Huckleberries Online

Wild Card/Saturday — 12.12.09

Posted by DFO

Dec. 12, 2009 6:40 a.m. • 45 comments

Get your honey-do’s done early because Gonzaga will be on the hardwood today for the 7th annual “Battle in Seattle” against Davidson at 4 p.m. on Fox Sports Northwest. The No. 21 Zags (7-2) last met Davidson (2-6) in the first round of the 2008 NCAA tournament and were upset when Stephen Curry, now an NBA player, scored 40 points. You can read about it here. At 1 p.m., talented Washington State (6-2) will play Air Force (5-2) in the Spokane Arena here. Idaho, meanwhile, hosts Eastern Oregon, beginning at 5:05. Now, for your Wild Card …

45 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

Arch_Druid on December 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Letters to the editor in the S-R today. You have to wonder why Don Graham after 74 years doesn’t recognize the difference between gvt intervention and central control by the gvt. TARP is gvt intervention, and was put in place by the last Congress in 2008 and signed onto by the last President, GW. Oh, TARP is THIS YEAR? Yes, I am fully aware that we have a dude in the Obama administration who does indeed implement policies that put caps on what executives earn. But, when those pay caps did not happen to be regulated, those same “talented people” were also driving their companies into the ground. They didn’t mind getting all that “cheap labor” so that they could line their pockets even more. What was the end result of companies luring the less than talented to become CEOs by handing them excessive wages? A lot of those companies collapsed and brought about gvt intervention. Now if those companies wish to survive, the CEOs need to do some sacrificing too. Why is that a problem? And if Graham had researched his history a little better, he’d find gvt intervention had been on-going by BOTH parties. One of those arguments that as long as my side is not in power, then it becomes socialism.

Keith Green sure has it out for Eric Holder doesn’t he. He slaps together the Black Panthers, ACORN and 9/11/2001 terrorists together in one long whine. Wonder if he had a number of excuses for the succession of AGs during the GW years, when in fact one of GW’s Attorney Generals before the 9/11/2001 attack made the very bad move of cutting counter-terrorism funding. No one, as I recall said that he should be fired He then in the months after 9/11/2001 would trot out the scary scenario of the week, which always proved to be unfounded. No one suggested that he be fired. Compared to John Ashcroft, what Green has to say about Holder is typically partisan and penny ante. Oh, and at some point, we do need to bring the 9/11/2001 terrorists to justice. No matter where and from whom Holder got his advice.

Brief commentary about Mark Johnson, apparently someone forgot that Obama campaigned to do something about Afghanistan, the war that languished for about 8 years.

And finally, Kathy L. McFarland. Huckabee commuted the sentence of a violent dude who ultimately killed four police officers in Washington state. But we shouldn’t attack Huckabee for after all, he was employing his “Christian faith” in making his decisions. Brings to mind Michael Dukakis. He was also responsible for the release of a violent dude in his state who then went on to be a repeat offender in brutal rape, etc. Dukakis being a Greek Orthodox Christian was also using HIS Christian faith, so I understand to make this decision about this violent perpetrator. But the GOP had no problem labeling Dukakis faith as “liberal” and soft on crime. Now why should Huckabee be spared the condemnation?
hmoffsuite on December 12 at 1:24 p.m.
It seems the Obama folks had a blueprint for how to get its health care reform to be sold to the American public. …

““We must create a national consensus that the health care system is in crisis.” and “To win we must not just generate understanding, but emotion—fear, revulsion, anger, disgust.””

http://biggovernment.com/2009/12/07/the-blueprint-penned-from-the-pen-manufacture-a-crisis-manufacture-rage/
hmoffsuite on December 12 at 1:45 p.m.
Incidentally, Montana is playing on TV right now. Playing Appalachin State in football. ESPN
hmoffsuite on December 12 at 2:40 p.m.
When Obama was campaigning last year, I rather vividly recall him saying he would put an end to earmarks. Well, he broke that promise right away but said that was a rare case, as the earmarks were essential. Now, with this difficult health care reform bill, we are getting more of the same. Obama is disappointing me on this matter.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-congress-spending11-2009dec11,0,869265.story
MamaJD on December 12 at 3:52 p.m.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 11:02 a.m.

