How can NASCAR be on your contempt file when their unofficial slogan is “If ya ain’t cheatin ya ain’t tryin” NASCAR was started by outlaws who made their living running whiskey. We need more of this excitement in NASCAR or it will start looking like INDY CAR racing with fenders.

tol•er•ant (t l r- nt)
adj.
1. Inclined to tolerate the beliefs, practices, or traits of others; forbearing. See Synonyms at broad-minded.
2. Able to withstand or endure an adverse environmental condition:

. tolerant – showing or characterized by broad-mindedness; “a broad political stance”; “generous and broad sympathies”; “a liberal newspaper”; “tolerant of his opponent’s opinions”
large-minded, liberal, broad
broad-minded – inclined to respect views and beliefs that differ from your own; “a judge who is broad-minded but even-handed”

I posted the above from an online dictionary. I must ask why at my advanced age living in America do I have to be tolerant of anything or anyone who does not share my beliefs.

I am tired of all the PC people of the world telling me I cannot speak against people whom I believe are ripping up the fabric of my country. However they can bad mouth me and my beliefs. Let me bring up one final point the most discriminated people in the world right now are the White Male Christians who are straight.

Let me throw a little fuel on the fire with a question. First before, I ask this question, I don’t have a dog in the hunt, I do not live and die UK basketball. I asked this question to a UK fan at my place of work, who wants Tubby fired yesterday. Do you not like Tubby because he is black? The guy walked away. How many UK fans would walk away without a word if asked that question?

Looks like Tennessee got an early Valentine’s gift from Tubby…..I know a certain 6′6″ Kentuckian that isn’t too happy right now…..Hey Kentucky Fans, relax, there’s always football season!

Darth

If Dixie Chicks aren’t a country act they should win 6 Academy Awards for portraying one……because that sure as hell sounds like country to me….My question is this, aside from tapping into the American dream for themselves what have they really done for this country? Answer: Nothing….

Cold rainy days bring out the best in you to hit so many subjects at once. This biggest thing I got from today Verdict is that I am very happy for you, that you do not turn to Britney Spears for underwear Tips and Tricks.

On the Dixie Chicks, in my humble opinion who cares? I listen to very little music and what they call country today is not country. Toby Keith maybe the only one worried about them. I feel the RNC has bigger problems to worry about, like can Rudy whip Hill’s in a debate and make the soccer mom’s love his dour demeanor

The story that got me today is Martyball is out. You are right, A.J.’s ego got in the way. If owner Spano was going to fire Marty which is his right, he signs the checks; he should have done it earlier like January 17th when he gave Marty the dreaded vote of confidence. From sitting 2500 miles away Smith a whiner, Marty’s getting old so Spano took the young kid. For coaches don’t forget June Jones out in Hawaii and he has a defensive Coordinator by the name of Jerry Glanville (Elvis you tickets are at the will call window)

Not only is the process as confusing as Chinese Trigonometry, it has forced a huge problem with scheduling. Tournaments that have been staples for years on the tour are gone. Chicago has lost the Western Open (which is the second oldest tourney in the US) and is now on a rotation with two other cities. Denver is losing it’s long standing tournament and unique scoring system because the tour gave them a new week and said, “Thanks for your long-time support, but we would rather showcase our latest TPC project during the high ratings weeks.”

Finchem has helped make the players a lot money (Tiger may have something to do with that too…), but he wants the Fed-Ex Cup to be his legacy. But he has it all wrong: the big boys, TW, Phil, Ernie and a few others aren’t there for the money. Ten million, twenty million what do they care. It is not enough to make them leave their mansions to go to Quad Cities to earn some more Fed Ex points. I hope Tiger and Phil win 4 or 5 times each this season, and thanks to a slew of top fives Charles Howell hoists the cup at whatever tournament it finally comes to an end at.
Nothing better than having your inaugural champion be recognized by about 48 people.

Seriously though, I agree that Tubby can coach–his record stands for itself. No the style is not as flashy as Pitino, nor is the personality. But the results are still pretty doggone good.

If I can knock one thing about Tubby it would be this. Even though the edge is small, the name UK should make an impression on some recruits, but how often does KY really get the “name” guy anymore. I know Crawford and Morris were big time signees, but there have been a lot of others that just don’t look like big time players (Stockton, Perry, and the list can go on). Is it Tubby’s style of play or the scowl.

As one who doesn’t buy into all the recuiting hype that all other UK fans long for, I must say it would be nice to have that one “go-to” stud that can be counted on the big basket. Wouldn’t you rather have had Tony Delk lauching those threes Saturday night than watch Jasper pass on shot after shot?

