Comments

Posted by: Dan On: Saturday, October 25, 2008 10:30 AM

Comment Title: Thank you
As someone who has followed the primary and general election closely, I applaud the Eagle for its recommendation. Obama's foreign policy positions are far more similar to Brent Scowcroft's vision as he described them at the inaugural speech of the Scowcroft institute of the George Bush Library that I attended. Foreign policy and national security is in good hands with Obama who follows the doctrines of Scowcroft and Powell and Bush 41 rather Bush 43, Rumsfeld, Cheney, and McCain. The budget deficit has grown under the republican administration. Certainly with two wars one would expect the deficit to rise, but the fact that no attempt was made to control the deficit by the president or the republican-controlled congress is a betrayal to fiscal conservatives like me, and loyal republicans everywhere. We needed to end the Bush tax cuts earlier to start paying for some of our war debt, how can blind obeyance to an abstract philosophy of "no taxes" become more important than the true national interests of our country? The republican president and republican-controlled congress acted shamefully and selfishly. Obama's tax plan is simple common sense. Raising taxes and lowering taxes is a tool that can be used to strengthen markets (higher short-term capital gains taxes shake speculators out of markets and increases the proportion of stable long-term investors, lower short-term capital gains taxes increase speculation and increases tax revenues). Taxes should not be always high or always low, they need to be adjusted to the economic situation. That is the flaw of having any one party hold power too long, or at least having a dogmatic, rather than practical, person as president. Obama is a common sense, practical, person if you open your mind and listen to his consistent common sense message and observe how he comes to his decisions. No one wants higher taxes, but the disparity in income is at its highest level since the great depression. That is dangerous. I pray for America and I pray we do make the right choice, a shift back towards common sense - Obama/Biden '08.
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Posted by: On: Thursday, October 23, 2008 11:29 AM

Comment Title: to Whoisgoodwill?
It’s highly unlikely we’ll get tax increases on the middle class. First, both candidates’ plans call for tax cuts. Second, middle class tax increases would prolong and worsen the recession. Third, after the Wall Street bailout, raising middle class taxes would create a tsunami of anger that would sweep Congress members right out of office and they must be aware of that. You mentioned a 54% tax rate—where did you get that? The comparison I saw of Obama and McCain’s tax proposals said that Obama would restore 36% and 39.6% statutory income tax rates.
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Posted by: WhoIsGoodWill On: Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:51 AM

Comment Title: JQA: What do you call 54% taxation rates?
And yes, I know that right now the plan is that it will only affect people who are making $250,000 a year or more. How long do you think that will last, though? How long before that gets lowered down to people making $100,000 per year? And then lowered past that?
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Posted by: WhoIsGoodWill On: Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:41 AM

Comment Title: Who Is "Good Will"?
If you want some fifty cents worth of fun, go to the Obama site and put in a completely fake address. Use an impossible zip code and an address that doesn't correspond with the billing address of your credit card. You'd think that the contribution wouldn't be accepted, but it will go down without a hitch. Isn't it interesting that this candidate has raised $600 million? Where -- oh where -- could he have raised that form?
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Posted by: JQA On: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 7:36 PM

Comment Title: Socialism?
Please save me from this already tired and disingenious arguement. Nothing Obama says has a thing to do with socialism, it has to do with TAXATION! Learn what socialism is! Read! Don't parrot tired old GOP rhetoric which has cost the party most independents, myself included. Argue with facts, and truth. GOP is losing this election because the base is blaming everything on the media and not taking stock of their own failures.
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Posted by: J. On: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 5:33 PM

Comment Title:
For a non-partisan comparison of tax changes under the two candidates’ plans see http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/numbers/displayatab.cfm?Docid=1976&DocTypeID=7 Dave, a two-earner household with an income of $150K would get a tax cut of $2924 under the Obama plan, and a cut of $1919 under the McCain plan. (Yes, a bigger cut under Obama.) You don’t see increases of $48K until adjusted gross income reaches somewhere between $1-1.5 million under the Obama plan.
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Posted by: Dave Madden '80 On: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 4:24 PM

Comment Title: Sad day...
Sad day indeed when The Eagle feels compelled to endorse an incredible hard left turn in our society all in the name of "change". Change for the sake of change is rarely a good thing. I think many people like to "feel good" that Obama is going to sock it to all the "rich people" out there. Interestingly, ABC News did a comparison on the Evening News Monday that showed virtually no difference in the tax plans of the two candidates until the household income reaches $150,000. At that point, the amount of tax increase was significant to the tune of $48,000 higher income taxes for households making $250,000...but somehow, that makes the average wage earner feel better that the "rich" are getting soaked even though their tax decrease amounts to a dinner out each week...go figure. I hope that the average wage earner is not to surprised or disappointed when they get no wage increase for the next few years (or even laid off) because business and corporations will be too strapped for cash to expand their business. Remember, our goal as a society should be equality of opportunity, not equality of outcome! That is free market vs. Socialism, and Socialism never has and never will work!
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Posted by: Sara On: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 2:21 PM