“Mike K thinks his followers are stupid or gullible. Read the story he posted about Lee Shelman now that Lee can’t come back from the grave to defend his reputation.”

Larry — Mike’s story is verifiable. Just like the Kralicek rumor that you claimed was a lie, you should check around before claiming that Mike is lying. You ARE accusing Mike of making up the story with the above comment and the ones DFO deleted. Mike is not the only in town that has heard about the “fence mending” between he and Lee.
MamaJD on December 12 at 3:54 p.m.
Is anyone else having trouble seeing current comments in the thread lines?
Soaf on December 12 at 3:58 p.m.
I don’t know……… I kinda like Jokers posting. Especially since it appears very accurate given Spencers history of mis-stating facts and his inability to back up his accusations (Lies).
mike_s on December 12 at 4:20 p.m.
Wouldn’t the act of falsely accusing someone else of lying then make you the liar?
Phaedrus on December 12 at 4:24 p.m.
Either that or you think people are just plain stupid-LarrySpencer

Some people are, right LarrySpencer?

LarrySpencer came on here and claimed that people were lying when they reported that Gary Ingram was spreading a false and malicious rumor about Mike Kraliecek, in the process good ‘ol LarrySpencer told a few whoopers of his own and then he slithered away after the truth of Gary Ingram’s rumor mongering was verified. Now he comes on here with NO PROOF, but a BIG MOUTH and once again acts like he knows what he is talking about when the truth couldn’t be farther from the truth. If LarrySpencer was half a man he would have discretely made inquires amongst those who knew this gentleman and confirmed that the story as related is indeed true. But then again, the respectable folks of that political persuasion scatter when they see LarrySpencer approaching.
SeriouslyNow on December 12 at 4:26 p.m.
Does Larry Spencer have no shame? Trying to dishonor the memory of a respected member of our community?

He claims to be off limits from criticism from other bloggers on this blog, but levels an accusation against a public icon that goes beyond anything he’s ever tried to pull before — and that’s saying something.

For shame, Lawrence Spencer. For absolute shame.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 4:31 p.m.
I never said Mike lied.

I will try to explain it to you like I would a small child.

If you say “I don’t think that person is telling the truth” you are not saying that they are lying, perhaps they think they are telling the truth. If that is the case, what they are saying is not true, but lacking intent to decieve, it isn’t a lie.

What I implied was that I do not believe Mike’s story, and I suspect most people who knew Lee would believe it any more than they would believe a claim that he voted for Obama. To not believe someone is not to call them a lier.

Is that so hard to grasp?
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 4:37 p.m.
Well, it might be hard to grasp for some Democrats who are willing to accuse me of saying things I didn’t, like Phaedrus up there, and claim I accused someone of lying.

>He claims to be off limits from criticism from other bloggers on this blog, but levels an accusation against a public icon that goes beyond anything he’s ever tried to pull before — and that’s saying something.

Where did I claim that? Oh, wait, you are just making stuff up now as you lob insults and falsehoods from behind your cloak of anonymity.

For shame yourself, coward. People like you are why Digger left.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 4:40 p.m.
For the record, I have taken more criticism than any other person on this blog, EVER. I even had a personal cyberstalker. I have never claimed protection from criticism. Not even once.
Soaf on December 12 at 4:42 p.m.
No Spencer, you “IMPLIED” that he lied. Now you play “Lets Cover My But*”. It appears that you “think” (Term Used Very Loosely) you are the Know-All of politics in N. Idaho when in fact you are nothing more than a gadfly with an axe to grind.

You made your bed………… You Sleep in it……. (Where ever that may be)
Phaedrus on December 12 at 4:43 p.m.
Wouldn’t the act of falsely accusing someone else of lying then make you the liar?

yes indeed, LarrySpencer is a lying sack of shugar. ;-)
SeriouslyNow on December 12 at 4:46 p.m.
What is with you lately, Lawrence? You’ve been in rare form for the last few weeks.

You’re lying in your posts, even as recently as moments ago when you claimed you never wanted protection from criticism. You asked DFO to delete Joker’s post that justly called you a liar.

