The Presidential Debate
Posted by michellemoquin on September 27th, 2008
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-zGYJ7GIyg&hl=en&fs=1]
Good Morning!
So…I am sure that all of you watched the Presidential debate last night – yes? Thoughts?
I found that McCain kept referring and quoting the past with not much of any plan for the near future, as if what he supported in the past 8 years has done any good for the people of the United States. Not much more than bunch of balloon juice in my opinion. Not to mention the fact that his body language and attitude needed a major adjustment. He didn’t look at Obama once, even when prodded by Jim Lehrer.
Obama, on the other hand, kept bringing it to the present moment, sharing with us his concrete plans of exactly what he was proposing to do. His responses were thoughtful and knowledgeable. One of his strongest moments to me, is when he went off on Iraq and kept repeatedly telling McCain that he was wrong about war, “John, you like to pretend the war began in 2007.” (I posted the video just in case you wanted to see that segment a second time.) Obama was relaxed, confident, and gracious, but was he too nice? Did he say that ‘John was right’ too often? Or it that a sign of a true leader? You tell me.
I thought there were some other highlight moments, and I have a few more thoughts, but I’ll refrain. I’d rather hear from you on your thoughts. I’m sure you have plenty to say. Blog me.
Anonz: No Need to be sorry. I get your drift. :)
How blessed you are to be in friendly, caring relationships with your past loves. Unfortunately, my past relationships, which were a long time ago, were not that mature so the opportunity to have what you enjoy was never really there to begin with. I too am sorry that you have experienced such losses.
As far as your observation of me…Thank you for the appreciation and the compliment.
Doug: If you were the jealous type you hide it very well. :) Thank you for giving me your unwavering support that gives me a platform to learn and grow.
ZL: I had to laugh because when Doug and I first started going out, people would think that they had met Doug before because he resembled the man in my last relationship, even though if you put them side by side they would be very different. There was a few uncomfortable moments but Doug handled them like a gentleman.
Time to sign off. It is our 11th anniversary and we are celebrating all weekend…champagne….dinner…dancing……
Have fun too in whatever you do!
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle ?
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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September 27th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Happy Anniversary, my sweet!
I felt that McCain showed well, given his past few weeks of blunders. Although, stepping up in time for a one time discussion, while all other days of the week show you as an idiot, don’t go well for me. If he shows that much contempt that he can’t even acknowledge his debated partner, while saying he is an across the aisle kind of guy, what will that tell us when he gets in front of the Iranian, or Afghani administrations, or others that he doesn’t like. I’m sure the discussions would come to standstills. He obviously cannot handle pressure, he ignored times when Jim Lehrer tried to tell him his time was done, and he showed his arrogance clearly.
I thought that Obama was great and showed wonderful statesmanship, integrity, knowledge of the truth and facts, was personable, approachable and didn’t have a corncob stuck up his ass! Although, he lost a perfect opportunity in his opening statement when he DIDN’T say, “John nice you could make it…” That would have sent McShame off the deep end and got him steamed and fuming from the onset.
McCain is a pain in the ass. He doesn’t show well, he doesn’t act well, he doesn’t think well, he will not lead well.
September 27th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Doug
Best analysis to date.
Janice
September 27th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
INTEGRATED TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR LUPUS
One of the people I admire most is a friend and neighbor who has lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system turns on itself. Although occasional flares of the disease are sometimes painful enough to send her to bed, usually she copes extraordinarily well, raising two children and maintaining a successful law practice. I know that others with this disease are not so lucky, and suffer serious and even life-threatening challenges to the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, brain, lungs or skin. If unchecked, lupus often gets worse so it is important to do all that can be done to slow, stop or even reverse the process.
Like all autoimmune diseases, lupus is multifaceted and tricky to treat, but like most autoimmune diseases it is also responsive to an integrated treatment protocol. To get both sides’ best advice, I spoke with rheumatologist Sheldon Paul Blau, MD, coauthor of “Living with Lucus” (Da Capo), and Mark Stengler, ND, author of Bottom Line Natural Healing newsletter and author of “The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies” (Bottom Line Books).
A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: CONVENTIONAL DRUG TREATMENT
To prevent permanent damage to major organs, early diagnosis and treatment of lupus are essential. A few patients require little or no treatment, while others respond to nonsteroidals, corticosteroids and anti-malarial drugs. For those requiring more, Dr. Blau has success treating lupus patients with two drugs — mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) and rituximab (Rituxan).
Mycophenolate is a potent drug that works by suppressing the immune system response, protecting the body from rogue antibodies that are causing inflammation, pain and damage. But immunosuppressive drugs are a double-edged sword. When you suppress the immune system for seemingly beneficial reasons, you also create a higher susceptibility to opportunistic infections such as pneumonia and shingles. Still, mycophenolate has fewer toxic side effects than cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), a common current therapy, so it’s increasingly used.
