Huckleberries Online

Wild Card/Thursday — 2/19/09

Posted by DFO

Feb. 19, 2009 6:05 p.m. • 129 comments

In the news this evening, The Dow closes at a bear market low here. New York Times stock now cost less than Sunday paper here. Racism row over chimp cartoon sparks debate here. A new study shows that the proximity to fast-food restaurants is linked to stroke risk here. And the Wild Card remains in play …

129 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

danofthecommunity on February 19 at 10:55 a.m.
There were interesting bookends in the news yesterday concerning closed primaries. Here in Idaho, a federal hearing was held on doing away with our modified open primaries. While in California, the last holdout vote to pass their budget bill and prevent complete meltdown of their economy was made by a state senator. Part of the price of his vote was the agreement to put a constitutional amendment on their ballot at the next general election so voters could choose to go back to an open primary in his state (or not—the important point being the voters get to choose).

In both cases, efforts to close our primary and open theirs, were led by Republicans.

For the record (and I know it’s kind of a broken one), I feel primaries should be open unless the parties hold their own candidate selection process that doesn’t use public taxpayer funds.
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 10:57 a.m.
Imagine the outcry of that were someone stopped for an anti-Bush sign…

Times are scary. Bush sold our freedoms for a rusty tin can and string, now Obama takes over with that precedence.
Lynne on February 19 at 11:09 a.m.
Didn’t there used to be a “Somebody needs you” column at the SR? I need to find a walker for a disabled friend…help?
danofthecommunity on February 19 at 11:22 a.m.
St. Vincents on Gov’t Way has a whole room of used medical equipment like that. My wife (who is a physical therapist) found a great walker for a neighbor with a broken leg. She said it was in great condition for a small price.
idawa on February 19 at 11:53 a.m.
surprised i haven’t seen any discussion on this blog yet about the Oregon Society for Jesus having declared bankruptcy given how closely this site follows Gonzaga matters. The attorney’s seeking the Societies assets have argued that this include both Gonzaga and Seattle U, a claim which the Society vehemently denies given that both Universities are independent operated institutions outside the order. However, the Jesuits do, in reality, have a strong presence in both schools, men from the order to lead the institutions, etc… so there might a slim argument that they should be included. I think the argument is a looser, but you never know and I haven’t researched the issue.

For more information see here,
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008755553_jesuits18m0.html
and
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/400643_jesuit19.html
OrangeTV on February 19 at 12:08 p.m.
So Bob went and got himself coolered again - is that what I gathered? The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The moon cycles change the tide of the oceans. Cher treks out on yet another big farewell tour.

There’s some comfort to be found in the predictable, repetitive nature of certain things in life.
thomg57 on February 19 at 12:51 p.m.
The sign, which read “Abort Obama Not the Unborn,”

classy.
thomg57 on February 19 at 12:52 p.m.
CB, how does the action of one police officer in Oklahoma turn into “now Obama takes over with that precedence.”?
thomg57 on February 19 at 12:53 p.m.
FREE TUBOB!

FREE THAWTFUL READER!
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 1:25 p.m.
Thom, your side yelped endlessly about the erosion of freedoms under Bush (and so did I.) So you will still hear it now that your guy is in office.
toadman on February 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Bob’s in the cooler? Self imposed? Where the heck was I?
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 1:44 p.m.
He is just looking for a way out of the Blogfest.
MamaJD on February 19 at 2:31 p.m.
Does anyone know when Red Oak shut it’s doors? I drove by there today and the merchandise is still in the store and a sign on the door thanks the community for 10 years. Anyone know any details?
thomg57 on February 19 at 2:33 p.m.
So you will still hear it now that your guy is in office.—Cabbage Boy

But you didn’t answer the question. Can you explain the apparent logical leap?
thomg57 on February 19 at 2:34 p.m.
MamaJD, they announced the closing before Christmas, I believ it is a result of high overhead and low revenue.
toadman on February 19 at 2:34 p.m.
Speaking of Blogfest, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it this year.. or to the shadow blogfest today in Spokane.. wifey is ill… priorities, man.