You claimed Lee Shellman didn’t say what he said to Mike, as verified by others. Let me explain it to you like a child, Lawrence: that’s called lying.

Or should I word it a bit more delicately, perhaps in more legal terms?

Spencer misstates the facts.

You dishonor the memory of a dead man for political reasons and then accuse me of being a coward. Some nerve.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 4:58 p.m.
/leans down to talk to seriously limited person and types real slow like.

1 asking that a post be eliminated that called me a lier is not asking for protection from criticism when other people are putting words in my mouth and then saying I lied.

2 I never said Lee said or didn’t say anything, I just implied that I didn’t believe Mike’s story.

3 I didn’t dishonor the memory of Lee, I defended it. Mike is trying to use Lee’s grave as a pulpit to tell people how great Mike is, and how wonderful Lee thought mike is.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 5:04 p.m.
Am I the only one that wonders how many of these posters might be a single person that needs to get a life?

Or at least a real job?
Soaf on December 12 at 5:31 p.m.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 5:04 p.m.

Am I the only one that wonders how many of these posters might be a single person that needs to get a life?

==============================================

Yup!!!
MamaJD on December 12 at 5:38 p.m.
Thanks for typing real slow like. I get it now: When playing the Liar, Liar Pants On Fire game, one needs to apply Larry Logic.

I understand your opinion, Larry. Your opinion isn’t based on facts because Lee & Mike did bury the hatchet whether you believe it or not. It is usually a good thing when someone has a reputation that they are willing to admit that opinions formed in the past were wrong. Or that they could work with people for a common goal even when their polticial opinions were different. That’s not a point of weakness; it illustrates one of the many reasons why Lee Shellman was respected in our community. Do you think others would speak as highly about you?
Joker on December 12 at 5:46 p.m.
I don’t believe Larry’s story that he has a cyberstalker. I am not saying he is BIG liar, I just don’t believe him.

I have often wondered if Larry has a job? I have wondered who would hire him? I have wondered what it would like to have Larry as one of my employees. We know he doesn’t lie or distort the truth.
mike_s on December 12 at 5:47 p.m.
Not to change the subject but … Happy Hanukkah!
Joker on December 12 at 5:56 p.m.
I don’t think Larry is telling the truth about his efforts to smear US soldiers and a crippled police officer. He implies a lot of ugly horrible things and the pretends he didn’t say them.
mike_s on December 12 at 6:04 p.m.
Don’t let the light go out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yZ1zxtbOJE
JohnA on December 12 at 7:26 p.m.
Such negativism on the eve of the twelve days of Christmas.

On a happier note, Deena and I spent my birthday today in lovely, lively downtown Harrison. Their Winterfest was great and shows what spirit and heart a small town can have when their residents have holiday cheer to share.

Harrison is what the bigger towns in the county used to have, small town hospitality served up on a grand and beautiful scale.
Cindy_H on December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Happy BD JohnA!
Thanks for all the pun you bring to HBO.
MamaJD on December 12 at 7:56 p.m.
I’m missing holiday cheer, too! Too many Bah Humbugs hanging around this year. No matter how bad the economy, the political landscape, etc, there’s always room to recognize some blessings.

Happy birthday, John A! You are an important piece of the HBO community.
mia on December 12 at 8:29 p.m.
Happy Birthday John A!
danofthecommunity on December 12 at 8:29 p.m.
If you are looking for something inspirational, try Invictus.

We just got home from seeing it and it was very good.

Also, looks like that lost snow storm that was supposed to be here this morning has finally found it’s way out to Twin Lakes.
Arpie on December 12 at 8:30 p.m.
-Am I the only one that wonders how many of these posters might be a single person that needs to get a life?-

I’m confused. Is this a conspiracy theory within a conspiracy theory?
mike_s on December 12 at 8:32 p.m.
Dan, how much snow at Twin Lakes?
hhuseland on December 12 at 8:35 p.m.
As a conservative, I really dislike the sliming that Larry produces. He seldom gets his facts straight, and I suspect being factual is not one of his first priorities. Larry, I’ve known you for a few years now, and talked with you several times. Personally, I think the only time in these conversations that you were totally objective, is when your mouth is closed. All other occasions you try (failing) to fit the facts to your preconceived notions of what reality is. There are very few people out there that don’t see through you. Especially us conservatives, that suffer the bad name you are giving us. Go repo a freaking 56 marlette or something, but leave governing to those that actually care about government.
danofthecommunity on December 12 at 8:45 p.m.
Just a light covering at Twin, but still coming down.
LarrySpencer on December 12 at 8:52 p.m.
Herb, I have typed several responses to your post, but there is no point saying those things to you.

