illegal immigrants to mow his lawn? No, but that was the only weapon of revenge at hand. The scuffle will likely go down as another petty and forgettable episode in the pandering sport that is American politics.

About the Author

George Neumayr, a contributing editor to The American Spectator, is co-author, with Phyllis Schlafly, of the new book, No Higher Power: Obama’s War on Religious Freedom.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (216) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

gearjammewr| 10.20.11 @ 6:25AM

What is the conservative plan on immigration ? In the end, everyone says we can't deport millions of people. So what to do ? Even know it all Newt seems tongue tied. Santorum at least approached the begining of a dialogue. All Latinos or Hispanics are not La Raza nuts ! I ask Monseignor Santorum this however-why do these devout Catholics have so many kids out of wedlock that they will never be able to pay for ? Why is his precious Church falling on its holy ass when installing moral values in this area ? However, if all the Republican candidate does is snarl and menace these folks-well say hello to 4 more years Obama. And, an ACLU court. The conservative needed to work with Bush when he was trying to work this out. Instead, they went beserk with hatred.

Darin| 10.20.11 @ 6:35AM

Step 1. Secure the border. Until and unless this is done, all other reforms are meaningless. If rabbits keeps getting in your garden, keeping the rabbits out is priority one. You don't add fertilizer to help the plants grow, you don't worry about the rabbits living in the garden. You stop new rabbits from getting in. Then you deal with the existing rabbits.

Yes, immigration is far different, but until the problem with border security is addressed, all other discussion is not only meaningless, it distracts from the real issue.

Jack in Wi.| 10.20.11 @ 8:12AM

Ron Paul is by far the best advocate of the Catholic doctrines of Subsidiarity, the Just War Doctrine and Pro-life policy, and he is a Protestant. Sadly Mr. Neumayr is concentrating on chicken poop issue involving who cuts who's lawn. Get With the program George and back Ron Paul. It will do your soul some good.

Sean| 10.20.11 @ 9:01AM

Margie's candidate Cain says government should not be involved in the choice of abortion. Says leave it to the family. Uh oh prochoice Cain

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/her.....ro-choice/

William Z| 10.20.11 @ 9:48AM

So, you think it is the government’s business?

Sean| 10.20.11 @ 10:07AM

Prolife people see it as murder. So yes the government should prevent murder. Cain is pro choice he leaves it to the woman to decide if she wants to kill the unborn baby or not.

William Z| 10.20.11 @ 10:24AM

So, you want to take the decision--and the responsibility away from the woman?

KyMouse| 10.20.11 @ 1:19PM

That's a good point, William Z -- mothers have not only rights, but also responsibilities. And since today's medical science cannot transplant a baby from one woman's womb into another's, it is the pregnant woman's responsibility to bring bring her baby into this world whole and healthy. If, after her baby's birth, she does not want to raise her child, or cannot for some reason, she can place the baby with adoptive parents.

Yes indeed -- a mother's first responsibility is to the baby inside her, because no one else can take over that responsibility. There are more than 4,000 pregnancy-resource centers in this country who are eager to help pregnant mothers who need assistance.

Todd D| 10.20.11 @ 1:20PM

Tea Party was created for FISCAL issues not social issues.

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 2:45PM

Fiscal conservatism without respect for human life is Utilitarian Nazism.

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 2:39PM

The government is obligated to protect children's lives, ESPECIALLY when their parents want to kill them.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 2:48PM

Actually, doesn't the father share some RESPONSIBILITY for the initiation and support of the new little human; and therefore a voice in the decision.

Or do you prefer the impregnate and bolt approach?

Is it always the woman's 'fault?'

Do you not want to punish your daughters with a baby?

Do you think the government should not outlaw abortions, say 19 months after conception?

How about 79 months after conception?

790 months after conception?

Wade Smith| 10.23.11 @ 8:14PM

William you don't get it do you? Innocent life is to be protected. It is NOBODY's choice to KILL an innocent baby.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:58PM

Sean is a blatant lying Paul-bot, another one who lies for a living.

Sean| 10.20.11 @ 2:41PM

The other link is down now. Herman Cain in his own words. Government should not be involved. That is pro choice Margie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73vPtcvLsUY

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 2:51PM

Unless of course he thinks it should be up to the states. Or if he thinks it should be legislated through the legislature, instead being decreed by an immune federal court system?

That is not necessarily "pro-choice" as in the code version of "pro-abortion," is it.

Nice try.

Foxfier | 10.27.11 @ 2:17AM

What part of "it should be illegal" did you not understand?

Hint: opposition to the slaughter of a child, because the father is a scumbag, does not mean you think the woman should be forced to raise the child.

There was this guy, called Jobs, who is an example of one of the other options.....

Vern Crisler | 10.20.11 @ 8:27PM

Sean, this is a serious charge against Cain. Your link didn't work. My understanding is that Cain, like a lot of pro-life people, makes exceptions in case of rape or incest. It's really unfair to call Cain a pro-abortionist on the basis of such a flimsy foundation.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:34PM

And Cain also said he is against abortion including in the cases of rape or incest.
The punk Piers Morgan interrupted him as he was about to explain exactly why he was AGAINST abortion IN ALL CASES INCLUDING THE ABOVE, to hound him on it.

Cain responded by saying that the parents of children in these cases need to be the ones making the decisions, and not the government.

LOL. The Trolling Paul-bots, who are supposedly against government interference in human affairs are now advocating government intervention when it comes to abortion?

Interesting!

You either love him or hate him, based on your own ideology, but he's an honest man. The Paul-bot hypocrites and slanderers as well as the Establishment hacks are always out in full force here to try and destroy ANY real conservative.

And he clarified:

"“Yesterday in an interview with Piers Morgan on CNN, I was asked questions about abortion policy and the role of the President.

I understood the thrust of the question to ask whether that I, as president, would simply “order” people to not seek an abortion.
My answer was focused on the role of the President. The President has no constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone. That was the point I was trying to convey.

As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life. End of story.

I will appoint judges who understand the original intent of the Constitution. Judges who are committed to the rule of law know that the Constitution contains no right to take the life of unborn children.

I will oppose government funding of abortion. I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood. I will do everything that a President can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life.”

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 10:09PM

Don't worry, Sean, Margie will ditch Cain just as she ditched Perry. Wait a month.

Mike Hawk| 10.20.11 @ 6:43AM

First of all it's about "ILLEGAL" immigration. Second, they are from all over, not just Mexico. LA Raza is about Meicans taking over the Southweat US, especially Mexifornia. It's a good start to get them to self deport before we throw their sorry asses out. The Oborg collective won't do it.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 7:28AM

Who says we can't deport Millions of people? There used to be Millions of Jews, in the Middle East, in ever Country. How many are their, now?
There used to be Thousands of Christian Churches in Iraq and Egypt and Syria and Afghanistan and Jordan. How many are there, now?
So, you see, it can be done.
One at a time.

Dick Nome| 10.20.11 @ 8:05AM

What, pray tell, is the the whacko comparison you are trying to make. Your analogies are non-senense.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 8:52AM

Really? They're non-senence?
I guess, you would know.
These Comments are like Jokes. If they have to be explained to "Geniuses" like you?
Well, why waste the time? You're not gonna UNDERSTAND it, anyway.
Because it's just NON-SENESE.
Idiot.

Mike Hawk| 10.20.11 @ 11:21AM

Hey Dopey, those people were murdered if they didn't escape, not deported to a large extent. Furthermore they were not illegal immigrants, they were indiginous populace. You comparison isn't valid. You are a joke.

Mac Jehoff| 10.20.11 @ 12:30PM

Tone down your anger laddies and poof read your typing . Let us have adult exchanges without reducing the dialogue to a level commensurate with DemocRATS.

Todd D| 10.20.11 @ 1:25PM

Little Timmy is a condescending smart a$$ who doesn't play well with others.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 9:58AM

Actually, tlp, a lot of those deportations were of the "self-deportation" type. When illegal immigrants, or in the case of middle East Christians, unpopular residents, notice that local conditions are becoming hostile, most don't wait for the jack-booted thugs to pound on their doors-they get the heck out before then. I would not be surprised to learn that that is an Arab SOP to try to get the Israelis to just go away.

If the US were serious about the illegal immigration and enforced existing laws concerning hiring illegal immigrants, there would be no need for ordering up jack-boots. Self-deportation would take care of most of the problem.

There's a big midwestern suburb that I know that had a huge population of Mexican illegals. In the last two years, they have cleared out. Town looks different now. Streets used to be lined with parked cars on both sides with nary an open spot. Now, there's only the oil spots from rickety cars that have managed to leave. There are a lot of foreclosed, boarded-up houses, where there used to be three or four cars in the driveway. The soccer fields are empty, there were a lot of adult soccer leagues.

The ICE people are bragging that they deported 400,000 last fiscal year. What they fail to report is how many self-deported because there was no longer a job here. The US is an expensive and cold place for a Mexican to vacation.

Oh, and all those empty foreclosed houses, are they the tip of the housing market disaster iceberg? Sure they are small and low end, up real estate is like checkers, you keep jumping other guys to get ahead. Nobody to jump, you just sit.

The creepy Napolitano chairperson was saying the other day that there are maybe 10 million illegals in the country. Five years ago, everybody said there were 18 or 20 million. We know ICE didn't do the job - it was self-deportations, those easy, cheap, Nancy-Grace-free-agonistes deportations.

If we do tighten up the border, we better give them a couple of months notice, so's we don't lock them in...

Harry the Horrible| 10.20.11 @ 9:21AM

Is it really that hard to figure out?
We don't have to deport them. We make them miserable (no work, no welfare, no benefits, criminal prosecution with being an illegal alien as an aggravating circumstance) and they'll deport themselves.
We also need a barrier on our borders that stops further infiltration.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 9:29AM

Why NOT deport them?

