This morning, presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee Barack Obama lashed out at the Tennessee Republican Party for posting an Internet video lampooning comments made by his wife. During an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Obama said that his critics should “lay off his wife” and that such criticism was “low class.” He also said that the GOP group “should be careful” and that it was “unacceptable” for his wife to be targeted.
In the video, Michelle Obama is shown delivering a speech commenting that “for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.” The state Republican group “welcomed” Michelle Obama to their state by interviewing several Nashville residents who were proud of their country. The four minute video has been a favorite on YouTube since it was posted.
Is this the first time the wife of a presidential candidate has received attention from political opponents? Of course not, such scrutiny is customary. During the 1992 presidential race, when Bill Clinton was running for President, the comments of Hillary Clinton were dissected by the media and Republicans. Now, Barack Obama wants another set of rules for his wife.
When Michelle Obama claims that she has only recently become proud of this country or that the United States is “downright mean,” of course, this should invite attention. The Tennessee GOP has every right to condemn her comments. The video did not include any personal attacks against Michelle Obama, but it did appropriately highlight why her comments were ridiculous and infuriating.
For the record, this country is not mean and it is the most generous nation on the face of the earth. There are millions of reasons to be proud of this country. Americans have led the fight to advance human freedom, fight disease, and make life on this planet better for billions of people. No other country has done as much as the United States of America to combat hunger, illiteracy, poverty and political oppression.
Clearly, the U.S. is a military superpower, but we are also a charitable superpower and the strongest force for good in the world. It is sad that Michelle Obama does not realize this basic fact. Since she does not understand what is so special about this country, it is a legitimate topic in the presidential campaign.
If Barack Obama is elected, Michelle Obama will play an important part in his administration. Does this country want someone with her views to be in such an influential position? That is a debate that we need to have and one that is being properly advanced by not only the Tennessee Republican Party, but also by other groups and commentators throughout the country.
Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
Yes T-Dubb, my friend. It is .01%....... Now that we are clear, let me say that it doesn't matter what your opinion is, at least you have one, and the freedom to express it is all important.... Now coupled with resolute approaches, those three things in theirselves have a powerful vantage point when it comes to effecting the common good for all...... Or that is what is supposed to be happening. Today in Americaland or Louisianaland it is more difficult to do than ever.... And the reasons are obvious.... So go ahead and hug a tree, they need luv tooo... No problem... But it is higher ground when one causes real improvements to come around.... It is hard to be a .01percenter..... Written by
on 5/22/2008
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If Michelle Obama's thesis has been released, please tell me was it released to the media, or what? Written by Bobby
on 5/21/2008
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You mean "0.01 figure," don't you? TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/21/2008
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And so now when you hear the term "99 and 99/100ths of a percent" you will have a grasp of what it means. Written by In other words maybe it is possible, maybe not
on 5/21/2008
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Well T-duhhhhhbbbb, it would appear that you answered your own question for yourself…… And the reason why? Well, you were cued to do so. Ahh, simple minds can be so refreshing sometimes…. Simple as that…. At best, 50% of the population is capable of putting 2 + 2 together…… And even then 50% of that group will get it wrong as a result of unfocused, unstudied, hypothesis,, and then 50% of that has a 50/50 chance of understanding the ramifications of what they have discovered, and then out of that 50% may be capable of understanding the consequences of the ramifications they were exposed to or educated on, and out of that only 50% are able to come up with solutions to the consequences of the ramifications of the hypothesis that was originally brought about because they thought they saw something…….. And out of that amount only 50% are able to hit upon a working solution out of all the trial and error solutions their predecessors proposed…. And out of that, only 50% of the solutions are understood by the folks that the population put into place so that gives a solution a 50/50 chance of becoming a static event……. And so there you have it T-dubb, like I told you before, but sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh now I have to do the math for you, there is your .001 evaluation…… So go ahead and copy or plagiarize the numbers I just gave to you so you can arrive at the answer for yourself and call it your own…. Written by You're not alone, you merely echo their discontent
on 5/21/2008