Comment Title: Thank You Eagle!
Thank you to The Eagle for having the courage to print what you believe in even when it is not popular. As a long-time resident of this area I have often felt it difficult to have opinions outside the right-wing norm, so it is great to see a shift toward the center!
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Posted by: J. On: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 9:44 AM

Comment Title:
Warren Buffett said “The taxation system has tilted toward the rich and away from the middle class for the last 10 years.” Our country has a HUGE deficit and we need to start getting a handle on it. Part of the solution is for those who can afford it to help out. Obama’s plan restores taxes on the wealthy to the levels of the 1990’s—folks, this is not the fall of the Roman empire!
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 6:56 AM

Comment Title:
Thank you Eagle for taking a stand in backing Obama for president. In this conservative, everybody-think-alike area we live in, that took a lot of courage.
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Posted by: Paul On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:54 PM

Comment Title: Bold move, but...
I don't think a community newspaper, which is meant to present us with factual information about happenings in our real world, should be endorsing a candidate for any office, unless his/her policies directly affect the operation or viability of the newspaper itself. That would only happen at the local level, sans a congressional restriction on freedom of press. How can you honestly print political topics from now on without being viewed by your readership as biased? You can't. Not a good move, and I hope it doesn't cost you a ton of lost patrons. I know not to look to The Eagle for any political news now.
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Posted by: Does it Matter On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:37 PM

Comment Title: Which phaze are we in?
"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasure. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's great civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence: from bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back to bondage." Written when the thirteen colonies were still a part of England, Professor Alexander Tyler wrote about the fall of the Athenian republic. So I ask you in which phaze are we living in.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:15 PM

Comment Title: People Please!!
Finally, we have an Intelligent Black man who has overcome the stereotypes of America. But b/c that is impossible to do so if you are not an athlete, entertainer, or rapper, you call him: a lier and a muslim. Finally, we have someone who knows what is like to struggle and be the only black on a Harvard Law School panel & yet at the same time be chosen as the first African-American president of the Harvard Law School review, you say: he cheated to get there. Finally, we have someone who gave up millions of dollars to not work on Wall Street, but yet at the same time committed his life to helping the poor,needy,middle-class,oppressed & bound, but you call him: a socialist. Well my friends if this is the case then Jesus was a socialist!! I am pretty certain to say that most of you who are complaining about your taxes being used unfairly, will probaly be the first ones in church on Sunday. The bible plainly speaks of the least that you have done unto others, you have also done unto me-for those who have a problem with giving back.It is your choice if you choose to do so, but don't criticize the ones who do. I don't know about you all, but the God I serve, has ordained his people to give back(1Chorinthians 13) & in my culture we do so. I have several relatives half/full millionares,and they complain not once about giving back in taxes & such. Many of you see only negativeness about atheletes, entertainers & rappers. I assure you these people give back and most of them have more money than most of you. For those who are less fortunate, we know how to share goods and items as needed. Many of you have parents or relatives who provide for you even if you don't need their assistance. In my culture most of us who are more fortunate have to care for our parents & family, who are not. It amazes me at the conversations that I hear children speaking at the schools concerning Senator Obama.I can't believe the hate that we are teaching our children. For many who are teachers, in case you are not aware- TSTA endorsed Senator Obama as well. The anger I hear about Colin Powell's endorsement is too,outrageous. Many say that he only chose Barack b/c he is black, well I say many of you are not choosing him b/c he is black. Also, I have heard that Colin Powell can't be trusted b/c he got us into this Iraq war. If that is the lie that you believe, then so be it. We all know that Bush went over every person as well as the United Nations in order to kill Saddaim Hussein, b/c he quote on quote tried to kill his daddy. Whatever happened to America having a free choice to choose whom they may in elections.You sure don't have a problem with newspapers that endorsed Senator McCain.We are at war in Iraq, and thereafter attempting to teach them Democracy- when we truly as a Nation are not demonstrating Democracy ourselves.If someone from across the world read these very articles, they would find America as hypocritical. And many of you have the nerve to call Barack Obama a hypocrit. My hope is that out this entire election, God will get the Glory either way. Especially since Sarah Palin states on her church event on a youtube video-"the Iraq war is the will of God." Robert Kennedy made a prophecy 40 years ago, in two weeks, we will know if the prophecy comes true. In vision wise, I think very much so. May God Get the Glory However!!!!!!!As far as 'The Eagle' may you receive God's grace for your bold decision,may God replace your sales with new customers to replace the ones that you will ignorantly lose b/c of your decision. P.S. I am sick & tired of hearing about Acorn, may I remind you of the elephant and donkey switch in order to confuse black 1st time male voters, and may I also remind you of the 2000 election when 'The Bushes' stole the election via Florida.
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Posted by: J. On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:55 PM