The Teamsters would love that. LOTS of bus-driving jobs.

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 2:42PM

Once they are in the country, the onus is on the government to prove they aren't citizens. How do you prove somebody was not born here?

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 3:46PM

Easy.

Step 1: Speak English? Hablo ingles? Speakee Englishee?

If they don't, chances are they WEREN'T born here.

Step 2: Got ID?

If they don't, and they also don't "speakee englishee", then the chances that they weren't born here AND aren't tourists increases by about 10x.

Step 3: Background check.

Credit-card companies can do this in about 5 minutes. What's the Fed's problem?

3 easy steps! See how simple it is?

Drunken Sailor| 10.20.11 @ 4:20PM

Really. That's odd because I seem to remember having to prove I was a US citizen to join our armed forces.

Mike Hawk| 10.20.11 @ 6:21PM

A bith certificate no less. I had to present it for my passport and to enlist in the US Army.

buckeyeman| 10.20.11 @ 11:05AM

Here's MY conservative plan to deal with illegal aliens (a completely different subject from "immigration")

1. Make it a felony to knowingly enter or remain in the US illegally. Require brief but mandatory incarceration (three months, perhaps). Use the incarcerated to clean up the trash their confreres have left on our southern border.

2. Require all who are presently in the country illegally to register and receive a biometric photo ID card within 90 days. Disney World uses a thumbprint ID system for its ticketing which is fast, cheap, and very accurate(anyone without at least. Failure to register involves a higher degree felony with longer incarceration. Those who decide not to register for whatever reason have 90 days to vamoose.

3. Those who register according to the law will then be granted a period of time (perhaps one to three years) to self deport. This is highly compassionate and allows these folks to get their affairs in order.

4. Establish a GUEST worker program for BRIEF entry (six months) into the US with a mandatory three month return to their home country before applying for another guest worker permit. Only workers with pre-arranged employment will qualify and only the worker (no wives, children, cousins, etc) and permits can only be applied for in person and in the individuals home country.

Use the same type of biometric photo ID for guest workers and require employers to e-verify with penalties for those who don't. US citizens would not need any more ID than is currently required. Why should I carry a "national ID card" simply because aliens have chosen to enter my country illegally?

5. Legislate so that only children of permanent legal residents will be eligible for automatic US citizenship. This probably could be done without changing the 14th Amendment.

6. Require a portion of guest workers' pay to be used for health insurance for emergencies only (remitted by their employers, not the employees). They can return to their home countries for elective treatment and ER's here are required to treat all comers anyway. Guest workers would not be eligible for any other federal or state assistance programs.

Our experience in Arizona and now Georgia informs us that illegal aliens are quite aware of the US laws which they violate daily and are quite mobile. Self deportation is simple and cheap. Building a fence will never work as long as there is no serious enforcement of internal immigration laws.

Notice the absence of fencing in my plan. Why? Because it won't be necessary except in limited areas where it already exists. "Catch and Release" is our current problem. Put some teeth in our laws regarding illegal entry and enforce them and the problem is solved.

Buster Himann| 10.20.11 @ 12:34PM

Your plan might work in Ohio. BTW the 14th amendment does not have to be changed, it is presently being misread by millions.

ElPuma25| 10.20.11 @ 1:01PM

Good plan. The problem is No. 4.
How do you identify the illegal inmigrants from legals and nationals without requiring ID's for nationals (wich I viscerally dislike) ?
That for me is the crux, and the main beef most national hispanics had with the Arizona law (I know it only involved cases of law-breaking behavior, but it was generally misinterpreted).

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 2:43PM

Don't nationals get SSN's shortly after birth?

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 3:48PM

With respect to Americans of Hispanic descent...

Not ONE of them has ever offered a decent reason to oppose the Arizona law.

TrueBlue| 10.20.11 @ 4:15PM

If they are having multiple kids out of wedlock they aren't very devout Catholics to be honest. People, especially young kids, bend to peer pressure though, we're all human. In the end it comes down to how much responsibility you're willing to accept for your own actions.

Blaming the Church is just plain silly though. The Church teaches the lessons, but it does not force people to do, or not do, certain things. That comes back to the free will of the individual involved. People want to fit in to society, so given the number of attacks on religion in general, and the Catholic Church specifically, I would place more blame on society lacking proper moral values than I would on any of the various religious bodies.

On a side note, it amuses me (in a somewhat dark manner) that just about anything negative done by ANY of the various Christian sects tends to end up being blamed on the Catholic Church.

Innocent Bystander| 10.20.11 @ 6:26AM

Petty squabbling is damaging to the party.
Romney needs to switch places with Newt and physically get away from Perry's absurd attacks. Reminds me of 1992 when Ross Perot was attacking President Bush the Elder and threw the election to Clinton. Perry is helping Obama.

Darin| 10.20.11 @ 6:38AM

Your comparison only holds up if Romney is the GOP nominee and Perry runs for President as an independent (or vice versa). Both are vying for the GOP nomination (along with several others). There have been no primaries yet, so any "front runner" is based on polls only.

Mike Hawk| 10.20.11 @ 6:57AM

Damn right. Not one vote has been cast. Only problem now is the race to be the 1st primary. Seems the establishment pols want to have it decided ASAP and the voter be damned.

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 2:52PM

You're right Mike. Romney is the establishment RINO's, and Perry isn't much better.

Whichever Republican wins the primary will probably win the election. We cannot afford another RINO for 4 or 8 years. We need somebody who will undo the last 4 years (40 years?) of damage. Anybody but Romney. Just like 12 years ago it should have been any candidate but Bush.

Mimi| 10.20.11 @ 9:11AM

After the CNN SHOW the other night and the "boys" immature, battle on display they both may be standing on both ENDS of the row!
I checked them BOTH off my list because...the sadness of watching "O" choose his election business ahead of the country. A good president will put the good of the country ahead of themselves and their own interest. Romney and Perry want it too much and acted poorly....we need a type to "SERVE" the NATION with some iota of humility!

John Daniel| 10.20.11 @ 6:49AM

Has Romney ever operated a lawn mower?

Kenny| 10.20.11 @ 7:05AM

Nice --- and to the point!

Shamus| 10.20.11 @ 7:10AM

Tim Pawlenty offered to mow Romney's lawn. He should have taken him up on the offer.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 7:00AM

follow The Campaign Money Trail.

Romney Cronies:
Goldman Sachs $354,700
Credit Suisse Group $195,250
Morgan Stanley $185,800
HIG Capital $176,500
Barclays $155,250
Kirkland & Ellis $129,100
Bank of America $121,500
PricewaterhouseCoopers $118,250
EMC Corp $117,300
JPMorgan Chase & Co $109,750
The Villages $92,500
Vivint Inc $88,250
Sullivan & Cromwell $78,750
Marriott International $75,837
Bain Capital $69,500
UBS AG $64,250
Wells Fargo $63,000
Blackstone Group $57,300
Citigroup Inc $56,550
KKR & Co $53,900

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 8:01AM

Ron Paul = 5%.

Dick Nome| 10.20.11 @ 8:06AM

Ron Paul - Kooks 100%

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:11AM

" RON PAUL “PLAN TO RESTORE AMERICA”

ENTITLEMENTS:
Honors our promise to our seniors and veterans,
while allowing young workers to opt out. Block grants
Medicaid and other welfare programs to allow States
the $exibility and ingenuity they need to solve their
own unique problems without harming those currently
relying on the programs."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 9:30AM

Ron Paul is a Non-Starter.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 8:56AM

Listen to me. You have to stop TEASING the animals. IGNORE HIM, and he'll go away.
Otherwise, he just mucks up the whole freaking page. Like that other IDIOT - Mr. Non-senense.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 10:56AM

No can do.

Too much fun.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 12:55PM

Give it a try Doc

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:24PM

Paul-bot Troll Alert.
LOL!

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:55PM

Herman Cain,
"So what I'm saying is it ultimately gets down to a choice that that family or that mother has to make. Not me as president, not some politician, not a bureaucrat," Cain said. "It gets down to the family and whatever they decide, they decide. I shouldn't have to tell them what decision to make for such a sensitive issue."

"The government shouldn't be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decision that they need to make,"

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 8:57PM

Like the sick and perverted scum that you TRULY are, you COVENIENTLY leave out what he was responding to, punk.

It had to do with PARENTS in the case of RAPE or INCEST.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 9:33PM

IDIOT ALERT:
Margie is posting looking for someone to talk to her.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:37PM

Are you kidding me, Troll?
I come here to post FACTS, that's it.
Shunning and verbal abuse by punks like you doesn't make it appealing, and purposefully so. I don't care. The Truth is my best friend, and it HIM Whose opinion matters to me.
Fool.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 10:03PM

Margie, you are truly a dim bulb. You actually think you post FACTS? You post opinions and mostly moronic opinions not supported by facts and logic. I feel sorry for you.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 10:32PM

Paul-bot PUNK:

To you, everyone who isn't for Ron Paul is a dim bulb.

"Take me to your Leader."
'Cept the Leader's out to lunch.
And that's a FACT:

2012 Iowa Republican Caucus
Iowa: Cain 28% Romney 21% Paul 10%

Now more than ever!

Margaret| 10.21.11 @ 8:24AM

Idiot Magie, not for Paul. For Santorum.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 2:28PM

Idiot Troll:
You behave just like them.
Get a clue, punk.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 2:31PM

Don't worry.

Clint is scared. He's given-up.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 2:40PM

He must be taking a sabatical, or was temporarily detained by the OWS for an interview.
I'm sure he'll be back.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:56PM

Don't Worry Dr.Reich Is Still An Asshole.

The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On The Dr.Reich's Ugly Mug.

