maallen

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:16 a.m.

@Hilton, It is unfortunate that you believe Dr. Steele has a big ego. I have met him on several occasions and have found that is not the case. I have also met Dingell on several occasions and found that he has a huge ego. I am tired of Dingell referring to me and my family as "My people." Dingell is supposed to represent us so why is he referring to us as "my people." But ego aside, you have to look at why Dingell's words do not match his actions: For example: Dingell says, "That I'm their watchdog to see to it that big money, big government, don't hurt the American people." When Dingell says he wants to hold the government accountable and live within its means, but yet votes to spend us into debt repeatedly, what are we to believe? His words or his actions? When Dingell says he is powerful and most respected in Washington, but gets kicked off as chairman and no longer holds any key positions and only brings back.80 on every dollar we send to Washington, what are we to believe? His words, or his actions? When Dingell states that our health insurance premiums will go down, but yet Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, publicly announces that our premiums will go up because of the new health care law, and premiums are going up, what do you believe? His words or the action? When Dingell says he wants to protect social security, but puts our social security in the general funds and fails to keep it out of reach of the government spending machine, who are we to believe? His words or his actions? Instead of debating the issues at hand, you would rather divert attention elsewhere. Again, this election is about Dingell and Steele. It is quite obvious Dingell's old ways don't work in the new economy

Klayton

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 9:27 p.m.

I had a chance to meet Dr. Steele....and I'm voting for Dingell (post-meeting decision). I am voting for a few Republicans in this election (possibly Snyder and definitely Ouimet), but Dr. Steele was awful in person...big ego, little substance. Both my husband (a physician himself) and I turned to each other and said, "I can't vote for that guy...he was a complete phony." Just my experience, but not a good one for Steele.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 9:13 p.m.

Steele is a good man. Has not been corrupted by DC politics yet. Dingle trades in GM stock based on what DC Fed agencies are about to force on the car companies. Besides, the republicans look to have a Landslide in the making on Tuesday. Perhaps 68 seats in congress, some say only mid-50's. Might increase 9 Senate seats - likely take over 8 Governors.

bedrog

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.

@robyn...'intelligent design" and "creationism" are essentially the same thing and ARE an opinion...science, whether ultimately proved right or wrong,is far more than an "opinion"..It involves a method of testing and a mode of critical thinking that anyone without should not be in a policy making position. That's not say they are necessarily bad, or even stupid, people and unworthy of deference in specific areas of expertise...but broad public policy authority is not among them.

Ray D. Aider

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 2:21 p.m.

I just watched the the "Restoring Sanity" rally. There was thankfully no mention of Sarah Palin....that I know of. It was very entertaining and enlightening... I am now voting for Dingell. I should run for office. My lips are moving.

maallen

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.

@Clownfish, Are you serious? You are going back to 2008? In case you haven't noticed, we are in 2010 voting for people to take their seats in 2011. So while you want to focuse on Ronald Reagan, Dick Cheney, Palin, and John McCain, the voters are looking at Dingell and Steele. You have repeatedly failed to answer the basic of questoins. Why is it Dingell's words do not match his actions? For example: Dingell says, "That I'm their watchdog to see to it that big money, big government, don't hurt the American people." When Dingell says he wants to hold the government accountable and live within its means, but yet votes to spend us into debt repeatedly, what are we to believe? His words or his actions? When Dingell says he is powerful and most respected in Washington, but gets kicked off as chairman and no longer holds any key positions and only brings back.80 on every dollar we send to Washington, what are we to believe? His words, or his actions? When Dingell states that our health insurance premiums will go down, but yet Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, publicly announces that our premiums will go up because of the new health care law, and premiums are going up, what do you believe? His words or the action? When Dingell says he wants to protect social security, but puts our social security in the general funds and fails to keep it out of reach of the government spending machine, who are we to believe? His words or his actions? Instead of debating the issues at hand, you would rather divert attention elsewhere. Again, this election is about Dingell and Steele. It is quite obvious Dingell's old ways don't work in the new economy.

maallen

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.

@Monica R-W The voting mentality is absolutely shallow and shocking. It doesn't matter if there is a letter D, I, or R behind the name on the ballot. It's their ideas and actions that matter. So, Monica for you to say if Dr. Steele runs as an independent is simply just shallow. Last time I checked, this country allowed free speech. So Palin has every right to voice her opinion here. The mentality of some voters on here is quite frankly scary. But thanks to our constitution they have every right to vote. But just because someone like Palin decided to endorse shouldn't matter. Steele's character didn't change because of it. Steele's ideas didn't change because of it. He's still the same candidate that he was before he got the endorsement. I will ask this question again because the radical left wing people on here refuse to answer: If Alvin Greene (the unknown person who ended up beating a known democrat in the Democrat South Carolina primary and made national news) decided to endorse Dingell in this race, would you decide not to vote for Dingell? Of course not because someone's endorsement doesn't matter to Dingell's liberal character, socialistic ideas. He's still the same left wing radical liberal. Way to interject the race card. Nice.

clownfish

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.

"Reagan proved deficits don't matter," Richard Cheney. flip flop

clownfish

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.

DONBEE- Michigan is in the USA, of which Obama is the president. Michigan is not in Alaska. A phrase often heard in Teababy circles is "We don't want outside groups telling us what to do". Obviously they want to BE those outside groups. --- As Mayor, Palin left the city in debt, now she Whines about debt? As Mayor, Palin had built a facility on land with no clear title. This cost the city about a million in legal bills. NO businessman/woman worth his salt would have made this simple error. According to figures provided by the city of Wasilla, the operating budget for Wasilla went from $6,050,160 in fiscal year 1996 to $9,393,768 in 2002. That's a 55 percent increase. But adjusted for inflation, it's a 35 percent increase. The annual financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 Palin's last year in office shows that the total long-term debt for Wasilla was $24.8-million. Before she took office it was $1.12 million. As gov, she raised the amount energy companies pay to remove oil, a "tax" on all users of oil, as that cost was passed on to consumers.

clownfish

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.

@MALLEN: All of our taxes are going up. Really, got any proof of that? According to the laws being promoted by Obama, MY taxes WILL GO DOWN or stay the same. They have already gone down. If you are a wage earner, yours have gone down too... From FACTCHECK.ORG, 2008, in response to a McCain/Palin media frenzy... # A Spanish-language radio ad claims the measure Obama supported would have raised taxes on "families" making $42,000, which is simply false. Even a single mother with one child would have been able to make $58,650 without being affected. A family of four with income up to $90,000 would not have been affected. # The TV ad claims in a graphic that Obama would "raise taxes on middle class." In fact, Obama's plan promises cuts for middle-income taxpayers and would increase rates only for persons with family incomes above $250,000 or with individual incomes above $200,000. # The radio ad claims Obama would increase taxes "on the sale of your home." In fact, home-sale profits of up to $500,000 per couple would continue to be exempt from capital gains taxes. Very few sales would see an increase under Obama's proposal to raise the capital gains rate. # A second radio ad, in English, says, "Obama has a history of raising taxes" on middle-class Americans. But that's false. It refers to a vote that did not actually result in a tax increase and could not have done so. He has proposed raising tha capital gains tax...to the same level Ronnnie Reagan had it!! If it was good enough for Reagan, why the flip flop for Obama? (same question about increasing the size and cost of the federal govt, BTW. Estimated deficit when Reagan left office...1.4 -2.9 Trillion. Sound familiar? ) See what happens when you listen to the likes of Sarah? You get Miss information, then you vote on it. What kind of republic can operate like that?

DonBee

Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

@Monica R-W - But it is OK for President Obama to endorse folks in SE Michigan? Just want to know, since it would seem your comments are that politics should be local, and you take on one set of endorsements in your follow on comments, but not the others. Is this fair?

Monica R-W

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 11 p.m.

@Jackie. Even though I will not be voting for your Father, I do admire that you took the time to come on this forum to inform the public of the person you know as "Dad". That is very courageous and honorable of you. I truly appreciate your point of view. As for Dr. Steele, maybe another year and another political party....will make the difference in two years. Maybe he should consider running independent for this Congressional District, in 2012. One great independent candidate, David Palmer for the Michigan 54th District, has not had the exposer within local media as he should. Lucky for me (and my podcast listeners) I had the opportunity to interview him on my blog talk radio show "Reach Out Job Search" on Thursday. Let's just say, I was impressed enough with his independent views that he earned my vote after our discussion. Sarah Palin would NEVER do what Candidate Palmer did, which was to come onto a moderate/liberal based radio show and take on the tough questions. In fact, if the questions are not Fox News/Glen Beck generated or softball for her taste....she will not even appear within the room or via the phone. Also, the constant phase of her's "Taking the Country Back". Back from WHOM? The African-American President? The Democratic Party? Minorities that are not White? Who is the people or persons that she speaks of here? Since she has never took the time to define her statement....or COURSE she means the "black" President. Racist at best....dumb at worst. Regardless of her "beliefs", President Obama was elected by a majority vote, in this country. In 2012, the country will have the right to judge, via the voting booth, his job the previous 3 1/2 years. If they choose to vote him out, then that is the end result. If he stays....then great. Regardless, Sarah Palin and no one else "Owns" OUR country to "take it back". The people decide the VOTE, period and this is the law of the land. So, I end this discussion, where my initial one began. Sarah Palin needs to worry about Joe Miller winning in Alaska and keep her thoughts, opinions and WHATEVER ELSE out of Southeastern Michigan politics. No one asked for her to interject her opinions, as they are not WANTED or NECESSARY, here!

maallen

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 6:04 p.m.