I really think if Tubby can get that one superstar, and then surround them with role players who would jump off the building for him (where Chuck Hays when you need him), then UK could get back to the top of the heap where as all the millions of citizens of the Bluegrass State know where they should be.

This reminds me of the time that your foot was on the line on that 3pointer during our afternoon pickup game……..most people wouldn’t expect there to be players willing to call your toe nail on the line during a pick up game from 45 ft away….. sometimes its a thankless job making the right call!!!

I think we were both thrown out of that one……

Darth

Could the star be lined up in such a way that the Daily Verdict has us talking about a gay guy, a man named Bum and yesterday we talked about checking our manhood by reaching down our pants? This could not have been planned it is all too bizarre. Where will the daily verdict go next?

The only reason the guy came out of the closet is that he had a bad NBA career, he need cash. So what does he do he use his best asset, “being gay in the NBA” (sounds like a Village People’s song to me) Writes a books and then tells everybody. Do ya think it’s for the cash?

Look, I know some people who have danced around in gay clubs with perfectly white K Swiss’ on…..but that doesn’t necessarily make them gay! Happy for sure, but not gay? Right?

Darth

Absolutely nothing amazes me any more! Honestly, I enjoyed the days when someone in the Locker room would tell someone else who was acting like an idiot to eff off! Sad to say it but “The Balls” speech should’ve been given to a certain fuzzy little coaching staff I once knew!

Whatever happened to the good old days when ballplayers would take infield in the gym and BP in the outfield?

Darth

I hope this incident does not get out of hand or we could have a big mess to clean up. Sorry, you are correct what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room. Who ever was the snitch deserves to be pantsed in the Senior Hall.

Once again the over protective politically correct people of this planet will ruin civilization for all of us.

Obviously, people don’t get Saban’s Jerry Clower routine…..I can’t blame them either, this guy is a clown…..speaking of comedy acts, I think Saban is going to orchestrate a true ‘comedic tragedy’ in Bama’……

Darth

I have a question.

I have known people from Louisiana, and worked with them. I have traveled some in that great state. A vast majority of those people are Tiger Fan.

Is coonass really a bad term?

The people I people that I encountered called each other that from Morning till night and no one got upset.

Or is this a case of a transplant to Louisiana and not understanding the culture that got upset.

I think Saban get a pass on this one.

Could today’s column have the headline “OJ is full of Pulp” “This OJ is in the Pits”
Or the real grabber “OJ has the court on his side and will come into big $$$$”
I know, I am insensitive once again with my OJ comments, but they are for OJ Mayo not OJ Simpson.

After I have had 24 hours to ponder this situation, I first saw it on Fox Sports.Com and then here on the High Court, I have started to feel a deep compassion for OJ Mayo. The batteries on crystal ball are not very good, but the vision that is seeing is a cross between OJ Mayo and Mike Tyson. OJ as a young man in Eastern Kentucky was making headlines as a middle schooler. He even had his own web site. You pointed out that he is better traveled these last four years that most of his peers while in high school and will be going to USC next year.

Now let look at the accomplices who helped to make this fiasco worse. The coach – McGuffin it appears that all he is concerned about is getting to play in the high profile games that having OJ on his team allows him to play, so that he can be recruited to go to a higher level. Assist. Coach/ Lawyer Woelful (I think his name may say it all) Coach/ Lawyer/ Agent can you say 10%. Huntington School District – we need these high profile games to raise funds since the state has cut our funding. “Hey can we get on the ESPN High School Game of the Week”. Judge O’Hanlon – Was this guy a roommate to Mike Nifong it seems both have jobs in our judicial system but have no clue of the law or COMMOM SENCE.

Let me ask this question if OJ is a stud player why is he going to USC to play for one year before cashing in to turn pro? Is USC that big a power house or just closer to the media when he turns pro?

It looks like Mike Tyson to me and OJ will be showing up on Miami Inked to get a face job soon.

OJ run, do not take a slow white Bronco and get away from all the people who are trying to help you. They are going to lead you to a path of self destruction.

I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts. Ironically, I bet McGuffin wonders why he’s still a High School coach and hasn’t cracked the collegiate ranks…..Do you think for a minute that Bobby Knight would hire attorneys to let this kid play? Or Dean Smith? No Way!

Darth

Mutombo is a solid man! Great piece buddy. I think it is amazing how little the NBA hyped Mutombo’s accomplishments over the past decade. Go figure!

I do appreciate his humanitarian work…but I also appreciated him wagging his finger at Jordan, hence motivating him to dunk on his grill one last time from the baseline!