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If over 99.99% of the people are just like me, then how come I'm by myself on most issues discussed here, or at most, I'm supported by a very small minority of the visitors to this site? Are this site's visitors that non-random a sample of the citizenry of Louisiana? You can't have it both ways, guy. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/21/2008
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Well Sunshine, surprise surprise surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The very existence of your being attests to your plagiarisms in life... I read nothing different into your character than that exhibited by 99 and 99/100ths of the rest of the indoctrinated population subscribe to....... You are simply a droning copy cat.... Simple as that.............................. Written by
on 5/21/2008
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Hey Kerry, sorry about that - but I do not take accusations of plagiarism lightly. You can call me a pinhead, pinko, commie, tree-hugger, whatever - but don't you DARE accuse me of plagiarism. And feel free to disagree with me - in fact, I welcome it - but you have to keep it honest. Sure I call people names constantly, but I don't tell lies here, and I hold everyone else to that standard. And no, I know I'm not a real journalist (neither are you for that matter), so you can stop being so patronizing. But I do not plagiarize, period. You can take that to the bank. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/21/2008
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Well goodness gracious. All that testosterone will drive the more genteel posters away. I spent a good bit of my life in an all male environment (offshore 7/7 or 14/14), it really wasn't that great, didn't smell too good either. The only saving grace was dem coonass cooks (I’d tell ‘em “cook all you want I’ll wash all dem dishes you dirty” – dat’s one reason I’m a fat boy now). Anyway.... while not being blind to this country's faults - past and present - and kind of hoping Obama gets in office (I have my reasons) - I did think it was a very foolish opinion expressed by Mrs. Obama, for many different reasons. Written by kpf
on 5/21/2008
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I told you..... liberals are thin skinned. Written by poboy1
on 5/21/2008
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Oh, please forgive them, Tee Dub. You exhibit nothing but the highest journalistic standards for anonymous, name-calling rants, I mean posts. Any coward can post with a blank name, by only someone of the highest integrity can post with a trite cajun nickname for all the world to see. You truly deserve a Pulitzer for your body of work on bayoubuzz. Written by
on 5/21/2008
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Listen, pinhead - I may be a lot of things, but I am intellectually honest. I cite sources for anything that's not mine. I never take credit for any statement that I didn't write myself, and I put quotes around the statements that are not from me - so that's enough from your dumb*ss, you hear me? Go verify it, dipsh*t... you can find my posts here on this site - use the buzzback feature, and see if you can find anything that I've plagiarized. You won't find a g.d. thing that I've plagiarized, you little prick. GFY. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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Yeah, Dub, we liked you better when you surfed for these radical quotes and then presented them as your own thoughts. Written by
on 5/20/2008
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Dub, If I wanted to find a page of links, I'd go to the dead pelican or google news or some other site. I thought this was supposed to be a comment board. Written by
on 5/20/2008
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This is better than the quote: http://lawrenceofcyberia.blogs.com/news/2008/05/patriotism-made.html Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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Tee Dub, Bartlett already put out a book of quotations. And I'm sure you could find one that is more relevant to this argument than that one. We're not talking about blind patriotism, we're talking about being honest and intelligent and open-minded enough to recognize that you are fortunate to live in one of the greatest nations on earth, with more freedom, rights and opportunity than most of the humans on the planet could ever dream of having. Have you ever been proud of the USA in your adult life? Do you think that a black woman who's husband has risen to the top should have had good reason to be proud of the USA before now??? Written by the lame quote hater
on 5/20/2008
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"Patriotism is the conviction that your country is superior to all others because you were born in it." - George Bernard Shaw Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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Jazzy ski ranger, Michelle did not say she was proud of her country for the fact that a black man was that close to the presidency. She said that that fact made her proud of her country for the FIRST TIME IN HER ADULT LIFE. Big distinction there. Do you want a first lady who was ashamed of her country until her husband became president? Even power mad Hillary is not that self-centered. Written by
on 5/20/2008
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Hey, Tee Dub, tell us a little about yourself.... Kind of curious on the subject... Written by ..........Baseball
on 5/20/2008
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Come on now, go gently on the dub, he probably just mixed his medications up again and is a little confused…. Written by Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-
