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| Should there be any doubt….. | 09.05.08 at 7:49 am ET |
As to who is more qualified to lead this country for the next 4-8 years after last night?
People that have never served their country, or endured incredible hardship, or both, are the ones spouting “I’m tired of hearing about him being a POW..blah blah blah, yadda yaddda.”
Knowing Senator McCain I can assure you he’s being pushed to talk about this, no doubt; but please, even if you are tired of hearing about it, don’t diminish what it means.
Unlike every other person up for election in this campaign, the Senator can speak from experience about commitment, sacrifice, honor, integrity, loyalty, duty to country, others first, like no other. He had his chance, he passed that test, and many others along the way.
This man has done everything we are asking and looking for in our next President. Has he made mistakes? Sure, who hasn’t; but he’s made it clear that this campaign is not about him, it’s about us. This is not his personal crusade, but a repayment of debt. Who else would say that? Who else, after 5+ years as a POW, would walk out of prison and then years later be at the forefront of the group shaking hands with leaders of the very country that imprisoned him? We live in a country that sees people kill each other in fits of road rage, so can’t pretend to possesses or exhibit the forgiveness this man has shown his entire life.
I know Senator McCain, well. I am voting for him, and for Governor Palin (a fellow Alaskan I might add!). I’m doing so because he possesses the qualities we must have if we are going to get back on track as the greatest nation on the planet.
War monger? Please. Why is it that you have yet to hear someone that has served this great nation, offering up the ultimate sacrifice, say those things? Because people that have done so are the only ones who can truly understand the horrors of war, and they are the last people to talk about war and all of it’s horror in terms disrespectful to the men and women who’ve paid the price.
As a father I can’t fathom the daily life of having a son serving overseas, yet he did, and does. So will the Governor in a few weeks. Who could want war less than a parent with a child serving?
How’s that ’surge’ thing working by the way? Who was for/against it in the first place? Is it any surprise that a man who’s spent his life defending his country, fighting for his country was right? Have we won? No, not yet and not soon. But are we, are they, all in a better place now than they would have been? Senator Obama admitted that the surge has succeeded, admitting that he was wrong in voting against it no? I can’t wait to hear how that one continues to get spun. It’s clear, black and white, Senator Mccain and all those in favor of the surge knew what the hell they were doing, and at the same time the horrible price that must be paid to achieve the ultimate goal, which we cannot under any circumstances lose sight of.
Why do you think we are reading, seeing and hearing SO LITTLE about the Middle East compared to one year ago? You know the answer.
I’ll close saying this. I will vote for him, and for her, of that there is no doubt; but at the end of the day if things don’t go their way I will support whomever we elect as our next President as my Commander in Chief. This country deserves that from each and every one of us.
Oh and here’s an image you WON’T see on the news…
Why didn't I see this splattered all over the newspapers?
(This is a photo from a recent re-enlistment ceremony held in Iraq.) Like every internet photo thrown around I am sure there are urban legends flying on this one. From what I have heard the only piece of ‘news’ we over here heard was about the pizza’s that were delivered from the U.S., to these brave men and women. Man stuff like this is just so right to see and hear about.
God Bless each and every person in this photograph and all of their fallen comrades. God Speed to you all.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Oh Curt, hope you are prepared for the vitriol which is sure to follow this post. I’ll look forward to reading it like the letters after the SI swimsuit issue. By the way will you be campaigning anywhere for this ticket in the next couple of months? Now get back to the real deal and make us a nice thread on the Red Sox. Should be an interesting autumn.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Well said, Curt. Question, tho - “fellow Alaskan”? Are you Alaskan?
I agree that McCain represented himself and his vision for the future well. My only complaint was that everything that he said that fired me up seemed to fall flat with the party conventioneers. The opposite was also true - anything said during the week that gave me pause (mostly in speeches other than McCain’s) was greeted with triumphant applause. Including, I should say, the very petty comments by Palin that mocked community service. I should doubt you agree with the spirit of those sentiments.
All in all, if I were to vote for the man, I too would vote for John McCain. But after the disaster of the past 8 years (government growth, deficit spending, torture, etc…), I think it is time to burn down the Republican party and start over. Get back to conservative priciples. You seem to think that McCain can do it. I think he lacks control over the party infrastructure. And that, I think, is the key debate in this election.
Get well & Go Phillies (& Sox)!
I think you are making the vital mistake many have made though. This is NOT about the Republican party, no matter what hat the Senator is wearing. I feel comfortable in saying he’s wedded to no one more than the American people. He’s said it many times. And come on, seriously, what does ”control over the party infrastructure” truly mean to you? If it means what I think you are implying, can you honestly sit back and say ANYONE has that control, or has EVER had it in recent times?
September 5th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Curt,
Please spare us the politician commentary and do what you’re good at, pitching. John McCain, while a likable man and honorable soldier, he would be an atrocious leader of this country.
To be a successful President of the United States you must be a manager of people. McCain through his horrendous selection of Sarah Palin as a VP without even speaking to the woman just shows his “loose cannon” decision making style. Is this not the man who is notorious for voting AGAINST his own bills?
The thought that bringing a woman on the ticket to secure female voters simply due to the fact that they share a reproductive organ is asinine. Palin stands for everything woman don’t want. She complains about “the media” criticizing and getting involved in her family, isn’t that what Sarah wants to do to your family? No woman’s right to choose, no sex education, teaching creationism in schools, no gay marriage, no stem cell research, that sounds like getting in other people’s business doesn’t it.
More importantly to everyday Americans is the Economy and Health Care. McCain has NO plans to work towards a Universal health care plan, zero, none, nada.
Now the economy, McCain’s right hand man is Senator Lindsey Graham. Is everyone familiar with Mr. Graham??? This is the man responsible for the deregulation of the banking industry. How did that work out for you?? Subprime mortgage crash, Bear Stearns, the absolute atrociousness of our credit markets can all be attributed to McCain’s chief economist, Mr. Graham. So ask yourself, is this the administration you want in office??
Curt, your work with K ALS is honorable and I truly think your a great guy but please spare us this nonsense that McCain is a “genuine” guy, who cares.
Is Obama going to be the greatest president, no, but “my fellow Americans” look at the issues that truly effect you, i.e. health care and the economy and McCain is definitely not your guy.
So, to answer your question, should there be any doubt?? YES!!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Since you value service to your country so highly you must have voted for John Kerry over George Bush in the last presidential election. Right?
No I did not. I didn’t feel Senator Kerry was the better candidate. A brave American? Absolutely. A better candidate to be President of the United States? No.
Not that that has anything to do with my post, but ok.
There is not one thing any candidate could do or say that would ‘make me’ vote for them, but there are things their life symbolizes and a track record that matters that exist here, that no one else comes close to possessing.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Let’s see, does it make more sense to lower taxes for the richest 5% of Americans or the remaining 95% of the population. I guess if you’re making $10 million/year, the answer is clear. Bush may have lowered your taxes, but how are your investments doing these days as a result of Bush’s failed economic policy? It will be more of the same under McCain. Obama’s economic policy would roll back those tax breaks for the top 5% and lower taxes for the remaining 95%. This responsible policy will set our economy back on the right track and your investments will again rise.
On Iraq, McCain is still wrong. He’s wrong about the timing of troop withdrawal and he’s wrong when he says that the morale of the military is strong. And don’t forget that Biden’s son is also going to Iraq next month.
All that said, thanks for 2004!
September 5th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Nice work of “double think”. I love that 4 years after you supported a war dodging, silver spoon fed, moron over a 3 times purple heart receiving war veteran you’re now talking about how important military service is to determining who you should vote for. Likewise, Bush’s numerous military blunders (disbanding the Iraqi army, not inserting enough troops, poorly equipping the troops and declaring victory about 3000 lost lives too early, not too mention a pointless invasion to begin with based on selective presentation of evidence to the American public) in no way disqualified you from voting for him but Barack’s proposal to use the additional troops (surge) in Afghanistan instead of Iraq while putting more responsibility/ownership of Iraq in the hands of its own citizens is immediate grounds for dismissal. Come on. At least wait till the country has a stable government where sunnis, shias and kurds are working together before you tout “success” in a war that will cost over 3,500 U.S soldier’s their lives and over $600 Billion in U.S. funds just to make a country that didn’t have WMD, continue to not have WMDs (compared to Iran, N. Korea, Pakistan). So on the scale of who made a greater mistake, Barak who opposed the war, or McCain who supported it, I think the better military decisions have been Barack’s. As for Sarah Palin, once she looks at the science and realizes we should teach condoms and abstinence in school, not creationism and evolution, I’ll take her a little more seriously. Until then she’s just another messianic politician with blinders on to the world around her and I’ve suffered through one of those for 8 years. But heck, if McCain wins, you and I can take our tax rebate check and go buy another boat, or maybe a 7 houses.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Not vitriol - I used to be a Republican back in the eighties - but I can’t believe how wrong the party has become.
