Happy Thanksgiving from cidsports

Happy Thanksgiving to all viewing my blog on the Internet...

May you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving 2008!

Thanksgiving Day — Date: November 27, 2008 in USA; October 13, 2008 in CanadaAccording to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

News results for Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving 2008: Lazy guide to TV marathons - 9 hours ago
For the true TV-lover, Thanksgiving is the greatest day of the year. If you aren’t cooking -- and you aren’t part of one of those wacky families that ...Los Angeles Times - 2 related articles »
National Thanksgiving Turkey 'Going to Disneyland!' to Celebrate ... - MarketWatch - 425 related articles »
Thanksgiving events: Nov. 27, 2008 - San Jose Mercury News - 2 related articles »

Blog posts about Thanksgiving 2008
Thanksgiving poll 2008 - Spo-Reflections - Nov 24, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008 - DIY Bride - 10 hours ago
Iconfactory Thanksgiving 2008 - 10 individual icons. (Free) - MacUpdate - Mac OS X - 15 hours ago

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peace

What role should the Government play in the Economy?

The Friday, November 21, 2008 edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune features an article titled Auto bailout collapses as Democrats tie further aid to Big 3 viability plan. For more on the role of government in the economy and society read the two part series from Facts & Opinions: The legitimate role of government in a free society (part I, pp. 1, 3-4) and Part II (pp. 6-8).

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November 11, 2008 - Happy Veterans Day

Veterans Day 2008

Anzac Day
Armistice Day
Remembrance Day
Volkstrauertag

May you have a safe and enjoyable Veterans Day 2008. May we take this moment to honor our veterans and wish peace to all as we move forward in our daily walk.

peace

The Day after the Election of 2008...

What lies in the future?

Today's link comes from the Wednesday, November 5, 2008 edition of The Wall Street Journal. It features an article titled, "Polls Show CA Prop 8 Ahead." Here's an interesting read on ballot initiatives from the 2007 article in Limits titled, "Unprecedented Danger in One of the Proposed California Ballot Initiatives."

States Rights vs. Central Government?

"The Founding Fathers were highly suspicious of unregulated majorities. Hence,
they deliberately created the Electoral College to constrain the will of the
majority and to ensure that the votes of those in less populous States were
heeded." - Paul M. Weyrich

McCain's Concession - Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard

The Age of Obama: Will He Govern as He Ran? - Jon Meacham, Newsweek

Ten Reasons Why Obama Won - Carl Cannon, Reader's Digest

Tide Turned as Economic Crisis Peaked - Monica Langley, Wall St. Journal

Barack Obama will soon take the role as our 44th President of the United States of America. There is a lot of work to be done at all levels of government. Public policy discussions will be imperative and what discussion with come of the thought of reducing or limiting the role of government?

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The future 44th President of the United States of America...

It is time to support our soon to be 44th President of the United States of America and come together as a nation.

May Barack Obama be successful in bringing our nation together and represent the will of the people of our great country.

peace

Barack Obama and the Democrats defeat George W Bush

The Economist proclaimed "America should take a chance and make Barack Obama the next leader of the free world."

Barack Obama ran a race against George W Bush and the past eight years. The Democrats jumped on the band wagon for Federal and even State races as a vote for or against George W Bush.

For the highest office, Barack Obama ran against George W Bush and it stuck with the majority of voters.

John McCain brought experience and was a veteran, but traditionally, the United States voters have never gone with experience to the degree that Sen. McCain brought to the table.

What will we get with a Barack Obama presidency? On Jan. 20, 2009, we soon will find out.

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Iowa Polls are Open until 9 PM; Some States are closing at 6 PM Iowa Time

Where do I go to Vote in the State of Iowa on Election Day: November 4, 2008? We encourage you to Vote in the General Election.

Polls in the State of Iowa are open until 9 pm.

Six States are closing at 6 pm or 6:30 pm Iowa time. A big stake for the presidential candidates on the line as the polls close there.