Comment Title: to the person paying back a student loan
If you’re still paying off a student loan, you are most likely in a tax bracket that would pay LESS taxes under Obama’s plan, so why the angst? Only the top 5% of earners would pay more income tax. We have been at war for 5+ years, the bill is mounting, and someone needs to pay for it. Our middle class is weakening, and someone needs to invest in education, infrastructure, and healthcare to stop the slide into third world territory.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:54 PM

Comment Title:
Well said JQA!
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Posted by: JQA On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:41 PM

Comment Title:
I think it is fair to say that we tend to paint both right wingers and lefties with a broad brush. Disagreeing on facts, telling the truth and argueing eloquently and honestly are great, like the former poster (whom I don't agree with but respect the tone). What we are seeing on the right is so misleading and wrong (Muslim, socialist, terrorist, etc) that it colors and leaves a lasting distaste that only moves the independents like me to Obama. When you give up your own ethics to defend the vitriol that Sarah Palin spews in the name of party, you give up your credibility.
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Posted by: Republican On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:21 PM

Comment Title: I'm sorry you feel that way
As a republican I am truly sorry you feel the way you do about me. You consider me an idiot, selfish, and a hillbilly as far as I can tell. Honestly it is a shame you are so bent on getting your points across that you refuse to acknowledge the possibility of others actually having one as well. Personally I don't think I am selfish because of my political persuasion. You think I am only worried about money, worse yet... my money. That isn't the case! Actually I just think differently than you... I wish everyone was rich, I wish everyone had healthcare, I wish there was no war, no terrorism, no disagreements, nothing to argue about. Most people wish the same. The difference in Republicans and Democrats is how they prioritize these things and how they plan to reach those goals! Personally I think if you are going to have a wealthy prosperous nation you can't punish capitalism. I believe in trickle down economics. You have to admit that it does make sense. I like getting a check for 600 dollars like the next guy but I also know that it isn't going to spur the economy. I think that allowing business to grow and prosper(Small and Large!) will allow for more business owners to creat more jobs, and more wealth for their workers who can make more money and develop more business. Giving tax breaks of one thousand here and there to people who are not going to use that money in a constructive manner 85% of the time is useless! It makes everyone feel good for a few weeks, but does nothing for the economy!I think Barack is so focused on taxing the rich that he doesn't realize that it takes money to make money for the most part and taxing successfull people will only only cut their spending and hurt the economy and workforce. Second is healthcare.. we all want everyone to have it! I just don't agree with making it a priority of the government. I don't like McCains approach either though. There is no easy solution to this problem. Both plans have their pros and cons. When you take a job that pays more money but has a lesser or no health care plan you have to be responsible enough to understand all the benfits vs the job that might pay less and provide health care. Not everyone has this luxury but some do, and they neglect it, then complain about health care costs. Both McCain and Obama would like to end the war in Irag and Afghanistan... if you believe otherwise then you are just ignorant. The difference is the succession plan! I just think McCain is more in touch with foreign and war time policy. I would much rather have him as my commander in chief than Obama if I were a soldier. My religous beliefs also happen to be strong. If that makes me an arrogant republican in your eyes then I pitty you. I just don't know what else to say. I don't think Obama is terrible, I just don't agree! You think I am ignorant arrogant and etc.. b/c I choose McCain over Obama! That is too bad b/c it seems like almost half the country is split and the inability to respect anothers rational is what makes you the truly arrogant one.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:57 PM

Comment Title:
Yes, people who back mccain are hillbillies. Watch video of mccain's rallies. It's like a klan meeting.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:53 PM

Comment Title: Aggie '91
Well said, and good for you. Republicans think that America is all about them, their mantra, their money, their faith. It is so much more than that....but don't say so or risk being labeled a socialist, communist or un- American. McCain supporters never had the high ground so they fight from the mud. It is sad, and telling.
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Posted by: Aggie '91 On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:25 PM

Comment Title: How dumb are you?
I am: Native texan, farmer's daughter, gun toting, educated at A&M by PELL grants and STUDENT LOANS. Run a successful business now. Took me forever to pass those loans and know what? Reagan CUT funding of loans and grants when I was in school. Yep, I had to work a job AND borrow and borrow to make ends meet because my grant was measly and my loans were too. But having access to those helped some. Most morons who post that they don't like helping others are clueless about how this society works. Oliver Wendell Holmes said :“I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization.” Pay it forward you greedy idiots. Pay for the next generation to get educated and not break into your homes and find alternative energy sources so we won't rely on foreign oil anymore. Sheesh, this is what inbreeding does to intelligence.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 4:51 PM