Rituximab, one drug used to instigate B-cell depletion therapy, is another promising medication. This drug has been approved by the FDA for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Off-label use for lupus patients is based on a growing body of evidence that the abnormal hyperactivity of B lymphocytes — white blood cells that are derived from bone marrow and develop antibodies — plays a key role in lupus, says Dr. Blau. Yet he warns that once again the double-edged sword comes into play. B cells are responsible for fighting infection. When you reduce their numbers, the patient becomes more vulnerable to a broad range of infections.
BEYOND DRUGS: THE NATUROPATHIC APPROACH
Naturopathic treatment for lupus focuses on non-toxic therapies that address the triggers of autoimmunity and inflammation. In his La Jolla, California, practice, Dr. Stengler’s goal is to eliminate the need for pharmaceuticals for lupus except as needed for acute flares, which generally arise when the system is thrown out of balance. He carefully individualizes treatment for each patient, testing for root causes and treating imbalances that emerge. Dr. Stengler’s strategies include…
Treating possible root triggers of flares, such as…
• Hormonal imbalances. When hormonal balances are upset, the immune system is affected too. In particular, Dr. Stengler considers imbalances with the stress hormones DHEA and cortisol and an estrogen-progesterone imbalance in women to be worrisome, and works to correct them with bioidentical hormones and/or supplements. These problems can be caused by menopause, chronic illness or stress and genetics.
• Increased intestinal permeability and intestinal infections. A so-called “leaky gut” (in which bacteria, toxins and food permeate intestinal walls) can increase autoimmune reactivity and be a causative factor with lupus. To maintain a healthy, intact gut, it is essential to identify and rid the intestine of invasive bacteria or other organisms (eg, candida) that cause the immune system to become overactive.
• Toxins. If your body is poisoned with environmental toxins such as lead (which has been detected in toys and other products from China), mercury (eg, from eating large, ocean-going fish such as swordfish) or cigarette smoke, Dr. Stengler will recommend a detoxification program such as oral and/or IV chelation.
• Essential fatty acid imbalance or deficiency. To successfully control inflammation, your body requires sufficient fatty acids. If there’s a shortage, supplemental omega-3 fatty acids — EPA and DHA found in fish oil and ALA (alpha linolenic acid) — can help correct it.
• Food allergies or sensitivities. It is important to identify and avoid any foods that contribute to an autoimmune reaction.
Consider supplements…
• Fish oil. Studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil successfully combat inflammation.
• Plant sterols and sterolins. These can balance and strengthen the immune system when used correctly. Often Dr. Stengler prescribes a daily plant nutrient supplement such as Moducare.
• DHEA. This hormone has been shown in research to improve lupus symptoms in people with the disease.
• MSM. Research indicates that MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a source of organic sulfur, has anti-inflammatory effects that may be helpful for lupus patients.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet…
• Cut back on inflammatory foods. To fight inflammation, cut back on or, better yet, eliminate white flour and sugar products, high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, additives, preservatives, pesticides and processed, fast and fried foods, as well as red meat, dairy, butter and margarine.
• Emphasize whole, fresh foods. The government now recommends nine servings of fruits and veggies daily. Colorful produce is richer in a broad range of inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids are also key in warding off inflammation. Good sources include walnuts, flaxseed oil and cold-water fish (wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, etc.), as well as the spices ginger and turmeric.
Other strategies…
• Control stress. This is a must, since flares are most apt to occur after a period of intense emotional or physical stress, or an infection. Stress management strategies range from exercise to relaxation and meditation techniques to support groups and counseling.
• Get regular exercise. This is difficult during flares, but exercise helps balance the immune system. Dr. Stengler is a big fan of water aerobics, which puts little stress on joints.
• Acupuncture, acupressure and hydrotherapy. Dr. Stengler believes that acupuncture and acupressure may effectively reduce pain and inflammation and keep the body in balance. Hydrotherapy (hot baths, steam rooms, saunas, etc.) may also be helpful for some, though this needs to be carefully monitored by your physician who can individualize treatment.
• Avoid the sun. Sun exposure can trigger a flare. Stay out of the sun and wear protective clothing.
While lupus can be baffling, debilitating and difficult to treat, it’s good news for my neighbor and other lupus sufferers that there are answers out there.
Source(s): ?
Sheldon Paul Blau, MD, a rheumatologist in Massapequa and clinical professor of medicine at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, both in New York. Dr. Blau.
