Obama supporters protest McCain endorsement

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Marisa Loza fires up the crowd as protesters gather at the front steps to the Napa Valley Register, angry over the newspaper’s editorial board decision to endorse Sen. John McCain for president of the United States. Jorgen Gulliksen/Register | Buy photos
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Lily Hare, center, brought a cutout of Sen. Barack Obama to the front steps to the Napa Valley Register while protesting the newspaper's editorial board decision to endorse Sen. John McCain for President of the United States. Jorgen Gulliksen/Register | Buy photos
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Brenda Speth, publisher of the Napa Valley Register, addresses protesters angry over the newspaper's editorial board decision to endorse Sen. John McCain for President. Jorgen Gulliksen/Register | Buy photos

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Comment

By JILLIAN JONES
Register Staff Writer

More than 100 Democrats marched to the Napa Valley Register building Monday evening with picket signs and chants of, “Change your minds! Change your minds!”

Led by the Democrats of Napa Valley, more than 100 demonstrators picketed the Register building in downtown Napa to show their opposition to the Register editorial board’s recent endorsement of presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

The endorsement appeared in Sunday’s newspaper, encouraging readers to remember “that we are hiring for the most important job in the nation, and that the basis for our decision must be which candidate will best execute the Office of the President of the United States and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

“In the view of the Register,” the editorial continued, “that candidate is Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.”

The Democrats appeared just after 5 p.m. for what organizers were careful to label as a rally, not a protest.

“They have the freedom to endorse whomever they wish, but we’re out to show our support for Barack Obama,” said Marita Dorenbecher, Democrats of Napa Valley publicity chair.

Moreover, Dorenbecher said, “we feel that the Register is not accurately representing the voters in the county of Napa.”

The Register, she claimed, “is out of touch with a very large constituency in the Napa Valley.”

According to the Registrar of Voters, 47.5 percent of Napa County voters are registered as Democrats, and Republicans make up 29 percent of registered Napa County voters.

“I think there’s a disconnect (between) their readership and voters and the editorial board policy,” Sandee Dickson, Democrats of Napa Valley member, said Monday. “We’re exercising our disconnect with the disconnect.”

“They’re out of step with their customers,” local Democrat William Somerville said.

In front of the building, picket signs displayed slogans such as, “‘Register’ed bias,” and “The Register does not represent the people.”

In unison, the crowd hollered, “Napa Valley’s truly blue. Register, what’s wrong with you?”

Napa Valley Register Publisher Brenda Speth addressed the crowd, stating, “We will support every U.S. citizen’s right to their own opinion.”

Demonstrators peppered Speth with questions about the editorial board’s decision-making process, accusing her of overriding a decision by the majority of editorial board members.

Speth referred the demonstrators to previous columns that have appeared in the Register about the editorial board process. Traditionally, six members serve on the editorial board, and members range from editors to columnists. Speth herself is a member of the editorial board. Five names appear on Sunday’s editorial.

In an interview, Speth said that the editorial board followed “the same process we do for every editorial board,” which is to hold a discussion and a poll on a number of issues. The final opinion in the editorial, she said, often does not reflect a consensus among board members.

“At the end of the day, the publisher’s role is to make a final decision if there is not a consensus,” Speth said.

“I made the final decision, and I stand behind the process, and I welcome the conversation to continue on the Editorial page and on our Web site,” Speth said, adding that reader feedback she had received on the endorsement was evenly mixed between criticism and support for the Register’s endorsement.

207 comment(s)

SouthNapa wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:40 PM:

" Who cares what the newspaper endorses? If you are make your voting decisions based on who the NVR endorses than you probably shouldn't be voting at all. "

Dwayne wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:48 PM:

" The hate from the left is quite incredible...

My neighbor had a McCain/Palin sign in his front yard that was stolen, and some kind of paint sprayed on his car Sunday night...

Did the terrorists put something in our water...??? The viscousness is unbelievable... "

kevin wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:50 PM:

" How typical of Libs, they have no concept of free speech! They're terrified of the government listening in on overseas phone calls to potential terrorists, but think nothing of trying to intimidate the local newspaper when they write an editorial they disagree with... "

iaiguy wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:50 PM:

" Glad I only read it on line. Wouldn't want to support them financially by actually paying for the NVR. Out of step with the community and the country. "

KeepItLocal wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:57 PM:

" Kevin, my thoughts exactly. Typcial Dems...all for free speech "unless you disagree with me".
iaiguy...if NYR is so out of step with the country and community, why is it that the polss only show a 5-10 point difference?
Gee, how fun is it going to be if the Dems control the White House and Congress...no on ewill have to work hard to succeed because it will all be handed to them by the Dems. "

Sandra wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:07 PM:

" AW come on youse guys....Obama was so offended he actually attended this protest. I saw him, didn't you? His feelings were obviously hurt. I wonder where the paper Obama goes at night?
LOL I am imagining all kinds of things. I can't imagine they'd just dump him in a corner.....Wonder if he get's tucked in and a kiss? "

woman voter wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:26 PM:

" The protesters are exercising free speech! Last I looked the Constitution applied to all of us. I say BRAVO! I am thrilled that Obama supporters protested at the register. One of the main reasons I support Obama is because he recognizes that women in this country have a brain, and care about the issues. That is more then I can say for McCain. He put a "Token" woman on the ballot. Even McCain doesn't respect her enough to include her in any planning. Reporters had to tell her they were pulling out of Michigan....McCain didn't even discuss that with his running mate. So apparently McCain thinks all women are stupid and we don't care about issues...he thought all he had to do was put any ole woman on the ballot and women would not be smart enough to look at her positions on issues, or her record, and would ignore the allegations of inappropriate use of power while Governor.
I say Keep Protesting.....show the NVR Publisher how you feel!!!!She may have the right to decide who to endorse but you have the right to tell her how you feel. "

pernodboi wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:37 PM:

" Nice video Dan! Very ballanced.

I just got my absentee ballot in the mail - It's getting close - I'm soo excited.

This election does seem to be getting very nasty, and I can't understand why. Both candidates are very honorable, pleasant and qualified. Either one would be fantastic as President. For the first time in my life I am voting for someone instead of voting against a candidate.

Of course I have been described as a 'head in the clouds' sort of person. All this hate seems very wrong.

Can't we all jsut get along? Give peace a chance!

Loves and Hugs - Tony "

JMB wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:42 PM:

" I'm still not getting the sign that says the Register is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, IA. What does that have to do with anything at all? Lee owns a lot of papers in many states. They actually get blamed a lot in blogs about being too liberal. And what Lee thinks has nothing to do with what the group of the Napa Register editorial board thinks.

That said, my father was a politician many moons ago. He taught me that nobody had to know how you were voting. He didn't want to know how I voted nor my mother. It's a private matter to one person, yourself. He would have thought of sit-ins and public protests of any party as an embarrassment to the party. Vote with your own mind, let everyone else have theirs. And a final quote from my father, "You never talk about your taxes, religion, or politics." "

Hear Ye wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:53 PM:

" Dwayne-

I'm down an Obama yard sign and a car magnet. So what's your point? "

greysack wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:25 PM:

" Big deal, the Napa Reg. endorses McCain, get over it. I wonder how many repubs would of came out to throw a temper fit if it was the other way around...ZERO! We right wingers have jobs. "

Raven wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:28 PM:

" and dwayne you know Liberals did it because?.....you know what they say about assumptions...

great seeing people exercise their rights.... "

jefferson wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:37 PM:

" Last week my son wanted me to subscribe again to the Register. I called and left a message more than a week ago and haven't heard back. Since the endorsement of McCain, I've decided the Register is more out of touch than I thought. So, I've changed my mind and won't subscribe. "

jenny99 wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:45 PM:

" Dwayne, this article outlines no hate from the left. It is people expressing their right to free speech. Because people who steal signs are irresponsible does not mean they are terrorists. To suggest such a thing is inflammatory.

Kevin, keepitlocal and Sandra, apparently you do not respect others' rights to free speech. Is that something you are proud of? "

a teacher wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:49 PM:

" Personally I don't care who the NVR endorses. You won't see me out there protesting, most of us left wingers have jobs also.

I love hearing how Dwayne turns a protest into hate speech. He should listen to a McCain/Palin rally, now THERE is hate speech. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:00 PM:

" Wow. I guess NVR is way more conservative than I ever wanted to believe. They are entitled to their opinion., though. Anyone who votes just because a newspaper endorses a politician deserves what they get. People need to use their own critical thinking skills and quit depending on advertisements and media to do the thinking for them. Really, it's about as lazy as you can get. And the fact that a newspaper endorses anyone at all suggests that they think we are all a bunch of sheep. "

napanfrombirth wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:12 PM:

" I was thrilled to see the NVR endorse John McCain. I do not support Obama so those Protesters do not speak for me! I could not imagine any scenario ever that would cause me to support Obama. NVR good call. "

whoa cowboy wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:46 PM:

" Who cares who the NVR endorses? They don't influence how I vote. Let the dems protest, they have a right, but who cares about them either? They can protest til their blue in the face, are they expecting a retraction? "

lcl4 wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:00 PM:

" An island of sanity in northern California? Might cause me to rethink where I relocate my company. I lived in Santa Rosa for several years and love the area but hated the overwhelming liberal democrat environment. "

jmo wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:30 PM:

" I can't wait to see where the NVR comes down on props. 4 & *. Bound to cause some knicker twisting.-:) "

raybo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:08 AM:

" Is the dog a registered voter? "

dafpoo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:18 AM:

" It doesn't really matter who the Napa Valley Register endorses. It won't change anyone's mind. However, the fact that it endorses McCain does hurt its reputation in my eyes. Since when was there so much pressure to endorse a candidate anyways? It would've been a better idea not to endorse anyone and remain unbiased, so as not to alienate any readers. "

comment wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:21 AM:

" I find the Registers endorsement of McCain odd and I have to say I did not expect it. But in the sceme of things, I really don't care who the Register endorses. I feel the same way as SouthNapa. Nobody should be basing their vote on who the NVR supports.

I am a little curious as to how the endorsement process works. Not just at the Register, but at all newspapers. Was this one person actually able to override the other votes? I would have liked more info from the NV Register as to how they decide who they endorse. "

kevin wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:54 AM:

" Dwayne, the Libs got my McCain sign on Sunday! (I've got plenty more.) This one, I put a NRA sticker on.