I had the opportunity to vote earlier today... lucky #608 at my polling place.

Some articles I plan to read...

Four Election Day Scenarios - Carl Cannon, Reader's Digest

McCain the Choice for Freedom, Prosperity - Deroy Murdock, Union Leader

A Dark Secret: I Still Like President Bush - Andrew Breitbart, Wash Times

We hope you got your vote in... if in Iowa, you still have time!

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Election Day - November 4, 2008: Don't forget to Vote

Since we are based in Iowa, here is a link to your poll location in the State of Iowa. We encourage you to brush up on the candidates and Vote!

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What will Politics look like in the future?

Who will elect our world leaders in the future?

Global Electoral College...Obama sweeps the board

From Economist.com

Barack Obama wins a substantial victory in the Global Electoral College

Is this the new world order that George W. Bush's father suggested?

What will the role of the United Nations be in the World, post Bush?

What if the whole world could vote, if The Economist ran the election on November 4, 2008.

If you want to really vote in Iowa on Election Day - November 4, 2008.

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Last Day of Campaigning for the Presidential Election

From the Economist: John McCain makes a last-ditch against Barack Obama.

From RealClearPolitics: Candidates Put 11th-Hour Focus on Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Clearly, John McCain needs to do well in Pennsylvania and Ohio tomorrow to be competitive in the race for president. Pennsylvania is typically a blue state. Could it be the state to turn the tide for the underdog on November 4, 2008?

Don't forget to vote on Election Day - November 4, 2008. Actually, ABC reported this morning that both candidates plan to continue to take their campaigns to the people even through Election Day.

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Can John McCain close the Election out on November 4th?

Does the USA go for the American Idol or does the USA settle for a seasoned presidential candidate, who lives by the creed... Country First... Who will win the 2008 Presidential Election?

"History tells us that either McCain or Obama could possibly make a good
president. But this campaign, uniquely, has given us no basis for knowing
whether this is likely. Electorates have always been concerned about character
in political leaders, but the traditional proofs of character - steady
commitment, solid achievement - have given way to the fraudulent tinsel of
celebrity."

"This is American politics as American Idol. And that's a giant step
backwards." - The Australian

Where are the candidates today?

Does the Zogby Poll indicate a shift for John McCain in the final weekend of the 2008 Presidential Campaign? Mr. Obama is the leader, but John McCain is within the margin of error.

What really matters comes on Election Day - November 4, 2008.

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News Briefs for 10/31/2008: Halloween can be scary for other reasons...

The Wall Street Journal reports bad news on Consumer Spending today.

Further, the Public Policy Institutes's 2008 Second Quarter: Iowa Economic Scorecard.

Vote on November 4th... in Iowa!

Happy Halloween... a treat from cidpubpolicy!

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Is Iowa staying Red or returing to Blue in 2008?

In 2000, Gore defeated Bush by 2 votes per precinct. In 2004, Bush defeated Kerry by 3 votes per precinct.

So, will Iowa be Blue or Red in 2008?

Do you know where to go on Election Day in Iowa?

Let me know how you feel about the Election?

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Does this quote from Thomas Jefferson define the differences between Obama and McCain better than any other?

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."- Thomas Jefferson

I think brother87 is right!

Don't forget to vote on November 4, 2008.

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Vote for the Best person... always is a good motto!

---

Originally posted by jbincr:
Good for you, Marion. Independent is the way to go. Choose the best candidate regardless of party. Straight-ticket voters are worse than people who vote on a whim.

---

Your Headline needs to be changed to make your comments "choose the best candidate regardless of party" to hold true.

I am frustrated with both parties. Neither are doing a good job of protecting and promoting a Limited Government. I'm frustrated with the growth of the non-profit sector (look at salaries at MAHP in Cedar Rapids, for example) and the Fortune 500, which has been the push of both powers the past 20 years.

However, Clinton - Republican Controlled Congress is much different than Obama-Democrat Controlled Congress that many on this board are proposing.