Lee Ghume| 10.20.11 @ 12:40PM

Mr. Pennell should thank Mr.Nome for aiding him in expanding his vocabulary. He is unaware what a nice Dick he has there.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:58PM

Lee Talka Like Another Israel Forster Faggot.

Thr Tea Party Rebellion Steps On Lee's Face.

Grzmlyk| 10.20.11 @ 1:12PM

I guess it is cruel to poke the village idiot with a stick. On the other hand, when people - idiots or not - behave like utter jerks and lead with their chins, it's awfully hard to resist delivering a solid jab. But you're never going to knock sense into those people; they're too intoxicated with their own rage.

But I really wish the sanitarium didn't give the mentally unhinged access to the Internet.

Both parties LOVE illegal immigration and cannot get enough of it. All of this rhetoric is just so much posturing. The Republicans love it because of the cheap labor and because they want to ingratiate themselves with Hispanics (it's part of the whole "Democrat Lite" rubric under which the GOP establishment operates).

The Dems love it, of course, because it smells of social justice to the fools, who think that if they abet the reconquista it will prove they're not racists; it satisfies the nihilists ,who see it as a wonderful opportunity to destroy the fabric of this country, and it delivers boatloads of new pawns (i.e, cradle-to-grave welfare recipients) to the crooks (i.e., the politicians). Have I left out any subsets of the Democrat party?

I mean, what's not to love?

I'm sorry, but when we live in a country where we are actually allowing the existence of sanctuary cities, where we INSTRUCT U.S. law enforcement to ignore the law, where we are even debating how many freebies we're supposed to give to people who shouldn't even be here to begin with, we have voluntarily surrendered one of the pillars of our sovereignty.

I see no other explanation - because, truth be told, the illegal immigration problem could be solved in about three months.

I heard some conservative commentator say yesterday that 80% of this country considers itself conservative. I'm tired of hearing this bullshit.

If that's the case, why has America become a socialist state in the last 40 years?

Romney or Perry = more of the same.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:26PM

Bea-u-ti-ful, Gryz!
BRAVO!

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 3:00PM

I agree with you guys, about Romney especially. I don't understand the animus against Ron Paul though. He seems like a principled constitutionalist to me, an American in the best traditions of America.

Grzmlyk| 10.20.11 @ 3:42PM

I like a lot of what Paul has to say, particularly with respect to fiscal issues. But I believe he is naive when it comes to foreign policy - or worse. I mean, he believes that there is a black and white, binary prism through which we can look that determines whether another country's activity is or is not in our nation's interest. It isn't that simple, not by a long shot. We are a de facto hegemon whether we like it or not (although that is about to change). As such, we are dragged into many international situations simply by dint of our inertial momentum.

I happen to agree with some of his points - I believe Afghanistan is a rathole, and I believe nation-building in Iraq has been like trying to light a match during a typhoon - an utterly pointless endeavor.

But allowing Iran to have a nuke is not smart - even though we're going to do it anyway. Then what are we going to do? Never mind Israel, what if Iran threatens to nuke Saudi Arabia? France? New York? it's not so easy to determine where one country's interests end and another's begin.

And Gitmo is a good thing - or at least the least unpalatable way to deal with terrorists, contrary to Paul's desire to treat those people as U.S. citizens and give them constitutional protections.

Two other things: 1) he would be utterly overwhelmed by the political realities of being president; he is not exactly a persuader; and 2) his acolytes tend to comprise angry whack jobs who are more interested in settling scores than governing. Also, he's 76 years old and, like Ralph Nader, finds the height of his expresion as a gadfly. I do not believe he has the temperament or leadership skills to be the chief executive of this country.

Grzmlyk| 10.20.11 @ 4:13PM

As an addendum, I'd say that I think Paul is a theoretician, like Paul Krugman; but a president has to deal with the world as it is, not as he wishes it would be, and a president simply cannot start with a blank slate - he or she has to play the hand that's dealt, and has to deal with the domestic and international terrain as it is. Paul is ill suited for any kind of hands-on getting things done. Politcs is not theory, it's ugly sausage-making. And Paul will find that he himself will be the one that's ground up - and I'd say that would happen within minutes of his swearing in.

Getting rid of the Fed might be a good idea - it ain't gonna happen. I'd like to quit Iraq today, but that's not feasible. Gitmo isn't an ideal solution - but even the leftist Obama was unable to come up with a palatable alternative.

Then there is some of the daffy stuff that makes my blood boil, like talking about America in terms that are usually associated with the left - as an evil empire, and possibly behind the 9/11 bombings - stuff like that is outrageous.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 4:06PM

Frisbee,

How principled can he be when he actually believes that the terrorists are terrorists because we're "Occupiers?"

That seals the no-deal for me, I don't care how conservative his thinking is otherwise. And I think it ought to do the same for everyone.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:59PM

"The government shouldn't be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decision that they need to make,"

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:41PM

So now Clint wants government to intervene in parental rights when it comes to abortion?
LOL!

According to Clint, how else should government intervene in parental rights regarding a minor child.

SNAKE: that IS what Cain was talking about in that specific comment, which you left out.

And Lefty Libertarians don't believe in government interference when it comes to an individual's rights. And when did Libertarians decide that government has any say over abortion AT ALL, not to mention Parental rights?

You're such a creep.

POST American| 10.20.11 @ 7:09AM

----It would need yet something more
even to qualify as 'empty'.

This Globalist capstone cardboard doesn't
even rate a glance --even a yawn.

Michael Tomlinson| 10.20.11 @ 7:19AM

During his last bid for the nomination this accussation was a killer so he has reason to fear the allegation he's soft on hiring illegal aliens. Could the other problem be there are more illegal hires in Romney's closet? Why are so many conservatives eager to forgive and forget in the case of Romney?

Since we're wondering about Romney's employee records what about Herman Cain's stint as CEO of Godfather Pizza and chairman of the National Restaurant Assoc.? What did he do about the massive problem of hiring illegals in the food industry? He talks as tough as Romney on this issue too so in the name of even handedness shouldn't his record be vetted too?

For that matter why not dig deeper into everyone's record now to avoid a problem next November? Obama and the Democrats have signaled they're not planning to play nice or fair since they know they can't win on their record.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 9:08AM

I know, why don't we not nominate anybody - that way we don't have to worry about anything in anybody's closet. Yeah that's the ticket!

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:26PM

Very gooood.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 7:21AM

I wouldn't worry about it. Neither Romney nor Perry, will be the Nominee. Romney has too much "LIBERAL" Baggage, and Perry has the whole "In State Tuition" thing.
Newt is a very smart guy. Sharp as a tack. A Great Man said, the other day, that: "Newt's running for President, as a way to get his "Speaking Fees up". And, he does bring stuff to the table. But, his Personal Baggage is waaaay too much. You can't be diddling Mary,while you're Wife is busy Dying of Cancer.
You don't believe me? Ask John Edwards.
Santorum is just too young looking, and the last time he ran for Office, he got his *ss handed to him.
I wouldn't be at all surprised, if Ron Paul showed up at the next debate, surrounded by all of his "Paulbots", dressed in Purple Jogging Clothes and Sneakers, holding paper cups full of Red Juice Drinks, and trying to rush everyone along, because they have a Comet to catch.
Huntsman is coming off a stint, working for Obama. That's not good. Perhaps he can hitch a ride on that Comet, with Ron Paul?
Michelle Bachmann. I can't say enough about her. 26 Foster Children? Married to the same guy, all these years. No wonder the Left hates her. If she was a Pathological Liar, and was Married to an Impeached RAPIST, an had never, really, accomplished anything on her own? The left would have her at the front of the ROSE BOWL PARADE, every year.
I believe that Herman Cain is the only one who can DESTROY Barack Hussein Obama/Barry Soetoro/Abu Hussain. (Isn't it funny, how EVIL always goes by so many names)
Cain has the "Authenticity". He's got the Resume. HE GREW UP HERE, not in INDONESIA. He attended American Schools, not Indonesian Muslim Schools. He went to American Churches, not Indonesian Mosques. And, he's got the CRED.
Only Cain, will go after Obama. Only Cain will have the COURAGE to go after HIM, not just his Policies. This Election is about HIM. Unlike the others, Herman Cain CANNOT be accused of Racism. His arguments will not be constrained, by an unwillingness to SPEAK THE TRUTH, because of FEAR.
So, let them quibble. Let the squabble. In the end, it's obvious, to me, who the Nominee should be.
It should be the only Guy on the stage, who WON'T BE AFRAID.
Right?

Tim the Enchanter| 10.20.11 @ 7:36AM

Hear, Hear!

Teaghan| 10.20.11 @ 7:57AM

I like Newt as well. He is indeed the smartest man in this race and a historian which is damned important. As for his cheating, he wife didn't die, she was battling cancer and survivied. I hope he wins because the rest of them are pathetic. That debate on Tuesday had the appearance and feel of a gameshow. The players were played by Cooper and made to look like fools. It was embarrassing and demoralizing to watch.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 8:57AM

She has CANCER. She's dying.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 9:15AM

Okay, right, that's way different: then he was 'doing' some other, younger(?) woman while his wife was in the hospital battling cancer. You know: chemotherapy, radiation, and spousal infidelity, it happens all the time. No worries, honey, you didn't die. Maybe his ex-wife should run, she has had the self-respect to stay out of the klieg lights and talk shows, in spite of what must have been a lot of invitations.

Look at it this way, WWRD? What Would Reagan Do?

That's the problem with Newt.

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 4:37PM

I hope if I ever get Cancer I get what the former Mrs. Gingrich has..
its been like 20+ years since he visited her on her "Deathbed"...

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 6:19PM

Careful Frank, it mighta been uterine...