Noone is talking about the Middle East because this party has spent its way into the worst recession since the 70s! The republicans talk a great game about how the Democrats are tax-and-spend. But the fact of the matter is that GWB has spent like a drunken sailor in his 8 years as president. Keep printing money to fund tax cuts and wars - and guess what happens? The dollar goes into the toilet - and the economy swirls down with it!
I love and appreciate and respect what McCain has done. I am tremendously impressed with Sara Palin. I just think that the country needs someone that has a past more like our founding fathers than the resumes that McCain and Palin bring to the table.
I respect service to the country - couldn’t be more proud of our troops - but lets not pretend that every officer in the military would make a good president. I think that someone who has studied to be in the top .01% of the country - studying under the smartest people in the world - understanding the law with some of the brightest legal minds around the world - is more likely to be smart enough to lead the country through its challenges better than a C student who’s career path started as a local sportscaster. Call me elitist, if you will
Yes - the democrats have nominated someone with the same background and training of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, et al - the republicans have nominated a soldier and a really nice guy - and should, god forbid, health be a problem for him - don’t worry a soccer mom - someone just like you and me - can run the country!
Problem is - most people just like you and me can’t even balance their checkbooks. Pardon me - but I don’t want someone like you and me running the country - I want someone much smarter and better trained!
September 5th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Candidates aside, this is faulty logic. I completely agree that serving for your nation (whether you agree/disagree) is to be honored, but you are almost making it seem like he should be rewarded with a Presidency. It’s faulty to believe that if you like a guy and his character, he can lead a country.
What baffles me is how many people are now saying “we’re so close to winning Iraq” - it’s like they completely forget what brought the US there. Anyone remember “mission accomplished”?
The real war has always been afghanistan, where countries like even Canada are losing troops. Sadly, the focus hasn’t been there.
The US has spent something like $600B on the war, plus over a dozen billion/month today….and somehow the Iraqi government has been quite a sizable chest of somewhere around $100B….who’s fault is that? Can’t blame the people you invaded…or the government you helped set up…
September 5th, 2008 at 9:14 am
OBAMA/BIDEN ‘08!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Curt,
Three things:
1. How do you feel about Phillip Butler, a fellow POW of McCain, saying “Hell, I’m 70 years old and I’ve lived through being a prisoner of war, I’m going to tell it like it is,” Butler says in the ad. “I think I can say with authority that the prisoner of war experience is not a good prerequisite for a president of the United States.”
Butler questions the GOP nominee’s personality, saying “he was well-known as a volatile guy, and he would blow up and go off like a Roman candle. John McCain is not somebody that I would like to see with his finger near the red button.”
2. Go back and watch the O’Reilly interview. Did you miss the part where O’Reilly, without qualification, conceded that Obama was right to oppose the Iraq war?
So, in short, McCain helped drive the truck into a ditch, which Obama would have avoided. McCain finally gunned the engine, which started to get the truck out. Frankly, I’ll take the guy who’s better at avoiding the ditch.
3. Don’t ever forget that the real winner of the Iraq war was Iran. We took out their worst enemy and ceded any leverage we had over them, both because we over-committed our military and because they could (and can) easily make our Iraq operation easier or more difficult, limiting how hard we can push them on nuclear issues. So now our fallback strategy seems to be threatening to “bomb, bomb, bomb” Iran…
For these reasons and others, the Iraq war was a colossal strategic blunder.
Remember Obama’s words in 2002: “That’s what I’m opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.”
McCain is a hero for his service, but it does not follow that he is the best man to lead our country forward.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Curt, I respect your opinion but where is the talk about the economy right now? No offense, but you are in the richest 5% of this country. For those of us who are in the middle class, rising gas prices, higher jobless rates and a terrible housing market that no one did anything about is causing inflated prices of goods and services, here and around the world. Not to mention the weakest dollar in decades, followed by an increased dependency on oil, whether it be ours or theirs over seas. And now McCain wants to drill for oil off the Alaskan coast? That is simply like putting Elmer’s glue on a leak in levee or dam, it just wont work.
Ill give McCain this, he could be great at heading up our foreign policy. But aside from that, I cant side with someone who 2 years ago, was for change and came out against Bush and now has voted with him 90% of the time. That isnt the change we need.
I am not saying Obama will bring significant change, but it will be better than the alternative. Biden as VP brings MORE foreign policy experience than McCain.
I just think there is more needed in a president then what you are arguing he has. He is a decorated war hero, and I applaud that. But to get my vote he needs to bring real change, and I just dont think he is ready to do that.
I hope your rehab is going well.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:29 am
My father served in Korea-Purple Heart recipient, shrapnel still in him. As a direct result he is still suffering from PTSD and other traumas. That combined with other issues he has has caused him to be an alcoholic and drug addict. As a result I suffered emotional and physical abuse at his hands, and he was a horribly emotionally unavailable father. I consider experiencing that to be an incredible hardship. I won’t disrespect Sen McCain’s experience by calling it the same in any way- but I was a prisoner in many ways and still am because of what I suffer as a result. In spite of all of that and more I do honor his service.
I honor the service of all men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, and am in complete awe of it. But I also grieve the losses, and the walking wounded, and the suicides, and the homeless vets. I have no respect for what George Bush has done in the past 8 years, other than what he has done for AIDS in Africa. John McCain agreed with George Bush 90% of the time, or is that wrong too? Is that a lie?
You are 100 percent entitled to your opinion, as am I. But my life experience, and my sadness about what has become of this country, and my fear for the future-all lead me in a different direction.
My parents are seniors and both struggling to survive financially and just hang on to their home. Why is that happening in this country, why? Let alone people going hungry.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am
thecuttysark
Well said, Curt. Question, tho - “fellow Alaskan”? Are you Alaskan?
cuttysark…. a simple search on mlb.com would have answered your question…
http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121811
Full Name: Curtis Montague Schilling
Born: 11/14/1966
Birthplace: Anchorage, AK
September 5th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Love your posts, especially your political comments. Find myself in much agreement. BTW - I live in St Louis and am a big Cardinal fan, but was still glad to see you and Boston win the WS. If we had to lose, I was OK with losing it to you guys.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:06 am
You are absolutely right. After watching John McCain last night, there is no doubt about who I’ll vote for. And it ain’t John McCain.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I served my country, went to Iraq as a soldier, and do not support John McCain. And oh, by the way, being a POW in a war decades ago does not necessarily make you fit to lead a military you’ve long not been a part of. As for the surge, well, when you set foot in Iraq outside a press crew and see how Iraqis are really living right now, you can tell me how peaceful things are there.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:18 am
PS- I read the story in the Boston Globe this week about the Taylor family, it touched my heart so much. Thanks for what you did, and for what the the other players and the Sox did. I had a loss in my life this week and it really made me think, about so many things in life..
September 5th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Why do you think we are reading, seeing and hearing SO LITTLE about the Middle East compared to one year ago? You know the answer.
Well I don’t know the answer for sure, but I think people are more focused on what’s going on domestically - millions of foreclosures, $4/gal gas, loss of jobs. If only John McCain were more focused on these issues.
There is a lot of doubt re: voting for him. His most crucial decision of the campaign - choosing his running mate - was a colossal blunder that I think insulted the intelligence of most Americans and the Republican party, passing over much more qualified candidates. It’s not a minor issue when he would be the oldest president elected to a first term (and he’s doesn’t seem to be one of the more healthy 72 year olds around). If anything (god forbid) happened to him she would be in so far over her head I can’t even fathom it.
John McCain seems to be a good decent honorable man, and we will be better off no matter who is chosen in Nov that what we have now, but IMHO he and his running mate are not the best choice.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:24 am
You say that you’re voting for McCain…are you registered in MA? Then I hope that you realize how little your vote counts.
There’s absolutely no way that the majority of Massachusetts voters won’t go for Obama and so any votes for other candidates are simply ignored.