Maybe the vandals are smart enough to get the message... "

markmathews wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:25 AM:

" That mad McCain supporter a few days ago; that could very well have been ME. Barak Hussein Obama and his ACORN and Hammas supporting third worlders disgust me. GO McCAIN. "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:44 AM:

" Dwayne I'm down 15 Obama signs, My fence damaged,tire slashed, plus had my jag keyed......I posted about that months ago...wanna trade?

I do find it interesting the Publisher answered the question by not answering the question.

All I will say is enjoy the pie in your face and the crow on your plate. "

palegreen wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:32 AM:

" Think about it...

That decision was made by the management and has no relation to the great reporting the NVR staff does on all of the local news for our valley. Enough with the, "I'll never read that paper again" talk.

Obama wins by a field goal in overtime! "

Old Napan wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:41 AM:

" To the Woman Voter who wrote on Oct 13. You hit the nail on the head. I coudn't have said it better. "

mominapa wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:01 AM:

" I agree with Southnapa. Use your own minds to decide your vote, not whom the newspaper endorses just because you think they are smarter than you are. Believe me, they aren't.

I support Obama and will vote gladly for him, but I also support the right of all people to vote their hearts. Just vote. I actually watch C-Span for my political news. No commentary or ndorsements - just the candidates speaking without pundits so you can make up your own mind if you are intelligent enough. Vote for whomever you please but do it for the right reasons and keep the hate out of it. Vote responsibly. "

db76 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:07 AM:

" kevin, if the Libs have no concept of free speech, then why are they out there exercising their right to free speech? Wouldn't they be at home not doing anything? Can you explain what you mean? "

mominapa wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:08 AM:

" After re-reading the last paragraph, I realized that the publisher has said that she made the final decision and has that right if there is no consensus. If you vote for McCain because the NVR supports him, that is just one person, not the whole newspaper staff so this one person is assuming a lot of power. Vote with your mind and conscience and ask yourself if you are happier now than you were 8 years ago. Two wars, a financial disaster, a credit crunch, the loss of several rights, habaes corpus being one of the most important. Evesdropping, email tampering, wiretapping..... need I say more? Probably, but I will wait and respond to more comments. "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:09 AM:

" It's common knowledge that liberals only support free speech unless they agree with it. "

Paddy wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Take heart liberals. The Register is censoring the hundreds of us attempting to congratulate them on their common sense. Go figure!

I will be re-subscribe to the Register... Go figure! "

markmathews wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:24 AM:

" I fell your "pain." Next time let the entire public know you are about to do that, rather than being the one sided mob you appeared to me to be. I wish I had known you Napa democrats were going to do that stunt; I'd have been there to tell support the Register.

Why don't you 100 Obama supporters start another local newspaper? Oh, that's right - you'd rather cower the existing one to your own opinion, much like your Obama is doing trying to silence the questioning dissenting opinions like the National Rifle Association videos. That, and creating a competative publication would be far too much work for those who are accustomed to living off the public dole... "

misfit wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:28 AM:

" The Napa bubble is about to burst. "

amigo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Wheres the repect for others opinions?
Ill throw a bid dem word "TOLERANCE" folks.

Are they trying to change minds threw intimidation? over throw the powers in nvr?

THIS IS LIBERAL THUGOCRACY? "

donabakker wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Cry me a river. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Duane -- I've had 3 Obama yard signs stolen in the past 3 weeks.

Are we having a contest? I'm getting ready to plaster my barbed wire fence with signs and watch the rush to remove them. "

Sandra wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Geez Jenny, missing a funny bone? I know you Obama supporters are very serious about your "GUY" OH, just had a thought..Is the Paper Obama yours? Is that why you errouniously lump me into the "Silencers of free speech" group you've dreamed up?
It's ok...But I am curious, if he is yours, where DO you put him at night? "

musikluvr wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:22 AM:

" Interesting how this reaction compares to the 10 characteristics of adolescent development:

1. Challenge of authority.
2. Wide mood swings.
3. Argumentative and disobedient.
4. Peers used as a standard for normal.
5. Fad behaviors.
6. Wondering "am I normal?"
7. Imaginary audience.
8. Very self absorbed.
9. Still unsure of a value system.
10. Abstract thought reverts under stress. "

Native74 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:28 AM:

" WOW! I am stunned that NVR went Red...when has that ever happened?

Might just re-establish my subscription.

As for the protestors, good for them to exercise their free speech. "

puddininapie wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:42 AM:

" On my street 3 Obama gone. Desperate much. "

WatchDoggie wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:43 AM:

" So why wouldn't Ms Speth (the Publisher of the Register) answer the simple question whether she overrode the "blue" position of the editorial board with her own "red" preference? Instead she retreated into the "no comment" mode that so frustrates the press' ability to portray the truth and the public's right to know. IRONIC. And why wasn't that interchange or the veto, if it occurred, part of the news that the Register reported? Please answer, Mr. Moderator. "

renrut wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:46 AM:

" I recognize many of the people in the protest. They are"default democrats" They are called "default" because they have give little thought to what they do. They simply do whatever the democrats do. If they gave one second's thought to Obama they would run screaming from their party. "

freeport56 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:06 AM:

" Last I checked the NVR was not a Democracy. The signs crying for the NVR to reflect the views of the far left in this community strike me as funny and wayt out of touch. To think that they believe that they speak for all of us....Ha!

It takes real courage to take a stand and i salute Brenda Speth and the Editorial Staff at the NVR for doing so.

the funniest part is all the people "Who will never subscribe or read the NVR again". Talk about intolerance because a point of view does not agree with yours.

McCain\Palin 2008-No Radicals in their background! "

jmo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:34 AM:

" It’s that some still want to resort to tagging Mc Cain to Bush see mominnapa's last comment. 'Top GUN Maverick" will fly to rescue America just in time from the clutches of the Big Red Bear community organizer from Chicago.
I can hear theme song playing across American now. Can you hear it also too? "

nightwatchman wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:40 AM:

" "McCain\Palin 2008-No Radicals in their background!"

None except the secessionists, right Freeport? "

Dwayne wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:07 AM:

" I assume that the henchmen of the Obama Thugocracy are simply following orders......

“I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face.“
(B. Hussein Obama) "

jmo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:08 AM:

" Gee wouldn't you think the protestors would have gotten it right and at least had a two sided sign: (one side) Register right on Prop. 8 (other side) Register wrong on Mc Cain. No that would be too much to ask from the close minded anti-free speech crowd.
Double Gee: where's the support for the Register's endorsement of Mike Thompson. "

comment wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:10 AM:

" freeport56 wrote-"It takes real courage to take a stand and i salute Brenda Speth and the Editorial Staff at the NVR for doing so."

Courage? Taking a stand? It wasn't any of that. The NVR was giving their opinion. That's all it was. Big deal.

musikluvr wrote-"Abraham Lincoln was clean shaven until he was elected and then grew a beard.
Obama has a clean shaven head. Suppose he is elected and grow an afro or dreadlocks?"

What does this have to do with ANYTHING? Who cares what Obama looks like? A pointless comment if there ever was one.

I like the fact that the Republicans who are calling the Democrats wackos for protesting the choice of McCain are the same ones typing things like this. You don't see any comments from the Obama supporters in this section that would make you assume they were off their rocker. I've seen plenty from the Repubs so far. Who are the more tolerant ones? "

grape wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:10 AM:

" These demonstrators DO NOT speak for all of Napa and they do not speak for me.

Obama threatens to change America in a way we won't recognize what country it was. Apparently the NVR recognizes this.

Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. I couldn't agree more. I am voting for John McCain. "

mominapa wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:18 AM:

" This year voter registration is the highest it has ever been. That means the public feels that it has more of a stake in this election than most of the recent ones. I detect a lot of animosity toward Barack Obama in this thread and I don't understand where it is coming from, unless some people still subscribe to the old saw that he is a Muslim. And, amigo, just why is TOLERANCE a dem word? That is exactly why I am a democrat. Republicans disdain tolerance. How is that a good thing? Don't you believe in tolerance? Why is TOLERANCE a bad trait in anyone? Just wondering. I will check back for anyone's good answer to that question. "

Jay Jacobson wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:22 AM:

" The intentional menacing tone of the conservative responses to this article comes as no surprise. What is disturbing is that the NVR is supposed to censor threatening messeges. When "kevin" writes that he has placed an NRA sticker on his McCain sign what is that supposed to mean? Other then the obvious. It is going to be a serious problem in the next administration that the radical element within the right-wing does not respect civil authority. They feel they have a "God" given moral authority to do anything they want. These arn't comments, they're threats. "

pianocrazee wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:43 AM:

" I don't think having a Dem in the white house will be anything bad, since the last one we had left us with a surplus that Bush effed up. Blue means surplus, red means deficit. Remember that!!!

:) "

badmoonrising wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:49 AM:

" Apparently the demos care what the NVR thinks, because they sent out 100 people (who may actually be citizens), to protest. Obama is a talented young man, who should run again someday after he has real experience. He should also vote on more issues, not just present, so people can understand just how far left he really is. John McCain is the best man for the job this year! This endorsement makes me want to renew my subscription for next year!! "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Grape? Based on some of your previous uninformed statements, I'm really glad that MY vote will cancel out YOURS!

FULL DISCLOSURE!

Let it be known I did submit the NVR management for Worst persons in the world on Keith Olbermann! "

Grammie wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:58 AM:

" Brenda invited THIS conversation about HER endorsement of John McCain...here on this blog. She did NOT ask McCain supporters step in and critisize or call names of those who post their opinions

The issue is simple;
do you or do you not support BRENDA SPETH'S decision to endorse John McCain when the editorial board failed to reach a concensus..... even though the majority of the editorial board apparently supported Barack Obama, NOT John McCain.

Brenda's invitation was for conversation about her decision, NOT to come here and attack Democrats or Liberals for disagreeing with her decision. "

NapaRedhead wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:11 PM:

" Just for fun, check out how well Brenda Speth is meeting Lee Enterprises' Principles for Quality Journalism:
http://editorialmatters.lee.net/articles/2008/10/13/principles_for_quality_journalism/princip.txt

This list includes: "Play a leadership role and be a force for change in the community through coverage, editorials and civic involvement." Um, not so much...