Clinton lost the Democrat House at the mid-term election. Hillary's national health care message was wrong for America.

The Republicans in the House during the Bush years have a lot explaining as well, with the expansion of the Federal budget.

We need both parties in many ways to implode. The original two parties weren't Republican nor Democrats. Both have some serious house cleaning to do.

It's too bad that S. 190 in the 109th Congress didn't include constraints and further over site on Freddie or Fannie, but the Democrats didn't see the need. The Republican I liked before John McCain was Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, but he was 4 years too late. His ideas are stronger than any one's I have seen to date. I preferred Ms. Clinton over Mr. Obama, though I am sick of the Bush-Clinton era, the past 20 years.

The direction many Democrats in power are going appears wrong and may be dangerous to small business and the America way. The Republicans have their own train wreck to repair, in many respects.

I had a visit with a European customer this week... his biggest negative in the USA was the tie between Corporations and our government. Plainly, Europeans don't want America to be like them, they want America to clean up their act.

I'm all for the best person, but in many ways, going back to Jepsen-Harkin... we vote against the person in Iowa and nationally, not for the person. I see one clear race this year that I am voting for the person.

Dr. Miller-Meeks - a Republican that deserves a strong look - my vote!

Mr. McCain - better than expansion of Federal government under Obama... Further, he will be likely be a one term president and if successful, will bring a coalition government in for the 4 years in office. Unlike Mr. Bush - who didn't bring that bi-partisanship from Austin to Washington DC. Maybe it was 9/11, but on January 20, 2009... it's over!

Sen. Rob Hogg (D) - Senate Democrat - Let's talk light rail - it would be nice to see the Corridor linked, but in a rural region - do we have the population?

Rep. Tyler Olson (D) - House Democrat - Let's talk fiscal responsibility in the State of Iowa

A balance of power is highly recommended in these times.

Sen. Grassley and Sen. Harkin - wow, does any other State in the Union reflect balance?

On the mortgage crisis, where are the Democrats that deserve to be thrown on the carpet with others? What about Rep. Franks' role in the mess?

Thank God I'm an American! Let's clean 435 out of the House! I'll start with my vote for Dr. Miller-Meeks in our US House Representatives!

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The Election nears... November 4, 2008...

Is there Hope for November 5, 2008 or will we just have to immediately turn around and get ready for the next election in November 2010... those exciting mid-term elections?

The media has screwed our lives up plenty in 2008. The nomination process was moved up and lengthened. The Presidential Campaign has lasted too long, actually beginning before 2008 by the media.

The negatives and the spin have reached epic proportion.

We have political ads that are mixing Federal issues with State candidates here in Iowa. We have candidates and parties looking to win at any cost. If the ends justify the means... it's certainly fair in love, war and politics... right?

Eighteen million voters supported the front runner's chief opponent in the primary. Heck, with super-delegates and the hot start in Iowa on January 3, 2008 we have unique situation on November 4, 2008.

What do the polls really tell us? Not much really, since we don't elect our President by popular vote. We elect our President through the Electoral College.

Stay tuned... who will graduate on November 4, 2008? Will it be the chosen one? Or will it be the right one? What type of grades will you be handing out in the Election?

Well, we should know something in time for Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.

Have a great weekend... it's only 11 more days until November 4, 2008!

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Negative Advertising: Local Races

So, I tune in on the TV and I hear a political advertisement taking down a local candidate for Iowa State House District 37, on issues that relate to Federal government and Federal public policy and their apparent support for our President, George W. Bush.

I guess all is fair in love and way; and competing in two-party political races?

The local candidate sent me an e-mail stating the following:

The first one went up on Sunday. There was no truth to it. The ad tried to
connect me to Bush's "failed economic plans" and accused me of shipping jobs
overseas, causing the mortgage crisis, Prititizing social
security," etc. The attack was so bad that Senator Grassley called
out the Democrats on O Kay Henderson's blog http://learfield.typepad.com/radioiowa/2008/10/raising-social.html and
even Todd Dorman of the Gazette commented http://24hourdorman.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/grassley-and-i-confused/.