Unfortunately, until the Electoral College system in this country is finally reformed, voters whose political views are out of sync with the majority of their fellow state residents are essentially disenfranchised…
September 5th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Nothing but respect for you, so let me apologize in advance if this sounds harsh. If you want to kick my ass, then I have done my job
You are a great pitcher, but let’s face it the “surge” is hype. We are still in Iraq and will be for years. Bush and his people get richer off of “defense” contracts, and the economy is falling apart. If Gore or Obama had been the leader on Sept 12th, I doubt that they would have walking into the same traps. On top of that, the American people have been scared into the “patriot act” which is about the least patriotic act you could come up with.
If we as Americans give up our freedom in an attempt to defeat terrorism, that it is we who have made the greatest sacrifice, a sacrifice that would have Jefferson, Lincoln and Kennedy rolling over in their graves. Terrorism only works on fear, and for such a fearless athlete, your post reflects a man who is very scared and little.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I like your picture you included here. I have a few friends in that one and would have been there myself, but I can’t re-enlist so soon after the last time. Just thought I would throw in some positive against all the negative people are sure to bring.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am
>>Unlike every other person up for election in this campaign, the Senator can speak from experience about commitment, sacrifice, honor, integrity, loyalty, duty to country, others first, like no other. He had his chance, he passed that test, and many others along the way.
>>I didn’t feel Senator Kerry was the better candidate. A brave American? Absolutely. A better candidate to be President of the United States? No
Good to see that the shoulder injury hasn’t hurt your ability to tapdance. Surely a stint on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is inevitable.
If life were just one test, and that was it for Mr. McCain, he’d get an ‘A’. Unfortunately, life is a series of tests. When he returned home from VietNam, he discovered his wife, who had faithfully waited 5-1/2 years for him while raising their children alone, had been in an auto accident and was severely injured. She’d lost mobility and was on crutches. She was four inches shorter and had gained weight. Mr. McCain’s solution? Commitment? Sacrifice? Honor? No. Adultery? Yes, including an affair with Cindy Hensley, multi-millionaire heiress. She’s 17-years younger than he, although it wasn’t known by either of them until they filled out a marriage application - he’d lied and said he was younger, she’d lied and said she was older. They did wait a whole month after McCain’s divorce to get married.
He also was a member of the “Keating Five”, a group of elected officials who took large sums of money (in McCain’s case, over $100,000 in election contributions, plus nine family vacations, and other benefits) from Mr. Keating, who was busy taking a Savings and Loan to bankruptcy, costing the tax payers $2,600,000,000. He was eventually convicted of fraud and rackateering. Senator McCain was publicly criticized by the Senate, though not formally punished, in part at least due to the fact that his bribes were accepted while a Congressman and the Senate had no jurisdiction. McCain, long after benefiting from the payola, was forced to repay $13433 for flights on Keating’s jet which he had not reported as required. McCain’s wife and father in-law, meanwhile, had invested $359,000 in property owned by Keating in 1986, which eventually sold for $15,000,000. It does pay to have friends.
There are many other examples, but I’ll just summarize a few here: criticized Bush’s tax cuts, now wants to make them permanent, benefiting himself, his sugar momma, and Curt.
Said in a 1999 article in the San Francisco Chronicle that he didn’t support overturning Roe v. Wade. Now needs the votes, so campaigning in 2007 stated that it should.
Once called the ultra-right evangelists “agents of intolerance”. Now? Needed the votes, and solicited the endorsement of End Times Evangelist Larry Hagee.
Said the markets in Bagdhad were completely safe, while being accompanied by dozens of armed soldiers and Blackhawk helicopters. I’d feel pretty safe with that posse, too.
Has voted with George W. Bush 90% of the time, and now proclaims himself an agent of change, and tries to run from the Bush Administration, despite aiming for the same base of voters.
In short, the man once had integrity, but no more. He once served the country, but no more. He once was a man of conscience and principles, but no more. NO MORE.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Wow Curt, as a guy who had a grandfather in WWII and a father in Vietnam, i can tell you it was THEM who talked me OUT of joining the military.
And i’ve thanked them, often, since. There’s service to one’s country,
and then there’s putting your life in the hands of true selfish idiots.
If i remember right, your father was in the military, but why the hell are you such a pro military sycophant? YOU never served, remember?
Do you delude yourself that because you were an Army brat, you REALLY know what it is like? That’s a joke. You act like a baby when you are forced to convene
your Republican circle jerk every week at the ungodly hour of 9AM on EEI.
How would you take reveille every day at OH FIVE HUNDRED??
How would YOU take being told when and where to take a dump?
When and where to dig a ditch?
How would you like to bust your butt after being told what to do all week, and cash a paycheck of $500 instead of the the $300,000+ check you currently cash?
Oh, that’s right, with your razor sharp intellect, they would have taken you in and made you a Major, or a General right away, wouldn’t they????
Really though, you are a fat millionaire who plays a lot of video games.
Ultimately you are a jock,(get ball, grip ball, throw ball) and when you open your mouth like this
it becomes glaringly apparent that you aren’t half as smart as you think you are.
Do you realize your lifestyle of the “husky geek video gamer” far more resembles a shiftless youth than it does any of those “brave” military people you speak of?
Frankly hotshot, why didn’t YOU sign up for the military? Clearly because you were unPATRIOTIC, right? Didn’t love your country? You were obviously healthy enough to play professional baseball,
so clearly you were healthy enough to carry an M-16.
Rather play a silly game and still be able to go to the arcade and play video games than serve, right? Exactly…………..
And of course, YOUR kids are on the path to serve in the military , right?
By the time they are old enough, if there’s a republican in the white house,
there’ll be a “conflict” of some sort they can be part of, right??? hmmmmmm?
No, probably not right? Fat millionaire’s kids don’t join the military and die for their country, they go to ivy league schools and get jobs working at foundations.
CLEARLY, you have an arrogance about “those who have ACTUALLY played the game” when you talk about baseball. You should apply that same logic to
“those who have actually served”, and then keep your mouth shut.
As far a McCain, you actually believed that BS rhetoric?
Those speeches during the conventions(of both sides)
are specifically meant to be sensational and over the top.
They aren’t actually issue or FACT driven, it’s theater……didn’t get that?
Kinda like the State of the union address. Did you ACTUALLY swell with national pride when George W. talks about “going to Mars” in a speech like that?
Really??? Well, there you go, you’ll believe anything they tell you then…..
Objectivity? What’s that?…………
Lastly, as much as you deride people for thinking McCain ISN’T 4 more years of Bush, you are a fool. You actually think that the republican presidential nominee
doesn’t have to “fall in line” with the party hierarchy? It’s the real world Curt,
you don’t get the nomination, the funding and the support of the TRUE power brokers unless you agree to fall in line. It’s called life, and thats the way it works for those who aren’t rich, spoiled athletes with (perversely) guaranteed contracts.
Pretty much EVERYONE besides your lot has to “go along to get along” in one way or another.
Too bad your fantasy world has skewed your ability even remotely fathom
the “little people” and that reality.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:43 am
“Why do you think we are reading, seeing and hearing SO LITTLE about the Middle East compared to one year ago? You know the answer.”
Yes, we do. It’s because our wrecked economy has pushed the Middle East off the front page. Our current administration “got off the backs” of the financial services industry and allowed the industry to “regulate itself”.
We heard over and over again at the RNC that this sort of policy is the golden road to prosperity. The actual outcome of these policies have been an unmitigated disaster. Consider the facts.
Loose lending practices showered money on people with weak, or subprime, credit, leaving many of them struggling to stay in their homes. At the time of its collapse, Bear Stearns had $11.1 billion in tangible equity capital supporting $395 billion in assets, a leverage ratio of more than 35 to one. And they’re just one example of a systemwide failure whose full implications are only beginning to be known.
The cost of this disaster will be borne NOT by Wall Street. It will be borne almost entirely by middle-class taxpayers: the same people already paying for an Iraq war that has already lasted longer than WWII.
Combined, the costs of these may be the single largest “tax” on the American people in our history.
As a financial conservative, I’m horrified by this. I can’t imagine why other conservatives are not as deeply troubled by this as I am.
Curt, I have enormous respect for John McCain as a person, and agree with all you’ve said about him here. He’s a true American hero and patriot.
But, the fact that he and his party have made it clear that they intend to continue the policies that have proven so disastrous for the past 8 years makes it impossible for me to vote for him.