It also includes: "Be interesting, amusing, entertaining and surprising." That mavericky McCain presidential endorsement is amusing at least. "

jmo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Whoa my buckaroo dem friends...slow down and take an ativan. You'all sure seem thin skinned. You do have a free will and independent free mind(don't you?) and can vote anyway you want. "

suze wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:48 PM:

" I am surprised the Napa Register did this, but I doubt it will change the minds of many voters. You would have to be 'mindless' if you let a newspaper tell you how to vote. If I remember rightly, they do post a page telling us all how to vote on the local issues. did they endorse a Presidential candidate in 2004? I don't remember. I do not agree with the Obama supporters protesting this, but it probably would have been the same reaction if the shoe was on the other foot. "

Newview wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:50 PM:

" One view at the Register, you don't even have a dissenting voice amongst you. The minority must always be allowed the right to speak and freely for there may be found the truth. You own the paper thank God you don't own minds, unless they are on your payroll of course. When was the last time you checked the ELECTORIAL POLL. "

kdbk wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:50 PM:

" "a teacher", known as a person of integrity on this site, will thus surely provide us with one example of the "hate speech" that he/she says is spoken at McCain - Palin rallies. Come on "a teacher" , you can provide us with at least one specific example of this "hate speech" right? Please, show yourself once again to be a person of integrity, prove what you alledge.

I'm guessing you probably won't use the comment McCain made recently calling Obama a "decent man, a decent family man..." Of course, with what you liberals consider "hate speech" these days, you just might. "

Beta Napan wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:08 PM:

" As an Obama supporter, I was embarrassed by those who chose to shout Brenda down without letting her answer in her own words. Don't our free speech values extend to those with whom we disagree?

But she's definitely outside the mainstream of California newspapers with this endorsement: Register and SF Examiner are the only papers for McCain as of today, with 13 other dailies endorsing Obama. O's way ahead on endorsments nationwide as well; you can read the details at

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003873717

Even Christopher Buckley has come out against McCain, endorsing Obama on Tina Brown's Daily Beast blog (and losing his National Review column as a result). Yes, William F. Buckley's son is for Obama; while another NR columnist, Kathleen Parker, has stated that Palin is unqualified (and has received 12,000 hate mails as a result).

Quite a lot of hating from those Napa Democrats in the video, too, though. This is why I don't join parties. "

winemd wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:15 PM:

" Oh, for heavens sake...

The NVR has the right to publish an opinion on the editorial page, and it doesn't have to agree with the majority, even on its own poll.

Anyone/everyone has the right to disagree with the NVR position and to "assemble" to voice their disagreement.

The NVR does not have the right to keep anyone from having "freedom of speech" and anyone who disagrees with the Register does not have the right to prevent them from exercising "freedom of speech, either.

I am glad that the Register reported on this protest, even though it is about them. That gives me more confidence in their ability to be objective on every other page than the editorial page. "

anticommie wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:24 PM:

" The left love their protests dont they!! I love seeing people lined up in a herd and following their leader like sheeple!!! "

Listening wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:33 PM:

" The Democrats had the right to protest and the Register Publisher had the right to endorse who she believed was better for the job. This is a democracy and both sides have the right to speak out. "

ValleyKitten wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:49 PM:

" I Agree with Dwayne and SouthNapa.. same thing happened to me with the signs...I am not blaming anyone..Just wanting the same respect I give my Obama neighbors and their signs..I now have cameras....I will get new signs..go McCain....Thank you NVR!!!! "

Napan since 1965 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:49 PM:

" The Napa Valley Register's endorsement of John McCain for President (Our Turn, 10/13/08) very clearly spelled out the multiple reasons for the decision to endorse.

It's sad to see that the local Democrats--who have become so accustomed to having their views supported by the Register for many, many years--are unable to accept the fact that this time the Register made the right decision, for the right reasons.

BRAVO to the Editorial Board! "

napanfrombirth wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:56 PM:

" I agree with Beta Napan that Brenda was shouted down. What I saw in the video was a question asked then before she could answer someone talked and/or shouted over her. This left her with no way to simply answer the question. This is a tactic used by many people when they don't really want to hear an answer and just want to escalate the situation. "

Hear Ye wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:12 PM:

" kdbk-

That's great! You just gave Teacher the easiest challenge he's ever had on this site, no doubt. "

anticommie wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:37 PM:

" These protest are a comedy for me. LOL. Is Napa really that boring? "

ValleyKitten wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:39 PM:

" Not only was my McCain sign gone..but, so was my baby Jesus at Christmas....Who is to blame???? I think the teens of Napa that are bored??? Alhough the Obama signs have stayed untouched?? I am wondering...????? lol "

alucawanza wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:59 PM:

" I'm a teacher too. Here are several examples of hate tactics used by McCain: Do you really think that that episode in which a woman asked if Obama was an Arab wasn't staged so McCain could look honorable? She could hardly get the rehearsed words out. McCain has Palin do the dirty work for him. He has her tell her audience that Obama pals around with terroists.
McCain can't speak to issues. He tries to attack Obama's character. This is because he has no plan. His tax plan is a joke. Do you know that your health benefits will be considered taxable income under his tax plan? How much does your employer donate to your health plan? It may put you into the next bracket.

Do you know that your taxes will not change if you make under $250,000 a year under Obama's plan? Only the super-rich will have an increase in taxes.

Do you know that Obama's plan to get our beloved troops out of Iraq is in line with Bush's newest plan agreed to by the government in Iraq? There is no war to win in Iraq. We are an occupational force now. Our precious young men are at risk, for what? McCain wants to stay and win. What is victory???The terroists are in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Do you want to stay in Iraq? McCain does.

Lastly, do you want Palin as your next president? McCain is too old. He looks frail and not as "sharp" as he should. Palin is a disaster. She can't even tell what newspapers she reads. She just doesn't answer questions when she doesn't know the answers. Duh! "

a teacher wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:04 PM:

" kdbk: Surely you jest.

This is from the Scranton Times reporting on a Palin rally:

"At previous rallies, McCain-Palin supporters have shouted "Kill Him!" as well as "Treason!" "Terrorist!" and "Off With His Head!""

You may say, well, that's the liberal biased press. However, those rallies are taped and you can clearly hear the shouts. "

Ferrarigtc wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:06 PM:

" I lost my life savings because of the crooks at J.P Morgan and the FDIC who stole Washington Mutual from the shareholders. Jaime Dimon is the CEO of J.P Morgan and according to the rumor Obama wants him to be the Treasury Secretary. That makes me sick to my stomach. Yea, Obama is for the people. HAHA what a joke you are for beleiving this. Like Michael Savage said, "Liberalism is a Mental Disorder". I don't always agree with the man but I am beginning to see the light. "

a teacher wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:08 PM:

" ADark1: Why would you submit the NVR as "the worst person in the world" for expressing their opinion? I don't agree with them, but they gave clear policy reasons, not character assination to explain their endorsement. "

Bebee's Human wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:46 PM:

" Ya' don't have a drug dealer rehabilitate a drug user. And ya' don't have a socialist run or fix a capitalist problem or country. Ya' just don't! The Napa Valley Register is very correct in it's editorial! "

moonrize wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:50 PM:

" "Living on the dole" had nothing to do with these protesters. Almost all of them were professionals, some retirees. Having the Register endorse McCain didn't upset me, but the word was out that she overrode the majority, which is what riled up people who think that is undemocratic. Shouldn't majority rule? Is their policy actually that they have to have a complete consensus or the chair can make the decision? It would have served Brenda better to have explained the process if she feels it's valid. I know advertising dollars are at stake here and isn't that often what it boils down to? Shocking that so many newspapers in California have endorsed Obama. They must believe he can turn this country around and get us out of this deep hole we're in.

Please refrain from all the name calling. Can't we dialogue without that? "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:51 PM:

" My reasoning is simple teach, Mgmt, Overrode the majority. Granted that is the RIGHT of MGMT, however, when you have a town that is over 50% registered democrat, and looking at their guidelines, they did NOT take the community into their calculation as a whole. "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:55 PM:

" Ferrarigtc,

my wife and I took a MAJOR hit as well, not to mention she hasn't worked for a while and she was IN the real estate industry. If you give Obama's rescue plan a serious look, you may still be able to drive that Ferrarigtc, and pay the house note, car note and insurance.

Then again have you noticed McCain stole parts of his plan from Obama and did NOT give him credit for what was his? I guess imitation is the most sincere form of flattery! "

grape wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:58 PM:

" alucawanza wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:59 PM:
Do you know that your taxes will not change if you make under $250,000 a year under Obama's plan? Only the super-rich will have an increase in taxes.

That's not quite true...he is going to let the current tax cuts we are enjoying now expire. Your taxes WILL go up. "

freeport56 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:00 PM:

" nightwatchman-

how many tyimes have we heard in California about splitting our state in half...Shasta to the North and Coronado to the South. Last I checked dissent was guaranteed under the 1st. "

makingsense wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Hi,

Good to see the committee is really a dictatorship. Why have a process, just to overrule it? "

woman voter wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:23 PM:

" In my experience most boards make their votes public. They often say in a 3-2 vote etc. So how about it NVR what was the Vote on endorsing Obama? "

a teacher wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:27 PM:

" ADark1: Management does not have to take the community opinion into consideration. It's their football, they can use their rules. That just makes them opinionated with a mouthpiece, not the worst person on earth. "

Duck wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:57 PM:

" I am in total agreement with aiaguy. I only read our local newspaper on line, not even every day. About the endorsement, first of all, yaaaa, out of touch that is right. In the poll you run on line in the paper Obama is ahead. And shouldn't the media, yes, the NVR stay neutral, not taking any sides? Anyway, I don't think it matters who you endorse... As Richard Gere said it as his parting lines a few weeks back on the Regis and Kelly show: Obama, Obama, Obama! "

imantycris wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:01 PM:

" When I moved to Napa after the flood destroyed my home in St. Helena in 1995 my friends warned me that the "locals" in Napa were truck and gun loving Joe 6-pack rednecks" and that I'd hate it here.

I thought they were wrong until this election season. So much hate is spewing out of both sides in these blogs that as soon as the real estate market picks up, I'm selling and getting the hell out of here.

Oh by the way when someone slashed my Obama yard sign with a knife I taped it together and put it on a pole in a holder and fly it where I can see someone sneaking up to do it harm. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:12 PM:

" Those of you who have stated
~ "I will not renew my NVR subscription..."
~ "I will not subscribe to NVR..."
~etc., etc.,

You all sound exactly like those Hollywood "celebrities" who PROMISED to leave the US if Bush became elected...I'm still waiting for them to leave, instead they are taking "stand" on issues to "endorse" B.O.

I want to be like Palin when I grow up!