I know you’re all going to weep great big bitter tears over my absence, but if you raise a glass of Guinness (or water, or tea, or whatever beverage your sensibilities and religion allow you to partake of…) and think of the toad, you’ll feel better.
toadman on February 19 at 2:40 p.m.
Also, on freedom: There is no such thing as absolute freedom in our society. Obligations trump freedom. There are only the freedoms that we all agree on…and that shifts all the time. This is my theory of why people feel their freedoms eroding under regimes with which they have ideological differences.

This is why I think Cabbage feels his freedoms are eroding just as much now, as they did under Bush. Check me if I was wrong, but I’m guessing Cabbage had just as many ideological differences with the Bush administration, as he does with the Obama administration, they’re just different differences now….am I right?

That’s one of the things that makes an independent thinker, in my opinion. One can be an independent thinker, and come up with a vastly different ideology from another independent thinker. Like I’ve always said, it’s always more complex than people first imagine.
BrandonHansen on February 19 at 2:44 p.m.
I agree with toadman, but it does seem that we as a society have been much more accepting of that freedom to be taken away since 9/11 than in the past. It seems that our country has gotten into the groove of really trusting authority, which can be bad or good however you look at it.

Case in point… how many war protests are happening at college campuses? Now how many Xbox games are going on?

Hmmmm :D

Brandon Hansen
Just South of North
www.justsouthofnorth.com
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 3:05 p.m.
Just for the record, the Dow closed down at the lowest close in 6 years. Broke thru some psychological barriers that had been allowing some support. Why did it happen? Mostly because the lousy stimulus package was signed and Geithner looks like a mistake. Markets have no confidence in the Obama administration. When the employment numbers are released for February, early next month, and the automakers take center stage, it will be an increasingly difficult time for the markets, economy and individuals alike.
eagleeye on February 19 at 3:36 p.m.
Pure stupidity to analyze a program that hasnt even put into place yet in a negative manner. Geithner hasnt been in his postion for a month and he is already labeled a mistaken. The right wing is caught in a real tough spot. They are rolling the dice and hoping for the Obama administration to fail which means millions of people will be hurt. But that is their only route back into power. Obama succeeds, we all succeed except for the power hungry GOP. At least after 9-11 everyone pulled together. Bush had an approval rating of over 90% which means we were united. But Bush blew it. Now that we are in an economic crisis not seen in 75 years the power hungry thinks of just themselves. Its a sad state we live in.
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 3:37 p.m.
No toad. We do have freedoms. They are defined in the bill of rights.

Warrantless wiretapping was a huge step in removing some of our rights.
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 3:41 p.m.
and Thom, forgive me if it seems as I am ignoring you. I am just ignoring you.

Follow the bouncing ball. Bush was president. He set scary precedent by taking away freedoms. Now Obama is president with precedent.

Got it?
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 3:45 p.m.
For Dave-Os animals.
http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/turnix-worcesteri/

A rare Worcester’s buttonquail (Turnix worcesteri), a probable female, which is also locally known as the Philippines quail, is shown being photographed while being held by a bird hunter in Caraballo (above).

The bird, thought to be extinct, was photographed for the first time in the Philippines, and then sold to a poultry market as food.
toadman on February 19 at 3:50 p.m.
“No toad. We do have freedoms. They are defined in the bill of rights.” - Cabbage.

Dude, I never said we didn’t. I said there was no such thing as “absolute freedom” in our society. The freedoms in the bill of rights are some of the ones I said we’ve agreed on. See?

“Warrantless wiretapping was a huge step in removing some of our rights.” - Cabbage

Hey man, I got your back on this one…really. But wait, you said “rights,” not “freedoms.” I’m confused..

heh..

Just jabbin ya man…

;-)
Stickman on February 19 at 3:54 p.m.
I’ll miss ya’ Toad, maybe come by in the spring with the family on one of your outings, we’ll catch up here. Take care.
Cabbage Boy on February 19 at 3:56 p.m.
“I said there was no such thing as “absolute freedom” in our society. The freedoms in the bill of rights are some of the ones I said we’ve agreed on. See?”