Darth

Great stuff….Superspy water canteen? That is hilarious! Do you think Ron Mexico would have gotten caught with that canteen? I doubt it…….

2 Questions for you! Does it make me a bad person that I don’t like the fact that the opposing coaches in the Super Bowl love each other?….and How bad is the NFC this year?….developing

Great piece…..keep them coming.

Darth

Leave it to the Chief to take a little air out of the Gator Nation! Unfortunately, you make a very good point.(I hate it when you do that)…..Look, Urban is the flavor of the month right now in football so its natural for his name to pop up. Fortunately for the Gators, I don’t think Jerry Jones wants to experiment with Spreads and Options. Much better college options for now would be guys like Bob Stoops(Former Gator), Charlie Weis or Pete Carroll. Carroll is probably out and I think he’s done renegotiating contracts after his little jaunt to the Isles with Huezinga. Weiss made some comments earlier this year that sounded like he wanted to stay at Notre Dame until Y3K….Stoops might be in play though! He may not take the Cowboys job but he’d be a good option for them.

You never know what will happen in these situations but I’ll bet they don’t call Fulmer!

Darth

Has the Raider Nation fallen so hard that they may now be called the Raider Village. Is the Village Idiot Al Davis? I don’t think so, I have never been a big Raider fan, but I do get tired of the talking heads on radio and T.V. thinking that the decline of the Raiders the last 4 years is because of Al getting old. My guess is that Al has forgot more about running a football team than most of us mortals will ever know. The Raiders have had a downslide only the last 4 years. Does anybody remember the Green Bay Packers of the 70’s and 80’s, to be a little more current the Saints are finally making it to the Conference Championship Game and if they win they get to go to the Super Bowl, after how many years of mediocrity?

I don’t think Al’s the problem in hiring a new coach. How, many people really want to be in Oakland? That is not the garden spot I want to move to. Next the mantra of the Raiders has basically been sex, drugs, and rock and roll. This is just so 70’s and politically incorrect that no upstanding coach of the 21st Century would want to go to this place. Now think about players coming out in the draft. Can you imagine a white bread Catholic like Brady Quinn playing in Oakland; he has his rosary beads out and is on his knees praying that they take Russell.

Or maybe:

Your, Michael Vick trade. I can hear Jim Mora now (that is Sr.) “Michael Vick is a Coach killer”. Man was he prophetic. It is obvious today that money and adulation can not make you mature and responsible. Vick in my opinion has felt he was above everything and everyone since his days at Va. Tech with Frank Beamer. In college you can be the most athletic and change any game by yourself. But, when you come to the NFL it is still a team sport and your athletic talent has to meld with others. Yes, Vick has had some poor talent surrounding him at times but at other times he has neutralized his teammate’s talent by not want to be a NFL Quarterback, but wanting to be Michael Vick who runs around and throws the ball wildly. Remember, the farthest he ever took his team was to the NFC Championship game a few year ago. Keep this in prospective the much maligned Rex Grossman will also accomplish this feat. I think the Bears got Rex for a lot less than $137 million.

If I sound like Rush Limbaugh now I do not mean to. This is not about race, but it is about results. In my opinion, the national media has made every attempt to prop up Michael Vick and his career. Why do people want him to be successful so badly? If he deserved praise I would not care, but we all keep waiting for his break-out year, the only way we may get that is when he get out of the Dade County hoosegow after his current drug episode.

I for the one am ready for Vick to go to the Raiders, they should hire Mora Jr. as their Head Coach. Then Vick could kill him again and Mora could move to Washington State.

Since you are now in the “IN” crowd will you be downloading podcasts from ESPN radio on request and adding voice over the High Court.

I am sick and tired of this steroid stigma. As a former player, I am unconvinced that any steroid could account for the difference between a McGwire-like career at that of a solid major league veteran (he hit 49 homers his rookie year for goodness sake). In fact, one could argue, given McGwire’s injuries, a smaller, more stream-lined McGwire with full range of motion might have enjoyed further longevity that would have led to even more outstanding numbers. McGwire, Sosa, Bonds and others are being charged ex post facto for a problem that should have been addressed way before the fact. No one cared that a noticeably bulkier Brady Anderson hit 50 homers, quadrupling his career average out of nowhere one season because, let’s face it, he is a rather inconsequential figure is the fabric of baseball history. When Clemens comes up for consideration for the Hall are we going to put him on the stand and ask him about what substances went through his body that allowed him to play at a high level for so long? How the hell did the Ryan “express” keep it going for so long? Wait, am I accusing them of using steroids? No, not at all. Ryan and Clemens are known to be two of the hardest workers to ever take the mound. Do I have any doubt, steroids or not, that McGwire and especially Bonds worked hard to perfect their craft? None, not at all. Yet, we are going to scrutinize the very people whose performance is worthy of consideration for the sport’s greatest accolades 10 years after the fact and neglect the others? What kind of standard are they trying to sell us. These people act like we should take an eraser and undo every number put up in the 1990’s. Apparently, everyone knew it was going on, which begs the question: who wasn’t using performance-enhancing drugs? How many power-pitchers are around that can hit 95 or better in the mid-30’s? Are we not going to elect anyone from the so-called “steroid era” or major league baseball who hit a bunch of homers? Will the Hall be reserved for singles-hitters only? I sure hope not. While I can appreciate a well-executed hit and run, I am more impressed by someone who can a homerun every 10 at-bats.