@RayA2 apparently you don't realize that the so called "wealthy tax break" that congress let expired is going to affect all of us regardless of what classification you put yourself in. All of our taxes are going up. It is very unfortunate that the democrats decided to leave Washington early so they could campaing to hold onto their seats. If they would have just done their jobs to begin with, then they wouldn't be in the mess they are in. When you don't list to your own constituents, it will come back to haunt you. And it is a shame that voters base their votes on who endorses who. That is so shallow. Just because a candidate gets endorsed by someone it does not change the fact who that candidate is. What's funny is, if Alvin Greene (the unknown democrat in South Carolina who won the primary over a known democrat) endorses Dingell, would any Dingell supporter not vote for Dingell? I doubt it. What is just as unfortunate is people refuse to hold John Dingell accountable. What he says and what he does are two opposites. For example: Dingell says, "That I'm their watchdog to see to it that big money, big government, don't hurt the American people." When Dingell says he wants to hold the government accountable and live within its means, but yet votes to spend us into debt repeatedly, what are we to believe? His words or his actions? When Dingell says he is powerful and most respected in Washington, but gets kicked off as chairman and no longer holds any key positions and only brings back.80 on every dollar we send to Washington, what are we to believe? His words, or his actions? When Dingell states that our health insurance premiums will go down, but yet Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, publicly announces that our premiums will go up because of the new health care law, and premiums are going up, what do you believe? His words or the action? When Dingell says he wants to protect social security, but puts our social security in the general funds and fails to keep it out of reach of the government spending machine, who are we to believe? His words or his actions? It's time for new ideas. Dingell had 55 years to fix the problems in Washington and he has failed to fix them. His answer to the problems is to throw money at it because he has no new ideas. Now is the time to try something different. Dingell's old ways don't work in the new economy.

Chrysta Cherrie

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.

It's good to see active conversation here, but let's nix the Intelligent Design discussion; it has no relation to the story. If you'd like to discuss that topic, please submit a post about it to the Community Wall.

robyn

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 3:35 p.m.

Gess what? I believe in Intelligent Design. That your OPINION is that creation is a lie is not factual data that creation of some sort is not responsible for life on this planet - or this planet itself. As to the other link - the 'lies' are also based upon opinion. That man is responsible for 'global warming' is an OPINION. There is data from those who oppose the theory of man made 'global warming' that is just as significant - maybe more so - to support that arguement that the Earth goes through climate changes and has been going through them far longer than man has existed. That you base what you call a LIE upon something that is really an OPINION is not proof of a lie. You're entitled to think what you want - I was merely astounded by the flat out hate some people can have for a person who has done absolutely NOTHING to them - except hold a different opinion about issues that people are allowed to differ about... I feel bad for people who carry that sort of nastiness toward others - it can't be good for you...

bedrog

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 3:10 p.m.

robyn...You requested a reference to a "lie" palin has told. Well, she's a creationist, which right out of the gate, involves lies about ( or willful denials of, which is effectively the same thing!) established scientific realities,for which faith based mythology-- however deeply believed, poetically expressed,and metaphorically interesting-- is no substitute. Especially in an age with real environmental and other challenges---some CAUSED by hyper religiosity-- that require respect for and command of logic and data. While i'd rather have sara on a moose hunt than, say, Pelosi,her judgement about world -effecting issues where science and logic are called for is seriously flawed and discredited by her creationism alone.

RayA2

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.

If I had any doubt about voting against the Republican challenger, this seals it. Sarah Palin is scary to me. Not because she has a single admirable quality to her, but because so many are fooled by her's and Fox New's use of social issues to further the Republican's real agenda. Look at the number one priority of the current Republican minority. It is making permanent W's tax cuts for the wealthy. Trickle down economics was a ruse that so effectively transferred wealth from the middle class to the wealthiest the last time it was pursued. Unfortunately today's middle class Republicans have been fooled by it again. It only furthers the relentless transfer of wealth from the middle class to the top.1% of the population. That is why the Republican leadership, who only represent the top 0.1%, have made tax cuts for the wealthy their top priority. We are are rightfully outraged by the deadlock in Washington. Republicans use social issues to split the electorate and get votes. Their lax attempts to really do anything about abortion or gay marriage, combined with their stated number one priority to take from my pocket and put in Rick Snyder's, speak volumes about their true intentions. The answer is to send Republicans packing and put in place people who really represent the majority of us.

HaeJee

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.

@robyn, she is a quitter and her actions is the proof. What you state is just an excuse. Simple as that. Her wealth HAS come from political favors! Are you kidding me? Her career is centered around politics. Regards to her lies, they are available and documented in many places. You verify them. Because she lied so bad, that is why people think she is not intelligent. They are as substantial as your claims. Palin lied when she said the dismissal of her public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, had nothing to do with his refusal to fire state trooper Mike Wooten; in fact, the Branchflower Report concluded that she repeatedly abused her power when dealing with both men. Palin lied when she repeatedly claimed to have said, "Thanks, but no thanks" to the Bridge to Nowhere; in fact, she openly campaigned for the federal project when running for governor. Palin lied when she denied that Wasilla's police chief and librarian had been fired; in fact, both were given letters of termination the previous day. Palin lied when she wrote in the NYT that a comprehensive review by Alaska wildlife officials showed that polar bears were not endangered; in fact, email correspondence between those scientists showed the opposite. Palin lied when she claimed in her convention speech that an oil gas pipeline "began" under her guidance; in fact, the pipeline was years from breaking ground, if at all. Palin lied when she told Charlie Gibson that she does not pass judgment on gay people; in fact, she opposes all rights between gay spouses and belongs to a church that promotes conversion therapy. Palin lied when she denied having said that humans do not contribute to climate change; in fact, she had previously proclaimed that human activity was not to blame. Palin lied when she claimed that Alaska produces 20 percent of the country's domestic energy supply; in fact, the actual figures, based on any interpretation of her words, are much, much lower. Palin lied when she told voters she improvised her convention speech when her teleprompter stopped working properly; in fact, all reports showed that the machine had functioned perfectly and that her speech had closely followed the script. This is a partial listing. The complete list can be found at the below link. http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/11/the-odd-lies-of-sarah-palin-a-roundup.htm

robyn

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.

Oh right... Great comparison to Levi Johnson! That doesn't even make sense. The people on Jersy Shores (or whatever that program is) have a following too - but to lump them in with those who have a political following is ridiculous. So she wasn't serving the best interest of the people of her state by stepping down so that she didn't cost them more money in frivilous lawsuits? She should have stayed and let the lawsuits fly for the next two years? Mind you - she STILL would have been making money from her book and she STILL would have been doing the political activities outside of her state - so she could have done both. Quite a few governors have been all over the country campaigning and speaking at various venues - away from their home state. So your agrument doesn't fly. I do find it a bit funny that you seem to be very concerned that she seems to have become a fairly wealthy woman - and none of that wealth has come from political 'favors'... People either like her and buy her book or whatever or they don't. She's capatalized on herself rather than benefitted from the perks of kickbacks for allowing others to capatalize. I think that's commendable. And her lies? Please list them - with REAL references. Don't bother posting what someone else says she said, that's not really how facts work. If you are going to make an accusation about a person being a liar - you really have to have the proof to back those accusations up.

HaeJee

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 10:46 a.m.

@robyn Regards to being a quitter, your argument does not change my view that she chose money over public service. Regards to being smart, just because she has a following is no indication that she is smart. Levi Johnson has a following also and countless other no bodies like Palin. People assume she doesnt think before talking, otherwise she wouldnt have made some of the statements she has. Competent, being a mayor of a town thats population is tiny in comparison to the average is no indication of competence in the lower states. Its Alaska? Kind of like the U.P. in Michigan. Have you been there? She may not come from money, but she loves the feel of it, which is why she continuously promotes her brand. My issue with her is how she bluntly lies and makes statements that are completely false to create this fear and hatred toward people that do not think as conservatively extreme as her, Beck, and Rush. How has she effected my life personally? She has provided a voice to people that were already prejudice to those that are not like them. She started the claim on who Real Americans are. According to her definition, myself and my family would not be included as being Real Americans since we did not come from back woods. I find what she says to be offensive and promotes segregation and division. I find it funny how some people love her because she is like them. She has NEVER admitted any accountability for her actions or what has come out of her mouth. She only finds blame upon others for anything that she sees as negative. She holds all the negative stereotypes that exist for women and that only hurts the image for women in our future. My emotions come from fear on how she will affect the progress of womens rights with her ultra conservative views.

robyn

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.

So she's a quitter? Do you realize in the few short months that she continued to govern the state of Alaska after the election that frivilous lawsuit against her cost the state approximately $1.9 Million? Anyone can file a suit - unfortunately that means is a suit is file it must be answered and that costs money. In this case, it cost the taxpayers of Alaska money. I'd have to say she put the taxpayers interests ahead of her own. As a governor she could still write a hugely successful book, she could still endorse candidate for races outside her state and she could still participate in the political process outside of Alaska. She's not 'smart' - apparently she's smart enough that there are people who will listen to her, pay to buy and read her book and she's been smart enough to make a lot of money since she became so well known as McCain's running mate. She's pretty much done this on her own - she doesn't come from a rich, old money background where the wheels have been greased for her to slide into the political arena. She's incompetent? Hardly. She was competent enough to become the Mayor of her community and competent enough to become the governor of her state. Again - no big and rich backers greasing the wheels for her. She doesn't have a George Soros buying up favors at NPR to push her agenda, she didn't come from some 'mob mentality' political background like Chicago, where seats are sold to the highest bidder. As a matter of fact - she went after the people in her state that used their political power for personal gain. I can't say that I'd vote for her is she was running for president - but I can't sit here and deride her or what she has accomplished. I certainly don't understand the sheer hatred some people feel toward her - it's totally over the top and I find it a bit weird. I have to wonder what she has done to any of you PERSONALLY that merits such nasty feelings? If the media - which has become obsessed with attacking her on a regular basis - has that much of an impact upon how you feel about a person that you have neither met, nor have they done something that causes harm to YOU; perhaps you need to take a break from the TV. One thing I can say about her is that she certainly evokes strong emotions in people, good and bad. I can also say that I don't have to support or agree with everything she says to admire what she has accomplished and how much political power she can weild without holding a political office or having ties to some political empire.

DonBee

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.

@Jackie - Thank you. It is nice to see a different side of your Father. I am sorry for the stress this has caused you and your family. I can understand the desire to run for office to make things better. I can also understand the decision not to ever run again, given the way things work in this country. Win or Lose, your father is a winner for being willing to stand for office. You are a winner too for standing up and in an honest and polite way, telling folks what you think. I wish people realized that there are real people involved with families in these elections, that would be a nice change.

clownfish

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 8 a.m.