Comment Title:
IF YOU GIVE SOMETHING TO SOMEONE FOR NOTHING, YOU WILL RECEIVE NOTHING IN RETURN. IF YOU ALLOW SOMEONE TO EARN SOMETHING YOU WILL SEE THE PRIDE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AND A PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY. THOSE WHO WILL RECEIVE OBAMA'S HANDOUT WILL NOT PROVIDE ANYTHING IN RETURN THEY WILL JUST KEEP ON WAITING TO RECEIVE. HOW MANY GENERATIONS HAVE WE SEEN IN THE SAME FAMILY NOT PAY THEIR DUES? THIS IS DUE NOT TO THEIR INABILITY TO PRODUCE, THEY ARE JUST USED TO COMPLAINING AND HAVING IT HANDED TO THEM
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 4:08 PM

Comment Title:
I am all for America "pulling together" as long as you don't take my money away and give it to some deadbeat that never bothered to get an education and has a bad job because of that choice. I didn't have money for college. And you know what? I put myself through anyway. You see, there are already these things called PELL GRANTS and STUDENT LOANS that are available to those that wish to earn an education. People need to use those avenues of opportunity instead of expecting a handout from people like me that are already paying back their own student loans.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 4:04 PM

Comment Title: Hillbilly
Remember you live in Texas and what do you think you sound like to other parts of the country? Marxist and Socialist are not names, they are away of life that you have adopted. They both have the objective of taking collectively and giving the proceeds to the ones in power. Socialists think they are giving to the unfortunate but if you count all the money the government gets the major portion. Is that the way you want to live? Greed is a powerful thing, and distribution of wealth never works.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:47 PM

Comment Title: Oh, ok...I get it...
So now, anyone that supports McCain/Palin is a hillbilly. Got it. So you can label us, but we can't label you as Marxist or socialists? Right...sure...
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:43 PM

Comment Title: ELECTORIAL VOTES
WORD MEAN THINGS. THE KEY WORD IS ALREADY.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:16 PM

Comment Title:
I said "to win" not "already won". Even an idiot such as yourself would understand that to be projected votes. Of course, wait two weeks and see if I'm right. You're gonna be one sad hillbilly.
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Posted by: Concerned On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:59 PM

Comment Title: to the electoral guy
You make no sense whatsoever! First you say Obama already has enough electoral votes. Then you post a website that shows projected votes. Then you claim to know they were projected. You're right! We are the idiots! Why even have an election when you know the results!
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Posted by: J. On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:55 PM

Comment Title: Good call
Thank you for endorsing the candidate who believes Americans should pull together rather those who are trying to divide us into pro-Americans and others. An earlier commenter suggested Obama’s tax plan removes the incentive to be successful. My household would pay more taxes under Obama, but it hasn’t occurred to us to start slacking. Instead I’m thinking that discretionary income I would probably spend on frivolity and ephemera will help stanch the deficit spending that threatens our future and fund investments that build productivity and quality of life in our country--such as maintenance to infrastructure, healthcare, and developing solutions to global warming.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:34 PM

Comment Title: ELECTORIAL VOTE
WORDS MEAN THINGS. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING BEFORE YOU LET IT OUT. LIKE JOE BIDEN,YOU SHOULD THINK BEFORE YOU SPOUT.(YOU MUST BE A DEM, BY THE WAY YOU RESORT TO NAME CALLING WHEN YOU ARE PROVED YOU ARE WRONG)
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:18 PM

Comment Title:
Of course it's projected votes, you idiot. I didn't think I had to spell that out for anyone.
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Posted by: Concerned voter On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:04 PM

Comment Title: HA! Thats Funny
The person who wrote in all caps isn't the one confused, you are! Your link is to projected electoral votes by voteabroad.org ! The election hasn't taken place yet. Those are based on independent polls. Do us a favor... if you are going to vote, educate yourself a bit more on the candidates and the process!
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:50 PM

Comment Title:
http://www.electoral-vote.com/ for the confused person in all caps.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:17 PM

Comment Title: SHAME ON THE EAGLE
It is a true shame that The Eagle would print something like this to try to sway voters into voting for Obama. I would feel the exact same way had The Eagle endorsed McCain. I really don't care who the people on the Editorial Board of The Eagle are voting for. Maybe next time this newspaper could just print the facts, and not the private opinions of the people who work there.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:07 PM

Comment Title: ELECTORIAL VOTES
HOW COULD HE HAVE ENOUGH VOTES WHEN THE ELECTION HASN'T TAKEN PLACE? (COUNTING YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH). ALOT OF MEDIA AND OTHERS HAVE COUNTED McCAIN OUT MANY TIMES BUT SOMEHOW HE KEEPS ON SUFACING. MAYBE HIS IDEAS HAVE SOME MERIT WITH THE VOTERS.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:55 PM