Obviously you've never had the experience of watching loved ones slowly die as cancer hijacks their body for its own purpose one cell at a time.

You would be a little less inclined to wish for it...

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 10:03AM

I'm starting to think you're right about Cain. He has his own issues but I believe he would match up very well against Obama.

Because he seems to be the only candidate who's actually improved during the debates and learned from past mishaps (unlike Perry and Bachmann), he should be able to address the issues that are preventing him from really surging. These would be his failure to fully explain his 999 plan in addition to fleshing out a foreign policy. I believe a good political consultant would be extremely beneficial to him at this point.

If he's able to effectively sell his 999 plan and show more gravitas on foreign policy, the vast majority of conservatives and many independents would flock to him in droves, thus setting off a momentum similar to what Obama experienced in '08.

THE WORSE CASE SCENARIO WOULD BE TO GO OUT WITH A WHIMPER WITH ROMNEY LOSING TO A BEATABLE OBAMA!

What an awful feeling that would be the day after the election.

If we lose, we should lose with someone line Mr. Cain who represents all of our conservative values.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 10:09AM

Thank, You,Bob! And, Right, now?!!
I'm, just, pulling, "you're leg.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 10:14AM

Then I hope "you're" use of irony backfires on ya.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 1:47PM

Disregard the previous reply. That was intended for another poster.

O, kay,

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.20.11 @ 2:08PM

O,kay,

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 9:01PM

Pennell Pulls The Middle Leg.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.21.11 @ 8:58AM

Ladies and Gentlemen. I give you Clint. Just one of your typical Ron Paul supporters. And, as anyone can tell, a WORDSMITH, of the first order.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 2:30PM

Well, Timothy, and his hatred for you will be unceasing.
The more you DARE to confront his lies, the more venom will be spewed in your direction.
Welcome to the WAR.

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 3:03PM

Cain could EASILY win against Obama. But is Cain truly pro-life? I mean, please don't give me that "I'm personally opposed but wouldn't force my views on anybody" typical pro-choice garbage. That's like being "personally opposed to the holocaust, but i wouldn't outlaw genocide".

emilio lizardo, PhD| 10.20.11 @ 10:04AM

word

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:27PM

You know I'M with you.

rob n| 10.21.11 @ 2:55AM

Herman Cain is not a serious candidate. Blind enthusiasm for him is going to deliver the nomination to that lying snake, Romney.

There are two legit conservative candidates: Paul and Perry. Paul has funding and support, but too many conservatives have been brainwashed by the neocons.

Perry is the one, folks. He has proposed an impressive energy/jobs plan. He is going to present a flat tax plan next week that has Forbes's approval. He has the funding. He has a remarkable record to run on. He is a phenomenal retail politician. He is not a sophist like Romney. The Establishment Repubs don't like the guy.

It's crazy how fickle we are. Stop being suckers for phony candidates and pay attention before it is too late. Perry was wrong on the Gardasil vac, but admitted it. He is right on the illegals issue, but hurt a bunch of conservatives feelings when he said that they were heartless. Well, grow up. Maybe the issue is a lot more complex than we care to admit and maybe there are better solutions than mass deportations. The overwhelming, veto-proof majority of the TX legislature thought so.

In case you aren't aware, there is a major ideological war that is taking place in the Republican party. Supporting silly candidates with silly ideas is a great way to let the party get co-opted.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 7:40AM

" RON PAUL “PLAN TO RESTORE AMERICA”

SPENDING:
Cuts $1 trillion in spending during the #rst year
of Ron Paul’s presidency, eliminating #ve cabinet
departments (Energy, HUD, Commerce, Interior, and
Education), abolishing the Transportation Security
Administration and returning responsibility for security
to private property owners, abolishing corporate
subsidies, stopping foreign aid, ending foreign wars, and
returning most other spending to 2006 levels."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 8:01AM

Ron Paul is a Non-Starter.

Dick Nome| 10.20.11 @ 8:09AM

Ron Paul is too old. Politicians should retire by 77, no go for election to the next office.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:46AM

Ron Paul places third in latest Reuters/Ipsos poll

With a third place finish in the most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, Texas Congressman Ron Paul builds upon the case that he is indeed a top-tier candidate.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 9:31AM

3rd-place does not equal "Winning".

Ron Paul is a Non-Starter.

Drunken Sailor| 10.20.11 @ 9:41AM

Wait a minute. First you tell me he wins the Iowa straw poll and polls better than Obama, now your telling me he comes in 3rd and you call that building a case? Sounds like a staircase going down.

And Real Clear Politics averages him down to 4th with Newt stepping on his heels.

Drunken Sailor| 10.20.11 @ 9:41AM

Forgot the link.
http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....-1452.html

Frisbee| 10.20.11 @ 3:06PM

Reagan was born in 1911. Wasn't his age one of the reasons he was opposed? Better an old American than a middle aged Manchurian. And so what? Just make sure you have a good V.P.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 3:49PM

Ron Paul is NO Ronald Reagan.

And Reagan was 69 at his inauguration.

Paul is 75.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 8:15AM

" RON PAUL “PLAN TO RESTORE AMERICA”

CUTTING GOVERNMENT WASTE:
Makes a 10% reduction in the federal workforce,
slashes Congressional pay and perks, and curbs
excessive federal travel. To stand with the American
People, President Paul will take a salary of $39,336,
approximately equal to the median personal income of
the American worker."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 9:31AM

Ron Paul is a Non-Starter.

Drunken Sailor| 10.20.11 @ 11:23AM

Hell, now even in Iowa where he won the straw poll he is down to 3rd place.
http://www.rasmussenreports.co.....can_caucus

P.Smith| 10.20.11 @ 7:44AM

Romney doesn't want the truth, he's a mormon.

Dick Nome| 10.20.11 @ 8:09AM

You are a bigot.

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 11:59AM

Truth hurts.

Knowing that Mormonism is false doesn't make one a bigot.

Hinduism is false, too. So is Buddhism. And Islam.

I've never done ANYTHING to adversely affect the life of a Hindu, Buddhist, or Muslim.

Or a Mormon, for that matter. Live and let live. We have Freedom of religion in this country.

But simply because our Laws require religious toleration does not mean that they require personal acceptance.

Mormonism is a false religion.

Sorry.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:27PM

Thank you!

Clint's sister| 10.20.11 @ 10:08PM

Please forgive my brother. As much as we try to keep him confined, somehow he finds a way out of the basement. We really need to get a new lock for the home office. So sorry!

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 9:03PM

You're A Dick.

Nancy in NC| 10.20.11 @ 7:56AM

Romney's attitude about it bothered me more than the fact he actually had hired illegals. It only concerned him because he was running for office...as usual no principles.

Mike Rogers | 10.20.11 @ 8:29AM

That's an interesting point, and echoes the author's theme - Mitt came unglued over the landscapers.
On the other hand, Perry once more demonstrated a poor command of the facts by bringing up an issue which was largely debunked last time around.
The hallmark of Perry's attacks has been clumsiness, and he hasn't been prepared for the comebacks - if this were chess, his look-ahead would be just one move, and he'd fall into all the traps.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 9:20AM

M.R.

"Look ahead" is a nice concept that we should really be seeking in our candidates. Three moves should be the minimum. Do you happen to know the number of options associated with each number of move 'look aheads' in chess?

tsd| 10.20.11 @ 8:28AM

If this is the best reason to not like Romney as the GOP candidate for President, he would be a shoe in. I have many reasons I do not want Romney. This issues is a joke and waste of time...lets move on to real issues!!

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 8:46AM

Opportunity is fleeting, like that fraction of a second when you know you've stubbed your toe, but the "Ow" nerve impulses haven' t made it to your Medulla Oblongata yet...
and Rick Perry's probably sayin "OW!" right about now...
HE LET A MORMON TOUCH HIM!!!!!!!!!!
ON THE SHOULDER!!!!!!!
and Mitt was condescending to him, just like Rick was Jose the Pool Guy instead of the multi-term Governor of a State with an economy larger than most members of the EU..
and if Rick had said, in that disturbing West Texas Drawl
"Brother, if you touch my shoulder again I'm gonna rip off your head and shit down your neck"
he'd be the Repubiklan nominee today, instead of probably not even bein able to carry South Cack-a-lacky...

Frank

Peppermint Tea| 10.20.11 @ 9:26AM

Amen, but Perry didn't. Why? Courtesy?
He sure played it wrong. He should have acted smug and nodded, "Yes Mit, that is the hypocrisy I'm talking about." But he insisted on speaking over Romney which made the crowd call for fairness. Then he didn't bat away Mitt's hand. Now he looks like Romney's Pool guy.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 9:36AM

The hand on Perry's back was condescension of the highest order. I wanted to scream.

I'd bet most viewers hated that move without even realizing it.

Mitt, you ain't President yet, you still gotta show the little people some respect for a while...

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:29PM

I hated it, but I also thought Perry was so lame. How could he have brought up such a STUPID thing when He himself gives freebie in state tuition to illegals?

How could he think we are so stupid as to not get that?

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 2:57PM

To highlight Rino Romney's glass jaw...

which is doing a favor to everyone, except Mr. Obama and Mr. ObamaLite. (Rino Romney, if you need a program to keep the players straight...)

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 9:37AM

Frank,
that was hilarious!
Bigoted, potty-mouthed, and ignorant, AND myopic as usual.......but hilarious anyway. Thanks.

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 10:02AM

OK, I get the bigoted, potty-mouthed, and ignorant parts..
but how do you know I'm myopic???
wierd...

Frank

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 10:33AM

Frank,
perhaps I should have said: "you always look from the wrong end of the telescope." meaning of course that you push the truth far away to make it small enough for you to understand.