We can all agree John McCain is a great man. But his policies will not make America great.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Curt,
I love ya man, and you’re certainly entitled to your opinions, but all I can do is hope that there isn’t a conservative agenda hidden in your 38 Studios MMO project. I wish you would post more about that part of your life than your politics. There are 10,000 people on the Internet who are spouting off about the political race, and I question whether an Alaskan born, Arizona raised republican can be terribly objective with this GOP ticket anyhow.
Good luck with your rehab and I wish you the best of luck. My well wishes don’t extend to your candidate, however.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Curt:
I’m kinda surprised Mr. McCain picked Palin over you for VP. Experience wise, how does being a smalltime mayor, and governor of the Tundra have more foreign policy knowledge that someone with mutliple WS rings? Um… “WORLD” (=”foreign”)– it’s in the friggin’ title! Oh, and not to mention your unflinching fanboyism towards the guy.
But seriously, don’t quit your day job…
(Oh wait. Looks like you already have!)
It doesn’t, just like being a community manager doesn’t really prepare one for the highest office in the country. You’re the reason John McCain is going to be the next President of this country, and thanks for that. Next time I hear someone rebut an attack on Obama with “But McCain doesn’t do..” or “But McCain didn’t do..” “Or even less relevant “Palin isn’t” or “But Palin can’t” I’ll think of people like you and laugh. Why is it that when Obama is criticized his supporters do nothing but answer with an attack on the other guy/gal? Why don’t people address and worry about THEIR candidates shortcomings and problems instead of dismissing them and trying to open up a fake wound on the other candidate?
September 5th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Is Curt not entitled to his opinion? Anytime someone states their opinion now, a bunch of losers feel the need to write some three page thesis on why their opinion is incorrect (and in some cases, cowardly go after them personally).
What Curt can say that many of you can not is that he has done something with his life that makes him important to others. He has built enough of a reputation for himself that people come to his web page to see what he has to say (and then feel the need to trash him for it because they can’t stand that people don’t think like them).
Don’t like his opinion? Create your own blog and give your own. Both McCain and Obama are decent and honest men and are keeping this race civil. The rest of us are not. Curt likes McCain and made his pitch for him. Go do the same for whoever you want to win.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Curt you’re an ignorant blow hard who truly over estimates the value of his opinions.
Then that makes you the idiot wasting his time here. Who’s dumber?”
September 5th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
you’re a great baseball player.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Was just curious as to why you possessed such an inflated sense of self-worth.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
“Unlike every other person up for election in this campaign, the Senator can speak from experience about commitment, sacrifice, honor, integrity, loyalty, duty to country, others first, like no other.”
I disagree with the implication that serving in the armed forces or being a POW gives a monopoly on commitment, sacrifice, honor, etc…
I have immense respect for what John McCain went through, but I also have immense respect for what Barack Obama has done. As much as Palin wants to misrepresent and denigrate community organizers, it is an incredibly thankless job with long hours working directly for “others first.” It requires sacrifice, commitment and duty to country by believing that every citizen deserves a voice and access to the system.
I apologize if I made you think I meant “monopoly”. That was not the case. I do feel it gives him a massive advantage in doing what needs to be done over Senator Obama. I don’t think their lives are comparable when it comes to commitment, sacrifice, purpose, and most of all experience. That’s not to slight Senator Obama but a highlighting of what I feel are just a few of Senator McCains strengths. And I’ll also agree on the community organizer comment, I said it in a way that could only be taken as a disparaging remark but did not intend it to mean that.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
8 years of failure. 5 years of war have not been cured by a propaganda surge. Iraq is the most awful dangerous place to live in the world. Almost 500 Iraqis were killed last month. A hundred thousand people have been murdered by Bush and company. Millions of people have been displaced and lost everything they had. And now we are to take one of his biggest warmongering cheerleaders at his word? Thanks but no thanks. anyone who voted for Bush in 2004 should recuse themselves from this election seeing as they are mentally lazy or unqualified to choose a leader.
Really? Could someone have said those same things in or around 1943 when the Germans were within eyesight of Moscow? I voted for George Bush in 2004 because I didn’t want another country, or another group of people from the same country, to fly a few more planes into an American building and kill thousands of innocent American men, women and children. Not sure who you or anyone else gives credit to for that not happening, but it hasn’t.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
“I apologize if I made you think I meant “monopoly”. That was not the case. I do feel it gives him a massive advantage in doing what needs to be done over Senator Obama. I don’t their lives are comparable when it comes to commitment, sacrifice and purpose. That’s not to slight Senator Obama but highlight Senator McCain. And I’ll also agree on the community organizer comment, I said it in a way that could only be taken as a disparaging remark but did not intend it to mean that.”
That’s so awesomely republican.
Lie/slander first, apologize in an underhanded/worthless way when it’s too late.
Did you see Rudy “I’ll ride 9/11 till i’m dead” crap on and mock ALL community organizers, just to poke at Obama?
Those speeches are all screened and scrutinized by the powers that be.
(don’t kid yourself that they are not)
How can you support a party and a candidate that is that petty and divisive?
How can you endorse people THAT willing to mock and crap on selfless people on WORLDWIDE TV for a friggin PUNCHLINE?
Did you watch that speech with your kids? Just how did you explain to them how your “people” were denigrating kind and giving human beings?
Do you think all community organizers are Democrats, so it’s OK?
And again, toughguy,
Why exactly DIDN’T Mr. Military(aka Curt Schilling) join the military.
Inquiring minds want the truth.
Not really sure it’s rocket science but ok. I didn’t join the military because I was blessed with a right arm that allowed me to be drafted by a major league baseball team.
Funny thing about your post here is you could cut and paste that rhetoric into the Democratic debates when those candidates were trying to get elected. Hilarious as hell to see your gal Hillary tell us that Barack Obama is the perfect person to lead this nation after telling us for the better part of 2 years what a buffoon she thought he was.
One more thing. “My people”? How does that work? Last I looked everyone in that convention hall, as well as everyone at the DNC were citizens of the USA. How does that make them my people? Or are you one of those people that considers only your circle of people that share your beliefs to be ‘true americans”?
September 5th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Hi Curt,
I don’t agree at all with your opinions about national politics, which is fine with me. Based on what I’ve heard you say and read what you’ve written, I’d say our underlying values are pretty much the same (as I would argue are most peoples).
One question, which was inspired by something I just read, written by someone much smarter than myself. There are only two men who have run for president that have the right to say that their role in the military truly transformed society: Ike and Ulysses S. Grant. For every other president with military experience it may have been a personally transforming experience, but it didn’t mean much for the country as a whole, or in the case of Ike, the world.
If that’s the case, why should McCain’s service to our country mean any more than the service that Obama has given to Chicago? I don’t get it. He deserves all our respect and admiration, but being a POW does not make a qualification to be president (nor does being a community organizer).
Thanks for writing this blog and making me shake my fist at the screen sometimes.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
“This is NOT about the Republican party, no matter what hat the Senator is wearing.”
Ah, but Curt, it is. It absolutely is. Bush has seen to that. Eight years of his failed administration has see to that. This election very much is a referendum on the Republican party.
I can totally understand your conviction with McCain. As a veteran myself, I can totally understand the attraction to a guy who is a former POW. He is a man of high integrity and character. I think he’s a great man. I really do. And you may be right - maybe he isn’t like the other Republicans, and maybe he will put the American people first.
But the history of the Republican party - particularly the recent history - does not show that.
The bottom line is, he’s representing the Republican Party. And the Republicans today are not the Republicans of old. This is a Republican party that has abandon their core ideals. They claim the mantel of fiscal conservatism, yet they are anything but, driving us into debt of historical proportions. They’ve abandon their conservative ways. They claim to support a less invasive government, yet at every turn (with the exception of gun control laws) they’re trying to impose right-wing, “Christian” values on a country that was founded on the idea of a “melting pot” and personal freedoms; they want to tell us how to live our lives, and I take issue with that.
As to the “experience” factor: it’s a moot point. Look, isn’t Bush technically more “experienced” at being president than McCain or Obama? Absolutely, but I’d vote for McCain or Obama before I’d vote for Bush. Just because a person has “experience” doesn’t mean they’re any good at the job. And Bush has been a failure of historic proportions.
Lets face it - there really isn’t much of a minor league for President of the United States. Yeah, being a congressman, senator, or governor might help clue you in, but the bottom line is that decision-making ability is way more important than experience.