Man with a comment like that, people are gonna get the idea yer a liberal. :)
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Eagleeye. Nobody is hoping that Obama will be a failure. Trust me. We all want things to get better. Geithner had a great opportunity to win the confidence of the market with his presentation last week that was set up for him by Obama during his Monday night presser. Lacking moral authority makes it difficult and Geithner blew it. Had no plan, nothing of substance when the whole world was taking notice. This isn’t a political power struggle. The stimulus plan is perceived as being a bad plan, simple as that. 38% are in approval and most of those are hanging their hat on Obama based on all the lofty promises he has made. To set the record straight, the right wing isn’t in a tough spot. The lefties are as the ball is in their court and whiffs hurt.
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:11 p.m.
Cb, ignore away. I’ll just continue to point out your flawed logic.

I agree that Obama is President and that Bush set a precedence. It not sure how that relates to this:

“Imagine the outcry of that were someone stopped for an anti-Bush sign…”

or this:

“…the erosion of freedoms …”
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:13 p.m.
The stimulus plan is perceived as being a bad plan

Perceived by whom?
OfCoffee on February 19 at 4:16 p.m.
MamaJD - I am a little late to the ball here, but Red Oak is actually only closing temporarily. They did the big “store closing” sale to move out as much inventory as possible, but the discounts weren’t really that big, except on the gift-stuff. I was told by an employee that they plan on reorganizing the store into more clothing, etc., less gifts and junk, and then reopening in a few months. Call it a “restart.”
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:19 p.m.
Thom >> “The stimulus plan is perceived as being a bad plan

Perceived by whom?”

That would be the 62% of the public recently polled, the business owners, the stock brokers, the bankers, the real estate folks, etc. About the only folks that thnk it is a good plan are the democrats who passed the bill and their loyal followers such as yourself.
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:19 p.m.
Isn’t it strange that with Bob in the cooler, Joker has been kept in the can? just sayin’
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:20 p.m.
their loyal followers such as yourself.
Could you go backj and find where—anywhere—that I’ve commented favorably on this legislation? I’ll wait.
eagleeye on February 19 at 4:21 p.m.
Well Rush Limbaugh, the current leader and spokesperson of your party, seems to want Obama to fail. And since Rush has millions of faithful dittoheads I would think that there are quite a few in that group.So your statement that no one wants Obama to fail is false. Your denial that the GOP is in a tough spot is comical. Let’s look at another one of your leaders. Eric Cantor.
He has been railing about how terrible all these bailouts are. Oh, but wait a minute. His wife is an executive for a bank that just took millions in TARP money. Can you say hypocite? Your group is a rudderless ship with no direction and no leadership. Just a bunch of whiners. Obama has been in office a month now and all you have done is complain every single step of the way. You want Obama to succeed? Ya, right.Your posts just ooze sincerity. Bush ran this economy into the tank and you want a one month turnaround. No wonder we are in this mess with thinking like that.
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:22 p.m.
this is just too easy:

” Just over half of Americans — 51 percent — support the economic stimulus and spending plan passed by Congress last week and 40 percent oppose it.

Moreover, 58 percent think legislation was necessary — that’s 24 percentage points higher than the 34 percent who think the economy would have improved on its own without government intervention. Among those who think legislation was necessary, 23 percent oppose the plan that passed Congress.”

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,496546,00.html
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:24 p.m.
this one is good too:

“• 52% of Americans approve of the stimulus bill, with 41% disapproving. And the public is confident by a 54%-45% margin that the plan will result in significant improvement.

• President Obama’s overall approval rating comes in at 67%, with only 24% disapproval. His specific approval on the economy is 68%-27%.

• Congress’ approval is at only 31%-59%, but additional questions show a much more complicated picture. The number for Congressional Democrats is at 49%-45%, while Republicans are at 33%-59%. The Republicans appear to be cramping Congress’ style.”

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/02/poll-shows-approval-of-obamadems-performance-on-economy-disapproval-of-gop.php
nic on February 19 at 4:29 p.m.
“Nobody is hoping that Obama will be a failure. Trust me.”

I was going to say - Nobody… except Rush Limbaugh. Except eagleye beat me to it. hmo, it’s kinda hard to “trust” you when you say things that are so easily discredited.
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:30 p.m.
Eagleeye >>”Obama has been in office a month now and all you have done is complain every single step of the way”

Remember, Obama is my president also. He has made a number of huge mistakes and has even admitted to some of them. He was not ready for prime time and is finding this job to be tougher than being a community organizer. So, he seeks assistance from his friends Pelosi and Reid. To date, Obama has been a train wreck. Frankly, I think he would have a tough time getting elected if the election were held tomorrow. But, he still gives a great speech.
DFO on February 19 at 4:30 p.m.
ThomG; that cooler door stays shut until everyone here understands that I mean business when I insist that things become civil here. However, there’s always room for one more in the cooler. Pleaz explain what you mean re: The Joker being quiet while Bob’s away.
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:33 p.m.
nic >> ” was going to say - Nobody… except Rush Limbaugh.”