In an era where .300 BA 30 HR, 115 RBI is a “solid” but not oustanding year, McGwire was one of the most-dominant sluggers. However, opinions tend to be like assholes, and when it comes to sports writers and the news media, and sometimes to the U.S. Congress, there tends to be a great number of assholes stinking things up. Baseball fans of the world unite!

Nice work as usual….I cannot believe Ripken and Gwynn didn’t get 100%….That just shows us how out of touch these voters have become. There is no doubt the voters/media want to discredit everything that happened during the late 80’s and 90’s in baseball……I’m good with writing off astroturf, Domes and disco days but let’s not taint Ripken…or Gwynn….and while we are at it lets not completely snub Mattingly…..or Gossage…..Wait another 10 years when Bonds, Griffey and A Rod come calling…..they will be painted as “children of the steroid era”…….they will probably be working on some kind of new “Steroid Math Conversion Chart”…ie, A Rod’s 800 HR’s would convert into 488 in the moral perfection days of the 50’s and 60’s……….

Hopefully, in 10 years time some of these baseball writers will have converted over to their true calling……….Founders of the Hypocrite’s Hall of Fame………..

Darth

I did not come here to talk about the past, but to talk about today and how we can improve. (sic) The Baseball writers did not leave Mark out of the Hall of Fame because he may have used steroids. They left him out because he had a DUMBASS for an agent or attorney that gave him the line “I did not come here to talk about the past”. How many weeks did they have to practice this?

Mark, was out of baseball, retired, playing golf; all he had to do was pull a Raffy Palmeiro. Point his right index finger at the Honorable Senator from Arizona and say “I did not take steroids at any time that I played baseball” Who could prove him wrong? Maybe, He and Raffey got their q-cards mixed up, everyone would have made out better and that circus would have been just as silly.

One thing that did hurt Mark has even happened in St. Louis. When all of this blew up McGwire, promised to lead the program against steroids. Even a staunch supporter like Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch pointed out that McGwire did not come thru on this promise. Hummel did back up on McGwire on this one point, but does feel he belongs in the HOF in the future.

When all the dust settles he gets in, but it may take 10 years.

Do you suppose that Mark can sue his agent or lawyer for malpractice, by not wanting to talk about the past?

Your recollection of our get together in 2004 is right on the money as usual. In fact, I’ll take it a step further and admit that I wasn’t even close to sold on Urban Meyer. However, (and I told everyone this last night) I respect your opinion on sports more than anyone I know and anyone on TV getting paid to analyze sports. Therefore, by the time I hit the Tarmac on my return trip to Orlando in 04′ I was singing the praise of an Urban Renewal. Unfortunately, everyone in Gator Nation I spoke with still wanted Spurrier, Stoops or even Wuerfel to coach us back to dominance. Because of the Chief’s analysis I recommended(ripped off Chief’s idea) to everyone I knew that we should go in another direction. Most would ask, Who should we hire? and I would say Urban Meyer…..Who?

I don’t think anyone will ask that question anymore!

Welcome back Chief,

Darth

How wonderful to have you back from a long hiatus. Did the Jack of Asses have a Freudian slip when he called Nick Saban, Nick Satan? Are all SEC Football teams and fans feeling the same way? That Nick is evil. Is tonight the last time that we will see a SEC in the title football game? Even I must admit that SEC football is KING, no other conference can compete in the level play that happens in the SEC. Now it has gotten even tougher for a team in the SEC to get to the championship game. Can anyone name a team that can have less that 2 loss in the next several years?

Now on to Nick saying I am a stayin’ while he was a goin’. Is this not the American way, let me tell you that if another company was courting me, I would be denying it to my current employer, till I nailed down the other job.