I like both of these candidates. McCain is a good guy and you’ve got your reasons for supporting him Curt. And good for you - you should be able to support a candidate publicly without criticism.
But for me, I’m going in the other direction. I don’t trust the Republican party anymore. Maybe McCain could right the ship and fix the party - maybe. But do I want to take that chance for the next four years?
No.
Obama is a very intelligent man. And more than anything, that’s what I want in the oval office: a person of high intelligence. They’ve got the best chance - experience or not - of making the right decisions once they’re elected.
Really? Adolf Hitler reportedly had an IQ of 141, how was his decision making? I agree that you need someone intelligent sitting in the White House. But by what standard do you measure intelligence? Someone street smart? World smart? Book smart? All three? Some of the three? My backing and support of Senator McCain comes from a friendship over the past 8 years and getting to know the real man he is. His entire life he’s done nothing to persuade me to believe he anything but who he presents himself to be, flaws and all. He’s intelligent as hell, so I don’t worry about his smarts and decision making ability. He’s in this election to help the country once again, the country he’s served his entire life. I believe he’s the right man and I’ll vote for him. If you don’t believe those same things then that’s 100% ok with me, vote your conscience and let everyone else do the same, and then after election day we can get on with moving forward.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Curt, please explain any simalarities between the threats of Germany in 1943 and Iraq in 2003. Iraq had no WMDs. They were complying with the inspections and Bush ordered all of them out so he could have his little war.
Please explain what Iraq had to do with 9-11.
Please explain how Bush gets credit for protecting us from 9-11 style attacks when it happened on his watch. When he spent the entire month of august 2001 on vacation while his CIA director was sending him notices of warnings?
9-11 killed 3000 Americans. Now 4000 Americans have died FIGHTING the wrong people!!!! Do you understand? 100,000 people have been murdered. Or do they not matter to you because they are Muslim? Please explain.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I knew when I read the first few sentences of this blog there would be a firestorm.
I have always voted Republican, with hopes of smaller government and less taxes. This time I am making a very concerted effort to listen closely to both sides and sit in the center.
Like many other Republicans, I have felt let-down by Bush in many ways. Compared to the past two elections I really think we have better choices. I like both sides and am very anxious to see what both have to say in the upcoming debates.
What I liked the most out of McCain’s speech last night was first off his respect for Obama early on, and second, and most importantly, the part of screw the parties and do your part as an American.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
While I respect your opinion Curt I will have to wholeheartedly disagree. I found McCain’s pick of Palin a disappointment and while I am sure she is a lovely person I can’t see how being a governor for less than 2 years leaves enough of a record to justify her being so close to the presidency.
McCain is an American hero and should be respected for that. He survived a period that would have utterly broken most people. I am sure he is a patriot who loves his country. However, I don’t think he is what this country needs right now. The economy is in the tank and growing worse by the day. McCain’s solution is more tax cuts for corportations. That is nice and all, but where has that strategy gotten us over the last 8 years? I seem to remember a very healthy economy during the Clinton years that has been growing steadily worse now since around 2005.
I was a president that can inspire and help to bring both the country and our former allies together again. I want someone that isn’t afraid to say that talking with someone is ok. Talking is NOT appeasement. Talking can sometimes lead to new roads for the world other than America considered the police of the entire globe.
I guess the one thing I am really tired of from the Republicans is how they act like they are the only group that loves America and is willing to protect it. I mean, you all act as if Obama is going to lay down and wave the planes in as they crash into our buildings. That is really the height of arrogange and ignorance. Just because someone has a different view of how to make America safe does not mean they are not a patriot. I appeciate that Obama wants to concentrate more on Afghanistan, the home of the people that actually attacked us. Iraq is only a staging area for terrorists because we invaded in the first place and painted targets on our brave service men and women. Sure, Saddam was bad, but we had no pressing need to start a war there. A war which has lasted longer now than World War II.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
It’s a shame that many people have lost the ability to respectfully disagree - and instead resort to bitter, hate-filled remarks. It always amuses me how the same crowd that preaches “tolerance” is, in practice, highly intolerant of differing viewpoints.
Anyway, nice post. I had the privilege of meeting and spending a day with Senator McCain during the 2000 GOP primaries - and although I ultimately ended up supporting W - I came away with a tremendous amount of respect for the Senator. Even if you were not familiar with his past - if you meet him you can see the profound love and commitment he has for his country. He is one of the VERY few politicians I’ve met (on either side of the aisle) that is sincerely interested in fighting political corruption and acting in the best interest of the country. And I’m thrilled that Governor Palin is on the ticket, and has demonstrated the same reform-oriented spirit of Senator McCain.
Side note: as someone who lost his grandfather to ALS - just wanted to thank you for the work you’ve done over the years in raising awareness/money/etc in that cause…hopefully a cure is not far off!
Finally, as a diehard, lifelong Yankees fan (whose hero happens to #4) - I have to tip my hat and congratulate you…you’ve certainly got the better end of the deal when you’ve played against us, whether in a D’Backs uniform or….that other one.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
“Not really sure it’s rocket science but ok. I didn’t join the military because I was blessed with a right arm that allowed me to be drafted by a major league baseball team.
Funny thing about your post here is you could cut and paste that rhetoric into the Democratic debates when those candidates were trying to get elected. Hilarious as hell to see your gal Hillary tell us that Barack Obama is the perfect person to lead this nation after telling us for the better part of 2 years what a buffoon she thought he was.
One more thing. “My people”? How does that work? Last I looked everyone in that convention hall, as well as everyone at the DNC were citizens of the USA. How does that make them my people? Or are you one of those people that considers only your circle of people that share your beliefs to be ‘true americans”?”
So ultimately all the people in the military are UNtalented, UNblessed people,
who couldn’t do anything else. Well put. Those who CHOOSE to serve
couldn’t possibly be “special” like you?
(physically special, that is, not intellectually “special”)
So really, you just chose a path that fed your ego and your wallet,
and your lack of patriotism and lack of love of country, even though you were a miliary brat AND “MR. Military” led you to surmise
that “special” people don’t need to “serve”.
Well done sir. I hope all those “UNspecial” and “UNtalented” people kick you in the nuts the next time you try to make yourself feel better by rubbing elbows with the selfless people who DID choose to serve.
(ok, ok, i do applaud your philanthropy, you have helped people more than most)
And yes Curt, YOUR people. They are your people when it suits you, but NOT when they SHAT over selfless people. Maybe you should go talk to all the community organizers in NYC that i’m SURE Rudy knew when he was mayor, he should be forced to apologize to all of them.
Hillary was never my people, she’s a politico and i never cared for her.
My take is that there is NO experience that can ACTUALLY prepare you being the President of the United States. I think that is an island unto itself.
Certain life and practical experience leads one down the path, but being a prisoner
40 years ago? No. Being a community organizer? No.
Frankly my first criteria HAS to be that my President be SMARTER than me.
George Bush is NOT a VERY smart person. Affable? sure, smart, no.
Character matters, but character isn’t what keeps the terrorists at bay.
Character doesn’t keep the cost of oil down. Character won’t give your (distant) unemployed neighbors a decent job. Character won’t feed their children.
Frankly, i’m not at all blown away by Mccain either. He’s not dumb, but while he might be a “smart” politician, he doesn’t strike me as a highly intellectual fellow.
I doubt i’d ever have voted for him, but i could see, years ago, the things they say of McCain
and how he bucked the party line. Sorry, he’s not that guy anymore. The record shows that, over and over and over.
If you really voted for Bush, because you were worried about terrorism, i’m embarrassed for you.
You bought into the fear mongering. It’s not George Bush that stopped terrorism
(although he DID stop playing golf a year or so ago, as , gosh, we are at war, so maybe he has more time on his hands)
It’s the tireless work of the “little people” in the appropriate gov’t agencies, who i’m sure, STILL would have worked tirelessly to protect their families and yours, under a democratic president.
Or do you figure that those people would slack off and endanger their own families and neighbors,
just out of spite? Really?
But fat millionaires don’t talk about the “little people”, it’s good ol’ buddy
(and fellow millionaire) George that saved us all,
right?
Again Curt, what did you say to your kids when Rudy shat on ALL the selfless volunteer community organizers, just to get a cheap punchline??????