While the candidate is not in my Iowa House District, I have to agree that political campaigns have gotten negative and clearly have resorted to issues and scare tactics that have no relationship to Iowa House district that she is running in.

The candidate in the e-mail went on to say the following:

If anyone questions my positions, have them call me at 431-6150 or to to my
website http://www.reneeschulte.org/ where there is a link on the front page
with the truth.

We need to find a way to bring back the Douglas-Lincoln public conversations. While the Al Smith Foundation Dinner was great humor, it would have been interesting to watch Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama meet in Town Meetings through out the Presidential campaigns, rather than the media driven Presidential Debates.

Of course, lets make sure that we get out and vote. Where do I go to Vote in the State of Iowa on Election Day: November 4, 2008?

We encourage you to gather the information about the candidate and to Vote in the General Election on November 4th!

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We need Limited Government at all levels...

Letter to the Editor

****

We need Limited Government at all levels. ABC’s John Stossel provided a good illustration recently on GMA.

We clearly have some important decisions on November 4th.

In the Linn sheriff race, David Zahn has highlighted the importance of the joint communications center. It is the next sheriff’s greatest opportunity. Zahn’s full-time experience in his past roles that involved Cedar Rapids and Linn County can provide unique experience for our community, while Linn reorganizes. We need to eliminate redundancy between local governments. As Zahn said, “how can we reduce that overall tax impact?”

Health care is going to be a very important issue in the next two years. Both presidential candidates have spoken about it during their campaigns.

In examining the candidates, this comment is clear: "Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is exactly the kind of person I want to represent me in the 2nd Congressional District. This person is totally honest, hard-working and very bright. This lady is what we wish all politicians were.”

As a small business person, I want real life experience and Dr. Miller-Meeks provides this.

It is important candidates like Lu Barron and Tyler Olson remember the importance of a Limited Government. We have some fine people who step forward to serve. It is imperative that role of government remain limited.

With all of the talk during the campaigns, I hope everyone had an opportunity to watch highlights of Senators McCain and Obama during the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. Your informed vote November 4th is important!

****

Sent to The Gazette on October 17, 2008

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The Perfect Storm... for Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

The Flood of 2008 was unbelievable for many in this community. However, in 1967, the City of Cedar Rapids officials were warned that the possibility for a record flood was possible for our community. Actually, the Flood of 2008 came in 18 inches less than the worse projections.

Now, we learn that's the rest of the story, as the Army Corps of Engineers' analysis back in 1967 was released to those focusing on flood plain management and hazard mitigation now for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Is Cedar Rapids becoming a poor New Orleans? A community that has neglected it's responsibility to the citizens over the past 40+ years in flood mitigation?

Our community has a lot of recovery to do. Now, more "shock and surprise" unfolds as we make preparations for our future.

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Post-Flood: Where do I vote in Linn County?

November 4, 2008 will be a test of the Linn County voting system. It is the first county wide election, where all voting precincts will be required. Many changes have occurred, due to the flood.

First, some people will have to determine, whether they vote in the precincts their homes were pre-flood or vote in the precinct they currently live in post-flood.

Second, some voting precincts have required to be relocated, due the facility not being in condition to host a voting precinct.

Where do I vote on Election Day: November 4, 2008 in Linn County, Iowa?

Where can I vote early, if I want? Where do they have satellite voting in Linn County, Iowa?

How can I get an absentee voting ballot for Linn County, Iowa?

Oops, before I vote, where can I go to get information on the candidates in Linn County, Iowa?

Finally, if I am not registered to vote, what can I do?

The 2008 General Election is important. It's certainly not just about the Presidential Campaigns of Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama. There are important Federal, State and Local races here in Linn County, Iowa.

Read up and don't forget to vote on Election Day: November 4, 2008?

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