BJean

Speaking of money, have you heard the challenge put forth by John McCain to Barack Obama? Seems Obama has been vocal about limiting funds used in campaigns, so McCain says that he will limit his spending, will Obama? Of course that's to be expected from someone who is sorely lacking in funds compared to Obama. Not too surprising that he's using it as a campaign strategy. You better believe that if McCain had the kind of funding arsenal that Obama has, he would use it and he would have never raised the question!

Now wait just a darned minute there, Green! Are you talking about me giving up not only my beautiful car, but also my perfume? Are you outa your frickin' bird? Let's get back to talking about saving the whales, umkay?

You are very smart to suggest that all symptoms and complications need to be charted. I wish someone was spending as much time doing that as others are spending time and money on advertising that suggests that anyone who is overweight should go get the Lap Band. My doctor (LB surgeon) just had his book published on LB surgery. I don't know if it will have a cross country release or if it is meant to be used by doctors. His advance copy just arrived and I'm sure I'll learn more about it soon. If it is something that can help LB patients, I will pass that information along. I want to interject something here that I hope has absolutely no bearing on your post or problem. That is that my dad and my brother both have Crohn's Disease. The problem that you mentioned that you've had to deal with sounds very much like what their early stages of Crohn's dealt them. Since you are like I am, and really like to research things and get all the information available, I'm telling you about their experience for what it's worth.

The reason it is relatively easy for me to paint one party and one person with the same brush is because without the power of the Republican party behind George W, he would not have any power at all. The party stalwarts pretty much run things behind the scene and that's a fact. What that means to you and me is that we get whatever they dish out regardless of what George W. personally believes. So I get nauseous when anyone praises him for doing one thing or another. Particularly when much of what good is said about him is put out by spin doctors - and if it's the only "news" a person listens to, often because it is what makes us feel comfortable and secure, we buy it hook, line and sinker. I have a sneaking suspicion that if John McCain were to be elected, he would have much more power over the party and would have much more input on which direction the party takes on most issues. That is one reason why so many Republican bigwigs are unhappy with John McCain as their candidate. He doesn't appear to be the "yes man" that George W has been. Now for me, that would be a welcome change, unless and of course, what John McCain decides as the "decider", is as bad for the country as what the Republicans have been for the past 7 years. I think that a more moderate approach is called for from the person who holds the office of president. I believe that all citizens should be able to rely on their government for some semblance of fairness and truth. Of course, I am still probably too naive for the game. P.S. You go, green.

Cool beans, Elenation! Isn't America great!?

Ooops, Elenaton, you might want to steer clear of the thread about global warming. Think of your blood pressure. Sorry, I just cannot stop speaking out when I think it is necessary. I am not an evil, mean-spirited person. I am sorry that my posts come across that way. I do feel very strongly about the Republican agenda. It is diametrically opposite from mine. You feel just as strongly about Democrats. You've been at least as outspoken against the Democratic candidates and agenda. And that's what this forum of Rants & Raves is all about, isn't it? I may disagree with you (even vehemently) but I am glad that you have the opportunity to voice your beliefs here and I respect you as a person. I am glad to sort of get to know someone with strong feelings about the things going on in our country! Btw, If you had an understanding of my personal background and experiences, you would not question my need to express myself in the things that I post here. That being said, I am truly sorry if I offend you or anyone else here. I honestly mean that.

Are you aware of some of the environmental decisions that Bush has made while in office? I mean actual decisions, not the things he SAYS he wants? He has favored big business over environmental concerns all along the way. If that is what you want and expect from your president, then okay. But please don't kid yourself into believing that just because a lot of people are moving toward a greener world, and criticizing Bush in the process, that Bush has done anything to improve our environment just because he says he's concerned (which he has said). I firmly believe that if Bush (and the Fox network) were to come all out in support of addressing global warming issues, it would be much more acceptable (and real) in most Republicans' minds. Of course I can never conjur up a scenario where that might actually happen. It is contrary to what the party stands for. I don't mean to be insulting at all, I honestly do not. However the record speaks for itself.

Anyone read the online blog yesterday about the push to make John McCain use Condi Rice for his Veep? Those Republicans! Trying to dream up their own dream ticket. Personally I believe that if they run Condi for VP, it will backfire and they'll wish they hadn't. They can run some very negative anti-Condi ads showing her saying some really nutty stuff over the past 7 years.