@LORDHELMET-Of course, it's all based on misinformation and a coordinated character assassination program by the liberal media. Yep, Whereas the Family Values Party only tells the Truth! http://factcheck.org/2010/10/health-care-spin-again/

lordhelmet

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 5:36 a.m.

The pathological hatred of Palin (and Bush) by the left is just disgusting. Of course, it's all based on misinformation and a coordinated character assassination program by the liberal media. Steele is a good man and should be elected. He UNDERSTANDS the health care issue unlike Dingell who didn't even read the bill that he championed. Plus, Dingell's arrogance is off the charts. It's time to send him to the retirement home. WE need NEW BLOOD like Steele and others like him.

lordhelmet

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 4:43 a.m.

As if you liberal Ann Arbor nitwits were going to vote for a republican in any event? Please! Steele is CLEARLY superior to that old senile coot who was responsible for the worst legislation in modern US history; the Obamacare bill. You want to talk about losers? Start with Obama, Biden, Pelosi, Reid, and Dingell. If you lefties had any sense.... well, you'd be republicans instead of brain dead left wing featherheads. All the hate for Palin? And you voted for the gaffenator, Crazy Joe Biden and his Soros puppet boss? Palin isn't a brain surgeon but she's not actively engaged in destroying this nation like Obama and his ilk are. You lefties should be ashamed at your pathological hatred of Palin (and Bush). It's people like you who ruined Michigan and it's going to take people like Steele and Snyder to turn things around in spite of your lazy, entitlement-hungry, thick headed union mentality.

Jackie

Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 3:52 a.m.

I'm one of Dr. Steele's daughters; I've been keeping up my reading on the election but never have participated at all. That being said, when I read this article, and more particularly, the reaction to it, I was dismayed. When I entered college a few years ago, my father and I used to fight about politics all the time; we disagreed on the post basic things possible, which probably stemmed from my adherence to postmodern theory (everybody's implicated in the social machine! hard determinism!) and his belief in the accountability of the individual. I can clearly sympathize with the liberal position, intellectually and emotionally. And I wouldn't consider myself conservative, either (probably because I have no morals or religion! just kidding.) However, I have come to realize that many of my father's positions are not only honorable or 'interesting', or 'tolerate-able because he's my father'--he's just correct. [ Though I still disagree with him about certain social issues, he's not a bigot, and nobody need worry about him telling you the way people live their lives (as long as they live good lives and treat each other as humans and not fellow tax slaves who owe their share!) ] I hate politics. Not because I have no interest in them, or that I do not find the complexities of our government--almost a living animal--of our nation important--they are just so corrupt, everything depends on emotional manipulation, half-truths, and partisan name-calling. (That being said, my father is running as republican, but he's as moderate as you can be--he has no agenda other than actually trying to make michigan a good environment for his peers and his kids). Reading about the back and forth of this election has cemented my disappointment in political dialectics and all of the crap that goes on. Also hearing about the strongarming and threats that go on behind the scenes (where Dingell's team has prevented, by threat, businesses and county organizations from hosting my father for events) and how they run ads that literally fabricate 100% lies about him (wall street? seriously? my dad is a dork that watches pride and prejudice with me and plays with his tractor, doing yard word when he can--he doesn't know a single person on wall street) that turns my stomach. Perhaps this Palin 'endorsement' will be the kiss of death, and if that's true, it's really sad. (Also, a lot of sketchy people have been endorsing my father...what's up with the 'close the borders' guy? Its nice that they're supporting my dad, but thats only because he's running R, and they are simply bonkers. Ideally, this would not reflect on the things that my father does or says, which are actually rational). Who cares what Palin thinks. She's an intellectual nobody (and at this point, almost deliberately contrarian because she knows everybody thinks she's a joke--though at least she's a woman in politics, baby steps)...almost like every other puppet that makes it that far in the political establishment! (Doesn't matter if you are a democrat or a republican...in the current state of affairs, thats just how it is.) All one needs to know, in deciding their vote for Nov. 2nd (and hopefully, people will be actually deciding, instead of just voting blindly with their party...a tendency which has allowed the media, government, and corporations to exploit and control voters just that much easier) is whether you want someone who actually has nothing to lose except pleasing his constituency (and all of the 'rich doctor' accusations lobbied against him? Ridiculous. My family would become poorer without his being employed as a doctor, as an honest doctor makes more than an honest congressman. Mr. Dingell, however, makes more than my father...see what happened there?) or whether you want someone who is totally owned, and literally in bed with, special interests; who are not you, who think of you and your fellows as a mass that needs to be placated and whose money siphoned off, and overall, who don't give a damn about the quality of your life. Dingell's ineffective. Voters who are sticking with Dingell tend to be the type of A2 intellectuals who live in a bubble (not their own fault while they still have the luxury of their job, in a town where the school has propped up the economy) who either vote for anything with a D, or see Dingell's little things (bridge money! pell grants!) as the indicator that he's such an enlightened individual who has social empathy. Just because you share a proclaimed ideology with the man doesn't mean he's good for you or your fellows, or that he DOES ANY GOOD. Anyway, these things are drops in a bucket. If you look to basic principles, motivation? Dingell is owned. Voting record and history of service and results? Look at Michigan now. That was long. Now allow me to excuse myself from ever engaging in political discussion ever again. And good luck to my father, whom I grudgingly admire.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 5:13 p.m.

CBS Reports John Dingell's Conflict of Interest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miooLeSHQnI Dingle stands to make millions - he currently has $1,000,000 in options in GM stock.

Bill Wilson

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:10 p.m.

@ Speechless Faludi really nailed it, eh? Can you believe this angry backlash against Sarah Palin? They don't believe Palin? Where is Catharine MacKinnon when we need her? I believe these posters are speaking code: what they're really saying is that they don't believe women.

Derrick

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.

Hey I can see Canada from my house! Does anyone pay attention to Sarah Palin anymore or is it just the media? Sarah Palin is and idiot, so much so I would do the opposite of just about anything she recommends.

Nick

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.

@ Ray- "And she has the right to do anything she wants within the law. Welcome to America." Of course she's allowed to what she wants... she's Sarah Palin from Alaska who knows what's best for Michigan. I'm sure she'd be more than welcoming of a former Michigan politician's endorsement of an Alaskan candidate, when said politician has never stepped foot in the candidate's district.

Booradley

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.

I never an much of an opinion on Sarah Palin until this year when I realized that she stuck to her principles and has been willing to challenge the political status quo in this country. Good for her. We need to get all the high spending and irresponsible crooks out of Michigan and Washington and give the voice of government back to the people. Like her or hate her -- she stuck with it and I admire that.

clownfish

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:05 a.m.

Well, let's see again... So far I have been told that if we don't allow dove hunting in MI ALL hunting will be outlawed! Didn't happen. I have been told that If Obama got elected I would have my gun taken from me by the feds. Didn't happen. I have been told that if Obama gor elected inflation would run amok. Didn't happen. I have been told that if Obama got elected we would have "socialized health care", meaning govt run hospitals and govt employed doctors. didn't happen. I was told that if Obama got elected the stock market would take a dive, and not recover until he was tossed out of office. Didn't happen, stock market breaks 11,000. I was told Obama would be bad for business, that he surrounds himself with "socialists and communists". Business has trillions on hold, stock market is fine, CEO pay is going up, Obama hired Goldman Sachs employees, has passed laws giving business tax breaks, including a proposal to grant small business 30% credit on insurance for employees. I am not aware of a single Communist Party, Workers World Party member hired by the Obama admin. (But then again, Jack Kemp would be considered a Pinko by todays Teababies!) After EVERY financial meltdown in history jobs recover slowly, right now corporations (business) is doing OK. What we are going through is the natural slow recovery after a MASSIVE meltdown. corporate profits hit $1.37 trillion in the first quarteran all-time high. Businesses are sitting on about $2 trillion in cash reserves. Business spending jumped 20 percent last quarter, and is up by 13 percent against 2009. I was told that illegal aliens would get free care under the new law. Not true, won;t happen. I have been told that the govt will set dr's wages. not true. I have been told about "death panels". There is no such thing. I have been told "We don't know much about this President." He wrote two books about his life, ran two elections where he was vetted by voters, has had his history delved into by even Michelle Malkin (hit job, BILL AYERS!!!), I count 12 books on Obama at Barnes/Noble.com. BUT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT HIM!! He MIGHT BE A MUSLIM!!!!" I have been told that the new health insurance law is "too complicated, too long." Trade bills, corporate mergers etc are longer, more complicated and are dealt with every day in this world. Now someone complains that we need MORE language in it to figure out what "other decision makers " might mean? i am told This whole Comparative Effectiveness Research is just another bureaucratic, big government mess. but, this "bureaucratic mess" is what goes on EVERY DAY in the offices of insurance companies. Actually, most business do cost/benefit analysis. Didn't you clowns WANT govt to run more like business? Now you don't want that? Flip/flop. flippety/flopety. I have had insurance companies deny care because it was "diagnostic in nature". I have had insurance companies deny payment because forms were filled out wrong at dr's offices. I have been denied treatment and drugs because it/they are "experimental". OMG- bureaucrats!!!!!!! OMG!! Good thing we don't have those now! Now I am told that the free market approach, using existing insurance companies, will lead to COMMUNISM!!! Forgive me if I ignore the fearmongers again. I will operate in the real world, not the made up world that a former journalism major, former career politician and now celebrity entertainer wants the sheep to think exists. BOO! You can live in fear of The Other, you can make up lies about the Commander in Chief while he fights two wars, you can listen to people that make their living off your fears....or you can work from reality and adjust from there. Reality is hard enough without overpaid celebrities crying WOLF! Hey guys, remember GLenn Beck says "Buy gold!" Because we know the best time to buy a commodity is when it hits record highs! And, inflation will be 10% by 2010, because Obama is a Socialist Dictator! And a Fascist Dictator. And a Communist Dictator. Yes, Obama is a Socialist Fascist!! Yep, those two things go together, don't they? Oh, then I was told he ain't an American!!! Death Panels!! Muslim!!! Gun Taker!!! Business Hater!!! BOO!

maallen

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:22 p.m.