Go McCain & Palin 08! "

entity wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:22 PM:

" I saw a Greenberg comic that did a pretty good job summing things up. It said "Reagan: fiscal conservative, $200+ billion deficit. Bush Sr, fiscal conservative, $300 billion deficit. Bill Clinton, "tax and spend liberal", $200+ billion SURPLUS. Bush Jr, fiscal conservative, $482 billion deficit. John McCain: "You'll be pleased to know I'm a fiscal conservative!"

Truthfully, I'm voting against McCain. Obama may or may not deliver all of his promises - but I know that if McCain *does* deliver his promises, the nation is going to be in an even DEEPER hole than George "ignoring the last 6 months of my term" Bush and his legacy of destruction.

More illegal, illegitimate wars (songs about bombing Iran, anyone?), more losses of civil liberties (illegal wiretapping?), greater national debt (I'd rather tax-and-spend than just spend-spend-spend), an ever-widening gap between classes(tax cuts for the wealthy that put the burden of the government costs on the lowest income brackets, more and more US money going off-shore, lack of health care...) and the list goes on.

All of this left-bashing "they don't supprot free speech and civil liberties" smacks of the worst kind of Orwellan doublethink I've ever seen. If the right is so much for civil liberties, go vote no on Prop 8. "

GoMommyGo wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:42 PM:

" Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) grades congressmen based on their voting records. Obama earned a B, John McCain a D. Senators Boxer and Feinstein both got A +'s and Mike Thompson got an A. "

public_enemy wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:44 PM:

" Dwayne,

Sorry for taking your neighbor's McCain sign. The thing is that I was currently decorating my lawn for Halloween and I was in great need of a tombstone. Do they want their sign back?

P.S.- the Times-Herald is much better than the Register! "

antipc wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:08 PM:

" When I first read this story I blew it off like my four year old daughter when she lay on the floor kicking & screaming... The louder she screamed the louder I laughed.

But the shouting down thing is pure Berkeley anarchy & is reprehensible to those of us who truly believe in the First Amendment.

Btw imantycris, you oughta hear what us lowly rednecks say about the St. Helena snobs & snobettes, (it gets a lot uglier). "

newnapan wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:16 PM:

" I guess when B.O.losses they will burn down Napa get real "

ferrarigtc wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:39 PM:

" "@ADark1
I can appreciate what you have to say and I respect your opinion. Unfortunately I lost almost everything. No Democrat or Republican is going to bring that back. I gambled and lost along with other experienced stock traders who had no idea this was coming. Tomorrow Washington Mutual goes to BK hearings. We get no media coverage whatsoever, unlike Bear Sterns which caused such an upset that J.P Morgan raised their bid price from $2 to $10. Or the fact that the government (FDIC) basically stole Washington Mutual and my money in common shares and gave it J.P Morgan for a 99.9% discount. A 380 billion dollar company reduced and sold for 1.8 billion dollars to J.P Morgan. Does that make sense? This is what triggered the crash last week as there was no reason to seize the bank. Here are some facts, TPG invested and bought $7 billion in common shares of Washington Mutual during April 2008. This past September 2008 the CEO Alan Fishman telling us in that the company's liquidity was above the minimum for well-capitalized banks and he was excited about the future of Washington Mutual. The company had $380B in assets, $143B in deposits and earned $2B per quarter on interest income. Additionally, the CEO said the company had access to $50B in cash if necessary. I guess Sheila Bair didn't get that e-mail. Anyways on Thursday September 25th she seized WaMu and sold it. All the shareholders were wiped out. Jaime Dimon the CEO of J.P Morgan who stole the company offered nothing to the shareholders or employees who lost their 401k's and investments in the company. "

alucawanza wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Hello to Grape:
The tax cuts are going to expire, yes. It will take Congress to change that. They are expiring because Congress, with Bush's signature put an expiration date on them. They will revert to the previous tax tables we had under Clinton when the economy was flourishing and there was a surplus. If you want them reviewed and the expiration date changed, contact your representatives. It is a Congressional matter, not Obama's plan. Vote for McCain if you want the rich to get richer and the delineation between the middle class and the rich to become even more of a larger chasm. McCain is in the pocket of lobbyists and oil executives. They own him. They run his campaign. Just ask yourself: Are you better off now than you were eight years ago?

To everyone complaining about your signs. Take them down. They don't change anyone's minds and are just a target for vandals who are not politicallly motivated. Same goes for bumper stickers. Why invite a problem? Opinions will not be changed by a sign. Don't, please, tell me this is an expression of freedom of speech and should be respected. Of course it is. Unfortunately, there are vandals in this community. Do you know where your teenager is??? "

Bill wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:37 PM:

" I don't know what all the fuss is about. The NVR endorsed Bush last time out and I could be wrong but I believe the fist time and endorsed papa and Regan and Nixon and, well I could not track the past endorsements but over the long haul they endorse on the side of sitting presidents generally and conservatives over all.

This is their full throated endorsement for the war in Iraq continued failed economic policies and evidence that even within the hallowed halls of nonobjective journalism beats the heart of fear.

It has nothing to do with character or responsibility but a parochial belief that the new gilded age must continue. They have endorsed its most promising representative and is totally in line with the majority of their share holders, governing board and historical perspective.

It is shared by many of their editorial staff and advertisers. The media is not liberal unless it is fashionable and over a period of time one can note the opinions it uses of its syndicated sources and see the slant but they they do allow a cross section even if not a very informative one.

I am sure they see this as being evenhanded and it is their prerogative to exercise their belief and perhaps better to fly in the face of general acceptance than to assume a position they do not feel comfortable in.

For any who are surprised at this all I can say is you have been paying too much attention to the shadows on the walls of the cave. "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:43 PM:

" An Answer to teacher:

When a child, I vividly remember Bobby Seale ( former black panther) poking his head in a car window my mom and I were riding in during a voter registration drive in the south and giving her a gun.

The reasons for this should be obvious to those of you who may remember the civil rights movement of the 60's to middle 70's.

When yet again, at McCain / Palin rallies, calls of doing harm to Obama ( I don't mean a bloody nose) brings back to this poster some of the worst times in politics in this country.

McCain and Palin ACT like they aren't hearing the words and do NOTHING to stop it.

They are playing with a fire so dangerous that it can bring this country to its knees.

On the other hand, Obama won't even allow a boo from his audience. He corrected them immediately! Yet, Upper MGMT. at the NVR would support someone who engages and encourages this type of behaviour ( by lack of response) I find this reprehensible.

So teach, that is why I find them to be a nominee for worst persons in the world.

If you see a person being attacked or physically harmed for no reason at all and do NOTHING to stop it, Are you guilty of participation? Under the color of law, if your friends engaged in this type of behaviour and you are present, you are an accessory

. So yes! I find it vile and digusting the NVR Mgmt, STILL supports this goldbricker who thinks by power of his pedigree he SHOULD be President! "

antipc wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:48 PM:

" funnyme, if you're not grown up yet, Sarah is going to look like a Girl Scout (no direspect intended). "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:00 PM:

" ferrarigtc!

Trust this!

As an independent day trader, I empathize more then I care to share on this blog...

I'm only 50 so Its gonna be a challenge starting over again...I believe you can start over again, but we BOTH know its gonna be a MAJOR pain and we won't make squat until there is some stability in the markets again.

Of course now we have no health insurance or much of anything else. Am I mad? .....

You betcha! "

finewine wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:10 PM:

" Vote your own way..Go McCain!!!! "

Bauhausfan wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:09 PM:

" I think the protest was a waste of time and energy. If the NVR wants to continue to support right wingers who will take the country down the drain, so be it.

This county is going to Obama by about 65% of the vote, so you can see how effective this endorsement really is going to be. "

boise1 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:15 PM:

" I suggest that the Democrats cancell their subscriptions. Its is very apparent that the Register does not speak for the people of Napa. We need the Napa Valley Times to come back and show them what a real community paper should be. "

lucylu wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:07 PM:

" More than a 100 protestors showed up... that video doesn't look like there were 100 people there... were you embellishing a little? "

db76 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:24 PM:

" So why are the Neocons calling Obama "Hussein Obama?" I haven't heard this kind of desperate namecalling since 7th grade. Oh, I get it...maybe by calling him by his middle name, people will be tricked into thinking that Obama is from the middle east, and therefore associated with the terrorists, cuz, you know Obama, Osama...Ha ha ha. That's real clever, like those Swiftboat wackers from the 2004 election. I don't think that sort of stuff will work this time, people. Look at what happened to our country. "

jenny99 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:43 PM:

" Sandra, your assumption that I would be invited to a Democrat party's protest would be wrong.

I am a registered Republican woman.
I happen to be voting for Barack Obama. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:55 AM:

" antipc,
Mrs. Sarah Palin and I have many values in common, and we are just about the same age as well.

I take my hats off for her!

She is the kind of woman I wanted to be when I grew up.
B.O & B don't have anything in common with me.

McCain & Palin '08! "

CharSolo wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:44 AM:

" At least this endorsement is identified as such and not disguised as unbiased reporting. Fascist and communist countries silence and intimidate opposing POVs, that's why the rest of the increasingly socialist "world" hates us, we still have the freedom to express our opinions without fear. This is a constitutional right worth standing up for and fighting for. Manipulation by the media is a subtle and dangerous thing and I am not sure why this is happening except for misguided ideologies and lack of knowledge of history, or perhaps fear by some journalists to be left out of the loop in case of an Obama presidency. Michelle O recently warned AP of ceasing criticism of Obama's ties w/ the Kenyon dictator if they want to be "invited" to the inauguration. TV stations have been threatened by lawyers and even govt officials for running ads. There is mass voter fraud that pales in comparison to the "hanging chads" in Florida and limited MSM coverage of this. I hope people wake up out of the trance pretty soon, O is not the person he appears to be and most newspapers have not done their job to accurately inform the public of genuine facts about his sordid associations and ideologies and obvious and consistent refusal to answer for them honestly - and buying into his enormous talent at doublespeak, evasion and promises of utopia. "

db76 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:11 AM:

" funnyme, your reasons for picking a president is the reason this country is in the toilet. People are electing politicians based on gut feeling, not qualifications. "

grape wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:46 AM:

" alucawanza wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Hello to Grape:
The tax cuts are going to expire, yes. It will take Congress to change that. ... Just ask yourself: Are you better off now than you were eight years ago?"

Hello to alucawanza: Yes, a democratic congress...so won't happen.