See, I could have dissed you by asking if you ever soloed. I could have dissed you about 13 hours, and flying dual with a rated pilot for .4 hours when you had an ejection seat and guns.

Most of my hours have been cross-country...to hundreds of different airfields across North and South America...on a single engine...and my own solo best weather judgement.

Actually what I was objecting to was you calling Governor Perry a "sissy-boy". Any experienced pilot would have objected.

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 10:56AM

YES, I did solo, when I was 11 or 12.
Most of my friends did, its normal, and I didn't care if it did cause hair to grow on your palms.
And I'm sorry you missed out on military service, Oh, the Injustice of DADT...
and I'm sorry for calling your Boyfriend, I mean Governor High-Heels a Sissy-Boy.
He's more of a Steer, he's got the blank stare, and if he studies some more maybe the intelligence...

Frank" 0.4>0" drackman

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 12:10PM

Frank...
So you never earned your pilot's license. OK.

Bye the way, what piddly wink State do you hail from that we Texans are supporting with our taxes?
PS:
that blank stare by Perry is merely an expression of, "I'm sorry. I just don't know how to answer stupid."

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 4:03PM

Georgia, if you must know, Homo.
Hey that rhymes.
and you never served your country.
Or the US either, I know thats how you Te-jas-ens think.
and if you don't like it just Suceed,

Frank

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:31PM

Ken calls bigots those who have the courage to say Mormonism is a cult. You yourself compare Bible believing Christians to Jihadis here named Clint.
You yourself and your candidate Rick Perry are too cowardly to say Mormonism is a cult.

And as to potty-mouth, ah-hem!

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 3:11PM

Margie,
May God bless you.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 3:37PM

He does, but He doesn't bless liars.

Moe Blotz| 10.20.11 @ 6:13PM

God has blessed us all....with life, liberty, and the purfuit of happiness. Liars, perverts, nincompoops, thieves, good, bad, and ugly we are all blessed with a country where we can be as silly or saintly as our intellect takes us. Have fun with the petty bickering and remember God still loves youse.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 6:24PM

No, He doesn't bless liars or slanderers.
READ the SCRIPTURE.
He despises slander.
And I am NOT being silly.
It is NOT silly. If it happened to you, would you sit idly by and allow it?
Please.

Louis Jenkins| 10.20.11 @ 8:53AM

The two candidates wasted time on the debates, and I found it highly distracting and ingenious. The post above in favor of Cain: well he's the only man that will take it to Obama and win. Provided the MSM will broadcast it fairly (fat chance). If this an example of the Republican leadership we're in for trouble.

Ross Kaminsky | 10.20.11 @ 8:57AM

This lawn mowing issue is ridiculous and I doubt that even the biggest immigration hawks would hold it against Romney. The real problem is that when responding to Rick Perry's petty petulant claims, Romney said that he fired the lawn service because he (Romney) was running for office and so "I can't have illegals."

THAT statement made it sound as if he'd have been perfectly happy to knowingly hire illegals if he were not going to be in the public eye. And that statement, unfortunately, plays into Perry's charge of hypocrisy which otherwise would have been laughable given that Romney hired a company, not the workers themselves.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 9:31AM

Maybe, just maybe, Governor Perry was looking for something to expose Governor Romney's prickly, brittle nature, his glass jaw. Maybe he took the cheap shot to get Mitt's jerky reaction.

I've found Texans always look way dumber than they actually are. I do love 'em, but you can't be fooled by their slow speech - they only talk slow and usually only at the start. And they do love to play 'dumb cowboy.' And your average, very fast talking, way-smarter-than-you northeasterner elite is a very likely sucker for this move.

P.S. In a number of decades, having visited 48 states, the only place I ever saw 3 card monte being played on the street was New York City, not too far from Wall Street...

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 9:44AM

DTOM,
you found us out.
We actually lay it on extra thick when visiting the northeast. (smile)

Moe Blotz| 10.20.11 @ 1:03PM

My saddest days running across this great gift from God, America, atop 18 wheels was seeing Texas in my rear view mirror. My friends in Dallas tried to de-Yankeefy me by feeding me chicken fried steak and Lone Star beer. The wit you exhibit Ken, I have witnessed in real and pseudo cowboys from Texarkana to El Paso. When I decided that I would not move from New Jersey to Farmers Branch, my Texas buddies admonished me with this : "Yankees go to Texas, stay awhile, then go home; Damned Yankees go to Texas, decide they like it and stay; you are a g-d d--n Yankee m-effer." I think that was because they liked me.

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 3:14PM

Moe,
you are always welcome in my Houston home.

Moe Blotz| 10.20.11 @ 6:20PM

Thank you kindly Ken, but I would be happy if I could reach Oak Cliff and get a chicken fried steak at Norma's Cafe.

Casey Abell| 10.20.11 @ 2:50PM

I'm gonna cut Romney a little slack here. I actually thought it was a nice bit of honesty from a politician who knew the issue would bite him if he didn't fire the lawn service. But as the old saying goes, a gaffe is when a politician tells the truth.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 6:28PM

Casey, dude!

The idea is a good leader respects the law, not just his career. DC is overflowing with politicians who care not a single cent for the law, but care trillions of your dollars for their own comfort!

They pass laws that they'll jail you for breaking and then flout the selfsame laws when they feel the need to avoid a little inconvenience. THAT IS THE FREAKING PROBLEM WE ARE HAVING IN THIS COUNTRY!! EVERYBODY CHEATS!

So go ahead, nod, wink, wink, nod and then when they come after you, they'll declare you insane because of your out-of-control facial tics!

Capice!

PS Sorry for the caps outburst, but I could not help myself! And it is not unlawful.

PPS I thank Bill Clinton for really accelerating this awful trend with his cigars, interns, and out-of-control adolescent libido..

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 6:30PM

How long did Charlie Rangell fail to report his Dominican Republic property on his taxes. Try it, see how long they let you get away with it? Are you beginning to see it?

America is great when we respect our laws - we suck when it's all about some politicians poll numbers. Smell that coffee!!!

Red at Heart| 10.20.11 @ 9:16AM

I don't follow the thought that this issue is 'petty'. It's old news, but so is Gardasil legislation which never lived to see one child injected or harmed. Yet, there was no discussion about it being petty when Perry was subjected to the attacks. Romney has a glass jaw and when challenged, he loses it. These past 5 years that he's been practicing for debates, he obviously didn't practice his response when somebody takes one of the sucker punches that he himself loves to throw.

Romney's reaction was very instructive. If he gets this unnerved over this, how will he hold up against Obama when he must, once and for all, answer for re-publishing his book in order to hide the truth about RomneyCare being the basis for ObamaCare. How will he explain Gruder's admission that he went to the White House to advise them on how to develop ObamaCare? How will he excuse himself for all the changes in positions he's made for political expediency? His performance in Vegas came across as someone that knows the fix is in for his nomination and any challenge to that is, in Newt's words, hurtful to the Party.

Both Gingrich and Bachmann were vocal yesterday with Hannity about their unhappiness with exchanges between Perry and Romney. Santorum went after Mitt also, but they weren't bothered by that. Newt wasn't worried about hurting the party when Bachmann and Romney laid into Perry in the early debates and he wasn't concerned about the image of the party when Cain said he wouldn't serve as Perry's VP. And, of course, Newt wasn't worried about party image when he sat on a sofa with Pelosi and talked about global warming or when he did an education tour with Al Sharpton.

Party image? What party?

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 9:54AM

Folks,
I have been honestly out front about rooting for Governor Perry from the day he announced.
On my blog-site / book sales web-page I wrote a pretty long blog about my own picture of the dream ticket. www.txbooks.blogspot.com

I hope each of you will read it.
In deference to the posts above, perhaps Governor Perry should answer every question either "Nope" or "Yep" and then grin. He has a very expressive grin portfolio.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 10:09AM

That and a nickel will get you a hot cup O' jack squat!

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:34PM

Who cares about his "expressive grin?"
I don't like his arrogance, or his policies with regards to giving freebies to illegals. And neither does most conservatives.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 9:39PM

Who cares what you think? You are a dim bulb. Can't even listen to Cain and understand he is pro choice.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:43PM

Paul-bot Troll~ stuff it.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 9:57PM

What is a Paul-bot?

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 10:07AM

Following up...

Governor Perry might also answer each question or jab by simply stating : "Observe... fifteen years of honorable and sucessful governance, grasshoppers."

I know that is in his mind ya'll see. Not arrogance, but simple truth.

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 10:22AM

Ken, the only reason your for Perry is he's a Texican, its kind of sweet actually...
If he was from Oklahoma or Ar-Kansas you'd be like me, pointing out his light-in-the-Cowboy-Boots-ness
seriously, Cowboy Boots are just high heels for men....
1: being "Offended" by Michelle Bachman, REAL men don't get "Offended" they do the Offending.
2: acting like $5,000 was beneath him, seriously, Thurston Howell John Kerry III didn't sound as Hoity Toity as Perry did...
3: He shoots Coyotes??? Ooohhh!! Ahhhhh!
hell, in Georgia, even liberal failed X-Presidents like Jimmuh Cartuh shoot there neighbors cats, and not even cause they have rabies, or shat on the grass, just for fun(google that Shi*)

Tim Pawlenty has more Grav-i-twat than Brother Rick..
who calls guys "Brother" anyway???

Frnak

Drunken Sailor| 10.20.11 @ 10:40AM

"who calls guys "Brother" anyway???"

Lots of Christians.

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 10:42AM

Many of we Christians call our brothers "Brother".

Actually, I thought the "offended" line was one of best in the debates. I cracked up.
See, to those of you like Frank that don't know the difference between there and their, should never be allowed to solo.