@Jake C "How about because the patient usually is, but isn't always, the decision maker? How about cases of minors, who needs their legal guardians to authorize medical decisions? Or the elderly who have delegated Power of Attorney?" They could easily have put in their legal guardians, power of attorney, etc. Legal language needs to be written specifically so that there aren't any assumptions, any lawsuits, etc. When it isn't specific that's when lawsuits occur and a judge has to rule one way or another. But if it is specific and clear then there are no legal grounds for a lawsuit. In this case, the patient and the decision makers are two seperate entities. Maybe if you would read the whole thing on Comparative Effectiveness Research, instead of just the cliff notes version, you just might be enlightened. Or maybe not. This whole Comparative Effectiveness Research is just another bureaucratic, big government mess.

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:04 p.m.

"Sarah Palin is qualified to make this endorsement in Michigan because she is a very important person from Alaska who likes to shoot guns." And she has the right to do anything she wants within the law. Welcome to America.

Nick

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:36 p.m.

Sarah Palin is qualified to make this endorsement in Michigan because she is a very important person from Alaska who likes to shoot guns.

Jake C

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:31 p.m.

@maalen: "They have the patient and decision-makers as two seperate entities. So, if the patient isn't the decision-maker, then who is?" How about because the patient usually is, but isn't always, the decision maker? How about cases of minors, who needs their legal guardians to authorize medical decisions? Or the elderly who have delegated Power of Attorney? Do you understand how legal language needs to be written? Do you understand this is why many people elected to Political office hold Legal degrees, even while the Tea-Party crowd continues to demonize those who actually bother to study the laws beyond a Cliff-Notes version of the Constitution? If you believe this is somehow infringing on your freedoms, please try walking into a local hospital and demanding a full Colonoscopy + Mammography or an MRI or some preventative Cancer treatments. If you don't have a medically valid reason for such a procedure, even if you've got a stack-full of $100 bills in your pocket without an insurance company or "government bureaucrat" in-between you and your doctor, you will be denied. That's because doctors have sworn a thing called the Hippocratic Oath to not perform medically damaging procedures even if their patients request them. Professional responsibility, imagine that. The financial industry could learn a thing or two.

bugjuice

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:06 p.m.

Sarah Palin is a celebrity politician who makes her living selling endorsements and robo calls. Her career is the politics of self promotion.

bedrog

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.

@roadmans re GREEN aimee smith's candidatial credibility...wow!!! 3% ( almost all from dearborn)...yep, that's sure representative of her typifying ann arbor values. And the GREEN coop boycott 'triumph' in olympia??? well 1 out of a gazillion attempts aint bad ( at least on PLANET GREEN evidently).

Homeland Conspiracy

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:47 p.m.

That's the "Kiss Of Death"

Roadman

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:31 p.m.

bedrog: I believe Dr. Smith did very well as the Green Party nominee in two prior elections. She received almost 10,000 votes against Dingell in 2006 and hervote total in Ann Arbor in 2008 was even higher than 2006. And speaking of co-ops, the Olympia Food Coop board of directors in Washington, the hometown of the late activist Rachel Corrie, killed in the Gaza Strip, voted to remove all Israeli products off its shelves and has done so (with the exception of Palestinian-manufactured items). Polls show Aimee Smith at 3.8% currently, which leads all third party nominees in the district.

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:19 p.m.

"AMA supported the "ObamaCare." The Democrats bought their support by telling them that they will help raise the doctors salaries." AARP also supported "ObamaCare" (I just love that 'propaganda' term. It's good for us 'sheeple'.) I send AARP's mailings right back to them in their own Post Paid envelopes with a note informing them that I will NEVER join their outfit....just because I can. heh heh.

maallen

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:02 p.m.

@clownfish, You are correct when you say it is "not government run health care." At least yet! But it will be withing 5 years from now. Because of the new mandated benefits, some health insurance carriers have decided to get out of the business. Since "ObamaCare" passed, there have been 3 carriers here in the state of Michigan that are getting out of the business. And now, we have many large corporations that are hinting on dropping their health insurance for the employees because it is cheaper to pay the penalty than to pay for the health insurance premiums. So, with fewer carriers, and more people left without insurance, the government will "step" in to save the day. The government will say, "See look at all these people without insurance. We have to give them coverage." When you say "you have as many or more choices today as you did two years ago" is simply not true. Because of "ObamaCare" carriers have dropped the number of plans that they offered to just a handful. Because of ObamaCare, carriers are getting out of business. So the net result is less choices. AMA supported the "ObamaCare." The Democrats bought their support by telling them that they will help raise the doctors salaries.

DonBee

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.

@clownfish - So you are happy with the new 1099 requirements for small businesses in the Health Care Bill? Also I assume you are happy there was no tort reform in the bill? I assume you have actually taken the time to read the law you are defending here?

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 4:25 p.m.

@clownfish "@RAYAIDER- And Dingell can keep his Health Care Plan off MY BODY! I want a CHOICE! clownfish responded..... 'You have as many, or more choices today as you did two years ago. Insurance companies will be able to cross state lines, something the republicans wanted. As a matter of fact, the propaganda term "Obamacare" has many aspects that people like Mitt Romney and Orin Hatch previously supported, until some black guy got into office.'" I want the choice to have none at all if I so desire. Furthermore, Obama and Dingell originally wanted a single payer system and I totally disagree with that because there is no choice at all under that system. I know a lot of people here disagree with me but my vote counts just as much as yours....and whatever the outcome....Well, we'll learn to adjust and get over it. It's not the end of the world.

bedrog

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.

@ roadman...re 'roadmans' relentless campaigning for jew-baiting aimee smith and her GREEN PARTY as "truly reflecting" ( per her last post) ann arbor's values: If this were true ( which it's clearly not, as attested to by the utterly dismal showing smith and other GREENies make in elections from congress to coops), the rest of the united states would do well to sever all ties to ann arbor and include it in a list of such sanctioned entities as Iran and North Korea..

maallen

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.

@JakeC You conveniently left out a whole bunch of stuff in the Comparative Effectiveness Research. At the Health and Human Services government website, HHS.gov, they have a flow chart up. In this flow chart there is a section called Cross-Cutting Investment Opportunities. Under this title, it states "Under-researched interventions (e.g. procedures, behavior changes, end-of-life care.)" Part of this Comparative Effectiveness Research is the fact they are looking at "Potential Impact (based on prevalence of condition, burden of disease, variability in outcomes, and costs of care)." According to the government the definition of Comparative Effectiveness Research is "the conduct and synthesis of systematic research comparing different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor health conditions." The next sentence is key..."The purpose of this research is to inform patients, providers, and decision-makers, responding to their expressed needs, about which interventions are most effective for which patients under specific circumstances." They have the patient and decision-makers as two seperate entities. So, if the patient isn't the decision-maker, then who is? This is another massive government program that we the taxpayers are funding. What is sad is Dingell didn't even tell his constituents about this. Not once did he mention anything about it. He just went ahead and voted for it. The question is did he even read the bill? Dingell is part of the problem.

Roadman

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.

The best candidate in this race is Dr. Aimee Smith, a research enginner from Ann Arbor, who is a strong supporter of the environment. She has been nominated by the Green Party. Ann Arbor's true values are aligned with the Green Party.

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.

"The point was she should not have QUIT!" If you don't like her seems like you would want her to quit. I don't agree with Obama, Pelosi, Reid, or Dingell.... And I wish they WOULD ALL quit.....and you seem to be telling Palin that you wish she would quit saying the things that she is currently saying. I don't expect you to agree with her. But she hasn't quit yet. She just changed gears. She is no worse than the majority in Washington. At least she doesn't surround herself with Socialists and Communists. Don't like that rhetoric? TOUGH! You're probly smarter than I am.

InsideTheHall

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.

Oh my the natives are restless. How can one criticize Palin and give Pelosi a free pass? "You have to pass the bill before you know what is in the bill." It is the biggest bang for the buck when you do food stamps and unemployment insurance. The biggest bang for the buck. As the great messiah of the LEFT proclaims: "You just can't make this stuff up."

TripleVSix

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.

Shocking! A bunch of Ann Arborites saying that they're going to vote for Dingell! It's so predictable, election after election. This is why Ann Arbor has the (deserved) reputation is has. What's particularly funny is all the posters claiming to have been on the fence up until now, and this has helped them make their decision. Ann Arbor is so entertaining some times.

Bob Anderson

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:49 p.m.

@AlanKeyesforPres "she has run a sub 4 hour marathon" Provide proof of this. I am an ultra-marathon runner and I seriously doubt that Sarah has run a sub 4 marathon. Sub 5 maybe.

clownfish

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.

KEYES-15 bureaucrats will be using a formula to determine if you are worthy of treatment! Now tell me, how is a formula more effective than a doctor making the decision? How can you put the worth of a person into a formula? Part of the formula will be your age. They will determine how many years you might live and determine how much the treatment costs come out to per year. If it is deemed too much, you will be denied treatment. Just like what happens everyday in the offices of every insurance company in the world. There is little "socialized health care" in the new law. Just curious, is it Alan Keyes that you support for President? Is it because he represents "Mainstream America"? How did he do in his presidential run again? How about his runs for congress? Keyes is kind of like Palin, a celebrity entertainer whose forum is politics. They add little to anything to society, really. Or am I jumping too many conclusions, Keyes is somebody else? JAKE C, thanks for the "Death Panel" info. I read it and come to the conclusion that the panel is meant to reduce health care costs across the board, especially Medicare/Aid and VA expenditures. Evidently our conservative friends find that distasteful, for some reason. I guess maybe having a for-profit group of!bureaucrats! making these decisions is better than a group of scientists using modern statistical analysis as is done daily in board rooms is anathema to some.

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.