Now maybe Nick was going to get fired and this was an easy way out for both him and Wayne to stop from having bad press. Let us remember Wayne was not upset and basically gave his blessing on this move.

Let’s all not be so self righteous. It is very simple. SHOW ME THE MONEY

Welcome back! What basketball and our country needs is more coaches and leaders like “The General” Robert Montgomery Knight. We need to be a unit that works together with discipline. Could you imagine what we as a country would accomplish if we worked together with discipline.

In the words of Paul Harvey you can not have self government without self-discipline

It appears that the balance of power has changed in both the House and the Senate. I don’t believe that anyone would call the Democratic victory a mandate, it is a slim margin and Nancy Pelosie is already saying that see is not out for revenge but only want’s to work with President Bush. We will see if any of this is true.

I think when we look at this election from a very high view, this election is like most 40% of the voters are hard core Democrats, 40% are hard core Republicans with the remaining 20% of the voters being independents. These 20%er always tip the balance of power. Many political pundits are already saying that the landscape shift was not because of the war but was more based upon the lack of morals and corruption by those who did not win. (Ask Harold Ford Jr. about the trip to the Playboy Mansion). The question for the future will be — How do you capture the majority of the remaining 20%? What is their hot button to get them to vote? If I could answer either of these last two questions, I would have more money than Bill Gates, by selling my services to those who want a job that pays less than many upper level managers in the real world. (Of course this does not include graft)

I do have a plan that would clean up the disaster that we all witnessed these last few months:

We must have term limits Senators can only be in office for two terms during their life, House Members can only be in office for six terms. This means they get 12 years then need to move on. (This may be the only way to get Ted Kennedy out of office he won’t die since he has been pickled)

Here comes the part that will hurt campaign finance reform. Take the term of office times the salary per year times a multiplier (ex. For Senate 6 x $125,000 x 1.5 = $1,125,000) this would be all that a person running for Senate could spend on their campaign. As I hear, it takes $7,000,000 to run for that seat now that would mean over a 12 year period to elect all 50 Senators, they and their opponents would spend $700,000,000. Is it me or does that not seem a bit much?

Being of the 20% of voters who are Independent or as my wife would say Damn Independent; I make a difference in the election since no one knows how I will vote. With $700,000,000 available over the next 12 years I want my share that seems to be the American way.

You know I love you but I must be completely honest. Bill Maher is a small ball clown. I refuse to believe he is the Rush of the left. His show ‘Real Tired with Bill Maher’ is just that, tired. How many more negative people do we need in this country? The left’s message is and forever will be negative. Therefore, they will dominate the news media for eternity because as we all know, bad news sells. With that being said, Maher is the left’s Salesman of the Year. As a true Hollywood elitist he portrays himself as an independent willing to judge each issue on its merit, which just so happens to be how most Liberals describe their very own philosophies. Judging each issue on its merit is fine but he does so through a negative prism. The sad result is a viewpoint that sees most Americans as victims, America as an instigator and achievers as greedy. It is for that reason, he is so down on America and I am so down on him.

Lastly, he’s not funny.

Darth

I have a question, which fits into the last few days’ discussion. The other day while traveling I heard on the radio that only 50% of those that could register to vote did and only 25% of those registered to vote voted. This means that 25% of us who vote are setting the direction for the whole country.

Here is my question: Has the full court media blitz by all candidates even the local dog catcher turned everybody off of voting? Or are we now a country that no longer gives a damn?

And perhaps as proof that not even an ass-kicking is an adequate deterrent to ’shock jock’ sports journalism, Rome still does his thing on ESPN’s ‘Rome is Burning’. But for one fine moment, as I watched from my Bellarmine College dorm room in 1994, Rome was too busy picking himself up from the floor to say much.

It has happened, Jim Everrett decked Roy Firestone on the set ov the Evil Sports Network, when Roy kept calling Jim “Chris” as in Chris Everrett.

I had the benefit of sitting in on a policy briefing during my summer in Washington, D.C. Third Way, a leading progressive organization and cohort of Senate Dems, had just finished a study on why the Democratic Party continually loses the middle class at the polls. The reason, they concluded, was that Dems for years had preached a pessimistic message about the state of the Union, and directed their message to the lower class rather than the middle class which makes up a vast majority of the electorate. In truth, the typical American blue collar or white collar worker still believes in the “American Dream,” that one, through his or her own hard work, can make a good life for their family. And given the status of the economy and the increased security of our nation since the attacks of 9-11, one might ask what it there to gripe about?