Well first off my kids were in bed, and second I didn’t see the Mayor speak. But thanks for only enforcing my belief that Senator McCain and Gov. Palin will win. You just spent Lord knows how many minutes posting to a blog of a person you can’t stand, supporting a candidate you clearly dislike, without once touting ANYTHING positive about your choice for President. Because up to this point there is no substance, there is nothing to grip on to and stick out there for everyone to see except the same ‘rhetoric’ you claim is being spouted here and there by Senator McCain. Do yourself a a favor and start your own blog and post there, you’ll feel better about yourself and not waste your time ‘hanging out’ with people you don’t like or respect.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
So much hate and anger from tdmtown. Did you serve in the military? Are you a community organizer? Or you just an armchair-general complaining to your mommy about how bad you got it?
I served in the military, got out, used the money from it to get my college degree and succeed in life. My grandmother has about as much community organizing experience as Obama, should she run for president now too?
Great post Curt, outside of being a Sox fan I appreciate all the great work you do outside of baseball and thank you for sharing your views. Ignore the trolls, they only have their hatred and self-pity to sustain their miserable lives.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
It would be nice in general to see more respect from both Democrats and Republicans. Hardcore Democrats as if McCain is George Bush’s twin and plans to declare war on Russia and Iran the moment he gets into office. Hardcore Republicans act as if Obama is some pot smoking hippy that hates America and will institute communism I can see why membership in both parties has decreased dramatically over the years as the majority of the country is indepentent and tired of the bickering and outright lies.
I can be happy that this election will at least result in a president I can respect and admire. That is not something I have been able to say during the 6 years I have been able to vote.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Curt - I’m Active Duty - I know what it means to serve - and from my perspective - the only people jumping up and down about McCain’s service are those who never served.
We don’t do it for glory or recognition…but Mr. McCain is using it for that very purpose. I would be interested to hear his positions on the issues instead of getting a personal history lesson every time he speaks. Find a Vet - ask him if he served for glory…
I’d say 50% or more of my brethren are concerned about both Palin and McCain. In 2004 - 75% or more were behind (b)ush. What does that tell you about WHO the military really supports? Mr. McCain really lost a lot of us with that GI Bill fiasco.
I am equally appauled at his choice for VP. He was 100% right that this election is about experience - so why the heck did he choose Ms. Palin? She’s an eloquent speaker - but so is Mr. Obama…and he’s been accused of being nothing more than a talking head…so what is she? Katherine Harris wanna be?
I am very concerned about Mr. McCain’s age - and I don’t think his choice of VP is any more qualified for the presidency than you or I…given Mr. McCain’s age and health problems it appears possible (if not probable) his VP will fill his shoes sooner than later - I cannot in good faith place my trust in another inexperienced Governor who sees the world in Black and White (think [b]ush)- we live in a gray world - there are no absolutes (as Ms. Palin believes)
….so I’m switching from McCain to Obama…maybe Obama is right - it’s about Judgment - and Mr. McCain just blew it with Ms. Palin…total lack of judgment.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
It is sad to see so many people believe the same Republican lines spouted out by the same talking heads. McCain has yet to distinctly outline any of his ideas on the issues that are important to me except the Iraq war. Economy? Don’t worry, he has a plan. Education? Everyone gets one! Energy policy? Nuclear, oil and coal for everyone! I spent two hours going over McCain’s voting record yesterday and was appalled. He has changed his vote on a woman’s right to abortion in rape and incest cases, he has voted against helping farmers in the US. He wrote legislation to fix campaign finance, and then used a loophole in his OWN bill to bend the rules. He has lost touch with who he was. You may know him on a personal level, but his nice guy image now does not change the fact that he has repeatedly used racial slurs in public. As a current Arizona resident and former Boston resident I have always respected your charity work and acts on the field, and enjoyed your blog-it was honest and straight forward. But you mention no points that would ever sway me to vote for the man who said (and I quote) “I still hate the Gooks and always will.” on his Straight’Talk Express 32 years later. And how is Mrs. Palin’s lawsuit vs. The US Wildlife Department going? Really? To remove the Polar Bear from the Endangered Species list so we can open up exploration and drilling? Is that rational? Is that a good use of taxpayer money? Open thy eyes, sir. And I will start my own blog. And vote with my own conscience.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
The speech was good. He’s mentioned the POW deal before but I liked how he tied it into his love of the country. The thing that gives me pause about voting for him is the potential retirements of supreme court justices. He told Rick Warren that he wouldn’t have nominated Ginsberg, yet his website says “When President Bill Clinton nominated Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to serve on the Supreme Court, [McCain] joined all but a few Republicans in voting for their confirmation. These nominees were qualified, and it would have been petty, partisan and disingenuous to insist otherwise.” How do you reconcile the two statements? Bad laws could be overturned later but SC justices are for life.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
“Well first off my kids were in bed, and second I didn’t see the Mayor speak. But thanks for only enforcing my belief that Senator McCain and Gov. Palin will win. You just spent Lord knows how many minutes posting to a blog of a person you can’t stand, supporting a candidate you clearly dislike, without once touting ANYTHING positive about your choice for President. Because up to this point there is no substance, there is nothing to grip on to and stick out there for everyone to see except the same ‘rhetoric’ you claim is being spouted here and there by Senator McCain. Do yourself a a favor and start your own blog and post there, you’ll feel better about yourself and not waste your time ‘hanging out’ with people you don’t like or respect.”
Blah, Blah, Blah. You have a blog for the attention, don’t put it out there if you don’t want people responding(or turn off the feature)
I respect(ed) you between the lines, i respect the philanthropy, i used to respect the occasional
political blather. Now i don’t. I can’t respect anybody who has their nose buried
so far up someone’s arse.
Are you bucking for Commissioner of Physical Fitness(Ah-nolds old job?)
btw
I’d bet if Shonda was a community organizer, and you weren’t there to hear such a thing you’d be awfully interested, and probably awfully put off.
But the code of the millionaires club is not to ‘dis other millionaires(Rudy)? Only the UNspecial and UNtalented little people?
Best of luck with that.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Ah politics. They are so fun.
McCain/Palin ‘08
September 5th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hi,
I certainly appreciate you blogging and interacting! Thanks.
I would respectfully counter your enthusiasm for McCain with:
1. How has he voted on Veterans’ issues?
2. How has he voted on wage/health issues, in general. (re: minimum wage)
3. Do you think Bush was honorable in his service (I mean, there are risks to diddling secretaries in Alabama — as opposed to actually going to Vietnam. BTW, he did publicly state that he joined the Guard so as to NOT burst his eardrum to avoid service). I bring this up as McCain clearly supports Bush’s record. He’s no maverick but you might be one of those who does believe we’re on the right track.
4. Have you seen this site? http://www.awolbush.com/whoserved.html
I know it says Bush in the domain, but it is a publicly assembled record of who has served, D vs R. Based on that list, who would be MOST likely to understand military issues?
5. BTW, Biden’s son is in Iraq: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20316309/. I forget, did either of the Bush girls go? Or Cheney’s daughter? Or so on… McCain’s sons are serving too. I don’ think you’re implying that he’s feels the familial burden of their service more.
6. Are you saying that his being a POW grants him superior power to bring into the Whitehouse? I think his voting against a modern GI Bill — because it might encourage those who are at the end of their tour to leave — should provide you with an answer.
7. As to your photo of the Iraqi ceremony. You do understand that they’re not fighting each other because we’re PAYING them right? Have you checked the deaths? In Iraq? In Afghanistan? Just in the last 90 days? Do you not agree that the purpose of the surge was to enable political reconciliation - lowering the violence was to enable that? You don’t have to agree, there is plenty on the record from Condi Rice on down supporting that reconciliation was and is the purpose. Where is the reconciliation? I see the Kurds preparing for annexation of territory, including Kirkuk. Think that surge will slow that down? Think Turkey won’t act. (BTW, Turkey is an ARAB democracy. You know, that thing that Bush said we wanted to create (after WMD, after Hussein bad dude, after stability in oil, etc. )You know, bring democracy to the Arab middle east and then see it blossom. Turkey - a Democracy - voted to NOT support this war. You seem well read, can I recommend from one reader to another: read about Attaturk. Man, is he one of history’s most interesting individuals.)
8. What about Iran? There are many indications that they are influencing behind the scenes with full cooperation of the Maliki govt.
And the list goes on, and on, and on.
Nonetheless, thank you for offering your opinions and letting some of us respond!