So have yourself a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

;)
spokelooneh on December 12 at 9:24 p.m.
Spencer stretching the truth?
This is blog-arguable, why?

It’s what he does. I believe that’s been confirmed by no less an authority than the Idaho Supreme Court.
spokelooneh on December 12 at 9:37 p.m.
“When Obama was campaigning last year, I rather vividly recall him saying he would put an end to earmarks. “
-HMO

That’s either your rather vivid IMAGINATION or a deliberate misstatement of fact.

Obama NEVER said he would put and end to earmarks. Not ever.

He did say “the entire earmarks process needs to be re-examined and reformed.”

Considering how the Republican Congress and Republican President had nearly tripled earmarks, far in excess of what any Dem administration did, yes, it does need MAJOR reform.

BTW, pot, meet kettle:

“Washington insiders have espoused this “power of the purse” to validate Congress’s mushrooming appetite for pork. Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) have argued that eliminating earmarks would equate to an unconstitutional delegation of spending discretion to the executive branch.”

http://councilfor.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_earmarks

http://mediamatters.org/research/200903050003
JohnA on December 12 at 10:18 p.m.
Thanks all, for the birthday wishes. As the snow gently falls at the end of a perfect day, it’s doubtful I’ve ever had a better one.

Meanwhile, the great thing about HBO is the sense of family here. Sometimes, it is more like the Manson family but that’s OK. :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend and even better Christmas celebration.
spokelooneh on December 12 at 10:24 p.m.
“Sometimes, it is more like the Manson family but that’s OK. :) “
-John A.

LMAO, John. Quite true at times.

Glad to hear you had a great birthday, and best wishes.
Phaedrus on December 12 at 10:30 p.m.
Happy Birthday, JohnA!

Love,

“Tex” Winter
Phaedrus on December 12 at 10:32 p.m.
Herb, re: your 8:35 PM post. I agree with you 1000% (I think that’s 3 times in as many days; what’s happening to us?) :-0
JIMMYMAC on December 12 at 10:37 p.m.
I’m late to the party as usual. From my perspective:

LarrySpencer on December 12 at 4:31 p.m.

I never said Mike lied.

lie
Pronunciation [lahy] verb, lied, ly⋅ing.
–noun 1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

LarrySpencer on December 12 at 4:58 p.m.

/leans down to talk to seriously limited person and types real slow like.

1 asking that a post be eliminated that called me a lier is not asking for protection from criticism when other people are putting words in my mouth and then saying I lied.

2 I never said Lee said or didn’t say anything, I just implied that I didn’t believe Mike’s story.

3 I didn’t dishonor the memory of Lee, I defended it. Mike is trying to use Lee’s grave as a pulpit to tell people how great Mike is, and how wonderful Lee thought mike is.

Larry, based on your post at 4:58 pm, more specifically your #’s 2 and 3, you defined Mike as lying. Now you are lying saying that you didn’t say he lied. I don’t think party affiliation has anything to do with the fact that some people are not seeing the logic behind your responses today. Just sayin’.
MamaJD on December 12 at 11:15 p.m.
Jimmymac — You are much to analytical for trying to decipher the Larry Logic.

Larry is content disbelieving something that is based on truth. I think we should be willing to allow Larry to be wrong. He seems to like it that way. He’s so entertaining when he’s wrong. Life would be dull if the Larry Logic disappeared.
danofthecommunity on December 13 at 8:06 a.m.
Just a light covering at Twin, but still coming down.

And it looks like that light covering is all we did end up with.
Stickman on December 13 at 9:33 a.m.
Happy Birthday John.
mike_s on December 13 at 3:23 p.m.
“And it looks like that light covering is all we did end up with.”

Perfect for spotting animal tracks and a Sunday afternoon run.

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D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.