He doesn’t speak for me.
nic on February 19 at 4:33 p.m.
Dave… I think he means that Joker has been strangely quite since Bob was excommunicated. As if he finds no pleasure in posting when Bob isn’t around.

I could be wrong, but…
nic on February 19 at 4:34 p.m.
“He doesn’t speak for me.”

Then don’t speak for him.
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:35 p.m.
nic touche’
DFO on February 19 at 4:37 p.m.
You are wrong, Nic.
nic on February 19 at 4:39 p.m.
;) just sayin’.

hmo, I don’t agree with many of your opinions, but I appreciate your willingness to speak those opinions. Just speak for yourself. “I do not hope Obama will be a failure” would be a better (and I hope truer) phrasing than “Nobody is hoping that Obama will be a failure. Trust me.”
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:45 p.m.
nic Point well taken.
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:48 p.m.
To date, Obama has been a train wreck. Frankly, I think he would have a tough time getting elected if the election were held tomorrow.—hmo

From Fox News:

“One month into Obama’s term, 60 percent of Americans approve of the job he is doing as president, down from 65 percent three weeks ago (27-28 January 2009). Similarly, the portion of people that disapproves has increased to 26 percent, up from 16 percent. Almost all of the change can be attributed to a decrease in approval and an increase in disapproval among Republicans. In fact, among Obama’s party faithful, his job approval has gone up from 85 percent in late January to 90 percent today.”

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/02/19/fox-news-poll-obamas-month-report-card/
thomg57 on February 19 at 4:50 p.m.
However, there’s always room for one more in the cooler. ==DFO

What did I do?

iIhaven’t thrown an elbow at anyone all day.
eagleeye on February 19 at 4:51 p.m.
Suite, you last post proved my point. Obama has made a few missteps along the way.He probably trusted some people he shouldnt have. Huge mistakes? Your words. I disagree. Huge mistakes would be a commander in chief who sends our troops into an unnessary war costing thousands of lives and squandering nearly 600 billion dollars. Huge mistakes would be the handling of Katrina. Huge mistakes would be going from an approval rating of over 90% and having the entire world on our side to leaving with an approval rating of 30% and having the US seen in a negative light around the world. No a train wreck is what Obama inherited. Please knock off the phony “i want Obama to succeed” stuff. I just took a quick poll and no one believes you. You would get a little bit more credibility if you admitted you hate Obama and everything he stands for and as long as you get to keep all of your toys you hope he falls flat on his face. Because that is what every single one of your posts suggests.
DFO on February 19 at 4:54 p.m.
I misread you, ThomG. I apologize. Mebbe I can blame it on the lack of food for the last 20 hours. Sorry.
nic on February 19 at 4:59 p.m.
Mebbe I can blame it on the lack of food for the last 20 hours.

Speaking of which… I had a great salad with chicken for lunch… planning on some home cooked pasta for dinner….

sorry, couldn’t resist ;)
hmoffsuite on February 19 at 4:59 p.m.
eagleeye. You are just wrong on so many levels here. First of all, comparing Obama to the Bush years is a waste of time. It doesn’t mean a thing. This isn’t a contest to see who can make the poorer decisions. I don’t hate Obama and I truly hope he will succeed and do well. Like I have said, he is my president too. Forget Bush and start thinking about our CURRENT President. This stimulus plan will not work, in my considered opinion, and will haunt Obama like Hillary’s health plan did Clinton when he first got started. I don’t hate Obama.
MikeK on February 19 at 5:05 p.m.
/invisible ink commentary to fellow posters not for the eyes of blogmasters…

if you think DFO is growing a wee bit cranky and misreading things now, don’t plan on posting anything edgy while he’s managing the blog by laptop from his “satellite office” at home. You know - the “office” with running water where everyone of a certain age today has told him he’ll be spending his evening and morning. Yea. Let’s keep it nice and easy does it tonight, dear fellow bloggers…heh heh

/invisible ink off.