James
September 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
i,m not going to pretend to be an expert on anything,, unlike all the liberal pansies posting on here.. all i know is i,m 43 years old and have been retired for three years..i was able to do that because of hard work and a lot of personal sacrifice,,, not a penny from the govt.. thats the way Curt’s “people” think. I don’t expect the where is my free health care,,foodstamps and welfare check people to understand… Curt and his “people” are the reason there is money for you do nothing but take liberal b@st@rds… If Obama is elected to be our next President I too will support Him… I doubt it will come to that…..
September 5th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
All politics aside, I just wanted to thank you for posting that picture of the deployed troops reenlisting. It gave me goosebumps. My husband is reenlisting, after 15 yrs, next week. In a few months he’ll be deployed for a year. Thanks for the military support.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Dear Curt,
First, I want to thank you for the part you played in removing the “curse” (under almost impossible conditions) from the Red Sox nation. I am glad I lived long enough to see it, and am sorry my father didn’t. All die-hard Red Sox fans owe you a debt of gratitude.
Second, I commend you for expressing your political opinions in a thoughtful and well reasoned manner. It takes courage to subject yourself to the name calling, diatribes, and rants that I have read in the comment section of your blog. I know that you would like to stimulate a civilized give-and-take conversation on the candidates and the issues that confront our nation. Unfortunately, I think some of your comment writers have taken their lead from members of Congress, many of whom have forgotten the importance of civil discourse in the conduct of their duties as “public servants”.
John Voight, the actor, surprised me this week with his unwavering support of the McCain-Palin ticket. So have you. Keep it up!
September 5th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
“Adolf Hitler reportedly had an IQ of 141, how was his decision making?”
C’mon Curt. You’re better than that. Someone’s motivation to do good or evil has very little to do with their intelligence. There are criminals with both high and low IQ’s. There are good people with low and high IQ’s. I think we can both agree that McCain and Obama both would try and do good for the American people (and the world), so the comparison to Hitler isn’t applicable or necessary.
“He’s in this election to help the country once again, the country he’s served his entire life.”
The issue isn’t what McCain himself wants to do. It’s what his party wants to do. From what I can read of your writing here Curt, it seems like you have been able to separate McCain from his party. That’s admirable.
I, alas, cannot do the same. Eight years of Republican rule is more than enough for me. McCain may very well want to reach across the party isle to solve problems. He may very well try and do what’s best for the country, instead of his Republican brethren (and he certainly has a history of going against his party, which I like). But at the end of this process, he’s still a Republican, and the Republicans are the people who are going have his ear. That concerns me.
I would ask you this Curt, because I’m much more interested in an honest, open debate than Hitler analogies (and we can have an open debate here, can’t we, without resorting to outlandish analogies, comparisons, or personal attacks? yes?):
How do you feel about the Republican party deviating so far from their conservative ideals? Especially in a fiscal sense? How do you feel about the Republican party being the party that wants to push Christian values onto the American people? I know you’re a devout Christian and man of faith, but I think you’re also a guy who respects the freedoms and beliefs of others. How do you reconcile supporting a party that feels like they need to force their beliefs on the American populace? I’m asking about the Republican party now, not McCain. I want to know what you think about the Republican party. Because to me, they’ve come to stand on a platform that I just can’t support. McCain is their chosen representative, so the party factors into the equation here (at least to me and many other voters).
September 5th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Curt,
Great post, and great comebacks. I enjoyed reading them immensely. As someone whe served in the Army, and knowing a few guys and gals over in Iraq right now, I love reading these posts about the surge. It is funny how people make up their opinions based on nothing but their political preferences. I was a huge supporter of McCain in 2000, and would have much rather had him President for the last 8 years. I have never really liked President Bush all that much. I do not think that McCain being a POW is a qualification for being President and neither is military service. However, it does give the President a much better understanding of how things work in regards to the military. So I love the responses of these people who have no idea what integrity and honor are or even mean. Could you picture Obama staying in a POW camp after being told he could go home? Nope, I can’t. Something called charachter, and he just does not have it like McCain does. McCain is going to do what is BEST for this country for the long term. Obama will only do things to make himself look better to others.
Anyway, keep us informed how you are doing and hope to see you in a Red Sox uniform soon, either as a coach or on the field.
Thanks.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
TDMTOWN,IS A WACKJOB. IF HE HATES THE WAY THIS COUNTRY IS GOING HE SHOULD MOVE TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND SEE HOW LONG HE LASTS WITH THAT CRAP THAT IS COMING OUT OF HIS BIG MOUTH. ABOUT” 2 MINUTES”
September 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Curt,
There’s no need to defend your choice of playing baseball against the bloggers who are trying to say you should have served. Hell, if I had an arm like yours, I would not have joined the Army when I was 18. But for each there own, as one chooses their path. Didn’t Bill Clinton “dodge” the draft by studying abroad? I digress.
You’re stating your opinion, and voting for the right man (and woman) for the right reasons. Wanting to keep this country safe is a priority, having a leader who will not back down in the face of hardship is an endearing trait.
Just think where our country would be if Al Gore was in office when Sep. 11th hit? He would have us hugging a tree and extending an olive branch to fanatical terrorists. This thinking continues with the Democratic party leadership, making a trip to Syria (aren’t they still on the terror sponsor list?). Excuse me, but an unsanctioned trip to a country that is not friendly to your own makes you out to be against the policies of your own country.
This vet is not voting for a democrat. Not happening. I think you got it right Curt.
A civil servant serving his country overseas……
September 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Godwin’s law rings true again. This discussion should now be closed.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Having served in the military for over 22 years I agree with your comments about Senator McCain and personally feel that he is by far the better candidate. I admit that I am bias, in that whenever we have democrats running the country the military seem to shrink. I hope that people who disagree with you will get out there and vote otherwise they should shut up, after all this is what our military is protecting our freedoms. I’m sure that you will be out there voting, as will I.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Curt,
I’ve posted here a few times extremely negatively about McCain, primarily for his hand in the CFR debacle.
However, at this point, I have hope that a McCain / Palin ticket could have a major benefit: Reforming a Republican party that has fallen so far from Roosevelt and Regan that I don’t even recognize it anymore, trust it anymore… or like it anymore.
In many ways I’m a libertarian. I have no beef with first trimester abortion, drug legalization or legalized prostitution. However, I believe that a socialist hand-out culture is poisonous and deadly to America, where hard work, innovation and refusal to accept failure form the backbone of the American Dream.
So, I will vote for the McCain / Palin ticket in November, and hope that the two of them can take this party by the scruff of the neck, shake it really hard, slap it around a little and bring it back to its senses.
One more comment:
“They’ve abandon their conservative ways. They claim to support a less invasive government, yet at every turn (with the exception of gun control laws) they’re trying to impose right-wing, “Christian” values on a country that was founded on the idea of a “melting pot” and personal freedoms; they want to tell us how to live our lives, and I take issue with that.”
Don’t look now, but we have the New Liberalism which is actually a rehash of the Old Fascism legislating how we discipline our children, legislate what foods we can eat, legislate what those foods can be made out of, impose extralegal speech codes and indoctrinate our college kids with White Man As Oppressor crap. I won’t discount your argument because you are absolutely correct, but there is no single member of the Democratic Party who will be your savior, in this respect. You will simply be controlled in different areas of your life.
Ultimately, it is always in the nature of government to seek too much power and control over those it pretends to govern. The founders understood this, and knew that in the course of human events, it becomes necessary to throw off the yokes of tyrannies.
Those were wise men.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
McCain’s tax plan will add over $1 trillion more to the national debt than Obama’s (admittedly, though, Obama’s plan would add to the debt too).
McCain’s proposals are notably less detailed than Obama’s.
McCain called for attacking Baghdad days after 9/11. Obama opposed invading Iraq.
“The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine,” said Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.). “He is erratic. He is hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me.”
Meanwhile, Obama’s been diligently working across party lines, accomplishing a lot on low-profile but important legislation.
Obama has better judgment, temperament, and plans than McCain. He’s also running a considerably more dignified campaign– no Paris Hilton in any of Obama’s ads!
Your view of Sen. McCain doesn’t seem to be based on any specific views of what he plans to do in office; rather, you admire him personally. I do too for what he endured, and for emerging with his sense of humor intact. But just as we didn’t make Kurt Vonnegut president despite his POW experience and witty insight, I don’t believe that John McCain would make a good president.
Hilarious as hell to see your gal Hillary tell us that Barack Obama is the perfect person to lead this nation after telling us for the better part of 2 years what a buffoon she thought he was.