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 10:49AM

Really?
well my Dad's a" Hard-shell" Baptist, and he doesn't call anyone "Brother" not even his real brother...
but seein as how my Mom's maiden name was "Rosenberg", you can tell He's not to observant.
thats right, I'm 1/2 Jewish(the Good 1/2), and my Great-Great-Great-infinity Grandfather killed your "Savior".
Well actually it was the Romans, but we got the blame.
Seriously, howcome no one ever called Mario Cuomo a "Christ Killer"
and I'm glad you tittered Anderson Cooper style at Brother Perry's Offense...

Frank

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 12:11PM

Saying that your "Great-Great-Great-infinity Grandfather" killed Christ is absurd.

Jews have been fighting a collective responsibility for Christ's crucifixion for 2,000 years. You claim that your "better half" is Jewish, but then you buy into the myth of collective, generational responsibility for the crucifixion.

Sorry, but that's logically incoherent, and borderline schizo.

But it brings up a few other good points that you probably did NOT want to make, but are nonetheless worth discussing.

First of all, in Talmudic Law (and often expressed in the Old Testament), the sons were often held responsible for their father's sins. That seems odd to us, but it's apparently the way that God wanted it (sometimes), so we don't question it.

Secondly, and most importantly...(and this may be controversial)...

"The Jews" did NOT kill Christ (in a generational, collective sense).

But...Neither did the Romans.

The Romans merely carried out the sentence that the Jews of ancient Jerusalem wanted. Pontius Pilate said "I can see no wrong that this man has done", and allowed the Sanhedrin (and the mob) to pass judgment. Cowardly, yes, but that's what happened.

The mob yelled "Crucify him!".

The mob preferred to allow a dangerous criminal (Barabas) to go free instead of Christ.

So let's not distort history, OK.

The Elder of Israel (the Sanhedrin) and the mob were responsible for Christ being crucified.

Did ALL the Jews of Jerusalem want him dead? Of course not. His disciples were Jews. Some of the Sanhedrin were against it, too, but they were over-ruled.

Additionally, unless you're a Sephardic Jew, there's no evidence whatsoever to support your "Great-Great-Great-infinity Grandfather" even being in Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion.

The destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D resulted in a complete destruction of all the genealogical records that the Jewish people had carefully maintained for millennia. No one today can say for certain if their ancestors WERE actually Jews 2,000 years ago.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:44PM

"Therefore when the chief priests and the
under-officers saw Him, they cried out, saying,
Crucify! Crucify! Pilate says to them,
You take Him and crucify Him, for I find
not even one cause of death in Him!
Then the Jews answered him, We have a
law, and according to our Law He ought to
die because He made Himself Son of God!
Therefore when Pilate heard this word,
he was more afraid.
And he entered into the praetorium again
and said to Jesus, From where are You?
But Jesus did not give him an answer.
Then Pilate says to Him, Do You not
speak to me? Do You not know that I have
authority to crucify You, and I have authority
to release You?
Jesus answered, You would not have
authority against Me, not even any if it was
not being given to you from above. Because
of this the one giving Me over to
you has a greater sin." Jn. 19:6-11.

"Yet it was the Will of the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief; when He makes himself an Offering for Sin, He shall see His offspring, He shall prolong His days; the Will of the LORD shall prosper in His Hand.." Is. 53:10.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 2:01PM

I should have added, excellent post, Dr. R.
Just wanted to add the Scripture that proves your words to be God's Truth.
Thank you.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 3:06PM

And if Pilate had said, "I got no problem with this Jesus."

And the crowd didn't shout out "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"

Where would the Christian faith be, now...

So when complaining about other's sins and guilt, clean your own act up first. When you are sinless, I suggest you find some stones to lob at the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and the Roman Centurions, and Jews in general...I'm sure Margie will slap the appropriate Bible passages somewhere below this post...

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 3:07PM

Hoo Boy! What am I doing filling this gas can up with a lit cigarette in my mouth? What the heck am I thinking?

"INCOMING!!!"

Doctor Right| 10.20.11 @ 3:55PM

Hypotheticals are worthless.

So is your post.

Never said I was "sinless". Don't know where you got that idea. I'll send you a $20 bill if you can find ANYWHERE in ANY of my posts where I say I'm "sinless".

Again...Truth hurts.

I have nothing against the Jewish people. Ask Orthodox Jewish post-er "Occam's Tool" what he thinks of me.

But facts are facts. And history is history.

TO REPEAT:

The Elders of Israel (known as the Priests of the Sanhedrin) wanted Christ dead. They pushed Pilate to administer the death sentence. Pilate did NOT want to do it, but he was afraid of an uprising, so he gave in to their demands.

The mob chose Barabas (a convicted criminal) over Christ. Pilate offered them Christ, but they did NOT want him spared.

That's historical fact. If it offends your delicate sensibilities, too bad.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 6:46PM

Hey, Doc.

I'm not sure if you're firing at me, but my point was that it's a good thing that the "people" shouted crucify on that Friday so long ago. Otherwise God did a whole lot of prep work for nothing, which I just don't see Him doing. Any 'Christian' hating those "people" is pretty unclear on the whole program. The fact that God is way smarter than all of us together makes me be very respectful of my fellows in faith, Jews or Christians. As one of the latter, I will pitch Christ to you; but if you are pretty sure of your beliefs, that's not my lookout. My task is to pitch, I am not responsible for where the ball goes, just so I get it out there.

Not that I give everybody a pass! If you make up a "church" in some cornfield that confers first choice of all the young girls on you, the founder, I am willing to point out the trouble you probably are in. But my instinct is to be real careful around the obviously Biblical people of serious faith. After all, God is going to sort it all out and He's always been exceedingly clear that the 'sorting out' business is His and His alone.

Shalom, Doc.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 11:36AM

Ken,

Your loyalty to Mr. Perry is admirable, like yours to Sarah, but it seems to gloss over his glaring faults.

Maybe you should reverse-apply that telescope metaphor you used and look at Perry from a distance.

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 12:31PM

Bob,
honestly, I have looked through both ends of the scope.
I have CEOed TWO fortune sized companies, and I finally had to judge thousands of my people on PERFORMANCE!

Honestly as I can see it...Mr. Perry is the ONLY one on the stage who has "performed" in the real world of governance at the chief executive level.

Right this minute, we Texans are supporting half the piddly wink States with OUR tax money that Perry has saved for us.

Honestly, it is as plain as the nose on your face that we contribute more to America as a whole than any 30 piddly wink States you can list. Mr. Perry has presided over our success. God bless him.
I have clinics in 42 States. I DO know what is going on across the country. Please believe me.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 1:23PM

I'll put it in CEO ese.

Apply the Peter Principle to Rick Perry.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:45PM

Ken,

You don't own those clinics, be honest.

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 3:28PM

Margie,
God bless you sweetie. I DO OWN those clinics...at no investment when we need them. It is called "contracts".
I offerred you and Vic a contract with millions of dollars of inventory at no charge.

You managed to screw it up.
Sorry, (and NO, I will not marry you.)

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 3:46PM

What kind of idiot are you?
You're a blatant liar.
You contract with them? You presented as you were owner, which you do NOT own them.
You are a filthy liar.
You offered me NO such thing!
Wow. You are TRULY in trouble with your Creator.
You don't HAVE any such inventory to offer, and one of your acquaintances sent us some auto brochures to sell, which we are paying him for, outright, and we paid the shipping as well.
They do NOT belong to you at all!
Your acquaintance knows you have lied about this. I sent him your posts.

Marry you? Are you insane? Wow. So now you must create a superb lie, in order to try and turn others against me?

You may succeed on this Earth doing that, but you will not be allowed into God's Kingdom.

You know His Word:

"He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit." Prov. 12:17.

"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape." Prov. 19:5.

And, it's your Wife's company that YOU Married into. Those clinics are the ones you go to to sell HER creations.
You don't own them, and you know it.

Repent, liar!

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 9:42PM

Margie,
Is there anybody here who is not a liar?

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:43PM

Margaret aka Clint: You tell me!

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 9:56PM

You have Clint on the brain.
I am not Clint.
It must make life easier for you to believe that Clint is the only one here who doesn't agree with you.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 6:06PM

And another thing you decrepid old man:

You e mails are blocked, and as long as you continue to lie openly about me here, or about ANYthing~ I will expose you for the fraud that you are.
Your warnings to stop posting here and your threats to keep my mouth shut "or else" will no longer be read, thank God.

Keep it up, and I will sue your despicable butt for slander.

Your words are printed here. Do you really want to have your acquaintance dragged into a courtroom?

Again: You own nothing. You offered us nothing. You sent us nothing, and especially not free of charge as you claimed previously.

Your acquaintance does.. he sent them to us, a very small amount, which we paid for the shipping charge, and are paying for the brochures as well.
So, you are not only misrepresenting him, but me and my husband as well.

You are now taking this to another level by insinuating I asked you to Marry me? LOL. You are not only sick, but a pervert!

You have now lowered yourself to the level of the MOST despicable human being that posts here: Clint.

While you tried to demean me recently by comparing me to him, it is actually YOU that are like him.

A filthy, lying reprobate Christian. I pity you.
You already know what's in store for you if you do not repent.
And you best do it here, openly, to right what you have done.

victor| 10.21.11 @ 4:03AM

Ken (Olde Bean):
"I offerred you and Vic a contract with millions of dollars of inventory at no charge."

millions of dollars of inventory at no charge??

You had no such inventory to give or to promise to give.

You put me in touch with an acquaintance, who you met just once and became enamored with.

"Bob" sent me a few items worth, perhaps, $4000, with the option of selling them on ebay and splitting the proceeds or purchasing them outright and sending him an agreed upon sum.
There was no "millions upon millions" of inventory.
That was all in your fevered little brow.
Would you swear on a Bible to that effect when you are deposed?