Yes, I am better off than I was eight years ago. "

Egg wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:57 AM:

" Hey folks,
Please let's remember what they are protesting.
They are not protesting an action of the government, a law or a war. They are protesting the opinion of a newspaper. They used bullying and intimidating tactics to shout down the publisher of the newspaper. In essence they are protesting the right of a dissenting opinion from the majority, and trying to limit the right of FREE SPEECH by the newspaper. And that scares me. Would some of the academic types please put that into historical context? "

comment wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:36 AM:

" Maybe you're better off than you were eight years ago, grape, but a lot of people aren't. On top of that, our country is in the toilet. There's more seperation between rich and poor, billions is being spent overseas to fight a war that shouldn't have happened, and the rest of the world hates us. McCain seems to be pretty content with the way things are now. "

free2speak wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:40 AM:

" I was there. Yes there were at least 100 people excersizing their freedom of speech. I think it's interesting that freedom of speech is defended when referring to the Register, but that somehow when a group of Obama supporters excersize our rights, we're accused of being hypocrites.

We're all protected by the 1st Amendment.

Don't be fooled that some people don't use the Register's endorsement or the last commercial they heard as a way to choose who they vote for. I agree that you shouldn't use this as your source of being informed, but the reality is many do.

I met someone recently who votes and didn't know who the Vice President is. I wish he were so easily forgotten. We can't expect everyone to be informed, it's obvious by the comments on this blog.

And for those of you who haven't raised your voice out of passion for your country, I ask why not? "

grape wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:44 AM:

" comment, I agree the country is going into the toilet but I don't think a man who spends millions on greek columns and an arena for his acceptance speech is actually looking out for the little people like he wants us to believe. Talk about out-of-touch. Think of all the people he could have helped with that money. "

comment wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:54 PM:

" grape, all presidential candidates spend millions on their campaigns. You can make the same argument against McCain. Think about how many people he could have helped with the money he's spent.

Don't get me wrong, I hate the enormous amounts of money being spent on political campaigns as much as anyone. Not only on a presidential level but in other instances as well. Jill Techel spent $117,000 in 2005. How many of our friends and neighbors could have been helped with that money? "

listening napan wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:55 PM:

" I admire what the Register has done through the series of 6 articles reviewing the two major Presidential Candidates. It surprised me that the Register would endorse a candidate who is not labeled with the political party representing most of Napa County. I admire the Register's work to critique above party lines and declare what they believe is best for our Country (Certainly the Register does not agree with all of McCain's ideas). I wish more of us would look at the issues confronting our nation and place as secondary political parties. "

FerrariGTC wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:12 PM:

" @ ADark1 & db76

"People are electing politicians based on gut feeling, not qualifications. "

I don't think I ever need to say anything about your statement because it sums up Obama voters very well. Obama has ZERO qualifications as president. Obama never passed any kind of legislation or laws much less voted for any of them (he votes present). Palin is a Governor of a state, lets clear this up ok "cuz". McCain has been a life long military leader and government official serving his country. Another thing, lets have a look at who has been involved in this financial melt down. I won't put all the blame on Democrats but take a look at the players. Barney Frank(D) United States House Committee Chairman on Financial Services, Bill Dodd(D) Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Henry M. Paulson Jr.(D) Secretary of the Treasury, Sheila Bair(R) Chairwoman of FDIC, and last but not least the governments golden child and slimest of them all Jaime Dimon(D) CEO of J.P Morgan. This is the man Obama wants as his possible Secretary of Treasury to replace Henry Paulson. This man is the very definition of corruption. Please correct me about anything I said, I would love to hear what the Obama nation has to say. "

Hear Ye wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:18 PM:

" Ferrari-

What do you mean by he hasn't passed any legislation? Was that some sort of joke?

Also, you can't vote "present" in the U.S. Senate and McCain rarely shows up to vote. He has missed far more votes than Obama. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:21 PM:

" db76,
FerrariGTC said it perfectly and very nicely.

...and you were saying BO & B qualifications are?

Go McCain & Palin '08!
It's good to know the NVR and I agree on something. "

alucawanza wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Hello FerrariGTC!
Here are some other names for you to consider in your blame game: George W. Bush, Vice President Cheney, and all members of the Republican Party who supported deregulation and lack of oversight the last eight years. Remember, the Republicans had the Congress for six out of the last eight years. It was the Republicans that got us into this expensive war based on lies. Think of the money this country could have spent on infrastructure, health care, education, and economic plans if it hadn't been thrown away on a war of vengeance perpetrated by that criminal Bush and his cronies. They haven't found any WMDs yet. Remember that farce?? We lost all those wonderful young men because of their misguided judgements. They are still dying over there.
Grape: You are not better off now unless you have received or achieved some wonderful monetary success. The middle class has never been in such economic misery. The middle class was better off eight years ago. The bugaboo is deregulation and we all know who supported and supports that. "

14obama wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:34 PM:

" I won't lay judgment on any of you,but I will say that the last 8years has been a nightmare. Greed has permeated our lives from the top down. So,if any of you want more of the same,then go ahead and vote republican. I'll guarantee you'll wished you hadn't ! My convictions have always been from my 'higher power'. "

ferrarigtc wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:57 PM:

" @Hear Ye

The joke is on me because no politician can pass a bill or legislation on his own. Though Obama has sponsored a fair amount of bills and legislation it's nothing that would have put him on the radar 2 years ago. Also regarding the voting present. The "present" option is used in the state of Illinois, where legislators have 3 button to push. Pushing the present button is an option to use because some want the legislation reworded or sent back to committee, changed or challenged. It's a way of preventing legislation from being pushed through too quickly or until all questions are or ambiguity is made clear so a clear majority is shown. If enough vote present preventing a majority vote, more work is done on it. I don't know if Illinois the only state that has that system but Congress does not. Lets talk how long Mr. Obama has even been in the Senate. If you consider the number of work days in the senate from the time of his election until he formed his presidential campaign, Obama served 144 days in the senate. McCain has served just under 2,000.

@alucawanza

Blame Bush...Ok, we have heard that enough already. Democrats and Republicans by majority both voted to invade Iraq. They both had the same military intelligence. By the way I don't see anymore terrorist attacks in the US now, do you? I blame the people who's eyes were bigger than their pocket books. Mr. No Money Down & Mr. $5000 Down on a $700,000 house. Refinancing to buy their toys. Our want, want, want mentality is what caused this. I blame both parties, believe me if I could have my way most of these scumbag politicians would be hanging by their toes. "

amigo wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:27 PM:

" FIDEL CASTRO ran on the promise of HOPE and CHANGE!!!1

Just take a look to history for answers of today! "

jpcrash wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:44 PM:

" I laughed when I saw this video. Wow. Re-confirms why I am voting the way I am. When I think of Obama, I think of highschool leadership classes and the popular kids in school. Even if they do wrong and make a fool of them selves, they are still the popular kids and everyone wants to be like them, and vote for them, no matter what they actually do. "

Hear Ye wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:14 PM:

" Ferrari-

I'm glad you know about what voting "present" means in the Illinois state senate. I wish more people did so they could move past it, especially considering the amount of votes McCain has missed. Also, I don't care how many "work" days each has had as a Senator. Why does that all of a sudden matter in this election but not in others? "

db76 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:18 PM:

" Getting shot down on one of his first missions and being held POW somehow makes McCain qualified to become president? "

Joe B wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:11 PM:

" So what NVR endorses Mc Cain, not my choice, won't effect my partialness of the Register. The landslide and misery for the intolerants is almost here. "

markmathews wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Go ahead, have your socialist puppet as President. Try your left wing solutions and see where it gets you in four years; right where it got Jimmy Carter in 1980 - buried under his own landslide of discontent. The "Republican's-In-Name-Only" that currently control the party deserve the enema they are about to get. Until they dump the country club Republican RINO's like McCain, they will continue to loose elections. And the populace will continue to elect unqualified anti-American gutter despots like Barak Hussein Obama. "

grape wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:01 PM:

" db76 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:18 PM:

" Getting shot down on one of his first missions and being held POW somehow makes McCain qualified to become president? "
--------------

No but at least we know he has fought for America and is looking out for it's best interests. Can't say that about Obama...did we ever find out if he registered for selective service? "

14obama wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:15 PM:

" He who has ears,let him hear ! Most of what I read here must come from the insane. To have survived the last 8 years makes you want to vote for more of it ? Sounds insane to me ! Please Lord,make them open their hearts and souls ! "

db76 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:42 PM:

" McCain is looking out for America's best interests, especially the top 10 percent. Anybody who makes less than 150k a year and is voting Republican seriously needs to think about what they are doing. "

14obama wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Don't mean to pop your bubble "funnyme" but haven't you heard ? Barack Obama will be the new president of these United States of America ! You gotta be nuts to want more lies and deception. Sometimes you just have to see clearly,I suppose. "

Joe B wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:25 PM:

" We are entering a time when socializing free markets and banks is acceptable. 700 bil will be enough??? Maybe uncharted waters for us? I can only hope that Obama is up for this task? Sure looks like he has his share of haters though. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:58 AM:

" 14obama,
Sorry to disappoint you, but no bubble here though.

I don't like a bit what Bush has done with Wall Street. I don't like the fact that B.O and MCCain supported such atrocity (700,00billion dollars...pufff!...40 billion dollars for Africa's AIDS...pufff!...and so on. Fiscal Socialism). I don't like McCain's "softness" on the stage, there are plenty of things I don't like about Bush and McCain. I have to admit that this time around I believe most of us conservatives are voting against socialism (that would be what B.O & B represent overall), therefore voting for the lesser evil of the two...until Sarah Palin came around. I really like what she has done and accomplished in such short years, and I agree with her points of view and stands on different issues as well.
The fact that Sarah Palin might be the one becoming the President of "these United States of America" (if the "wrinkly old white man" drops dead) kind of elevates my spirits. Maybe I'm just sexist.