But how does all of this relate to the so-called moral questions? The answer, though difficult in its development is a rather simple one. The Republican Party has repeatedly taken stands on important moral issues while the Democratic Party has continually refused to emphasize the role of traditional values, held my the majority Americans, in shaping policy. If not of this brand, other liberals have sided with the ACLU in an effort to protect individual liberties and secular rights. These loose constructionists have developed a legalistic framework that envisions a country which is a far cry from the one our Founders prophesied. Ever since FDR’s Supreme Court appointees ushered in a new era of “big government,” the overbearing liberal lawyers of Congress have sought to control every aspect of our lives. It seems we can have an Oath of Office which culminates in the phrase “so help me God,” but to use the same rhetoric in a valedictorian graduation farewell is to demand stark legal action. More law is the motto and the embodiment of the partisan Democratic ideal. And the average American just cannot identify. Only through an enhanced role of the federal government in people’s lives can the libs push through their own agenda of devout secularism and stymie any effort by the “religious right” to assert their influence on American politics. It seems to protect their voice, that of the moral minority, they must first squelch the right of the “moral many.” Such an idea runs counter to the very liberty and democratic principles such laws were enacted to protect. Though I refuse to read such partisan rubbish as the likes of Coulter and others put out, she might have got it right in her last book entitled, “The Church of Liberalism: Godless.”

An activist court stratified by a cultural revolution in the areas of affirmative action legislature, women’s right movements, etc. in the generation following the “Greatest Generation” has proven to be the catalyst for such ideals, triggering legislation which protected a woman’s right to choose to abort children in a land of prosperity and to deny teacher’s the right to post the Ten Commandments in their classrooms, among other abominations. In truth, the average Joe just cannot support this nonsense nor tolerate flag burning as a fundamental right. In an effort to protect their self-interests from the onslaught of the moral majority, the liberals have ushered in a new era which seeks to implement their own agenda which is to rid our nation’s fabric of any residue of the principles in which our nation was founded: life, liberty, and a profound belief in a Creator God and a Messiah. Instead we are led to believe that we should not isolate Church and State but replace the Christ’s Church and the teachings of the Jewish prophets with that of the Church of Liberalism, indeed godless. I say what is wrong with deriving moral virtue from the Scriptures? I mean we aren’t getting the message across via Ted Kennedy! While our country is no longer overrun with WASPs from continental Europe, we still have an obligation to teach our future generations the bedrock values that shaped our country in its development and continue to govern it today: the values espoused in the scriptures that have been the starting point for all “People of the Book” for over two millennia. Is it so wrong to have a legal system that mirrors the values of Biblical character? Do you have to believe in the death and resurrection of Christ in order to understand that not stealing or bearing false witness are good for society? Do you have to be devout Christian, Jew, or Muslim to ascertain that killing an unborn child is not a perfectly acceptable action? Taking all of this into account, it seems difficult to believe that one can be a Christian and support and ideology that runs so counter to precepts of the religion.

I am not one to attack the doctrine of separation of church and state. Many came to America, at least, initially to escape persecution. We have only to look at history or view the Islamic example to how the orthodox and reformed faiths slaughtered each other in the name of religion to know how divisive issues of religion can be. However, one party, the Republican Party has refused to separate faith and politics. This party has chosen to decide issues of policy not just by numbers but also on moral grounds. Whether you agree with it or not, President Bush vetoed stem cell legislation on moral grounds. In this age of partisanship, we must remind ourselves that not everything is black and white. Abortion may not always be wrong, but can it be right to kill a fetus that would most likely grow up and become a contributing member of society because it was convenient for the mother? The average American would answer that question “no.” However, the Dems continue to side-step the issue or side with the minority. Representing the minority is not a good way to win the support of the electorate.

Many Christian liberals would say that Christ’s teachings of the obligation of the haves to help the have-nots is exemplified by the Democratic message of the rich helping the poor out in society. This would not seem to reciprocate the Republican doctrine of tax cuts for the wealthy. Not only can the libs spend our money better than we can, they can also fix the problems of society and eliminate the underclass by skimming off the top and giving “excess” dollars to the needy. Well, is it more compassionate to continue to cut that person a check so they will never need to get a job and establish independence and not rely on the government or is it better to continue to trap them in the cycle of poverty by making it a certainty that the children grow up learning that they can depend on Welfare instead of building a future own their own merits? Tell me, which is more compassionate?