Mark Stengler, ND. Dr. Stengler practices naturopathic medicine at the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic in La Jolla, California. To learn more about his work.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Happy anniversary to a lovely and dynamic duo : ) sent with much love, Zen Lill
September 28th, 2008 at 3:16 am
We Brits think that only in America would a people be willing to vote for a candidate who tells them she can not be interviewed by their media because their media is unfair. This completely explains how a moron like Mr. Bush could get elected twice by Americans
Nora
September 28th, 2008 at 3:22 am
Whites in South Africa are hoping that Obama gets elected. Whites in America need to get theirs after they abandoned us in our attempts to keep the blacks here in their place. Once you get a nigger in the white house the rest will be demanding access to the other bastions of white privilege.
Kurt
September 28th, 2008 at 3:32 am
America is always trying to tell us that communism is a bad from of government. When I see how well democracy operates I am so happy that we have communism. No woman in China would accept a woman as unqualified as Sarah Palin as our representative.
It is obvious that those of her party that are claiming that she is qualified for the office of vice president don’t believe what they are saying. But what is amazing is the people who are willing to accept this incompetent person so as to not have to vote for the other party.
What does this say for democracy? I suspect it says that the people are not qualified to make leadership decisions for themselves. Any disagreement with this conclusion would be quickly dismissed by the fact two terms of that George Bush is the result of your lauded democratic process.
Ling
September 28th, 2008 at 3:44 am
Columbia is a country that the US is often trying to disrupt its government. You americans should concentrate on trying to fix your own corrupt government. The rich and powerful there are drunk on their power. The middle class are to busy trying to get rich to do anything about the strangle hold the rich have on the country. The poor have no voice because they are too ignorant to think for themselves.
So what does the USA do? It goes around trying to spread their idea of government on the rest of the world. Fix your own house first. How ignorant is a country that doesn’t get that it is despised the world over. Some countries love your money, but hate your politics.
Sarah Palin says as much about the collective intelligence of your country as we need to know. The USA will always be remembered as the stupid country that considered Sarah Palin as it potential president. I cannot believe that I used to envy the women of the USA. Now I only feel sorry for the stupid creatures.
Songa
September 28th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Nora you have defined the Americans as no other has and so correctly. It is a country whose people love spouting how they are “the greatest country in the world.” The stupidest would be the most likely title.
They tell the rest of the world that here in Iraq they encourage that we men allow women to be a part of our government. Do they mean women like Sarah Palin? I cannot imagine what is worse the men who put that unqualified woman up before the rest of the world as an example of a woman who is as qualified as a man or the women in the US who are willing to get excited about the choice the men gave them. If any woman would do, any woman would not do. It says that if women in america who have had years of the best education along side of men are that stupid, there is no hope that a woman will ever be capable of governing herself much less a man. At least the men in america get the joke.
The women on the other hand are running around acting as if the woman is really qualified. They don’t get the joke. Perhaps American women should learn to read another language. Then they could read some of the interviews those leaders that met Sarah Palin gave to the rest of the world’s media. They find it incredulous that this would be the person that they would be discussing their problems with should that the old guy die.
The rest of the world’s press have been laughing at this super power who is now consider a super moron. Whatever respect I have had for the US is gone. I will never now accept a woman as an equal. It is just an american ploy to weaken us as a nation. Now I just want the americans to leave my country. If it means alining myself with whoever will help me get that done, so be it. I want america out of my country by any means necessary.
Abdul
September 28th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Thank you Michelle for giving the rest of the world an opportunity to have their say about a country who likes to be known as “the super power.” Super; assholes, pains in the ass, egos, dumb shits, meddlers, arrogant, stupid donkeys, you get the picture, but not super power.
I am sure that like us the rest of the world is looking forward to the joke when the vice presidents go at it. The one where the old guy faced off against the young guy was too funny.
The only qualification the old guy seemed to have was that he was an ex prisoner of war. This and the fact that he had visited countries of conflict gave him the superior knowledge about world affairs.
Just because you were a prisoner of war or you visited a country is supposed to mean that you have superior international knowledge is a valid as saying that if you can see that country from your backyard you have international experience.
America needs to realize that the time for white men there to share the power with its other citizens has come. We had a period when it was necessary to share power with white women. We did and it hasn’t been so bad. When the time comes for us to share with our minorities we will have our crisis of consciousness.
My advice to white America is not to take so seriously the inflammatory racist propaganda that is being used by white men to allow them to stay in power.
Edward
September 28th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Anonz you have inspired me to be a whistle blower. I want to warn the democrats that the republican party’s new talking points will be “voter fraud.”
Republicans of every legal stripe are being recruited to do whatever we can to prevent minorities from legally exercising their right to vote.
Fox news will be doing specials, mentions, and stories about voter fraud. By the time the elections roll around checking for voter will accepted as an ABSOLUTE necessary.
What it really will be is a cover for states, and communities to enact impediments to prevent any group, community, or race that would have a propensity to vote democratic from legally exercising that right.
Anon II