It saddens me that BO & B supporters fail to acknowledge these two men weaknesses and baggage, all in hope of "change".
If "your men" become the ones in charge of this great nation for the next four years, you will be the one with the burst bubble...no, I promise I won't say "I told you so!" "

14obama wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:28 AM:

" "funnyme" no more bubbles ? I fit your mold except your final judgment on Obama and Biden. Look deeper into their personal lives and you'll see a couple of decent guys. Trust me as much as you do your car in getting you from point A to point B. Think about it ! "

14obama wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Let's forget about looking at ones weaknesses. Let's focus in on their strengths ! Afterall,we all have our shortcomings. Cut through the nonsense and listen to your heart ! If we don't, we could be inviting in the anti-Christ as your next pres. I call it an "Inside Job". Know what I mean ? "

bettye wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:46 AM:

" Everytime I think I won't blog anymore I read something that just makes me wonder ..Hmmmm..and I have to ask .. CharSolo,, where do you get your info ?? I really would like to read your sources and find out more about Obama .. Could you please respond and let me know your info provider ?? "

FerrariGTC wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:53 PM:

" @14obama

Biden a nice guy? At this time of the nation's economic malaise it would be the highest folly to bring on a Senator with Biden's record on the personal bankruptcy confronting millions of Americans on the verge of losing their homes and their savings.
Bankruptcy is the last defense of Americans who have lost everything to clear the slate and start anew. At this time in the nations history with millions on the verge of losing their homes and having their life's savings destroyed because of Wall Street's CDO Ponzi Scheme that grossly enriched the few on Wall Street while impoverishing the nation, Joe Biden stands out as the Democratic Senator whose diligent work helped the credit card moguls revise the the nation's bankruptcy laws so that Americans would stay on the hook to their debtors for years on end as they tried to scratch together a new life. It was a Bill that was signed with alacrity and applauded loudly by the credit card industry and banking interests. The credit card industry has for years attempted to have our bankruptcy laws amended. Let Wall Street run roughshod, let the oil interests allow Maine to freeze -- that was OK. But the credit card establishment wanted their last ounce. The administration needed help on the Democratic side of the aisle. Bingo, there was Senator Biden. MBNA, the "Credit-card juggernaut had been the biggest proponent of the legislation and among the largest donors to his campaign" (NYPost 8/24/08:"Life of Gaffes...") with political contributions of $214,000 and according to the nonpartisan Center of Responsive Politics, the finance and credit industry was contributing $300,000. And were that not enough, one of MBNA's executives reportedly purchased Biden's home for $1.2 million in 1996. Ah, the privileges of a garnish free existence. "

NapaDem wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:55 PM:

" It's nice to see that the vast majority of voters in this county not to mention the whole and state are Democrat. There is a simple reason for this, but I can't mention it becasue I'm sure my post will be deleted. If the majority of voters in this county and even the staff at the Register support Obama then why is Brenda Speth overriding her own coworkers beliefs and the voters by saying “In the view of the Register Republican Senator John McCain from Arizona is the best choice for president.”? Apparently her own interests are more important than everybody else around her which only shows what kind of person she is. In the end none of this will matter since Obama will easily win the presidency and our country will finally rid itself of the 8 year disaster created entirely by the Republicans! :-) "

14obama wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:09 PM:

" Ya gotta reap what ya sow " FerrariGTC"! Since you identified with the corrupt CEO's then you deserve what you're getting. You find it easy to complain,don't you ? Wall Street had the door wide open for this kind of behavior so what did you expect. Since you have all the answers,maybe you will find something worthwhile to help the situation. We have to get this country back ! Get out of the way ! "

bloodagar wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:24 PM:

" db76 said "Getting shot down on one of his first missions and being held POW somehow makes McCain qualified to become president? "

Well, it does makes him a hero...a patriot...what has Obama done?

You speak carelessly and that is so telling.

Next you'll joke about how he is unable to lift his "karate chopping hands" and arms. Because that is funny stuff, right? "

Sandra wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:52 PM:

" To Jenny....Well I am a democratic woman who will be voting McCain. I never assumed you were a democrat. I assumed you had no sense of humor.
The Paper Obama is hysterical. They cart him everywhere they go. Am I the only one who finds adults carting around life sized paper dolls funny? I still want to know what they do with him at night.....oh and fyi ...I wasn't invited either.... "

Sandra wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:59 PM:

" "bettye wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:46 AM:"
Regarding your inquiry...google "Obama Ayers Karanja"
It will show you a bit of the opportunistic side of Obama's character, and how he associated with these people to further his career. It does not show me a man of principles, but showed a man willing to kick back to those who gave him some power.
I don't want that kind of man ruling our country. "

Joanne wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:34 AM:

" Wait! I just noticed this comment (from the original article) for the first time: "...Speth said, adding that reader feedback she had received on the endorsement was evenly mixed between criticism and support for the Register’s endorsement."

To draw such a conclusion, Ms. Speth must be looking at something other than the readers' comments posted online in response to the actual endorsement editorial. Those comments are OVERWHELMINGLY critical of the endorsement, not "evenly mixed."

And BTW, Bloodagar, you might want to be more careful yourself about making comments like: "You speak carelessly and that is so telling," if you know what I mean. (And I think you do.)

And Sandra, try googling “Sarah Palin” and “Alaska Independence Party,” and that’ll return results the reveal that Governnor Palin is SLEEPING WITH a former seven-year member of that anti-American group: her husband Todd. (Not to mention a bit more about Ms. Palin’s relationships with some of that group’s members that she “palled around with.”) I don't want that kind of woman a heartbeat away from ruling our country.

BTW, Sandra: Have you ever taken a research methods course? You seem to always suggest that what is returned by “googling” certain key words supports the validity of your claims on this venue. Anyone can put anything on the Internet. That doesn’t make the information valid or reliable. "

bettye wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:31 AM:

" Sandra , I have read most everything there is out there on this and I have to come to conclusion that folks absorb what they want out of what they read and hear .. That is called SELECTIVE comprehension and SELECTIVE hearing ..I like to hear all sides before deciding my stance , then NOTHING can be overlooked.. Maybe CHARLOLO has some info that i haven"t seen yet ?? "

anticommie wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:33 AM:

" I keep reading about the "surplus" we had when Clinton was in office. How could there be a true surplus when we had debt in the trillions of dollars, even in the 90's? Did we see the debt counter reverse under Clinton? I think not.

And Obama WILL raise everyone's taxes. More Social Security Tax anyone?

Obama called himself a redistribution of wealth socialist last week! Anyone catch that?!?!?!??! "

a teacher wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:24 PM:

" No, anticommie, I don't recall Obama ever referring to himself as a socialist. Only the right wing. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:43 PM:

" Maybe if the lefties unscramble the words will finally get it. No, I am not talking about Hussein, Obama, Osama, Bin Laden, Biden...

I am referring to some wise words:

“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” - Winston Churchill "

Raven wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:17 PM:

" actually we did, antipc, because part of the surplus was used to reduce the national debt.... "

Rocco wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:26 PM:

" If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...does it have to call itself a duck for an intelligent honest person to realize what it is? "

a teacher wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:32 PM:

" Do you guys actually know what socialism is?

"You keep using that word, I don't think it means what you think it means."

Inago Montoya from the "Princess Bride". "

Joanne wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:23 AM:

" Jeez. Maybe this is just the result of a very serendipitous (for the NVR, that is) system "glitch," but with 150 comments to date on this Web page at the time of this posting, why does this article no longer appear in the "most commented" section of the online edition of this newspaper, when other articles with comments numbering in the twenties currently do? "

glenroy wrote on Oct 18, 2008 7:29 AM:

" Why does that photo remind me of a Caltrans road crew acting like they're working?

Teach.....socialism has a rather broad historical meaning....none of it good and most of it left. "

Rocco wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:10 AM:

" Socialism: A political theory or system in which the means of production and distribution are nationalized and operated according to equity and fairness rather than market principles. Sounds nice…doesn’t work. And it’s also completely antithesis to our Constitution. But don’t worry, if you want to live under socialism there are still a few country’s you can move to… but do it quick, they may not last much longer. Good pick on movies though; Princess Bride is one of the best. "

14obama wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Hey all ! Read what "Bill" had to say,above ! Thanks,Bill ! You said it like it is and in plain English. I wonder how many will come back with it all turned around. I guess some are so full of it they never completely unload ! Thanks again,Bill. A fine writer,indeed ! "

dellasumbrella wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:11 AM:

" Rocco -- Oh, you mean like taxpayers' hard-earned dollars going to the money industry and government taking over lending institutions so the CEOs and other minute minority of people hoarding the huge majority of wealth in this country can take the money and run?
(And don't tell me they worked hard for that money -- much of it was won by gambling, as opposed to the day-to-day toil done by middle & lower class workers for un-commensurate pay.)

That what you mean by socialism? "

a teacher wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:09 PM:

" Well, since Rocco actually had an answer, while Glenroy punted, I'll ask Rocco. What exactly is Obama proposing that is socialism. I haven't heard of his plans to nationalize any business. "

alucawanza wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Hello Sandra
Presidents don't rule the U.S.A. They head up the executive branch of government. They govern in a system of checks and balances with the other two branches of government: Legislative and Judicial.
Let's let the old man retire with his old ideas and old war wounds. He deserves the rest. Let's get the man with the new ideas and energy in the White House. Time for the old guard to leave. "

14obama wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:02 PM:

" Hey 'alucawanza' ! Let's Not let him retire ! He and the rest of the bunch have some 'big time' debts to pay for all the lives lost and the damage done to us and the rest of the world ! They have committed crimes to the government and MUST pay ! And to "Sandra" who must be airless I say, "My God,girl,what happened to ya" ? Somehow,you got your wires crossed ! Not the elephants ! "

John Yates wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:37 PM:

" It's already been established than nearly every mainstream media outlet has a liberal bias. So our Napa Register stands on its own principles and draws 100 knuckleheads to snivel about an editorial board decision. You protesters (!) have way, way too much time on your hands. "

Raven wrote on Oct 18, 2008 4:16 PM:

" so people who protest an opinion of the NVR are knuckleheads?.... "

jeeper16 wrote on Oct 18, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Everyone keeps blaming all of our problems of the last eight years on the Republicans. Have they forgotten that the Democrats have been in the majority for the last TWO years. It seems like most of these problems have have come to light just in the past couple of years. What in the heck has the MAJORITY been doing these last two years?? Just look what the Democratic majority has done for California, and you people what these same type of incompetents running the entire country the next four years??? God help us all! "

grape wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:13 PM:

" a teacher wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:09 PM: " Well, since Rocco actually had an answer, while Glenroy punted, I'll ask Rocco. What exactly is Obama proposing that is socialism. I haven't heard of his plans to nationalize any business. "

He plans to nationalize healthcare "

kcufehttahw wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Now we know why the Register seems so biased: they *are* biased. They just lost what little credibility they had. They are a propaganda machine and not a reliable source of news. "

John Yates wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:51 PM:

" What in heaven's name is a protest like this going to accomplish? To get the editorial board to reconsider its decision and support Obama instead? How were these people hurt? What better things could they do with their obviously abundant spare time? I have a suggestion. Take a short stroll around the corner to Mike Thompson's office and protest his voting record. "

a teacher wrote on Oct 18, 2008 7:35 PM:

" "He plans to nationalize healthcare "

I hope that wasn't your best shot. First off, that's not his plan as it's been presented. Even if it were, that doesn't qualify him as a socialist, Health Care isn't the means of production.