on 5/20/2008
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Like you said……Yeah, hook line and sinker,,, POW!!!!! What on earth does Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, South Africa, Australia, Japan have to do with anything, or even whether or not the Mack truck was on the right or wrong side of the road???? But I can see you are right in you observation of T dub when you observed “You appear to be a legalist with no real value understanding or experience”. Talk about someone sleepwalking, dub must have blinders on…………….. Sort of appears to be displaying some symptoms of delusional paranoia… Written by
on 5/20/2008
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So was "he" standing in Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, South Africa, Australia, Japan? Or was the Mack truck driving on the wrong side of the road? And were you inquiring as to whether I have boudin, or perhaps you were wondering about whether my Bedouin house servant is a legal immigrant? His papers are in order, I assure you. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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Yeah, hook line and sinker,,, POW!!!!! He looks left as he crosses the street while a mack truck is rapidly approaching from the right. Written by Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-Ha!-
on 5/20/2008
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No, I don't think you are being called a bore TW, tedius and shortsighted perhaps, but certainly not boring.................... That is unless you like to prattle on about things that nobody cares.......... Psssssstttttt, Got Boudan? Written by
on 5/20/2008
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"Now I am not going to bore you with oligarchies, plutocracies, kleyptogarchies (sic)" - TOO LATE! And you call me a bore?!?!?!??!!? TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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Let's not for get it takes a President Executive order to allow Americans of African descent to vote. In 1956-59 civil right marches and sit ins were all over this land trying to let african discent americans eat in resturants. Lynchings were still going on in the south. In the ninities a group of americans drug a african disent man behind a pick up truck in Texas. Michelle with the recent events in the presdential race has good reason to be proud of this country as a full participating american. But a lot of historicial happenings is in the fabric of our history. we still have a lot of opportunities to pick up on more pride. we still have some bad happenigs lingering around. Written by Jazzy ski ranger
on 5/20/2008
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You are too easy T-Dub, reeled you in hook line and sinker,,,, Now take a deep breath and focus….. Because after all your observation boils down to what your definition of is…. IS ,,,,,,,,,,, Ha!ha!Ha! [(Did he say stupid? Maybe he didn’t, but I will ad lib in the event he wasn’t clear on is analysis of the subject for the simple minded out there) ] Just testing to see if you are cognitive T-Dub……… You appear to be a legalist with no real value understanding or experience….. Because in relationship to “It’s the economy stupid”, I can draw it down to “Read my lips, no new taxes”…. So, now that I have your undivided attention (I am sure)….. The two subjects of the Economy and Taxes when coupled with the high cost of living and the diminishment of exports from the U.S.A. are at the root of the problem…. Now focus if you can……. Lower initial cost housing/living costs are major components of what is necessary for this country to stabilize….. and to be more competitive on a global scale…… So, which came first the chicken or the egg? Economy or taxes? For there to be any equitable taxes there first must be an economy, and for there to be an economy there must be a basis of value… When you understand those principles, and you get the rest of your priorities in line, then you can begin your walk down the yellow brick road……… But I will give you a hint on one of the many paradigms my advice can evoke…. If you decide your job is going to be in public service, then you are simply that, a servant of the public. The public, as a rule of thumb, if it desires more, it has to produce more…. And what do the public servants today produce? Big question……. So you see T-Dub, you are focused on the right hand while the left hand is making its moves, and when you catch the left hand in mid motion, the right hand is slipping around your back to the wallet in your pocket… I mean really, who gives a shit about Kissinger, he is so 70’s (in more ways than just one). Now I am not going to bore you with oligarchies, plutocracies, kleyptogarchies, I am sure you have your ‘schooling’ on that subject. Interestingly enough when it comes to schooling that is merely a product of information absorbed from someone else. So in other words, you are basically a rerun….. Or a model for civil servants to aspire to. Written by
on 5/20/2008
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And Obama has slightly more congressional experience than Don Cazayoux, a mentor who practices hate speech, a wife who is finally proud of a country that has made her race-card playing husband one of the 100 most powerful men in the world. Naive feel good drivel for policy proposals and a grass roots support network that even Bill Clinton calls racist. Nothing to criticize there. Written by
on 5/20/2008
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And Bobby, if you really want to read her senior thesis, it's been released. Cripes you people don't have even a modicum of a clue as to how to verify facts! http://www.nj.com/centraljersey/index.ssf/2008/02/princeton_u_releases_mjchelle.html Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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Why would anyone attack Bush? I mean, he's been such a success - the economy's booming, there's money in the treasury because he brought down the deficit, the dollar is strong, we captured Osama bin Laden, the vice president didn't shoot anyone in the face, gas prices are at historic lows, the President didn't play the guitar in California while New Orleans was flooded, and the War in Iraq only lasted six months and paid for itself! All is wonderful in rightard la-la land - there's not a cloud in the metaphorical sky, except for all those pesky Negroes with their race cards. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/20/2008
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You're right on the mark, poboy. That card is at the top of the deck. And Obama's hoping that, at this transition from nomination to election, he can get a few pansy-a$$ journalists and politicians to side with him on sheltering his smartass wife. Then anyone who uses that tactic from then on will be going against precedent. I don't always see attack politics as a successful tool, but after all of the attacks on Bush and his team for the past 8 years, nothing should be off the table. Attack and show no mercy. Written by ralphie
on 5/20/2008
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All is fair in war,love and American politics. Michelle Obama has been on the attack against Republicans ever since this campaign started. This makes her fair game. If you attack you will be attacked. It's American politics so don't whine about it. Obamas little "warning" proves he,like most liberals,has thin skin and is totally lacking the right stuff to be president. I suspect there is something more sinister going on here. This is a clear message by Obama to all in the newsmedia and on the campaign trail that the race card will be played at some point in this campaign. The MO of black politicians at every level. When the going gets tough and the questions get tougher the card comes out. Take it to the bank. It will come out. Written by poboy1
on 5/20/2008
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Oh, and if Tee Dub can drag up Kissinger, I have another interesting thought. Isn't it ironic that Tidewater Ted Kennedy almost cashed in his chips just as Obama is reaching the promised land. Think there might only be room for one prince in Camelot??? Written by
on 5/19/2008
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I'm sure Michelle didn't parade out there and make her comments independently of his campaign. If you want to use your family as a part of your political propaganda machine, then they are subject to the same degree of scrutiny as the candidate or any other authorized spokesperson. That goes not only for Michelle Obama, but for Chelsea Clinton as well. Written by ralphie
on 5/19/2008
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Is it "fair" that Michelle Obama's thesis at Princeton has been restricted until 1 day after elections? Written by Bobby
on 5/19/2008
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Well, "no name" from your petty little mind we are once again treated to some more of your missives, or rather, "dismissives" - and as always, you are both hypercritical and hypocritical at the same time. What a winning combination! You don't provide the reader any interesting information, but instead provide false or erroneous information (today you apparently don't even realize that "it's the economy, stupid" was Bill Clinton's line, not the elder Bush's). Your information-free critique of "the clairvoyant" was a waste of bytes (at least no trees were killed in the process), and as to your comment on my latest post, I don't even understand your metaphor, but perhaps that's not the point? One thing I can say about you with absolute certainty - you are not nearly as bright and/or knowledgeable as you think you are. In that regard you are a lot like this guy: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/195339.php TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/19/2008
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Tdub, you already have one foot in the coliseum’s gate. Sorry for you pal. Written by
on 5/19/2008
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Clairvoyant, you are delusional…. You do not even grasp the basic fundamentals of what is really at hand on the issue or 'issues' you espouse on. Written by
on 5/19/2008
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I don't disagree that spouses are somewhat fair game in political campaigns, but your "America first" analysis of Michelle Obama's comments is short-sighted. It is true that America has been a leading force for righteousness both domestically and abroad, but it hasn't always been that way for some of our folks here at home. I think Michelle's comments are a reflection of that sentiment and they are probably shared by a lot of African-Americans and other groups that have historically been oppressed. Furthermore, I'm sure Michelle would take back those exact words as she could because I think it's pretty clear that she didn't mean "it took my husband getting nominated to make me proud of my country." She would reword what she said, just like John McCain would no doubt reword his 100 years in Iraq comment. They are gaffes, and they shouldn't define policy. Ironically, isn't that a major tenet of Obama's campaign?
Furthermore, with the focus on stuff like Michelle's comments, and to a different extent Rev. Wright, we are losing sight on what's really important. It causes people like you, Jeff, you focus entirely on everything that is good about America while completely ignoring the fact that there are some serious problems out there. One-sided analysis also doesn't get to the heart of the comments, which would be why she feels the way she does. Just as Barack tried to explain away Rev. Wright's sentiments, there are reasons why Michelle would say anything close to what she did. Getting in a defensive crouch about the greatness of your country is only good if you accept the fact that America is founded on the principle that we can and will get better. Your comments do nothing to indicate that you understand that. Written by clairvoyant
on 5/19/2008
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Sorry to bore you - but it's better than being taken to a stadium and slaughtered, I suppose. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 5/19/2008
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Put a cork in it T-dubbbbbbbb............ You are soooooooooooooo borish. Written by
on 5/19/2008
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I will agree with you where you wrote this Jeff;………. [For the record, this country is not mean and it is the most generous nation on the face of the earth. There are millions of reasons to be proud of this country. Americans have led the fight to advance human freedom, fight disease, and make life on this planet better for billions of people. No other country has done as much as the United States of America to combat hunger, illiteracy, poverty and political oppression. ……….Clearly, the U.S. is a military superpower, but we are also a charitable superpower and the strongest force for good in the world.]But I would like to add that at this point in time we are one of the most screwed up countries in the world when it comes to an understanding of reason, purpose, destination, and intent. Right now we have a large faction/fraction of the population in our nation that is casting their votes based only on race or sex…. Simple as that. It is interesting to note that during WWII Saudi Arabia would no longer accept U.S. Dollars for oil demanding a transfer of gold instead………….. The ‘weak dollar’? Among the 5 or 6 additionally but equally basic reasons for oil hitting $128 per barrel and gas costing anywhere from $4.95 on the west coast to $4.00 a gallon on the east coast……… In other words, in the words of President Bush’s father; “It’s the economy stupid” (Did he say stupid? Maybe he didn’t, but I will ad lib in the event he wasn’t clear on is analysis of the subject for the simple minded out there). Neither Obama, nor Clinton have the foggiest idea of what the majority of the nation wants, let alone needs. And McCain? I am not sure if his presence in the White House will have any changing effect either… It is a hope, but I am afraid I am cynical…….. But speaking of change… Change? Change what into what??? Change what for what???? A person can change buckets all they want, all day long, all week long, all month long, all year long, for years, but when the only thing being done is the bailing actions aimed at bailing out crap, then each bucket full, different bucket or not, is still going to smell like crap at the end of the day…… And the whole time the processes are being done. In fact, at the back of their minds most folks know what it is they want, they just don’t know how to label it or make it known, or even how to take steps to obtain it…. I do, but why bother sharing it with you, all the response I will receive is another bucket of crap…… Written by
on 5/19/2008
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Very disagreeable. Everyone reveals his true nature by what he says. You are very much a racist guy. Please get over it. You misinterpreted Michel's comments. Get a real life and be real human being with love and equality. Written by pio
on 5/19/2008
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Conviction in the murder of Victor Chara - of course, Kissinger will never stand trial, but blood is all over his hands. Informed Americans need to read about it:
http://www.bobharris.com/content/view/1610/1/
Written by Tee Dub
on 5/19/2008
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Holy shttttttttttt Jeff, this is SO OLD....................... Can't you come up with something a little more pertinent???? Written by
on 5/19/2008
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