Comment Title:
Obama already has enough electoral votes to win this election. This going back and forth bashing each party is pointless.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:37 PM

Comment Title: Your endorsement decision
Your endorsement decision. Your endorsement of Obama as president is a bit over the top. The basis of your endorsement is that he would be good for change, he offers a vision for the future and that he is the only one to want to bring our soldiers home from Iraq. People have an unwarranted idea that we entered the War in Iraq, because we wanted their oil, or that President Bush wanted revenge. The main reason was that Suddam was an extreme risk to the region that controlled a major portion of the worlds oil. He was given the option of going along with the rest of the world or of suffering the consequences. After 17 U.N. resolutions, the intelligence and beliefs of the major powers of the world that Suddam posed a major problem for the security of the region. We then took action with the major portion of the Congress (no Obama did not vote for it. In fact he was still in the state senate at the time of the vote, his official opinion did not matter). Some countries did not agree with us on going to war. At a later date we found out that these countries that dissented (France, Russia, and China) were receiving kick backs on the Oil for food program along with the head of the U.N.'s son. Saying that you are going to get out of Iraq in 16 months is a bit naive in that your telling the terrorists that they can hide and wait until we are gone and then they can resume business. Remember that Al Quieda operatives have been know to wait as long as 9 years to get into position to act out on a plan. In 911 some of them had been training for 4-5 years while waiting for the right opportunity. No war is without problems just ask any veteran from any war. Nothing is as it seems and everything changes hour by hour, day by day. Even F.D.R, and Mc Arthur found this out as did Patton and Eisenhower. Obama is living in a dream world thinking as he does on the war. "Change" is a good thing, but do you want to take away from those who have and give to those who have not? If you tax the major corporations and give it the the less fortunate, it will be a total trade off. The corporations will pass the increase in tax, down as a cost of goods and raise the price to the consumer therefore negating the increased income. Ronald Regan called this "Trickle down economics" and the press laughed. If you don't have someone at the top who will take the risk to start a business and employ the workers who make the wage (Circle of life?). Who will? Should we penalize those who do and become successful? Or should we take it away from them and give to someone who hasn't earned it and doesn't deserve it. If the government dictates, there is no incentive for anyone to work and if no one works, then the government forces them to, and what do you get (Korea). Small people and crappy products. As to health insurance, Obama's plan would give government insurance to those who cannot get insurance through their employers (those who work), and the option of government backed insurance to the employers who can't or don't want to provide programs for their employees. What is the incentive for an why would employers provide these programs when the government will? The U.S. government cannot run any programs without overspending and over managing. The cost would skyrocket or the care will suffer (just look at Canada and their waiting list just to get into a common doctor). Yes, Obama is a good communicator, but talk is no good without experienced action and the ability to communicate with fellow congressmen. He as a senator could pick the projects that he wanted to work on and sponsor and if it took two years then that was all he worked on. As a president the problems have to be addressed on a daily basis. He does not have the experience that gives him the knowledge of many situations. Many complain that McCain should not have asked Gov. Palin to run on his ticket because of experience but she has been a business owner,city council person, mayor, and Governor all of these positions gave her the experience of the day to day making of decisions. Obama's campaign says that he is running the everyday operations of his campaign (every politician knows that they have to have someone else running it and making the decisions or else he could not concentrate on other other facets). He has no practical experience on running a business, running a city, a state and voting in Congress. Two years of his short time in the Senate have been used up in running for office, How much of that two years was helping the country? I feel as many of our country do in that our government is not representing us! They start out with great ideas and no income and soon they are millionaires but they have never held a job to make that amount of money to buy a 1.67 million dollar house. John McCain reports his income and his net worth on his government salary, his wife's income is hers. How many other congress persons can say that they only are worth what we pay them. John McCain is the only choice this time around that is qualified to be President of the United States. He has served this country and worked to make it a better place. No he hasn't always done it perfect but he has made more of a difference for all Americansand not just a special few. A newspaper is like a news station on the television or radio, they are there to report the news and to gather facts and report the facts for the public to decide. They are to inform, not to sway opinion. The Eagle has been a good paper over the years but they no longer are looking for both sides of the facts they copy on the Internet and limited sources. This endorcement is based on extremely limited information.The reporters and editorial board should be embarrassed that they would make such a decision without stopping to ask themselves the question of what is right and what is not right. Anyone who could endorse Ronald Reagan could not in their heart endorse Obama without serious conflict. They had totally different view points and goals for this nation. We want to trust that you could step back and review your decision and honestly report both sides of the story as true investigative reporters should. Not the biased reporting that we can get on the network news. If we only wanted to hear biased reporting we would not need you... Thank You. A concerned citizen and reader.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:34 AM