Jake, thank you for proving my point! 15 bureaucrats will be using a formula to determine if you are worthy of treatment! Now tell me, how is a formula more effective than a doctor making the decision? How can you put the worth of a person into a formula? Part of the formula will be your age. They will determine how many years you might live and determine how much the treatment costs come out to per year. If it is deemed too much, you will be denied treatment. This is precisely why we don't want tax dollars paying for our healhcare!! We want to control our own medical decisions and keep it in the private sector. Either by paying for it ourselves or with our health insurance. Also, how could 15 ppl possibly be able to determine treatment for everyone that needs treatment? How many thousands of ppl a year need treatment? How can 15 ppl possibly have the time? How can we view human beings as a math formula?? Talk about dehumanizing us. Thank you so much for really clarifying why this socialized medicine bill is so evil. We are going to be reduced to a formula!!! Let that sink in!

Jake C

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.

"Remember a year ago when some gov't agency said women did not need to get mammograms until they are 50? That same agency has been given power in the healthcare bill to make that decision. If they say you can't get a mammogram until you are 50 than you won't be able to get a mammogram until you are 50. " You really have no idea what that government agency actually said, do you? It concluded based on overwhelming scientific evidence that the health RISKS for getting a mammogram for women younger than 50 OUTWEIGH the benefits of getting one. Risks include exposure to unnecessary radiation (which can increase the risk of breast cancer!) and false positives. And none of this applies if you are in a high-risk category, like having a family history of breast cancer! Logic and common sense is amazing! So if you went to your doctor at 35 and said "I want a mammogram", they should say "Well, unless you fall into a high-risk category, it's more harmful to get one than to wait". And if you insisted on getting one or explained why you fall into a high-risk category, they'd probably go ahead and give you one. Once again, this is NOT the same thing as saying "If you're under 50 it is impossible for you to get a mammogram". Why continue to spread this kind of fear and misinformation?

Jake C

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.

"Have you bothered to look at the video of the doctor talking about the rationing/death panel? How can you not care? Dingell wants to control you. The left wants to run your lives. You just refuse to get informed. It is so scary." We care. We care very much indeed about what will happen to our children and our future. We already know that our lives are often "run" for us by out-of-control corporations and meddling, hypocritical politicians. And we are informed. We're simply choose to be informed by all sides of the issues and using our critical thinking skills to decide for ourselves who to believe, instead of only listening to the fringe elements who peddle fear and misinformation and conspiracy theories.

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.

Actually clown, the AMA was bought off and supported the bill. Your post actually shows that there is already too much gov't bureaucracy in healthcare. If the insurance company refuses to pay for a treatment, you can still get the treatment. You will just have to make a payment plan with the doctor. Under socialized medicine? No is no. Doctors don't go to jail for not following some bureaucratic procedures right now. They will with this bill. I suggest you find a computer where you can view the video. As far as being forced to buy auto insurance? That's different. How so? Number one, you are operating a piece of machinery that can hurt or kill someone else. You are not forced to buy a car (I know, it is pretty much needed in this day and age, but you get the point). Also, it is at the state level where they determine if you have to buy car insurance. Not the federal gov't. The federal gov't has no authority to force us to engage in an economic activity. If they can force us to buy health insurance what's next? Telling us we have to buy a GM car? As employers decide to pay the fine and dump their insurance plans, insurance companies will go out of business. This bill was designed to become a single payer system...i.e. gov't run. Why ppl want the gov't deciding if they can get a test, procedure, etc. is beyond me. Remember a year ago when some gov't agency said women did not need to get mammograms until they are 50? That same agency has been given power in the healthcare bill to make that decision. If they say you can't get a mammogram until you are 50 than you won't be able to get a mammogram until you are 50. That is how socialized medicine works.

clownfish

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.

Now, if the moderator will indulge me some more, as this is not about Sarah "I'm not a quitter" ( John McCain isn't a MaveriK) Palin, but about one of her favorite targets, "Obamacare". (Which is like fighting against Heffalumps and Iraqi WMD's) Am I totally satisfied with the new health insurance law? By no means!! Personally I would like to see the!bureaucrats! that add up top 18% in overhead removed from the stream. That means removing the insurance industry and going to a Single Payer system. But, we know that is politically unfeasible. Barak Obama, being a Socialist Dictator, fond of Pol Pot and Mao, elected to use the insurance business as the clearing house. He went and asked them what would work to lower costs, THEY said "Spread the cost over everybody". SO, he gave the business community, in the form of the insurance industry, what they wanted. "The left" did not get all they wanted, nor did anybody else. That is called compromise. It used to be how government worked. Now it is an evil term. Health care costs were going up 8-10% a year, or more, before 2009. Insurance premiums went up every year in the last decade. Businesses were struggling with the connection between insurance and jobs before 2009.

HaeJee

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.

@heardoc, she is not just frightening to the readical left. I voted Republican every election with the exception of 2008, thanks to Palin. If the conservatives (Republican and Tea Party) loves someone like Palin, then we have grown a part.

Jake C

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.

"It seems many of you liberal women are extremely jealous of Sarah. She's gorgeous, has a happy marraige with a gorgeous man, 5 beautiful children, sold one million books in one week, and she has run a sub 4 hour marathon. Pretty darn impressive." And that qualifies her to know how America should be run.... how exactly?

Jake C

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:16 p.m.

@Keysforpres: To cut through all the slanted misinformation you're trying to present, here is what this 'death panel' you're referencing actually does: "Comparative effectiveness research provides information on the relative strengths and weakness of various medical interventions. Such research will give clinicians and patients valid information to make decisions that will improve the performance of the U.S. health care system The 15 member Council, named today in accordance with a Congressionally-mandate timeline, will assist the agencies of the Federal government, including HHS and the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as others, to coordinate comparative effectiveness and related health services research. The Recovery Act authorized $300 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, $400 million for the National Institutes of Health, and $400 million for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support comparative effectiveness research. ***The Council will not recommend clinical guidelines for payment, coverage or treatment. *** The Council will consider the needs of populations served by federal programs and opportunities to build and expand on current investments and priorities. It will also provide input on priorities for the $400 million fund in the Recovery Act that the Secretary will allocate to advance this type of research." Once again, THE COUNCIL WILL NOT RECOMMEND CLINICAL GUIDELINES FOR PAYMENT, COVERAGE, OR TREATMENT. Here's the essence of what it does: If Treatment X for Diabetes costs $10,000 and only adds 5 quality years on average to a patient's life, but Treatment Z for Diabetes costs $5,000 and adds 10 quality years to a patient's life, then why on earth shouldn't a board such as this make strong recommendations that federally-funded clinicians using TAXPAYER DOLLARS consider using Treatment Z, all else being equal? If you're going to a private doctor, spend whatever money you want on the latest untested experimental drug, but don't waste taxpayer dollars on it unless it's proven effective. Now I know very well that there are many individual cases where Treatment X might be better for a specific person, but many doctors will stick with whatever drug or treatment recommended by a Pharma sales rep 20 years ago unless someone practically whacks them with a clue-stick and shows them why another treatment is better. Where people get "rationing death panels" from that is beyond me -- oh wait, it's just Politics as usual.

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.

Monica, you don't care that Palin's staff was going to go bankrupt defending themselves against bogus lawsuits. The lawsuits weren't just being filed against Palin. Well, I'd rather have Palin for a boss than you! Palin actually cared about the wellbeing of her staff. They were going to lose their life savings defending themselves. Many selfish ppl would have refused to give up the power of the office of governor, but Palin put her staff and her state first. What good is staying in office if you can't govern because of all the bogus lawsuits? If the table was turned and Obama did it, you would be praising him. It seems many of you liberal women are extremely jealous of Sarah. She's gorgeous, has a happy marraige with a gorgeous man, 5 beautiful children, sold one million books in one week, and she has run a sub 4 hour marathon. Pretty darn impressive. You still praise Dingell even though he said the goal of this bill was to control the ppl. Why do you want to be controlled? Have you bothered to look at the video of the doctor talking about the rationing/death panel? How can you not care? Dingell wants to control you. The left wants to run your lives. You just refuse to get informed. It is so scary.

clownfish

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.

Did you know our body mass index will be stored in DC? Along with all our medical history? There is NO National registry of health history, if that is what you are referencing. How many doctors do you think will continue practicing if they could go to jail for refusing to follow what a bureaucrats says they must or must no do for a patient? Who do you think is better qualified in your medical treatment? Your doctor or a bureaucrat? My doctor. That is why I oppose insurance company bureaucrats being able to chose my treatment,as they do now. Not sure how much that will change, but I do know that rescission of policies during treatment should cease, so that removes a layer of bureaucracy. Under the new law, fees will be paid for results oriented treatment, nor just fee for service. Doctors will be encouraged to collaborate more to achieve better, less expensive results. the way it is now -bureaucrats!- move patients around the business system of health care as numbers, policy holders.!Bureaucrats! write the rules that dictate who you can see, which network you can use, which treatment and drugs you are entitled to under your policy. How many doctors do you think will continue practicing if they could go to jail for refusing to follow what a bureaucrats says they must or must no do for a patient? How many go to jail now for not following what a!bureaucrat! says they must do under the patients policy? It will be the same under the new law. Around zero. Clownfish, do you understand you are forced to buy health insurance with this bill? If you don't, you will face a fine for yourself and every member of your family!! Where in the Constitution does Congress have authority to force us to buy a product? The Commerce Clause. I am "forced" to buy health insurance right now, by the cost of care. Normally I do not need health services, but under certain foreseeable and unforeseeable conditions I will need, and have needed, 5 figure care. Appendectomy would have cost me $28,000 at age 32. Shoulder surgery- $35,000 at age 40. For me, and my wife, insurance has been the correct financial decision, "forced" upon me by "the market". I am forced to buy auto and home insurance, as well as business liability insurance. I am still alive, business is OK. I am seeing catastrophic insurance plans for as little as $100/month. These plans would protect individuals from financial ruin in case of accident or disease. It would also protect you and I from having to pay for this persons care should they suffer a high cost incident. Right now you and I pick up the tab everytime we use healthcare. Duke Medical system "wrote off" around $600,000,000 of unpaid medical bills in 2008. Jackson Hospital had over $30,000,000 in unpaid tabs. One of the goals of the new law is to get these costs more up front. YOU pay a hidden tax now! clownfish, this bill was designed to put insurance companies out of business. Really? By requiring everybody to pay them for their services, they are going to go out of business? Maybe I missed that in my econ classes, the part where they said too much business is bad for business. Many companies are already dropping health insurance for their employees. Back when I had a job, the company I worked for raised my co-pays, instituted smoking cessation programs, weight loss programs, mental health exams etc. If an employee refused to take part, they paid more, or were dropped. Eventually they dropped us to a terrible plan, which led most of us to seek out our own insurance. This was looonggg before anybody had ever heard of Barak Obamas socialist agenda. In Michigan, employees can be fired for not quitting smoking. I heard no outcry from the "right" when that happened. None, zip, zero. Have you listened to the video I posted of the doctor who said he and about half the doctors in this country are going to quit if Obamanocare is not overturned? Working on a dial-up connection. No video for me. Who is the Dr? Is this the same as the clips I saw of gun store owners saying that Obama is going to take my guns, and put them out of business? Or maybe it is like the stories I read from cattle ranchers that KNOW Obamas socialized BLM is going to run them out of business by 2009? Yes, I think the AMA is opposed to the new law. They are a business group, not a patient advocate. Most doctors do not belong to the AMA. Any other questions?