Well, that’s politics– same thing happened with Rudy (saying the same stuff of Obama he used to say of McCain!), Romney, et al.
As always, thanks for engaging in discussion.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I’ve always liked you (even if you never were a Brave, and were once a Philly
I still haven’t forgot the playoffs in 2001 either)
After reading this post, I like you even more.
Best wishes in your recovery, hope you are back and better than ever next season.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I have to be honest and say that I did not watch the RNC just as I didn’t watch the DNC; I don’t like to get caught up in all the rah-rah pep rally “stuff”. To me, the NC’s are pretty much “he said/she said” until they can go toe to toe, you know what I mean?
At the same time, I did watch the highlights of both - and to me, the most impacting statement I’d heard was from Rudy Giuliani: “Change is not a destination, just as hope is not a strategy.”
Naturally this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t hope for some semblence of change no matter who is in office; every president brings different things to the table, and change is good. But there is more to a successful Presidency than merely touting “change”. Or saying that we’d have “four more years of the “same”..” What’s THAT supposed to mean?!
I am anxiously awaiting the debates because that is where the “proof is in the pudding”. If Americans truly want change - and aren’t just thinking “pull out the troops”, then they will pay close attention to all the issues, and not just the ones that the probably understand the least….
Just my humble opinon…
September 5th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’m so sorry Curt. You have to deal with all the posts that are trying to make you look dumb. These people just DON’T understand. I know how difficult it is living in a liberal state when you’re the only one who thinks straight. Believe me on that. These guys are entitled to their opinion, yes, but that does not make them right. McCain convinced me this RNC to actually vote for him. I wasn’t sure yet. I definately wasn’t gonna vote for someone like Obama though. He is smart, they all are smart.
But hear me this people!!
THAT IS NOT A QUALIFICATION!! ITS A PREREQUISITE!
Things you need to qualify for president?
1) The overwhelming trust of your people to you, not your party.
2) The leadership capabilities to run the strongest nation in the world.
3) At least 38 years old.
Now I need you all to drop the notion that republicans are for the rich. Every successful politician is rich, so don’t spout that robin hood garbage. Even if the rich get a tax “break” they’ll still pay more in a year then you do in a lifetime. So cut the crap. Under democrats we all get taxed more to pay people who don’t want to get off their asses and work.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Just because he served in the military and was a POW certainly does NOT qualify him to run the country in a manner that is best for everyone.
Good for you expressing your feelings about it, but please don’t feel the need to shove it down everyones throats as if it’s gospel.
Hang on a second, you’re on MY BLOG…
Awful defensive for someone that didn’t need to come here in the first place.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Curt:
I watched Senator McCain’s speech at the GOP convention. I really wish that he had been more specific regarding his plans for his policies, but hearing him talk about his experiences as a prisoner of war certainly increased my respect for him. (I had read about it, of course, but to hear it from the Senator himself was quite extraordinairy.)
I will admit, however, that I do find it odd that Senator McCain has spent 25 years working in Washington, DC–first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate–and yet is trying to sell himself as an agent of “change” or “reform.” I know that he has done a lot of good things during his political career, but I just wish that he would stick to his strengths–especially his experience–instead of, shall we say, “playing the political game” or trying to “outsell” Senator Obama as the “change-is-coming” candidate. That part has always confused me.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Curt,
There is absolutely no doubt that John McCain is a man of great character. I’m sure that if I had the opportunity to actually know the man, I would be even more impressed by the type of person he is. His time as a POW is one of the most heroic stories I have heard, and I cannot imagine the courage and fortitude required to endure such an ordeal. I was even more impressed that he shared his most human moments when he was broken by his captors and I agree with you that McCain is “being pushed to talk about this.”
I don’t think McCain is a “war monger,” but I do disagree with our invasion of Iraq. I know your stance and I’m sure you have argued it out with others more versed on the subject than I am, so I’m not trying to convince you otherwise. It seems that the military issue is number one for you and I understand the importance of having a strong commander-in-chief. I do support our troops and I wish they were given more of what they need when they return home.
However, I cannot overlook the other needs of our country regarding the economy, education and medical care. I believe that Obama will “serve” our country, a majority of whom are middle class and working poor, better through his plan for government.
Your post beats the same “war” drum that the Republican party has used to frighten voters into electing George Bush. Again, I understand terrorism is a major issue, however, when I don’t hear anything about the economy, I feel that McCain doesn’t have any real solutions.
I’d like to hear your opinion on what makes McCain qualified to do the job of addressing the domestic issues at home.
I look forward to future posts.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Wow, what a difference 60 days makes. 60 days ago I was dilusioned, unhappy about the choices we were left with for the upcoming election. The total lack of coverage or information being provided for and about John McCain was dysmal to say the least.
This last week has been almost an epiphany. The introduction of Sarah Palin as vice presidential nominee has infuriated the media and reinvigorated the race so many were already considering over. The spotlight has been forced John’s way, and I am very thankful.
The first day of the convention amazed me. Scaled back so much so that the delegates could focus on efforts to help with those displaced by the huricane. Well Done! As for the dems? Seems as though they were busy too, looking for any and all dirt they could possibly dig up on Sarah Palin. Thank you to the Democratic Party for helping to ease my concerns on who is right to vote for.
After the shortened convention. I will be voting McCain-Palin. In 60 days I will proudly and gladly make that vote!
September 6th, 2008 at 1:39 am
You are a stat man Curt.. Here goes.
820.
427.
152.
820 is the number of bills Obama sponsored during his 7 years in the Illinois State Senate. 427 is the number of bills Obama has CO-sponsorsed in his relatively short time in the US Senate. 152 is the number of bills that Obama has sponsored in the US Senate. Obama was a cosponsor (1 of 3) of the 2007 Senate Ethics reform overhaul (s.230). He has worked with gOp Lugar & Hagel on nuclear prolifieration bills. This isn’t zero accomplishment and it aint the same as getting a new stop sign in outer Wasilla. Your candidate and party are straight up lying to you! Right to your face. Do you hate Community Organizers too? Aren’t you a community organizer with your charity work? That’s all fun right? Those aren’t really responsibilities. Rudy and Sarah were laughing at YOU!
I seriously considered voting for McCain until he started pandering hard to the far right. Then he picked his running mate. If she is not ready to do a simple press conference or answer unscripted questions from a real journalist, then she is not close to ready to lead the free world. Do you honestly believe she is prepared on day one? Really? I can name TEN gOp woman who are more qualified than she is.. Lets try it…
1. Sen Kay Bailey Hutchison
2. Sen Elizibeth Dole
3. Sen Olympia Snow
4. Sen Susan Collins
5. ex Gov Khristie Todd Whitman
6. Sen Lisa Murkowski
7. Rep Mary Bono
8. Rep Musgrave
9. Gov Jodi Rell
10. Condoleeza Rice
All gOp. All better than Palin. Is that putting your country first? Gov. Palin is cute as a muffin, no doubt. Is picking her as #2 sound judgment by your candidate? Is this how he is going to pick his cabinet? I’ll pass. John McCain is to be forever thanked for his service to our country, just like the +500 other POWs who came back from Vietnam. When it comes to actual qualifications to hold the Presidency, it has zero value in the equation. It is all about the direction of the country and 80% percent of our population believe we are heading south. McCain offers nothing different than Bush and has even less economic experience.
Compared to other contemporary politicians, McCain has shown a personal temperament on par with Lou Pinella. I don’t want a 72 year old Lou Pinella with his finger on the bomb. No thanks.
Can’t wait for the debates.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Curt, while I respect your opinions, I deeply disagree with them. I used to have a great amount of respect for Senator McCain before he began caving to the right. In fact, I seriously considered voting for him back in 2000. He used to be much more moderate than he is portraying himself now and, I believe, he aspires to be POTUS to such a degree that he is losing himself - or already has - in the pursuit of that goal. Does he love his country? Yes. Did he serve with distinction? Absolutely. However, being a POW does not somehow make someone the candidate to vote for as President. Of course, I have serious issues with his policies and how I believe they will affect all of us in the future. (I also keep wondering how he can possibly think that someone who is worth $5M or earns $5M a year is somehow in the “middle class.”)
I don’t believe he actually selected Gov. Palin as his running mate. I think the GOP did and he had to acquiesce to them…
Gov. Palin is so far right of me it’s not even funny.
Imo, the war in Iraq is wrong. This does not, contrary to what many believe, mean I do not support our troops. I do. I come from a very long _and distinguished_ famil