Comment Title: to: the civil discourse comment
Your comment was just as hateful. Why do you feel the need to bring in the religous reference? That has little to do with either of your posts. Perhaps if you are going to bash someone for the lack of a point , you should make a valid one yourself! There are plenty of comments on the forum written to debate the actual topics, maybe you should read those and then re-post.
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Posted by: An Aggie from 1991 On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:16 AM

Comment Title: So much for civil discourse from repubs
The first comment was "liberal trash". Do you people not see the hate and fear you spread? You know nothing about democracy and pursuit of freedom in this country. Sour grapes is all your ugly comments are. It is either your way or the highway, you can't debate anyone because you know you will lose, yet you are probably on the front row at church every Sunday morning pretending to be a Christian. How sad your lives are to feel this way.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:13 AM

Comment Title: ?
Actually Fannie and Freddie were both headed up by noted Democrats and made substantial contributions to the Democratic Party and Barak Obama. Acorn pays people to pay other people to register to vote, it has been proven that the people that work for them have participated in illegal voter fraud. ACORN has just denied they had any knowledge of it, they just pay the bills. There are numerous documented associations between Barack and ACORN. ACORN Clearly has engaged in deceptive acts to push more voters to the polls for Barack. Barack knows this and still denies legitimate association. He is simply turning his head because it benefits him. This is not leadership!
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:00 AM

Comment Title: Liberal trash
The eagle should be ashamed of themselves the paper has become a liberal rag end of story.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 5:27 AM

Comment Title: McCain campaign talking point drivel is not "facts"
"Please point out the drivel." It's all drivel. "I beg to differ." Bully for you. "Most of what I said was fact, the rest based on reasonable doubt." No, it's dishonest McCain talking points that have been repeatedly rebutted by neutral parties. "I simply make my point and your only defense is that it is wrong." The only "defense" here is of the truth? You made a bunch of false statements and were called on it. "Am I wrong about who ran Freddie and Fannie?" Yes. "Am I wrong about the state of the economy the last 8 years despite 9/11?" Yes. "Am I wrong about ACORN?" Very much so. "Please support your response. " You made a bunch of claims with no support, hypocrite. The burden is on you to support them.
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Posted by: Russell On: Monday, October 20, 2008 10:48 PM

Comment Title: Unbelievable
"(Obama) offers a vision for the future, even if he has yet to fully explain how he would carry out that vision if elected president" -so you don't understand how he will effect the future but your "hoping" that it is right??? * "While we would like more specificity on his plans as president, we are confident that he can lead us ever forward" - once again being led by the blind, but you are correct in one thing, time will progress, tomorrow will soon be yesterday. * "The fact that people are confused by the difference between Palin and comedian Tina Fey's caustic impersonation is clear evidence that Palin should not be (vice president)" - ah yes Palin is not qualified because SNL said so, thats logical. * Everytime I re-read this I am amazed, no where in this article of endorsment do you list specific policies that makes Obama a stand out candidate. I think you are afraid to endorse policies that might fail. What a cowardly endorsment.
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Posted by: Stephan D. White On: Monday, October 20, 2008 10:01 PM

Comment Title: Senator Oboma Endorsement
To the Editor: I want to begin by saying 'The Eagle' has made the "big times" (I read about your endorsement at the NY Times Website. Gig'em!) As a former Bryanite who moved to Houston about 25+ years ago (although I still consider Bryan my home) I was truly stunned to read your endorsement for Senator Oboma...considering the 'center right' politics of residents in B-CS. Your justifications / assessments for this endorsement were accurate and truly thought provoking. As a "yellow dog" Texas Democrat, I commend you on your endorsement. By the way...I'll be home soon. Sincerely, Stephan "Yellow Dog" White 2700 Westridge Houston, TX 77054 832-452-1993
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Posted by: Russell On: Monday, October 20, 2008 9:11 PM

Comment Title: Incentive to Achieve in America
What is the incentive to be successful in America, since making more than $250,000 per House Hold means you are singled out as someone who has too much, or does not give enough already. These people already pay a 33% tax rate. It is a disturbing rate already, they take their money and give it to other people to buy votes. These "rich" people owe nothing to those on welfare but a courteous hello on the street. Why do politicians insist on punishing the successful to reward the lackadaisical in this country? If for no other reason than to buy votes. This is nothing more than increasing dependence on the government and ensuring those whom you give a handout to will keep you in office. America is in serious need of TERM LIMITS. I think the old saying stands truer today than ever before: "If more people are riding the wagon than pulling the wagon, the wagon will eventually stop"
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Posted by: Flint On: Monday, October 20, 2008 8:54 PM