Heardoc

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:45 a.m.

It is such a joy to read all the radical left rants here on this blog. Palin is so frightening to the left! Common sense would tell you that Dingell has been in office far too long and that he has been an avid voice for the far left, and hence, the trouble our country is in due to the far left radicals. Time to take away the keys from the spoiled ones who have run our country into the ditch.

DonBee

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.

This is a wonderful thread, I had an awful morning at work. This really helped lighten the day. Thanks. Still ROFL

Randy Dieter

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.

Gosh, it's tough living in such a liberal area! Sarah Palin is certainly no worse than the guy currently residing in the White House. At least she has successfully run a state. What has he run, except his mouth??

Monica R-W

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.

@Keyes, who cares if she had ethics violations on her. The point was she should not have QUIT! She was elected to the office by the people of Alaska. She told them "good-bye", went to make money in the private sector (and lots of it) and left the position she was ELECTED to, out to dry. That is not a sign of a leader....period. Now, "Queen Sarah" needs again, to keep her thoughts OUT of Southeastern Michigan politics. Heck, she does not even know this area. Her visits to Michigan in the past have been on the Western or UP ends, or "more favorable to her" parts of the state. I have YET to see Caribou Barbie in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Belleville or even for that instance Saline, Chelsea, Milan and Manchester (that MIGHT be a little more favorable to her). SO AGAIN, she needs to keep her zip up the mouth who WE should elect to what, for Southeastern Michigan political office representation, period. Plus....Dingell is up AGAIN by 20+ points. With Sarah's "endorsement", he will probably win by 30+ points. I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Dingell, thanks her greatly!

Cash

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.

Again, Special thanks to Ms Palin for insuring John Dingell's win!!! You betcha! (Waving to Wasilla)

Randy Dieter

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:57 a.m.

Gosh, it's tough living in such a liberal area! Sarah Palin is certainly no worse than the guy currently residing in the White House. At least she has successfully run a state. What has he run, except his mouth??

Snehal

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:30 a.m.

Just a small message for Sarah Palin on Sense issue. Democrats means common sense and republicans/tea partists means nonsense.

Snehal

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.

Sarah Palin is doing a great job for our country! She is pointing out right candidates for whom one should NEVER vote. But I don't understand what exactly is she endorsing? Is she matching her intellect level with the candidates or trying to bring the candidates to her intellect level?

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 10:24 a.m.

Cash google "pdf format of healthcare bill". I posted the actual link to the actual bill, but apparently the paper is refusing to post that comment/link. Also, google "pdf format stimulus bill" and then go to around page 600 and you will find the rationing board.

Cash

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:44 a.m.

keyesforpres, You can Google, You Tube,Yahoo anything and get whatever results you want to get. It's all in the slant. By Googling I can find proof that aliens landed here, among other things. Using a search engine to find a website telling you what you want to believe isn't proof of anything. Search engines serve a purpose....but we are expected to use our own brains to discern fact from propaganda.

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:17 a.m.

bedrog, what conspiracy? It was all over the news a couple months ago. Google or Yahoo it if you don't believe me. bedrog, I have been following this from the beginning. The video I posted is a doctor. He knows what is in the bill. Dingell said this is all about controling the ppl. Youtube it.

bedrog

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.

sara palin seems like a moderate, sane and rational centrist compared to some of the posters here ( keyes-ian body mass index storage, conspiracy-theories - from - outer space Paulistas etc etc). This country is politically becoming an ongoing monty python skit...which is, i guess, far preferable to the 'night of the living dead/ attack of the zombies ( or 'martyrs')' horror shows in other parts of the world.

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.

clownfish, this bill was designed to put insurance companies out of business. Many companies are already dropping health insurance for their employees. Why? Because it is cheaper to pay the fine than give health insurance. Clownfish, I was in the House chambers the night the House passed the Obama-no-medical-care bill. Dingell didn't reference one thing in his speech. When the Rep. stood up and referenced actual things in the bill, the Dems weren't listening. They were laughing and yucking it up. Waxman D-CA was reading a newspaper! Clownfish, do you understand you are forced to buy health insurance with this bill? If you don't, you will face a fine for yourself and every member of your family!! Where in the Constitution does Congress have authority to force us to buy a product? Sorry Clownfish, but this bill is all about control and I don't want the gov't telling me if I can get medical treatment. Did you know there will be over 165 new bureaucracies put in place? Have you listened to the video I posted of the doctor who said he and about half the doctors in this country are going to quit if Obamanocare is not overturned? The gov't will fine him $100,000 if he doesn't follow what the gov't tells him to do for a patient! The second time the doctor refuses to listen to the gov't? He goes to jail!! How many doctors do you think will continue practicing if they could go to jail for refusing to follow what a bureaucrats says they must or must no do for a patient? Who do you think is better qualified in your medical treatment? Your doctor or a bureaucrat? Did you know our body mass index will be stored in DC? Along with all our medical history?

keyesforpres

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.

johnnya2, We do pay for our militarys' healthcare and that I am fine with. They served to protect us and it is the least we can do for them. The VA is not the best healthcare, however. I know of a guy that was going to see a doctor at the VA, but it was going to be three weeks before he could see him. So, he went to his regular doctor in the private sector. See, right now we still have a private sector that works as a safety valve for the overcrowded VA. Monica, Sarah quit because she and her staff were spending 80% of their time answering all the bogus lawsuits filed against her. She felt it wasn't good for the state to have taxpayer money being spent on answering the bogus lawsuits. Also Monica, did you know bogus lawsuits were being filed against her staff? In other words, her staff were having to use their own money to defend themselves against the bogus lawsuits filed against them. Sarah felt she needed to step down to her employees wouldn't lose all their life savings. The left (and even a Republican) filed those bogus lawsuits to drive Sarah out of office. What they weren't counting on was Sarah campaigning and having so much effect! Just about everyone she has endorsed has won the primary. Bet the left regrets driving her from office. Please, I beg of you guys, watch this video. This doctor talks about the rationing panel snuck into the stim-u-less bill. I.E. death panel. Obama appointed the members shortly after signing the bill. Do you really want to get permission from the gov't to get medical treatment? Seriously?? If they tell you "no", that's it it's "no". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HnkxIh62dQ

stillhashope

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:24 a.m.

Aside from all the left/right jabbing and sarcasm regarding Sarah Palin: John Dingell is past his prime.......we need someone who is aware of CURRENT issues and who can make decisions based on other than his spouse's whispered directions because he is no longer able to carry the ball himself. And Rob Steele has a heart and a passion to do good; why not attempt to turn things around?

Johnny5k

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:11 a.m.

@Leann, I don't think Hillary Clinton has ever been portrayed as anything but intelligent, independent and competent. On the other hand women like Condelleza Rice who are perfect examples of female success are portrayed as stupid purely because they are conservative. When one class of women get a glass ceiling all women do. Here is a perfect example of the prejudice I was describing. Making brash generalizations and judgments purely because of two qualities: 1.Female 2.Conservative http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PK8qp8bCF4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PK8qp8bCF4

clownfish

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 8:05 a.m.

"LMAO, well the Ann Arbor libbies have their knickers twisted over this one. Well, the district is much more than the Socialist Republic of Ann Arbor enclave. This endorsement will go over huge in Dundee, Bedford, Monroe and the townships of York and Pittsfield. Of the communities you listed, which has the highest per capita income? Which has the highest home prices? Highest wages? Looks like "socialism" might be working, eh? @JONDHALL- I heard he voted for Obama Care?He can not even make his bed anymore, where is all that Stimulus money going, he sure has not brought much to Michigan. There is no such thing as "Obamacare". It is a term made up by media elites. What passed congress is insurance reform, that puts insurance companies, NOT THE GOVT, in control of your health care. Would you like to know where the American Recovery Act money is going? You could listen to media elites, an Alaskan mayor that left her town in debt, a Quitter that tells the rest of us to "man-up", a propaganda machine that spends small amounts of funds raised for candidates on candidates but more on PR people, planes, hotels and clothes,....or....you could do a little research. projects.propublica.org/recovery http://projects.propublica.org/recovery/locale/michigan/washtenaw $12,981,788,283 in Michigan! Turns out Alaska is second on the list per capita in EVIL STIMULUS money! @KEYES- Congress does not have gov't run healthcare. They have a private plan. What these dems don't seem to get is this bill is going to destroy our medical care system. The new health insurance laws, what you parrot as "Obamacare", is NOT "govt run health care" either. It is PRIVATE INSURANCE. Why is this so hard for people to understand? Are you folks so tied to media elites and their propaganda that you can't understand basic information? I mean really, we have people posting about a term that has no real meaning in law, we have people asking "where's the Stimulus money" when all you have to do is look on-line, or look at I-94 being rebuilt. @RAYAIDER- And Dingell can keep his Health Care Plan off MY BODY! I want a CHOICE! You have as many, or more choices today as you did two years ago. Insurance companies will be able to cross state lines, something the republicans wanted. As a matter of fact, the propaganda term "Obamacare" has many aspects that people like Mitt Romney and Orin Hatch previously supported, until some black guy got into office. "Assuring health care is a shared social responsibility." No, that's not another line from The Workers World Party, but rather from the interim report of the Citizens' Health Care Working Group, a non-partisan Congressionally-funded research project started by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). This statement came out in the group's preliminary report, along with a recommendation that the federal government guarantee access to health care for all Americans. I submit a BIG problem with our electorate is Miss Information, whose Chief of Staff is Sarah "I'm not a Quitter, bring me Federal dollars" Palin.

maallen

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:44 a.m.