No matter how partisan the Congress becomes, the American people become more and more ideologically moderate. Most polling show that only 1/3 of registered voters strongly identify themselves with either party. It would behoove both parties to quit preaching to their base that comes out each year and start sending a message that speaks to the masses. While both parties have struggled to do this, one party has held a distinct advantage. In short, the Republican message of personal freedom protected by an effective government limited in scope appeals to the middle class of society more often than not. We know that the Republicans are going to win the upper-class and the Dems the lower. The difference is that a moral stance on issues of public opinion appeals to the majority whereas speaking out against school prayer alienates the common man. These are truths that have held true throughout our nation’s history and is the reason why a God-fearing man or woman will more often than not cast a ballot for a Republican candidate which seems to consult their conscience before making law.

This is great, having a discussion group like this.

I had to also do some research to have some sort of creditability in this discussion.

I would like to applaud Mr. Ramey, for being a local business man and being involved with local politics. So many run away from this civic obligation, for the fear that it will hurt their livelihood. I also appreciate Mr. Ramey’s deep religious convictions and the work he has doe for our community.

I wonder if we should not start the whole debate by someone defining: What is a Democrat, Republican or an Independent? And, how does one come to being any of the three labels? Is it by birth, region of the country or just dumb luck?

I will profess now that I am a registered Independent that tilts heavily to the conservative side. My family, including my wife and in-laws all registered Democrats. My oldest child a newly registered voter went Independent. You can see we are all screwed up and have lively debates at all family gathering.

I will also admit, I have never voted a straight ticket for either party. Nor do I vote in the Primary Election where you must declare a party. (It’s the secret ballot thing with me.)

I would also like to add that it is my own belief that the majority of our countries political leader, all parties included are in it for the money and what they can get for themselves. (See i.e. crook)

I agree with Mr. Ramey’s first point that he put God first, then his country and his party last.

I can neither comment nor have any knowledge about Mr. Ramey becoming a Christian and a Democrat.

Now, Separation of Church and State. I’d like to take a poke at this one. I agree our forefathers put this into our Constitution for a reason. My belief however is quite different. I feel that this meant that the Government should stay out of the church (not a recognized United States religion), but that religion was part of our country. Our money all states in God we trust. Most of our laws are based on the 10 Commandments. Our House of Representatives and Senate always begin sessions with a prayer. I strongly feel our forefathers felt Church should be part of the State.

In my opinion, the Constitution and the Bible are not open to interpitation. They are what they are and not meant to be read between the lines for hidden meanings.

I also agree with Mr. Ramey that we as citizens of the United States should make the best decision for our Country, State and locale. Most people, even immigrants believe with what is being taught in Today’s Christian Church – love and unconditional forgiveness. The problem is that it is not universally practiced. I also agree about humility; however it not just the church does not show it, it is every where.

On the point that Mr. Ramey brought up about America always being inclusive, I must disagree with. Our country has always been in turmoil within it’s self and the gap is growing wide every day. Rich vs. Poor, White vs. others. American born vs. foreign born. You and I are now the most excluded of all, the white male. And this is primarily being done by the Democratic Party, in they way that they snuggle up to special interest groups.

Now moving on to the Social points that you make about AIDS in Africa and the U.S. Government not allowing distribution of condom’s being absurd. Which being against the Christian principle to look after the downtrodden and the lame. Now here is where it gets a little fuzzy for me. You want us to act like a Christian nation, but you want “strong Separation of Church and State”. Okay, I also feel that we need to help those who are less fortunate than you and me. My feeling though is that we do it thru our Church. That is my giving in the collection plate to help to make the world a better place and by my free choice with the direction of my God. If we do in fact have “separation of Church and State” then our country should have no dog in the hunt. Because, we would have people who do not believe in helping others, creating taxation without representation.

Your point that your party did not show that your values come from your faith. What are the Democratic Parties values? Who are the new generation of Democratic leaders who are expressing those values?

I would like to take a large exception with you on your parties defending the downtrodden. Do you remember Jimmy Carter? He took our countries leading industry, Agriculture down the toilet with his grain embargo, because he was mad at the USSR. It took nearly a decade to bring agriculture back, and many families have never nor ever will recover, this was with a Democratic House and Senate in power during the 80’s. For me that one DOES NOT FLY.

Abortions – I think we have some common ground on this one. I can agree that they should be very limited to only incest and rape. I must disagree on your reasoning of lack of health insurance and of low income:

According to the Guttmacher Institute, there were 1.31 million abortions in the US in 2000, and cases of rape or incest accounted for 1.0% of abortions in 2000. [citation needed] Another study revealed that women reported the following reasons for choosing an abortion: [3]
• 25.5% Want to postpone childbearing
• 21.3% Cannot afford a baby
• 14.1% Has relationship problem or partner does not want pregnancy
• 12.2% Too young; parent(s) or other(s) object to pregnancy
• 10.8% Having a child will disrupt education or job
• 7.9% Want no (more) children
• 3.3% Risk to fetal health
• 2.8% Risk to maternal health
• 2.1% Rape, Incest, Other
As you can see health insurance was never mentioned and low income accounted for 21.3%. While what we consider acceptable abortion—rape and incest only accounts for 2.1%

Your next point that abortions went down under Clinton and back up again in the Bush administration are not accurate according to the CDC:

Figure 1
Sorry but my graph would not show that in fact abortions have stayed flat to wen down slightly under Busch.