Comment Title: Fannie & Freddie: Correcting Misinformation
For the record, those two corporations were originally government-sponsored, but became private stockholder entities, legally just like any other company on Wall St. In 1968, during the transition period to private ownership, President Nixon fired the head of Fannie Mae and installed a Republican. That was the last government-appointed head of the agency. After that, stockholders selected the board. Following the loosening of regulations during President Reagan's term of office, Fannie Mae started posting record profits, year after year. Until both companies got behind the 8-ball in the current credit freeze, they were completely independent of the government, competing with other non-bank financial companies in the mortgage market. Scapegoating them as the cause of the current problem might be convenient, but it misses the point entirely. Those two companies had much higher lending standards than the Countrywides and other high-risk mortgage originators. Most of those sub-prime mortgages never met Fannie and Freddie's standards for being purchased, and were instead bundled by such players as Lehman, Bear Stearns, and Morgan Stanley. Also note, even then, the problem with those mortgage-backed securities created by those companies was, although they were extremely profitable to create, they didn't require any reserves to back them up. Companies would keep loaning out the same dollars, selling the mortgage instruments and repeating the process, an average of 30 times. With the same money used to make mortgage loans and then creating and selling bonds written against the cash-flows of those loans so many times, with nothing held in reserve, even the tiniest downturn in the housing market would guarantee collapse. The rating agencies are heavily to blame, for assigning such high ratings on such faulty assumptions. The companies who insured the bonds are to blame for selling bond insurance they could never afford to pay off on, but even that is not the worst of it. The worst of it, and what has directly caused this credit crisis and the markets to seize up, are these things called Credit Default Swaps, which are like massive side-bets that all the financial companies took out against each other. They total a greater sum than all the money, assets, land and everything in the whole world. Until the commodities markets were deregulated about ten years ago, by a law pushed by Gramm and supported by McCain, these things didn't exist. Now, they total between $56 and $70 Trillion, although no one is sure exactly how much, and every financial entity seems to be on the hook, which is why none of them is loaning any money to anyone anymore. Democrats had nothing to do with this. This is a non-partisan Wall St. cluster-f@#%, facilitated by deregulation and a blind belief in the power of the markets to make everything magically work. You can't even blame the people who lied to get mortgages. For the most part, they in turn were induced by deals too good to be true, stuck under their noses by mortgage brokers who were making a fortune by selling paper to the companies creating the bonds.
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Posted by: Wes On: Monday, October 20, 2008 8:23 PM

Comment Title: Time for change
Who was President? (Bush) Who deregualted our economy to the point this could happen (Phil Gramm, Bush and McCain). ACORN? I give you the Keating Five (McCain). This last 8 years economy? Give me a break. Fewer jobs, our 401K's are gone, under Bush.
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Posted by: On: Monday, October 20, 2008 7:16 PM

Comment Title: American
Please point out the drivel. I beg to differ. Most of what I said was fact, the rest based on reasonable doubt. I simply make my point and your only defense is that it is wrong. Am I wrong about who ran Freddie and Fannie? Am I wrong about the state of the economy the last 8 years despite 9/11? Am I wrong about ACORN? Please support your response.
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Posted by: Thinking On: Monday, October 20, 2008 6:52 PM

Comment Title: American?
How can one call themselves "American" and perpetuate such drivel? Seems like most even thinking folks are seeing the republican propaganda and misinformation for what it is except for the right wing. As an independent i was unsure. Reading this string, I'm moving to Obama.
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Posted by: On: Monday, October 20, 2008 6:05 PM

Comment Title: only fools will vote for McCain
"I find it hard to believe that the only comments approved for this article are ones praising The Eagle for endorsing Barak." That, like every other claim you make, including even Obama's name, is false, ignorant, and foolish -- a typical McCain supporter.
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Posted by: On: Monday, October 20, 2008 5:23 PM

Comment Title: American nice post
American, people will see through the smoke but it will be too late. Very well written comment. The funny part is that any liberals reading that will call it hate speech and ignore the validity of what you have said.
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Posted by: American On: Monday, October 20, 2008 5:07 PM

Comment Title: Praise?? Too much!
I find it hard to believe that the only comments approved for this article are ones praising The Eagle for endorsing Barak. First of all the Economy is distressed due to the failure of Freddie and Fannie which were run by democrats. The economy has been great the last 8 years other than recently, but now it is all the Republicans fault eventhough Democrats have held the house and senate for the last 2 yrs. Barak should aggressively condemn the voter fraud ACORN has done. His health care plan is going to ruin itself and the entire industry. He is destroying the thought of capitalism and merit. There is will be no incentive for anyone to provide health care, get a job, or succeed in his socialist plan. People are blinded by this economic scare and think McCain is Bush. This is far from the truth!! Barak votes straight with his party lines. McCain has taken on both parties and been more bi-partisan than Barak. He is way closer to the middle of the road politics than Barak who is the most liberal inexperienced senator in the senate. He has less executive experience than Sarah Palin. Its amazing how his speaking ability and likeability have carried him so far. He is unpractical, inexperienced and very deceptive. If he should win and we are left with democrats controlling the House, Senate, and White House then we are going to have a rough next two years. Democrats will continue to point the finger at bush and throw money to government programs. Change is needed, but Barak is way too far !! He is an extremist and is taking advantage of the recent economic downturn. Unfortunately people believe everything they read and hear and can't see through the smoke.
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Posted by: Barry On: Monday, October 20, 2008 2:30 PM