Let me see. Canada has a national Health Care system. Canada is not a Socialist country. Nor is Britain, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Germany, France (well maybe), Spain, the list goes on... "

Rocco wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:50 PM:

" What? Health Care doesn’t produce a “product”? What are doctors, medicines, treatments, and services? Many of these same countries force you to squat over a hole to relieve yourself…what’s your point? "

Joanne wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:07 PM:

" John Yates wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:37 PM:

" It's already been established than [sic] nearly every mainstream media outlet has a liberal bias…"

Oh, yeah? Established by whom? Just because that is said over and over again by the Right does not make it true. And there are a significant number of actual bona-fide researchers who have explored this notion thoroughly and just as thoroughly debunked it.

Since I cannot articulate this concept nearly as well, nor as eloquently, as Constitutional law attorney, Glenn Greenwald so often has, I will borrow his words to drive this point home: “Using only undisputed facts, one could write volumes - and many have - destroying the self-evidently moronic claim that the media outlets OWNED BY THE NATION'S LARGEST AND MOST POWERFUL CORPORATIONS* are tireless propagandists for a Leftist agenda..."

(*The “ALL CAPS” formatting of the words that appear in the paragraph immediately above was added by me for emphasis and did not appear with this formatting in the original quoted text.)

So, “John Yates:” if you have some REAL, statistically reliable evidence (other than just the fact that "everybody knows" or "everybody says" it's true) to support your claim that the mainstream media actually demonstrates a "liberal bias," put up or, well, you already know how the rest of that phrase goes, I'm sure. "

Joanne wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:02 PM:

" Rocco: “Many of these same countries force you to squat over a hole to relieve yourself?"

Huh? Really? Last I checked, Canada, Britain, Japan, Taiwan, [South] Korea, Germany, France, and Spain all had indoor plumbing that is technologically comparable to that in the US. But some indisputable differences exist on some other issues.

The fact is: the United States is the ONLY "industrialized" or (as some prefer to characterize it) "post-industrial" democracy in the world that does not have a national system of health care that provides for the medical needs of all of its citizens. It is no coincidence that, as compared to every other industrialized democracy in the world, our costs to deliver medical care with our fragmented system (that also has the profit-taking insurance “middle-men” adding an additional layer of unnecessary costs not similarly present in those systems) calculated per capita are overwhelmingly the highest, even though those other countries manage to provide coverage to all of their citizens (while nearly 50 million people are uninsured in the U.S.), the average life expectancy of U.S. citizens ranks among the lowest (if it isn't actually still THE lowest, as it was the last time I checked), our infant mortality rate is the highest, and so on and so on and so on.

So things are working out pretty much equally as well for us on the indoor plumbing front as they are for those living in Canada, Britain, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, France, and Spain, at least as far as I know. But as to how things are working out with our stubborn refusal to join the rest of the civilized world in taking a similar approach to health care here in the US? Apparently not so well. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:29 AM:

" One thing BO has been saying is that his goal is "The redistribution of wealth".

- What does REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH mean?

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redistribution_of_wealth

"Redistribution of wealth refers to the transfer of wealth from some individuals to others."

- WHOSE wealth, from WHOM TO WHOM and HOW?
The transfer of wealth can occur in various ways.
Some methods for transferring wealth are VOLUNTARY transfers from those who have it to those who do not (charity).

Other methods involve FORCIBLY removing the wealth from those who have it and redistributing it to those who do not (welfare, slavery, taxation, inflation, devaluation, government policies, or theft)

This alone makes me shiver...

NO to BO!

McCain/Palin 08! "

misfit wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:45 AM:

" And another way is to take money from taxpayers and give it to large corporations, who have made money off the backs of the poor and middle class, in order to bail them out for their own poor business practices, poor judgment and poor investments. "

Sandra wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Joanne, You are fairly new here and do not yet know all the odd rules . I am very well informed on how to conduct research. We are not allowed to post direct links, except for Government ones. So the only option is to say "Google" this, and hope the person on the other end has enough sense to weed through the tripe and get to the truth of the matter.
You state the obvious about internet information.
I know how to do research and obtain truthful info.
Some of the others here know how also, and some don't. If you blog here long enough you willl figure out who is who.
I am aware of Todd Palin and his associations. As I am aware of Trooper gate, and McCain and the Keating 5. Everyone has a history.
What I look for in picking a candidate is the type of CHARACTER they display in their interactions, and whether they are consistant in what they do in comparison to what they say.
No one hits 100% under this type of scrutiny. But on my personal score card, so far Obama is trailing.
Also I do not put much weight to the "talking" points of either party in evaluating character, because both sides say idiotic things. I look at type of behavior displayed in the situations they have been in. McCain, and Biden have the longest records to look at.... Obama and Palin not as long. I weigh what I turn up in my research, and so far I prefer McCain and Palin.
The reality of it is Obama and McCain are really not that far apart on most issues, so I have to pick who I think will do best based on character. "

14obama wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:03 AM:

" I'm not as knowledgable as most of you,but,I feel something deep in my bones that says,"We are beyond the introduction(the Euro) to the "New World Order". "The gears are now syncronized for the run of our lives" ! Pray for a return to Democracy ! The game of Monopoly is over and the so called winner is leaving with all the cash. So,what do we do now ? Print more ? haha "

Dr. Faustus wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:08 AM:

" Obama is not a socialist. Obama is a pro-capitalist Keynesian.

Obama endorses the private ownership of the means of production. This fact alone makes him a pro-capitalist candidate.

In other words, he believes in Government regulation and public benefit programs to maintain social order and opportunity.

You can't be a socialist and believe in private capital ownership.

Maybe if some of you conservative "minds" would read some socialist authors you would come to understand that no such choice between socialism and capitalism exists in the U.S. You would come to understand that Democrats are right of center and republicans are really right of center. There is no real leftist movement in the United States; there hasn’t been since the peak of the Socialist Party in the early 1900’s.

You get a soft pro-capitalist party in a democratic mother or an angry tough-love disciplinarian in a red republican father. When our father beats us too hard, we run to mother. When our mother coddles us for too long, we run to father.

This is all Americans get. This is all we will ever get. America is doomed to a two-party conservative system for as long as she exists.

So why don’t you republican loafer lickers just relax. No one is going to give anyone free health care. No one is ever going to give you the wealth you helped create. No one is ever going to challenge the wealthy, the system, or any of its many injustices.

You’ve won. You won a long time ago.

Be proud. "

14obama wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:21 AM:

" OK everybody,now that we have someone who gives a crap,maybe we can get this country back on track ! Get out of the way all of you selfrighteous people ! You've been choosing a bunch of rats to lead this country in the past,now you had better take a back seat and learn what it really means to be Patriotic ! You know what you can do with your ego and greed,don't you ? "

Joanne wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:35 AM:

" OMG! Where do some of you people come up with this stuff? Does the phrase "primary source" mean anything to you?

funnyme:

Care to cite your source for that Obama quote featured in your 8:29 post? How do you know that Obama has been saying that? Have YOU heard him actually sat that? Have you seen it quoted in a newspaper somewhere?

Maybe it was something you picked up from an indirect source? Perhaps listening to Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, or Sean Hannity? I don't know and I don't care (although you really should, because whoever your source is, s/he isn't doing you any favors. Your news “pusher” is providing you with information that isn’t even remotely accurate, so you just end up looking foolish repeating what you have heard from him/her because of that.)

What matters to me and anyone else out there who might be interested in receiving information that is truthful and accurate is that, contrary to the information that you are trying to push out there in that post, Obama has NOT "been saying" any such thing. Rather, that was one of the McCain campaign's dominant "talking points" last week, for which the mythological narrative of "Joe the Plumber" served as the frame.

If you must insist on having someone pre-digest all the news you consume so that it fits snugly into your ideological framework and never challenges your worldview, please at least try to spot check it for accuracy and authenticity every once in awhile through a more direct and reliable information source before you come over here and attempt to perpetuate the notion that such talking points are actually "facts." "

markur wrote on Oct 19, 2008 1:04 PM:

" I am surprised at the amount of anti Obama people on this blog. I honesty can't vouch for either. It could be a choice of Communism vs Socialism light. Either way you look at it, its more government which has never worked. It you want to know how nationalized healthcare works just look to Canada. Anybody that has money comes south of the Border. Hawaii who tried it is now bankrupt. Can we seriously afford to do everything for everybody..? Its funny how the same people who have benefitted most from the Bush policies decry them so much? Many here in this county have done very well under George Bush, yet they want everybody to pay more taxes. Spread the wealth... Well if you are so inclined, how about you start donating your hard earned tax cuts and profit to help my business huh... It's self hate that drives this pro Obama, anti-McCain mentality.
I think we need a 3rd party. But I hardly call it a rally when you get 100 people to protest a paper that has hardly any subscribers... Are you really worried that people will vote McCain based on the Register's decision? They probably made it based on the fact that under Obama's policies it would make it even harder to stay afloat in the failing newspaper business. I've worked in newspapers and Its pretty Liberal to the core... Being biased is what has killed news, media... What we are left with is blogging which by and large is just people getting on their virtual soapbox... I don't expect a prize, but I guess we all have an outlet now.
Before you vote, look at the issues, objectively. If you don't, I say don't vote. An ignorant vote is just mass stupidity.
My two cents "

a teacher wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Rocco: You said " What? Health Care doesn’t produce a “product”? What are doctors, medicines, treatments, and services? Many of these same countries force you to squat over a hole to relieve yourself…what’s your point? "

I think that only in the USA is Health Care considered a business, every where it is considered a vital public service, like the police.

Of the countries I mentioned, "Britain, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Germany, France (well maybe), Spain", which ones force you "squat over a hole"? I've been to a few of them I don't recall that.

If you have a reasonable answer, be sure to tell us, I would enjoy that.

FunnyMe: For 30+ years conservatives have been redistributing wealth uphill(why doesn't that make them socialists?), a trend that only has paused during democratic Presidencies. It would be nice to see the wealth flow downhill for a change. "

funnyme wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Teacher,
Have you ever had a paycheck signed by a poor man (or woman)? That's the difference. I believe that for as long as there are wealthy people out there we ALL still have a chance
The Wall Street bailout (approved by all branches of our government) is the most socialistic event I have seen...and we are ALL just watching!

Joanne,
I listen to the last debate between BO and McCain, did you? I'm sure you can get the transcripts so we can have an informed conversation here. "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:35 PM:

" Speaking of *Informed*,

I regret to inform you that Colin Powell has endorsed Barack H. Obama, for the NEXT president of the United States!....