On your next point let’s assume that there are on elitists that are only concerned with liberal causes in California and New York. I will also assume that most of what Rush Limbaugh and the Fox News Channel is political hype. If you would do the same for NPR, MSNBC, CNN, USAToday, Al Franken and the Big Three News Networks. I now ask you to name the centrist and moderate Democratic Governors and Senators. Because I am uneducated to them and would like to learn more about them.

In your next point you visit about the Democratic Platform. I went to the web site so that I could understand it. Here is what I found.

6- Point Plan for 2006

1 Honest Leadership and Open Government
2 Real Security
3 Energy Independence
4 Economic prosperity and Educational Excellence
5 A Healthcare System that works for Everyone
6 Retirement Security

Continued Commitments
Environment
Civil Rights
Vet/Military
Election Reform

I feel that the above Platform is noble and are the thing that I am looking for. However when I clicked on any of these planks they continually pointed out what the other party was doing wrong. In the elections ads that I have seen on TV, I have heard none of these points. To be honest from either side only the same old mud slinging, which leads the electorate to only vote for the lesser of two evils.

Your next point brought up that when you bring points up that to others they may see you as anti-Christian or anti-American. I also believe the opposite is true even Christians who are not political at all are made to fell less than worthy by many in the press and in today’s other Medias.

I want to also want to agree with you strongly that we need people from all parties who are Christian based to be involved in the process of government. I feel there are those in all parties that are hiding behind the bible and are being “disingenuous” not just the GOP.

Mr. Ramey I really enjoyed your insight and I hope you join the Chief Justice again. This is dialog we all need to be involved in.

Today, you wrote about all of the circumstances that lead to the demise of the Yankees. From having played players that have not played all year, except for the last few weeks. To stars who did not meet expectations. The whole Yankee circus is really a planned event by “The Boss” because he can not stand to be out of the lime light and allow the Mets his competitor in the Big Apple to have any time in the news cycle.

I write tonight with the benefit of knowing Joe still has his job for one more year and Brian Cashman, stating he has no plans to trade A-Rod.

Here may be the most startling point I heard about the Yankee’s today. They are looking more and more like the Oakland Raiders with every tick of the clock. What are my facts to back this up?

1. “The Boss” has lost his passion. He would have fired Joe after the 2004 debacle. If he had the stones he use to. May have hired him back this year and fired him again after Saturday afternoon’s flameout. But that is why we liked Billy Martin. Al Davis still fires, he just can’t hire.

2. The Yankees don’t raise much home grown talent anymore; they just buy stars in their declining years. When was the last time the Raiders drafted talent? Todd Marinovich does not count.

3. Both teams recycle old time stars that are hard to fire. Art Schell, Willie Brown & Fred Biletnikoff – Raiders. Sorry for this one Chief, Don Mattingly (Hitting Coach), Ron Guidry (Pitching Coach). After what happened Saturday to the Yankees there must be a sacrificial lamb. Who will raise his hand to mention Mattingly or Guidry? Bueller….Bueller….Buealler? Of course no one will, and neither should they be fired. We need to ask Mel Stottlemeyer and Don Zimmer how retirement is going. Remember, how they go ousted when the Yankees lost?

As you can there are parallels between both of these proud franchises. The Yankees can change their ways and turn this around quickly but “The Boss” is going to need to go on one of his notorious rampages and clean house if he wants to bring back “The Evil Empire”. For Al Davis it is time to sell and go home.

I may have found the problem with the Yankees; it is the “REVERSE CURSE”. I did a quick check of the team stats since they were beat by the Red Sox in 2004 their hitting and pitching stats in post-season are both going the wrong way, hitting going down and ERA going up. If my hypothesis is correct next year the Yankees will not make the playoffs and with-in 5 years they will be the cellar dwellers of the American League east.

Now, going on with your thought that A-Rod must have new scenery, the way for the Yankees to break the curse is for them to trade A-Rod to the Bo Sox. Of course they will then win many World Series, but in 84 years the Yankees will be on top again.

Besides A-Rod is to pretty to play in St. Louis