@David Briegel Thanks for reconfirming what I had written. Foreign Policy has not been successful in Cuba, but for 55 of those 60 years we have had Dingell in Congress. Coincidence? Maybe. With that said, Dingell has no new ideas on how to handle Cuba. The only thing he could come up with is we need to spend more money over there. We have been doing that for more than 60 years and it's not working. It's been the same thing over and over since Dingell has been in office. It doesn't matter who endorses who because the candidate's outlook and philosophy stays the same. If Alvin Greene (the unknown Democrat who won the primary in South Carolina) endorses Dingell, will you not vote for Dingell because of it? No, because that doesn't change what Dingell believes in. Tax and spend.

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:41 a.m.

"deny women the choice of what to do with their bodies".... Nope. They could legalize prostitution for all I care. I don't have to answer for anybody else's choices. It's above my pay scale to care anymore what anybody else does. You can do anything you want with your body. I don't care. All I care about is what I do with my body.

bedrog

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:32 a.m.

"go aimee go' writes ROADMAN of aimee smith, the GREEN PARTY congressional candidate for whom roadman seems to be the only publicist. For once i agree with Roadman re this shrill, burqa clad ( although she's catholic!), synagogue harasser. "GO" indeed...far far away from here. MODERATORS: you deleted this factual post earlier for no good reason. Ms. smith is a notorious public figure. Based on such moderation policies, and those shown toward your publication as "news' of a patent propaganda piece on sun ( re an anti-israel demonstration on the UM campus ) A2.com should be ashamed, although i am well aware of the pressures you are under. No...this post is not about sara palin...but neither was the 'roadmans' to which im responding.

Cash

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 6:15 a.m.

Monica R-W, Thanks, that explains it. But honestly I love it when Palin news is published because it exposes the very extremist laughing-stock mentality that is an embarrassment to the true mainstream Republicans. And thus, she really is a great asset to Democrats.

Bob Anderson

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 5:51 a.m.

@Ray D Aider You may like choices but republicans like you sure love to deny women the choice of what to do with their bodies, especially when it comes to abortion.

Ray D. Aider

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 1:44 a.m.

"stay out of OUR business here!" And Dingell can keep his Health Care Plan off MY BODY! I want a CHOICE!

Monica R-W

Wed, Oct 27, 2010 : 12:37 a.m.

The Tea Partiers (probably not of Congressman Dingell's District) are OUT IN small force, stating they are going to "vote against Dingell". Half of this group of C4L (Conservatives for Life-another Caribou Barbie Group Pac) and someone posted a link on that page and they came running to defend "Queen Sarah". The point is that Congressman Dingell will EASILY get in for another two year term for a total of 52 years. Remember folks, he is UP by 20+ points. Your "Queen Sarah" has no influence in Southeastern Michigan....period. She needs to learn how to finish what she was elected to in Alaska before she gives advice on who should represent us, here. Back to Wasilla Caribou Barbie....stay out of OUR business here!

Ray D. Aider

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:22 p.m.

The choice is simple for me. I never vote for Democrats. Period. I'd tell you why, but you would hate me.

johnnya2

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:10 p.m.

@keyesforprES How about you decide why the military has SOCIALIZED medicine? and it is more popular than any insurance program out there? In the military you do not choose your doctor, your haircut, your living quarters, you get free food, free education, free health care. Wow, it sounds like socialism to me.

snapshot

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11:08 p.m.

Out with the "old" in with the new. How can anyone think anyone could do a worse job than Dingell has done is beyond me. Every thing is underfunded.....pensions, education, law enforcement, firefighters, prisons, and jobs. Why would anyone vote for the same mentality that allowed Michigan to go "under"? Dingell is 84 year old how many of you are "employed" with 84 year old co-workers? That alone ought to tell you something. Before you start screaming "age discrimination" answer the question.

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 11 p.m.

Ian, I know. I have many of your same feeling about the two parties that are really one and the same. Especially when it concerns the Banksters and the Perpetual War Profiteers. It is difficult to be overly angry at Obama since we didn't elect 220 Dennis Kucinich or 60 Russ Feingold. He will be demonized from the left because of the Blue Dog DINO's and the party of NO! He has to work with them to pass anything.

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:51 p.m.

maallen, Does the house of representatives have oversight and funding resposibility for our govt? Duh. Do they have oversight for foreign affairs? I heard a rumor they do. Do they oversee the State Dept? I think so. Do they have an Armed Svcs Comm? Well, yes. So, golly gee, do you want your rep to know a little about what that responsibility might entail? Maybe you don't, but I certainly do! Now, please tell me how "successful" our foreign policy has been for the last 60 years regarding Cuba?

keyesforpres

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:49 p.m.

Talker, a pre existing condition could also mean ppl wait until they get sick to get insurance. Rand's analogy was right on. Ppl will just wait until they get sick. Insurance companies will go out of business (which is the dems' goal). Until they go out of business? They will have to raise their premiums if they have to insure ppl who wait until they are sick. Are you aware with Obamacare, you are forced to buy insurance? If you don't have insurance you get fined. Unconstitutional. Did you know muslims are exempt? They don't have to buy insurance? That is dhimminitude. Nonmuslims living under Islam have to pay a tax known as the jytza. Just view Obamacare as the jytza. Dhimminitude. www.humanevents.com has had good articles on Obama no care. Connie Hair has had good articles.

snapshot

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:45 p.m.

Sarah is at least an honest idiot? I'm voting republican all the way because it's time to shake things up. Dingal is 84 years old, been in office something like 55 years and look what he's accomplished. Michigan is so far under...underfunded pensions, underfunded education, underfunded law enforcement, and underfunded prisons. What's overfunded are government employees salaries and benefits. Good job Dingall!!! Mission accomplished? Out with the old, in with the new. Unfortunately many liberties will likely suffer but I'll try to offset that with a proper selection of Supreme Court candidates.

keyesforpres

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:42 p.m.

robroy, the Republicans tried to get the dems to sign on to Obamacare and drop their private plan. The dems refused. Congress does not have gov't run healthcare. They have a private plan. What these dems don't seem to get is this bill is going to destroy our medical care system. PLEASE look at the video I posted earlier about the rationing panels that were snuck into the stim-u-less bill. That's right, part of the socialized medicine bill was snuck into the stim-u-less bill!! Dingell has stated the Obamacare bill is about controlling the ppl. The gov't is going to come between you and your doctor for everything.

ThinkForYourself

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:24 p.m.

@RobRoy Likewise, if the new health care plan is so great, why did the Democratically controlled Congress include clauses excluding their plan from the new provisions and requirements within the bill? There is no right or wrong here, only career politicians. As an independent, I am willing to take the risk of new faces and new ideas.

RobRoy

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:14 p.m.

@Think for yourself Prior to the the healthcare reform bill, there were plenty of opportunities for Republican/Tea-party congressmen to ditch their government health insurance plans. I was just simply making a point. If goverment-run health insurance was so bad, why did they keep it while telling everyone else that it is horrible.

Ray D. Aider

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 10:09 p.m.

Gee....maybe Lady Gaga should stump for Dingell. That would be kewl.

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.

@David, I am actually a progressive that has woken up to the deception. I am still a progressive but won't blindly go along with neither the Democratic or Republican leadership. I like to think for myself. I also have no idea who Dr. Steele is. I do plan on doing my due diligence before the election. I really do not know who I will vote for. However, any old politician, I would be very suspicious of. That means they know how to game the system. Otherwise, they would have been forced out. Like Cynthia McKinney. She was asking too many sensitive questions regarding the missing trillions from the Pentagon and 9/11. I actually voted for her last election. Only one that was telling the truth. I knew McCain and Obama were mere puppets.

ThinkForYourself

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:50 p.m.

RobRoy "If federal healthcare is so bad, why aren't are all these tea partiers and republican congressmen living by principle and giving up all their comfy federal, socialist-run health insurance coverage and buying private instead?" I am unclear here. There is no longer an inferior health care plan to the one that congress has. The democratic sales pitch for the bill was that we all will now be blessed with the same coverage that our congress has. Please help me understand what this inferior private plan is that you speak of.

talker

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:44 p.m.

"And they don't even need to spend time worrying about foreign policy." Then why do you care about their opinions on foreign policy? Please stick to issues that Senators vote on such as health care that isn't canceled when a person gets sick, including people with pre-existing conditions (common things such as a prior C-section, a diagnosis that may never need treatment, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other common conditions could make someone not in a large group uninsurable). There are some Government protections we need (including consumer protection), but I don't want Government to intrude in women's health care. Those who don't want Government involved in some things, but involved in preventing women from using popular forms of contraception are hypocritical in my opinion.

RobRoy

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:42 p.m.

@Diagenes The tea party is indeed a real movement--a movement of real hypocrites that decry federal spending for others but receive federal subsidies for themselves; espouse ideals of freedom, liberty, and self-reliance, but are unwilling to sacrifice ANYTHING for the those same values themselves. Gosh how can Sarah Palin talk about self-reliance and dignity and quit beng Governor the minute things get tough in her state? Tea partiers decry the immigration problem but employ illegals themselves. If federal healthcare is so bad, why aren't are all these tea partiers and republican congressmen living by principle and giving up all their comfy federal, socialist-run health insurance coverage and buying private instead? Self-reliance means living by principals not just screaming them over and over again. The tea party runs on fear-- they have no solutions. I'm not completely happy with Obama and the current situation this country finds itself in, but contrary to the convenient amnesia most tea partiers and republicans seem to exhibit these days, its predatory banking practices and people living above their means for the last 10 years that got us into this financial mess. I consider myself a middle-of-the road, pragmatic guy. But the more I hear from the tea party folks, the more I'm convinced they are just a bunch of nutty complainers who are more concerned with what everyone else has, rather than worrying about their own lives. A little focus goes a long way. I create my own economic opportunity and if I can help other people (left or right) who are having a tough time right now, I do so because of my humanity and humility, not because I'm a socialist commie Ann Arborite.

ypsicat

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:38 p.m.