Hey, Dave - good luck with that little procedure!
Dennis on February 19 at 5:12 p.m.
Hey MikeK, imagine how cranky he’ll be if the Doc shows up wearing snorkle gear?

:-)
DFO on February 19 at 5:13 p.m.
I haven’t had a large bag of fries from Mickey D’s for ages. Yet, I’ve been thinking about all those greasy fries for hours now. Nic, you want to split a bag? I’ll buy. Why is the room spinning. 20 1/2 hours & counting.
MikeK on February 19 at 5:21 p.m.
Grim thought there Dennis. Remember DFO - when in doubt, Chevy Chase got through it by singing Mooooooooon River! In fact you should rent Fletch tonight from the video rental place. It’ll take your mind out of your… I mean off of your… eh, just rent it, you’ll thank me later.

“You using the whole fist, Doc?”
thomg57 on February 19 at 5:27 p.m.
Suite ( EE, I like that), claiming that Eagle Eye is ‘wrong on so many levels’ is quite ironic coming from someone who has had most of their posts on HBO discredited within moments of posting them. I’m not talking about your opinions, we all know you’re entitled to them, but the attempts you make at factual statements, like Obama’s poll numbers or American’s views on the Recovery Act. You are wrong an amazingly high number of times and you just keep whistlin’ right past the ol’ graveyard. keep ‘em coming.
Dennis on February 19 at 5:30 p.m.
You know DFO, I’d like to invite you to dinner tonight,,,, BBQ ribs, bake ‘tater,,, the works, but,,,alas, that dern hosen tomorrow….

DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sparky on February 19 at 5:34 p.m.
I am making pot roast! Homemade French Bread and Caesar salad. Yesterday, my husband made apple pie so we will be having leftovers for dessert tonight with fresh whipped cream….

Ooops. This blog is not about food. We not suppose to talk about food. Ahhhhuhmmm. How about Gonzaga? Got a chance tonight?

(sparky slowly backing up, trying to not make any sudden movements.)
Joker on February 19 at 6:01 p.m.
Hey guys. Sorry I ‘ve been away today. Lots and lots work to get done. I have to make money so the Joker and his family can have a secret hidehout.

Anyway, I love the new era of civility. I had a good discussion with some of you this morning about Obama’s mortgage bailout. It was ten times more fun than an exchange of body blows.

I am more sad about Pizza Shoppe shutting down than somebody in the cooler. Anybody know what happened to that place? I loved their cheesy bread. Yumo.

Good luck DFO on your procedure. Remember, if you find the doctor’s home phone number in your wallet afterward and he gives you wink, you’ve got big problems.
Stickman on February 19 at 6:25 p.m.
DFO: The fries are bad, just watch ‘Fast Food Nation’ sometime. If the urge is there, go for it, but remember most food at fast food joints are bad. Bad.
hhuseland on February 19 at 7:27 p.m.
Back on the thread, I find it interesting that former president Bush was regularly referred to from the extreme left as Chimp, or Chimpy. Now that it is being aimed the other direction, one can only wonder where these horrified observers were, when it was used on Bush. Double standard perhaps? of course, double standards always exist, but isn’t this one rather blatant?
hhuseland on February 19 at 7:46 p.m.
Hey, if you folks think it’s tough getting batted around by the other side’s extremists, try being a moderate. I always know When I’m right on, when both sides gang tackle me.
toadman on February 20 at 8:27 a.m.
Three things:

First thing:
“Man with a comment like that, people are gonna get the idea yer a liberal. :)” - Cabbage Boy

Shhhhh… if you don’t point it out, maybe nobody will notice! ;-)

Second thing:
Here’s something refreshing from the Religious Right that I haven’t seen linked here yet. Forgive me if it’s old news:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/17/pat-robertson-denounces-r_n_167569.html

Third thing:
Stickman, we’ll definitely be by The Hill sometime in either Spring or Summer. It’s one of our regular summer day-trips. We usually pack in and go around to the point, where the eagles nests are, and swim and stuff. We’ll see you then, definitely.
Stickman on February 20 at 9:03 p.m.
I will always look forward to a visit from the Toadman and his family, what a nice family they are.

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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.