Speaking of contracts, we did have one when you contracted me to sell your Dodge Dakota with 13,000 miles on eBay. All you wanted was $9,000 and whatever I made over that was mine.
I had a buy it now for $13,500 and several inquiries.
After 3 days or so the bidding went to $5,000 with six bids and 4 bidders, you sent me an email that said you had a check for the truck and the auction should be ended.

One guy emailed me and asked if he could pay for the truck with cash or check.
Before I could answer, You emailed me that it was sold.
You never even told me what you got for it.

Seems to me that if anything, you breached the contract and you would have owed me $4,500, which you reneged on.

Sounds like Breach of Contract to me.

BTW stop sending mash notes to my wife.
Don't you have one of your own, eh?
Or is that only for public consumption?
Or is she, perhaps, your beard, eh?

You need to get right with God and stop hanging around with the wrong element.
You know, the ones whom you have over to the house for a drink who tell you it's alright to smoke cigars and curse, because you'll get to Heaven in your own way.

Before it's too late, you better get straight, Olde Bean.

Frank Drackman| 10.20.11 @ 4:43PM

owns 42 clinics...
but ZERO Jet Fighter time...
and peakin in the F-16 cockpit at the airshow doesn't count.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Frank "Maverick" Drackman

somnolence| 10.20.11 @ 10:09AM

This is just another business as usual, typical RINO endorsing story that is about as interesting as undercooked mullet. Just avoid mentioning Cain in the top tier altogether, as if Romney and Perry will be the only two left come February 1. Cain has already proven in this particular campaign that a money warchest is secondary to message. The standard for that should have been Gramm and his 30 million raised in 1996(although Gramm was on message, the establishment determined it was Dole's time).

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 10:31AM

That's exactly what this is about. Just remind that empty feeling we all had the day after the election in '08.

Did you think he was the best candidate to represent the republican party?

Or did you feel like a sucker yet again?

What was most grating was McCain's non nonchalance about losing. He didn't seem to be bothered in the least. He did the talk show circuit as the congenial loser republican presidential candidate ala Bob Dole in '96 and later play-acted as a conservative to win another 6 years in the senate. It didn't slow him down one wit. Meanwhile, the country accelerated it's death spiral.

As losing presidential candidate Mitt Romney he would travel a similar path as the doctors turn off this countries life support machine. Romney gave it his best shot. Right???

Screw that! Lets go bold!!

JFGalt| 10.20.11 @ 10:30AM

I think this will eventually backfire on Perry. It made him look petty. When you hire a company - it is THEIR responsibility to hire legal workers not yours. Can you image if you applied this to going into a McDonalds to buy lunch. "Excuse me, I would like a Combo #1 but first I need to make sure that you are not employing any illegal aliens to prepare my food." If Romney hire the workers in question directly it would be another issue. I don't like either one but this sort of garbage makes them look more like fools.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 10:42AM

Regarding McDonalds, I'd gladly have an illegal assemble my Combo #1 over a gang banger.

Casey Abell| 10.20.11 @ 11:24AM

Yeah, it was just asinine of Perry. We use a lawn service, too. I don't even know the names of the people they employ, much less their residence status. Sorry, it ain't my job to check out every employee of every firm I do business with. I gotta start running background checks on everybody who works at every gas station and supermarket? Oh, sure.

The funniest comment in this thread was the one about Perry's supposed thoughts as a Mormon touched him. Unfair to Perry but hilarious. I think Rick should have yelled: SAVE A PRETZEL FOR THE GAS JETS. AND GET THE MORMON OFF MY SHOULDER.

Casey Abell| 10.20.11 @ 11:30AM

Before I catch hell, I'm just kidding about the Mormon touchy thing. Don't read me the riot act on religious tolerance. I couldn't care less about Romney's religion.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 4:10PM

What we neeeed is to get these goats to take over the compuuuterrr indusssstry.

Casey Abell| 10.20.11 @ 11:12AM

Wow, George Neumayr doesn't like Romney. Who knew?

Agree with a lot of sensible commenters that this "issue" is a joke. I'm a Perry supporter and I actually winced when Rick brought this ancient chestnut up. Made Perry look clueless, which is the last thing he needs to look. Also ruined the momentum he had built up the debate prior to the silly spat.

At least Perry showed more energy in this debate than before. But this lawnmower thing was goofiness on stilts.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 11:26AM

Interesting use of the word "stilts" because that's what appeared to be propping Perry up before he walked behind his podium.

What.the.hell.is.wrong.with him?

Does he have back problems or not? If this is going to be his natural posture moving forward, he's toast on that alone.

Casey Abell| 10.20.11 @ 11:31AM

I dunno, the back surgery was over the summer and Perry was supposed to be all healed up. But he does look stiff as concrete. I wonder if he's still feeling the effects of the surgery.

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.20.11 @ 12:43PM

As a fellow "bad back" guy, I do understand the stiffness. God bless him for trying to talk sense to America....heh in the thirty seconds given by the lamestream.
Mr. Perry's response to any jab should simply be: "We have been successful and you have fallen on your ass and we have to feed you."

He is too much of a Texas gentleman to say it that crudely.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 1:56PM

Like no one else is talking sense to America?
Arrogance wins nothing.
Conservative policies does.
Freebies for illegals is a deal killer.
So is thinking you're oh, so much better than the rest!

Nite| 10.20.11 @ 10:02PM

I think the surgery was one month prior to the start of the campaign. He looked like he was in pain during the first 3 debates. This type of back surgery takes several months for anyone to stand in place for 2 hours. He is not there even yet.

martin j smith| 10.20.11 @ 2:02PM

I don't think wither guy will tell you their full immigration policies but its sounds like "getting back" time against Romney and also why others in the debates have not gone after Romney on RomneyCare ? Maybe Romney things he has the nomination coming to him and Perry is not playing that game. Romney doesn't like that.

Abu Nudnik| 10.20.11 @ 2:37PM

The last thing I want to know about is any candidate's lawn care. There are many illegal immigrants and all kinds of ways to falsify documents. A non-issue from a candidate who is lowering the tone of the debate.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 3:20PM

But Mitt's totally unscripted response, "I'm in politics, I can't have an illegal working at my house!" makes pretty clear that to Rino Romney it's not about the law, it's not about what's right and wrong, it's about HIM and his precious political career!

WWRD?

What Would Reagan Do?

I'm pretty sure he would have not used a service without vetting them.

My family has responsibility for a landscaping outfit. Early on, we discussed the use of illegal labor. We decided, unilaterally that the law was to be followed and that every step would be taken to insure that, in fact, only legal workers would be used. Any customer who was interested could ask and find out whether this was the case with our firm and any other firm. A customer who was not interested, like Rino Romney, wouldn't bother to ask...I'm pretty sure that RWR would have asked, especially after the Dems were so dishonest with the 1987 amnesty legislation.

Bob Grant| 10.20.11 @ 3:54PM

Uh, before you spout off about what Reagan would do (and trust me, you will not find a more intense Reagan fan), you might want to check out his history.

Considering he was a rancher in California dangerously close to the Mexican border, he might well have unwittingly had a few illegals working for him. Who knows but back in that day "vetting" was not a normal procedure. It was more like Don't ask, Don't tell.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 6:56PM

Bob;

But Romney is now, not thirty years ago. Everyone is supposed to be aware of the illegal immigrant thing. Linda Chavez blew up a Cabinet appointment how many years before Romney told this contractor, essentially, I don't care if you hire illegals, just don't use them in my yard! Once again people Fundamentals! Politicians winking and nodding at scofflaws and law breakers who are helping them are the problem. This country became great because we were all equal citizens, and even the government adhered to the law. Now, Nancy Pelosi openly LAUGHS at the Constitution.

EVERYONE REPEAT AFTER ME:

NATION OF LAWS, NOT MEN.

Wake up!

sirbourbon| 10.20.11 @ 3:36PM

"A non-issue from a candidate" ???

The issue her is the COSTS associated with illegal imigration. $113 billion in federal and state costs annually, according to this report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform>>>http://www.fairus.org/site/News2/977633106?page=NewsArticle&id=23190&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1761

There never is a "non-issue" with illegal activity.
A long list of evils associated with illegality:
The nation and the individual states incur trememdous costs to repair illegal aliens' injuries, birth their babies, teach their children, give them food stamps, jail the illegals' criminal and associated court costs. It is expensive to deport them since radical liberal lawyers tie up the process for months and years! Illegal aliens have been known to steal mail carrying the monthly retirement checks of American's retirement checks. That sinful activity plus general all around nonsense involved with millions of lawns keepers that get paid in cash and they REPORT no income taxes and sales taxes. In addition to those hirlings you have the illegal taco stand operators and illegal taco wagons that park next to night clubs and sell food out of roach coaches that have never been approved by the health department since the city inspectors never go out after hours. The list is longer than that since it involves the attitudes built up by the youth of the illegals that America's laws are a joke.

Fortunately states like Alabama are fighting back!
http://www.thenewamerican.com/.....ration-law

sirbourbon| 10.20.11 @ 3:14PM

Linda Chavez lost a chance at an appointment (Secretary of Labor) due to hiring an illegal alien. The tattle tales who pointed this out were liberals but it still cost her the appointment anyway! http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02.....indachavez

George F.| 10.20.11 @ 3:48PM

The answer to this illegal alien problem is the E-Verify program so employers must check on the legal status of every employee. And those people and organizations who support illegals must be forced to task themselves with helping illegals get legal instead of demanding that they get amnesty!

sirbourbon| 10.22.11 @ 2:06AM

E-verify will make the e-Verify company rich but it won't make us keep the aliens out of America. E-Verify would have made Hitler salivate at the mouth. He would have used this national ID card to verify the Jews and send them off to gas chambers with greater facility. Think what a liberal will use E-Verify for+ to identify second amendment gun rights people and conservatives and anyone on theit hit list.