That is all for now and have a nice day! "

Raven wrote on Oct 20, 2008 5:11 AM:

" sure funnyme...get those transcripts and show us where it was said.... "

grape wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:52 AM:

" Reported by the Associated Press.

Obama stated:

"And I think that when we spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

I would call that redistribution of wealth. "

14obama wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:46 PM:

" I believe that the people who go into business and cheat others out of their money should learn to be responsible and give some of that dishonest money back. Some of us live for peace and serenity yet are constantly being burned by these whatever they are kind of.........All I can say is,"Go play with your toys" ! "

Republicrat wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:00 PM:

" Oh My!!! The NVR endorsed McCain ?
Really ? A REPUBLICAN ??!! I'm shocked albeit pleased. I have nothing against Mr Obama, I just don't believe his tax policies will generate the revenue needed to fund his spending proposals. And as you all know this country doesn't exactly have excess cash lying around right now to pay for all the goodies he's proposing. But even that is not the most impotant issue I have with Mr. Obama. The single most important issue at stake in this election is court appointments! If you like the Kelo decision (Kelo V. New London) you're going to love the next 4-8 years. Rest assured people, Obama will appoint VERY liberal activist judges not just to the Supreme Court but also Federal Circuit courts. I'm not advocating for any Robert Borks but we will get more Ruth Bader Ginsbergs. I think McCain will be a little more moderate with his appointments. Be carefull what you ask for Obama-ites - you just might get it. "

Raven wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:13 PM:

" I would call that trying to make sure everyone benefits from a growing economy.....not just the wealthiest.... "

a teacher wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:03 PM:

" "I believe that for as long as there are wealthy people out there we ALL still have a chance"

Sounds like you want to put your trust in the rich (and conservatives call us naive for trusting government). I'm sure they'll give you a fair deal.

There will always be rich people, but I'd like to see more of them, not fewer of thm with more and more money. "

grape wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:50 PM:

" 14obama wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:46 PM:

" I believe that the people who go into business and cheat others out of their money should learn to be responsible and give some of that dishonest money back. Some of us live for peace and serenity yet are constantly being burned by these..."

14Obama...so what I'm hearing you say is that anyone who makes enough to have their taxes raised by Obama must have been dishonest in order to achieve that...is that right? So therefore, Obama is dishonest because he told Joe the Plumber on camera that he himself made WAY over $250,000 as a Senator. So why are you voting for him? "

109823 wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:17 PM:

" What an embarassment, I'm a Dem and will be changing to independent. You people need to get a real life. If you think that either candidate is going to make any immediate drastic changes you're mistaken. The Dems have controlled both houses for quite a while and you can see where that has got us. I sure hope I'm wrong about BHO because he has a lot of ?s to answer that he refuses to address. If something really bad surfaces while he's in office I'll be right there to question the overwhelming support for a person with such a sketchy past but for now I still can't believe that these are the best two that the parties can come up with to lead this country, pathetic. "

Raven wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:10 PM:

" no grape, he is saying that anyone who achieved those gains dishonestly should stand up and take responsibility for it.....

and speaking of the dishonesty.....seems the Joe the plumber wasn't completely up front after all...not even a licensed plumber... "

grape wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:34 PM:

" Raven, Joe the Plumber doesn't need a license...he works for a plumbing company that is licensed. He never claimed to be the owner of a business yet which would require a license. "

comment wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:42 PM:

" Heck, Raven, Joe the plumber isn't even named Joe. His name is Sam. He is also a registered Republican. "

comment wrote on Oct 21, 2008 2:03 AM:

" Colin Powell is a maverick! "

WorksInNapa wrote on Oct 21, 2008 5:57 AM:

" What is it about Joe the Plumber that makes his question invalid or the answer given invalid? The point of focus should be on his question and the answer given. "

anticommie wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:56 AM:

" raven:

The man is studying to get his license. He IS a plumber, and has been working UNDER his bosses license, which IS NOT a crime!

worksinnapa:

they are trying to tear the man down because he is a Repub. that doesnt support Obama. If he did then the left would call him a maverick like they do about Powell. Read above. The man helped expose Obama for what he really is, oh wait Obama did that for us!! GO JOE!! "

Raven wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:57 AM:

" no, he asked about starting a plumbing and being taxed....1) he cant start a plumbing business in Ohio unless he is a licensed plumber, which he is not so the question was a set up, and 2) in that state he needs to work under the supervision of a master or journeyman plumber and there is no record that he has ...but 3) the average plumber in Ohio makes wells below the 200,000 mark in taxable and would get a tax cut under Obama's plan.. "

comment wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:21 AM:

" Obama was not exposed. "Joe" the plumber wouldn't even have his taxes raised under Obama's tax plan. It is a valid question and that's the answer, he would recieve a tax cut.

What's wrong with calling Powell a maverick? Isn't that a good example of a maverick? A better example than say, a Republican senator who votes with George Bush more than 90% of the time. "

Raven wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:32 AM:

" apparently Powell is the wrong kind of maverick "

ADark1 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Well he wasn't until he endorsed Obama! "

Reality Check wrote on Oct 21, 2008 2:35 PM:

" Cuba got "CHANGE" in 1959! Go Obama! "

grape wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:19 PM:

" ADark1 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 1:07 PM:
" Well he wasn't until he endorsed Obama! "

----------------

Colin Powell was so afraid that Obama would win and knew of this impending attack that Biden is talking about and decided it was his duty to America to pretend to support Obama only to be able to be in the loop and protect America from a stupid mistake.

Biden says that he and Obama will appear to not be doing the right thing after we are attacked...but we should stick with them to watch it play out!!. Unbelievable! "

markmathews wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:10 AM:

" Reality check - right! He used Change and Hope quite a bit during his victory over gringo speech, and here comes Barak Hussein Obama, uttering the same platitudes to the sheeple, who are drinking the same socialist kool-aid. History DOES repeat itself... "

alucawanza wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:14 PM:

" Hello Sandra,
Here's some help with judging McCain's character:
He is an adulterer! He dated his current wife while still married to his first wife who dutifully waited for him while he was a prisoner of war. Research that!
His character allows his running mate to incite crowds into almost a riotous state inferring that Obama is a socialist (what a joke), a terrorist, or a traitor. She does not correct the crowd. Of course McCain is telling her to behave this way. He looks like a man of "character" while directing her to do his dirty work. That's just lousy.
McCain is known in the Senate for his bad temper. He has tantrums. You want this guy with his hand on any important buttons???
McCain provided Palin with $150,000 for clothing from Saks and Neiman Marcus. What kind of character does this show? It shows excess. How will he spend your tax money??? This is shockingly demoralizing for those who have lost their homes, don't have health care, and can't buy their kids new clothes for school.
So more research is needed.
Mr. Obama, whose character you believe isn't as worthing as Mr. McCains is on his way to Hawaii to visit his dying Grandmother. He is suspending his work for two days, putting aside what must be very critical rallies, to do the right thing: say goodbye to the woman who raised him. Does that count for character? You betcha! "

myword wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:53 AM:

" Not only is the Napa Valley Register out of touch with the locals, the publisher, Brenda Speth, is out of touch with reality. And Brenda, why do you bother to have a board to discuss the endorsement when you make the final decision on your own as to who the paper will endorse? That in itself is a farce. And what's new with the Register? You always endorse Republican presidental candidates regardless of the issues. You would think that after 8 years of the Republican's failed leadership, decisions and policies and with our country now in the toilet, you would endorse a candidate who will work for the better of the US, not just for big businesses and high income folks. How sad that you are all wrapped up in your selfish selves! That speaks loudly about Republican mentality. It is all about them and to hell with everyone else or the real issues this country is facing. "

alucawanza wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:19 AM:

" Grape: Please cite your source at this mind-reading exposure of Colin Powell's intentions. Are you able to read minds? Did Powell call you and tell you this?
Remember what Bush did when 911 happened? He was in a classroom reading to children, was notified that our country was under attack, and continued to read the book to the kids
Like Sandra, you need to cite sources and do some research.
Powell is well aware of the tactics and strategies of a Republican administration. He was a participant until his character had to face the truth squarely and could no longer be a part of the Bush coven. If I could read minds I would say that he doesn't want a repeat of the Bush years. But I'm taking him at face value and just hearing what he said was enough. He was straightforward, authentic, and spoke directly to the American people. There was nothing unclear about what he said. He endorses Obama. He is a courageous man. "

choirdanny wrote on Oct 23, 2008 4:50 PM:

" All of you are right to criticize the Register for supporting someone who isn't supported by many people who live in Napa, but you don't have to start attacking each other's beliefs. That's what forum websites are for. Just give your opinion, don't start fighting. Some of you are getting too close to attacking each other.

I personally support Obama. He has actually talked about the issues, and talked about how he wants to deal with them. McCain's mostly sidestepped them and talked about why Obama isn't good.

If you actually think about it, the News is supposed to be unbiased. It can't be unbiased if it supports a candidate. IF it supports one, news papers and networks should keep it private. "

freeport56 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg, who filed a lawsuit demanding Sen. Barack Obama present proof of his American citizenship, now says that by failing to respond Obama has legally "admitted" to the lawsuit's accusations, including the charge that the Democratic candidate was born in Mombosa, Kenya.

As WND reported, Berg filed suit in U.S. District Court in August, alleging Obama is not a natural-born citizen and is thus ineligible to serve as president of the United States. Though Obama has posted an image of a Hawaii birth certificate online, Berg demands that the court verify the original document, which the Obama campaign has not provided.

Now Berg cites Rule 36 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which states that unless the accused party provides written answer or objection to charges within 30 days, the accused legally admits the matter.

WorldNetDaily- "

Raven wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:22 PM:

" jeez freeport, this has been to rest so many times already...are you guys sooo desperate.....he was born in Hawaii...the state of Hawaii says so.....you won't accept that but such is life.. "

Joanne wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:49 AM:

" Sandra, I am not new to this venue. I've been around for as long as you have. (I just took a break for awhile.) So I am well aware of the rules.

Just because you cannot cite Web addresses in your posts does not mean that you cannot cite or name your sources. For example, it is perfectly within the rules to name a publication, author, the title of an article, the publication date, etc. If you really want to point the people who read your posts toward what you claim to be reliable sources, why not do that?

As to my original question: I will take your post to mean that you have NOT taken a research methods course. So what makes you think you actually know how to do reliable research? "

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