That does sound radical, but if you are not "one with your band" I can completely understand it. I haven't considered RNY, but I have wondered if some of my problems with my immune system have to do with the LB. Have you considered the "sleeve"? My LB doc is doing more of those now than the LB. I believe it is nearly as effective as RNY, but don't quote me. I assume the reason he's using it in lieu of RNY is because of risk factors. But you know what they say about assumptions. Of course if you just don't like having something artificial residing in you, then it makes sense that RNY is the best answer. I have always been scared to death of it because of all the horror stories, but I am absolutely sure that they have perfected the surgery and are far more proficient at it than when it was first being done (that prompted the negative stories). I wish you the very best and hope that your new surgery is the perfect answer for you!

Wine? Oh the sins of the wicked. I hope Obama is good and that the outing gives her an opportunity to think for herself. :cursing:

What a relief. Ice is back. No global warming. I'll sleep better tonight.

Oooh. Now I get it. I have a feeling that Huckabee might be her man.

She's Catholic? I used to have a client who was totally into Benny Hinn. His ministry was located in Orlando and when she and her husband moved to town, they were overwhelmed with joy at the thought of being able to be a part of his congregation. They were anxious to make their financial pledge too. (They were "blessed" financially.) I thought they were kidding when they first told me how much they believed in Benny. Good thing I didn't bust out in the side splitting uproarious belly laugh that I was feeling on the inside. :cursing: Had I done that, it would've been bye, bye client! Can't wait to hear what you think of Obama!

Green! That's priceless and absolutely the way I see him... Huckabee, the love child of Dubya and Benny Hinn. luluc I did not know that Obama was in big D tomorrow. Please give us a report afterwards. If I were your MIL and you surprised me with a political speech when I was expecting your undivided attention, I'm not sure I would be thrilled. Well, that's not true. Being the political animal that I seem to be, I'd probably be delighted. My DIL would NEVER take me to a political rally of any kind. That would mean she would have to listen to my assessment of the speech all the way home and her head would explode. :cursing:

You are wrong about the "relatively" issue, but please, let's drop it - it's a really obtuse argument. As for the rest, I will repeat it as many times and as many ways as I feel it needs repeating... government should not be in the business of forcing women to either have unwanted children or to not have wanted children. There are many more factors involved than just the definition of when a fertilized egg becomes an individual human being.

gadget the reason I used the term "relatively" is because Down's Syndrome is found in the offspring of older women more often than in younger healthy women. Watching what China has chosen to legislate with regard to babies clearly points to why governments should never be allowed to intervene or legislate the reproduction process in their citizens.

Romney would be heads and shoulders above that doofus Huckabee as far as I'm concerned!

gadget, you think we should become sterilized and that would make us responsible citizens in your eyes if we continue to have sex? A very dear friend of mine had her tubes tied when she was 41 years old. She bacame pregnant two years later. No, she didn't have an abortion, but she did die when her daughter was 3. Cervical cancer. Fortunately her daughter was born healthy and without Down's Syndrome which is relatively common for people her parents' age. And her husband married a pretty young thing, and the little girl got a new mother, so I guess everything was hunkey dorey for everyone, but my friend, Sue of course. Marjon, you crack me up.

We can set that up for you. Pick out your purtiest blue dress!

Power and money are very attractive "qualities" in a man. Booties certainly factor in as a close third. Just kidding. Face and booty come first, no matter what!!! And then sense of humor... Cheers!!!

Green if only you hadn't have added that caveat. Be that as it may... you'll never convince me or my daughter that today's medicine makes pregnancy, labor and childbirth completely safe for women.

No, not a red herring at all. I didn't say that you don't like sex. I said that the only way a person can insure that they don't get pregnant when they don't want to is by abstaining. I was merely trying to logic it through. You say that it doesn't matter whether a woman wants to be pregnant or not. If a woman becomes pregnant she should have the baby. So it make sense, logically, that your advice and wishes would be that I abstain from sex since it is dangerous to my health if I were to be impregnated. Of course you did say that women will always be able to get an abortion if their health is in danger. I sincerely disagree. The government would make the ultimate decision - not the doctor, not me. That is, if you were to have your way and take that choice out of my hands.

If we're talkin' looks here grrls, I favor the John Edwards type. Brains and booty. Good combination. Isn't that just like us... reduce everything to sexual innuendo. Woo hoo!

Green, this isn't the first time you've mentioned Osama's temperature. Me thinks you might be smitten?

Elenaton: You are so very right. You and I can never change anything - at least not on our own. :wink: I would much rather enjoy your friendship here than get into some p....sing contest. (I actually did forget that I used the term "buffoon" which wasn't nice. So I probably had no business calling you down on your Osama remarks. See, you know more about Obama than I anyway... I didn't know his middle name is Hussein.) :thumbup: Besides, I think this is going to be a very interesting political race - on both sides. We may as well sit back and enjoy it. :mad: :thumbup: :eek: :thumbup: :crying: