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Recent statistics show that on average 18 Veterans are commiting suicide every day. 

For the most part our military - and our government - treats our personell like a piece of equipment, and not a human being.

This needs to stop.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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Schools dont keep us safe - Blackwater does.

I say cut out school completley and put that money in Iraq.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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I'm with Bill Sizemore: I hate all taxes.

I prefer to pray for money to fall from the sky instead.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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In this country we refuse to learn from the past.

The model T got 25 miles to the gallon, and the first Diesel fuel was distilled from peanut oil (bio).

Just like we learned nothing from the oil embargo of 1973 AND 1979, we will learn nothing from $148 a barrel oil now that its below $50.

You can check out 'Who Killed the Electric Car" from the Mult Co Library, btw.

Drives me nuts.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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While 'diet & exercise' indeed is an oversimplification, the phrase 'lifestyle' seems to be a better term.

I work with a non-profit dedicated towards the building of skateparks. One thing we have found is that skateboarding is a great way for the youth of today to burn calories.

Sure, some traditional thinkers look at skateboarding with some suspicion - but in this day and age anything that gets kids off of the couch and reduces screen time is a good thing.

In short, I rarely see overweight kids (or adults) at the skatepark - but they are always crowed.

-Chad

skatepark.org

skateportland.org

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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I heard on Democracy Now! this morning that on avrage right now, 18 veterans are commiting suicide every day.

I also was fortunate enough to attend the NW Winter Soldier hearings last month. I would avise putting 'Winter Soldier' in the google, and the youtube.

Thanks.

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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Why don't we just ban all minorites from public schools outright? Wouldn't that simplify things?

How long has this region been speaking Engilsh? I'd say less than 150 years. The Native Americans spoke thier languages for thousands of years, yet the Sizemore's of the world think they can ipose thier will on a changing social environment.

posted 4 years, 7 months ago
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The modern interepetation of opera is facinating to me.

The best example is R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" - a Hiphopra.

All the chapters are available on youtube - enjoy!

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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Rather than an open primary, we need to shift to instant runoff voting.

That is the only way to eliminate the 'lesser of two evils' system that has been alowed to develop.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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Dudes like Kevin Mannix scare me.

Much like the David Vitters & Larry Craigs of the world vote 'family first' all the time (hiding their true colors), I wonder what cleptomainiac lurks beneath the surface of Mannix.

That Fred Phelps guy in Kansas is one of those dudes as well (look him up)

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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This is a very timely subject. Hopefully we can learn how to deal with the depression that is right around the corner...

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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I don't know who came up with the idea to have only 2 parties, but that dude needs shot.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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The 'Regan revolution' set out to undo the New Deal - and it worked. We are now seeing the consequences of this: the second comming of the robber baron era.

It seems to me that a new version of the New Deal would be a win/win here: our infrastructure is failing, and bridges rebuilt in America would have to be built by Americans - you cant put that stuff on a boat and ship it over. The wages spent would stay in this country.

We need someone with the stones to re-implement tarrifs on imports - that will kick start manufacturing here (assuming we remember how to make stuff)

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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I have always wondered why canned Salmon comes in a tapered can - nothing else does.

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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All history is "His story"

Now I have one more reason for my 'white guilt' - thanks.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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One thing I get out of stories like these is this:

The next time you get stuck in traffic, or your hamburger sucks, grin and bear it. The everyday trials and tribulations that we face are nothing next to what people like the guest "John" has had to deal with and still does.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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Biofuels? Are you crazy?

We can learn from history here. What if ethanol catches on? The last thing I want to see is the 82ond Airborne invading Nebraska to "liberate" the corn from the good people that live there (Protestants & Catholics alike).

How 'bout Biodiesel? Most of the local Bio comes from eastern Oregon - again, I fear a military occupation to follow if we become dependent upon Biodiesel.

Call me crazy, but my carbon footprint isn't nearly as important as keeping the US Military as far away from me as possible.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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I used to get upset as much as the next guy, but that was before I moved to Oregon.

This place is so close to perfect, how could you let things bother you? You gotta keep things in perspective.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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I love how in this country there is a general call for "democracy in Iran" - when there was a democratic Iran under Mosaddeq, who was deposed by the CIA in 1953 when we instaled the Shah.

The 1979 Islamic revolution was 'blowback' from that operation (Operation Ajax).

I also love how 'we dont talk to Iran' - unless you are refering to George HW Bush setting up the release of the American hostages UNDER THE CONDITION THEY NOT BE RELEASED UNTILL AFTER THE 1980 ELECTION. This was of course the first 'October Suprise'.

Or the time we talked to them enough to sell them arms to fight Iraq, allowing us to fund the Contra's AND back both sides in the Iran / Iraq war.

I dont spaeak farsi (sp?), but it is my understanding that 'wipe them off of the face of the map' simply dosen't exist in that language. That "quote" was Ahmadinejad quoting someone else, stating that Isreal would self destruct.

If I was Iran, I would be freaked out too.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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In such a tolerant community as Portland, I find myself driven more towards Islam day by day.

Think of the beauty of Islam: its the last 'punk rock' thing you can do to piss off the general public. Think of when your boss is getting on you about this or that, "Oh, hang on a second - I need to pray to Mecca real quick...."

PS - its always nice to have you around, April. Come back soon!

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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