Comment Title: One Obama policy that benefits America
How about eliminating capital gains taxes on small businesses, modernizing health care records, investing heavily in next generation energy sources, a tax credit to companies that maintain or increase the number of full-time workers in America relative to those outside the US. OK, that's more than one, but you get the point. He HAS proposed items that many people believe WILL benefit the country. People like Colin Powell for instance... B
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Posted by: SonjaS On: Monday, October 20, 2008 1:05 PM

Comment Title: Thank you
Thank you Eagle for your support of Obama. He's the best choice for our country. I know that could not have been easy considering how many folks in this area feel. But it was the right decision. You have my greatest respect...you and General Powell.
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Posted by: Charlie On: Monday, October 20, 2008 12:48 PM

Comment Title: your endorsement is in good conservative company
From Colin Powell to Chicago Tribune, you are in good company. A thoughtful, well-considered decision. Let's get beyond name-calling and intentional distortions, and move to reasonable discourse among patriotic Americans.
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Posted by: Jose Velez On: Monday, October 20, 2008 12:32 PM

Comment Title: Obama endorsement
I am a retired USAF Officer and completely agree with your endorsement of B Obama and your rationale. Thank you for taking account of our country in your decision.
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Posted by: Marc On: Monday, October 20, 2008 11:06 AM

Comment Title: Answer to Russell
Here are a few of Obama's policies that will benefit America: * US out of Iraq * Reduced/unchanged taxes for bottom 95% of Americans, small increase in taxes for top 5% of Americans * Increase investment in alternative energy sources I'm sure you disagree that these policies will benefit America. You're welcome to your opinion. You asked for mine.
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Posted by: Joe Arsenault On: Monday, October 20, 2008 11:04 AM

Comment Title: Eagle Endorses Obama
Thank you, Bryan/College Station Eagle for actually putting our country first. As a graduate of Texas A&M, I know well that the Eagle generally represents the conservatism of the local community. I appreciate the fact that you understand that this is a pivotal moment in our country's history and you have put aside party to do what's right for the country. Thank you.
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Posted by: On: Monday, October 20, 2008 11:00 AM

Comment Title: Answer to Russell's question
"Since no one bothered to answer yesterday: If you are voting Obama please list one policy of his that will benefit America." There certainly can be legitimate argument over which of the policies of the two candidates (economic, health, foreign policy, etc.) will be of most benefit to the country or various interest groups (manufacturers, the middle class, investors, etc.) However, the one policy typified by Sen. Obama that I believe will benefit everyone is his intention of seeking to inspire all of us to look beyond our narrow self-interest so that we may agree upon mutually-beneficial common goals. This requires, among other things, intelligent and measured deliberation, an open mind, and the ability to speak to all of us in a way that we can hear, understand and accept.
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Posted by: On: Monday, October 20, 2008 10:46 AM

Comment Title:
FYI - there were many comments about this post including some of Obama's policies, but all posts were removed - abusive and not abusive.
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Posted by: Flint On: Monday, October 20, 2008 10:24 AM

Comment Title: Civil Discourse
Thank you for removing abusive comments. Hate-filled billious comments are unbecoming to either a Christian nation, or a civil one. It's time we got back to civil discourse in America, and stopped with the win-at-any-cost "gotcha" politics of destruction. We need to recognize that all people who participate in a democracy, whether we agree with them or not, are expressing their concern and love for that democracy, and their desire to improve it. Spreading hatred, distrust, false rumors and innuendo isn't just bad for democracy, it's positively unChristian.
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Posted by: gnostic19 On: Monday, October 20, 2008 9:57 AM

Comment Title: I appreciate your measured endorsement
I know this was probably a hard thing to do, considering your geography and readership, but in the end it really isn't that difficult a choice. Again, i appreciate your paper's measured endorsement. It's time to move forward with new leadership. Obama can lead an inclusive administration that will bring prosperity and a new outlook on the problems facing us in the 21st century.
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Posted by: Russell On: Monday, October 20, 2008 8:40 AM

Comment Title: Once Again I Ask
Since no one bothered to answer yesterday: If you are voting Obama please list one policy of his that will benefit America.
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Posted by: On: Monday, October 20, 2008 7:38 AM

Comment Title:
It's because there's too many nuts here.
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Posted by: Pogo On: Monday, October 20, 2008 7:00 AM

Comment Title: What happened?
All comments gone!!!
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