Bad idea for a simple problemm of securing the border. Border agents that can't identiy illegal aliens from Mexico and central and south America need to turn in their badges. They are as easy to spot as a tacvo stand or a llanteria or a roach coach parked outside of a bar after midnight.

Earle Belle| 10.20.11 @ 5:07PM

Paul v Romney – Donations Show Stark Difference
Paul raised most from active military, Romney tapped big banks

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – A recent independent analysis of candidates’ campaign contributions reveals an interesting disparity between the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign and frontrunner Mitt Romney’s campaign. Romney’s top supporters appear to be made up of big banks while, unsurprisingly, Paul’s top contributors were men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“This fundraising analysis confirms Americans’ beliefs about Ron Paul and their suspicions about Mitt Romney. It is that Dr. Paul is extraordinarily popular and accepted by the everyman and by everyday heroes, while Romney relies almost exclusively on his big-business ties,” said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

According to the analysis, the top three organizations that employ Romney’s supporters are Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse Group, and Morgan Stanley. Reflecting his popularity with the everyman and our uniformed service men and women, the top three organizations that employ Dr. Paul’s supporters are the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy.

The study notes that the organizations themselves did not contribute. Rather, “the money came from the organization’s PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals’ immediate families.” The analysis suggests, then, that the use of PACs, bundling, subsidiaries and the like was not a feature of Dr. Paul’s grassroots fundraising.
Ron Paul Campaign Tops Others in Q3 Active-Military Donations
Outraises all other Republican candidates combined, outraises Obama

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign raised more campaign donations from active military than all other presidential candidates—Republican or Democrat—including having raised more funds from this segment than all other GOP competitors combined, and more than incumbent President Barack Obama.

Dr. Paul, an Air Force veteran, raised more than $75,000 from active military in the third quarter. This comes after Dr. Paul out-raised all GOP candidates – including all GOPers combined, and President Obama singularly – in the second quarter of this year. Dr. Paul also outraised his GOP competitors in a head-to-head comparison during his 2008 run for the presidency.

This determination was arrived at using an independent campaign analysis of FEC filing data focusing on contributors who listed their occupation and employer when contributing.

“Ron Paul is the only candidate with a plan to end the growing number of unconstitutional undeclared wars, having an unclear connection to U.S. national security, end costly overseas nation-building that pays no friendship dividends, and stop subsidizing global security. Instead Dr. Paul will bring our troops home, secure our borders and lead the nation in practicing a traditional Republican noninterventionist foreign policy,” said Ron Paul 2012 Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

“Let me also submit that Dr. Paul out-raising all candidates in military donations demonstrates that his ‘Plan to Restore America’ might sit well among voters who are active-military or veterans,” continued Mr. Benton.

To view the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign’s latest veterans-themed ad, click here. To view its latest foreign policy-themed ad, click here.
Ron Paul’s Free Market Fix for Healthcare

Ron Paul on how we can substantively fix our healthcare problems:

Obama is just adding on more government…

Our problem is that we have too much government management of our healthcare…

If you want better competition and healthcare you should allow the American people to opt out of government healthcare…

When a government gets involved in an industry prices go up…

We need more competition in healthcare…

Let people have control over their own money…
Standing Above the Fray

Once again, it’s worth pointing out that all of these candidates are viciously attacking one other over each of their lackluster, big government records.

They all have them. Except one.

And that candidate continues to stand above the fray because there is nothing to attack.

http://www.revolutionpac.com/2.....er-snipes/

Dan| 10.20.11 @ 6:15PM

All of these candidates can be nit picked for things they said or did in the past as well as some of their current beliefs. But unless Republicans want to lose again in 2012, we had better pick a candidate who can win the needed independents and beat Obama. You can be as conservatively pure as you want to be, but that may leave you waiting for the 2016 election and watching as Obama continues to destroy the country between 2012 and 2016. Not all of those running can beat Obama and the sooner they realize it the better. To some of them it is just an ego trip or a way to get a good government job if the GOP wins in 2012.

DTOM| 10.20.11 @ 7:08PM

And we need a very clear choice to contrast the leftist Obama! No RINO candidate who agrees with Obama on most things, Mr. RomneyCare. Oh yeah, he USED TO agree with Obama, but not now, now that he's in a Republican primary fight.

Show of hands here, anybody remember the old rule of how to run for President in the Republican Party?

Not sure?

I'm sure George "brainwashed" Romney told little Mitt you "Run to the right in the primary and to the middle in the general." In the '60's everybody said so, especially after Goldwater got annihilated.

So if Mr. ObamaLite (Romney, for you somnambulists) won't apologize for Romneycare during the primary, you can betcher bippy he'll be supporting ObamaCare in the general. He's a loser, that's why every MSM moron near a microphone has him as THE nominee.

Are you people listening? C'mon, this ain't rocket science!

Sheesh!

Frosty| 10.20.11 @ 9:25PM

Perry stepped down into the gutter and he'll never get out again. He is no better than Obama who dug up sealed divorce records to use against his opponent in Illinois. Pathetic coming from a so-called conservative. Romney rightly became agitated knowing how fast a phony "hiring illegals" accusation can torpedo a run for office (see Meg Whitman, California gubernatorial race). Romney should have followed his explanation of the situation with "and I did ask the company if the illegals had any tax-payer funded college credits on their resume, in order to determine if they entered the country at the Texas border."
Hey Rick, if you had quit inviting every illegal within a thousand miles of Harlingen to "come on over", it would have been much less likely that so many would have ended up in Massachusetts mowing grass.
I'm not a Romney fan but Perry just slammed the door on himself with that pathetic stunt.

Oh yeah, I think Perry is dumb too.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:45PM

LOL~ that would have been the PERFECT response to Perry.

Nite| 10.20.11 @ 10:11PM

Romney, Bachmann, Santorum and Cain have all targeted Perry. This occurred in the debates and Cain did in 3 interviews on national TV. I expect Perry is sick and tired of it. The TX instate tuition was passed in 2001, with a veto proof majority and only 4 no votes. This was also due to overwhelming response from congressional districts. This is not amnesty. State Governors can not deport anyone who is here illegally. That is the federal government who is not doing their jobs. Go to CNSNews and read an article about the testimony from the President of the Union for ICE Officers. It is mind boggling. Then you will see who is really responsible for the illegal aliens mess in the US.

bert| 10.20.11 @ 11:04PM

Poor ignorant Georgie , did you happen to notice the last two RNC debate locations have been in the only two Mittens hot spots in the USA outside of Utah ! Las Vegas is run by the Mormon Mafia and the place was packed with Mittens fellow Mormons.
Gosh , do you think the so called BOOS at Perry could have been from a place packed with fellow Mormons, What a shock !
Gee Georgie do ya think the vile Harry Reid did not get reelected without the help of this huge Mormon voting block.
Could AS blogger set be anymore in the tank for Mittens ?

Dan| 10.20.11 @ 11:08PM

Romney was irritated that Perry was interrupting him relentlessly. He wasn't unnerved by the pathetic accusation. That seemed clear. Did anyone say that already?

Side note: isn't the job of a moderator to ask questions and maintain the structure of the event? Cooper is a decent guy, but did a very unprofessional job, letting them shout each other down during other candidates' times to speak.

POST American| 10.20.11 @ 11:24PM

-------------------BOTTOM LINE-----------------------

'On show' ----becomes NO SHOW.

Again, for the reality challenged,
it's the Globalist RED China sellout,
TREASON and EUGENICS OP.

------And now for a little poetry

"When you're sipping lattes
in Tower # 2

Rectum worshipping
will never ------EVER ---DO"

That's right kiddies

John B| 10.20.11 @ 11:52PM

Romney won't lose the nomination or the general election because of this trivial lawn mowing matter, but he will lose the general election based on the fact that the Dems will tell the voters many, many times each day that he made his $250 million fortune by closing factories and shipping jobs overseas, that he owns five obscenely huge homes and has announced plans to double the size of his Malibu home at a cost of $14 million after the election (really dumb), and because he made $21 million in 2010 and paid 14.1% in federal taxes-half what a factory worker pays. These facts will be broadcast to the nation no fewer than 50,000 times between now and next November. Oh, and if you haven't seen the picture of Mitt posing with his Bain Capital partners with $100 bills sticking out of their pockets, you can find it on google, and it's hilarious. This will be the poster for the election. Romney has absolutely no chance in November, and he's almost certain to get the nomination. Really, really a sad situation. Obama should be easy to beat, and instead he will be in the White house until 2016.

Nixonfan| 10.23.11 @ 11:23AM

There is no conflict between advocating policies to secure our borders and employing undocumented landscapers and nannnies. They are separate issues. If I were Mitt, I'd say "Yes, I did hire a lawn service that probably employed undocumented workers. How does this relate to border policy?"

Dean from Ohio| 10.23.11 @ 8:53PM

Who cleans the toilets at the Boston Globe offices? Who sells tacos from the taco truck down the street? How about an immigration check there?

POST American| 10.24.11 @ 12:12AM

-----Sipping ---'90's Show'--- lattes
---------in Tower #2.

---------------BEYOND BOTTOMLESS----------------

----AS the ROT-child USURY and world
TREASON OP ---pipes onward.

-----------WAY BEYOND BOTTOMLESS------------

------------------------------------------WAY!

DB| 10.25.11 @ 2:21AM

It was a stupid spectacle, Perry clumsily nipping at Romney, serving no civic purpose and certainly helping no Republicans. In fairness it was Romney who started it with his inane tuition gotcha.

The conservative position is: BUILD THE WALL. Electrified, for preference. Then deportations can be conducted at a more or less leisurely pace as resources permit.

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