I'm no Dingell fan as he has made his position about horse slaughter very clear to me in writing (he's all for it). I was planning to vote against him in this general election but thanks to Ms. Palin's endorsement of Steele, Dingell gets my vote after all. She is a scourge and she must be stopped.

Oregon39_Michigan7

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:38 p.m.

@Gorc: Unfortunately treasurydirect.gov doesn't cover the 1980s but you can use it to see that under President Bush the national debt rose from 5.7 trillion to almost 11 trillion. I don't have a public record to cite but if memory serves I believe the debt rose five times under Regan (tax cuts + military spending). I don't see President Obama spending $2 Trillion to give the top income earners tax cuts or spending another $2 Trillion to invade Iraq. @Ian "I do think Regan tried to do what was right for the U.S." Really? Iran-Contra? My man, I wasn't even in 1st grade when that happened and you're telling me Iran-Contra was "right for the US". What about taking military spending to levels never before seen? Or denying AIDS? Or "Regan Ecomonics"?!? Ian, you can't honestly look someone in the eye and say that Regan-Econ/Trickle-Down works? Remind me again how well we all fared giving the rich tax cuts so they would then trickle it down?

talker

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:33 p.m.

I have found many illogical comments during this election cycle. I'll post a few. Rand Paul's comparison of wanting to buy insurance after your house has burned down to insuring people with pre-existing conditions lacked logic. The equivalent would be wanting an insurance company to pay the medical bills after a person has died. Another issue about insurance is that anyone can be one day away from getting a diagnosis that makes the person uninsurable. In real life there are people who are uninsurable and yet need much less health care after that point than someone who was insurable at the same point. I find it interesting that some of the people who want government regulation of women's health care, including contraception and other reproductive services claim they don't want government intrusion. Besides being contradictory, I don't hear the same people complaining about going to subsidized schools or driving on Interstate highway. It troubles me when people who have benefited from others who served in the military want to replace Government funded V.A.Hospitals with limited benefits that would only pay for a fraction of comparable care privately. V.A. staff do a fantastic job of serving veterans at low costs that privatization couldn't get near. Though I didn't serve our country, my spouse did and I thank everyone who has served. This example is one of many reasons why I'm against Sharron Angle. It's not her gender. One of Michigan's terrific U.S. Senators is Debbie Stabenow. Angle, O'Donnell, Palin, etc. don't have anywhere near the abilities and credentials as our own Debbie Stabenow.

maallen

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:25 p.m.

Apparently David Briegel is fixated on Cuba, but fails to realize that the house of representatives don't deal with foreign policy. They deal with taxation bills, federal legislation, and impeachments. With that said, Dingell's response to handling Cuba is to spend more money over there and show them "how nice" we are. What Dingell fails to realize is that the citizens of Cuba already knows how nice we are that is why they are fleeing Cuba to come over here. By spending more money on Cuba only helps their leadership, not the citizens. As Steele said in the debate, we need to cut funding to Cuba so that the leadership isn't propped up. Keep that money here at home. Now who has the better handle on foreign policy, Dingell or Steele? And they don't even need to spend time worrying about foreign policy.

ThinkForYourself

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.

What ever happened to what we learned in kindergarten? "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." The constant complaining and media coverage from Democrats has appeared to many that she is perceived as a threat. Democrats have created the Palin hype. If you don't give her attention, she would be a non issue. Similarly, John Dingell continues to attack Steele in his ads which is then perceived that Steele is a threat. Why does Dingell not promote his positions on his major congressional votes this year. If you can not stand proud of your decisions, you are showing weakness as a leader.

keyesforpres

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 9:12 p.m.

Folks, you need to vote for Steele and get Dingell out of office. I was there in the House last Oct. when the House rammed the socialized medicine bill through. Dingell was the last dem to speak. He referenced NOTHING in the bill. He instead, referenced the NY Times! He said the Times said the bill was great! Oh really? Why not reference the bill? Did you see the youtube video where Dingell said it will take time to get all the laws in place to CONTROL THE PEOPLE!? Did you know the first part of the socialized medicine bill was snuck into the stim-u-less bill? A death panel was put into place and Obama picked the people to be on the death panel shortly after he signed the bill. Listen to this doctor and forward this to everyone you know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HnkxIh62dQ

Diagenes

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:44 p.m.

I bet Palin would draw more than 1100 if she spoke at U of M. I laugh at how defensive libs are when her name comes up. She is not from a political dynasty. She worked her way up on her own merits. The level of personal attacks is remarkable. I thought hate was not a family value. Palin represents the tea party, which for all you uninformed people out there is a real populist movement where people are not asking for something from their government. They are asking for their freedom from government. Dr. Steele wants you to be self relient, free to pursue your dreams and hold the federal accountible to the people.

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:42 p.m.

Ian, I will be there to ask the good Dr a few questions. Where is Cuba? What do you plan to cut to balance the budget? Look forward to seeing you there.

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.

Ian, pleeeze, conspiracy? seriously? History will not look kindly on the class warfare that began around Ronnie Reagan's kitchen table because his class of people paid too much in tax. What an ignoble enterprise! I know that you conservatives love him but he began the looting of our treasury with the scandalous saving and loan bail out. The heirs amongst the Wall Street Banksters have nothing in common with the wonderful concept of the neighborhood banking industry.

InsideTheHall

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:24 p.m.

Dr. Rob Steele will be on the Diag Wednesday 6:30 PM Come listen and decide for yourself.

Brad

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.

Nothing like the endorsement of a quitter from a state 3000 miles away to sway me! You betcha!!

RobRoy

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:07 p.m.

Oh please. Sarah Palin is a joke. Another one of these holy roller freedom fighters who's never willing to sacrifice anything for the ideals they want everyone else to espouse. Another hypocrite.

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 8:02 p.m.

@Marcus, Based on what I read, I believe Regan is one of the most popular presidents for many of the real Tea Party members. I do think Regan tried to do what was right for the U.S. It was his vice president, H. W. Bush, that screwed up Regan's presidency. I believe some of the bad policies passed during Regan's presidency was because of Bush. Also, the attempt on Regan's life was a little fishy. John Hickley Jr. was family friends with the Bush's. The person that stood to gain the presidency if Regan died. Coincidence? The Bush and Clinton presidencies have devastated this great country. Now Obama has been given the marching orders to finish the job. Palin is one of the supporting characters of team Obama and the establishment. Watch "Invisible Empire" to learn more.

InsideTheHall

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:53 p.m.

And the latte liberals adore Nancy "prozac" Pelosi who has given hair tugging legitimacy. This thread is higly entertaining and revealing.

Gorc

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:50 p.m.

Marcus....yes Ronald Reagan did stick us with debt, but not at the level that this current administration and congress has. NOT EVEN CLOSE.

Monica R-W

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:46 p.m.

Ummm Sarah. We in Southeastern Michigan, do not like you. Take your endorsements and go elsewhere....Dingell is up by like 20+ points. LOL!!

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:43 p.m.

So, Robyn and builder, This totally unprepared, incompetent and insignificant person quits her real job, her elected public service job, to take millions from goodness knows who and you want anyone to take her seiously. And respect her. For what? Drill Baby Drill? How'd that work in the gulf? Abstinance? How'd that work in her own home? Hard work? How'd that work for the Alaskans that voted for her? The constitution? Can she read and understand it's meaning? How do you think her former constituents feel about her desertion? And Mr Builder, what was her net worth two short years ago? And today? Lot's a money in that Tea Party conservancy! You Betcha!! She could rival Rush and Glen. Especially if she starts selling gold instead of....

Oregon39_Michigan7

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:37 p.m.

I like how Ms. Palin points out that Steele is a member of the NRA... but "forgets" to mention that Dingell gets an A+ rating from the NRA. (Sorry for my "GOTCHA" comment Sara)

Oregon39_Michigan7

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:25 p.m.

@Ian... by your definition the Tea Party would also disaprove of President Regan. P.S. My generation ("Gen-Y" the 20s-30s somethings) thanks YOUR generation for the Regan debt you stuck us with.

Speechless

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 7:03 p.m.

"... Dr. Steele has finally obtained the "Seal of Approval" as a true right winger. I wonder if he received a congratulatory call from Brian Calley. I appreciate Sarah Palin for providing more clarity to the election." You betcha.  And after earning this important thumbs-up from someone who might one day become our U.S. commander-in-chief, it would only be too fitting for Steele to get a follow-up call from the future Lieutenant Calley. So, Thayrone will emcee a campus rally for Steele?... Where's the Nuge?

DonBee

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.

ROFL The comments are much more fun than the article. Thanks for making my evening.

trapper

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:56 p.m.

So can we get her to endorse Ouimet?

robyn

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:54 p.m.

I can't believe anyone would decide who to vote for - or not to vote for - based upon someone's opinion... I also can't understand how the people who jumped right on their computer to announce that they won't vote for Steele because Palin is supporting him can't help but make such rude comments about a woman they have probably never met and don't know personally. Seriously - what's with the attacks? She's not running for any office. Apparently there are people who seem to like her and/or her message. So why the nastiness? I guess I've been totally mistaken. I always hear liberal people talking about how we need to be more tolerant and less hateful - especially to those who are not like ourselves. People with different backgrounds, people from different races and cultures, people who worship and belive differently than we do. So where is all that tolerance and good will when someone is different politically? Is it okay to attack them? Everyone deserves to be heard, respected and treated as an equal... So if everyone isn't REEEAAAALLLLYYYY everyone - who is it okay to treat disrespectfully, un-equally and who shouldn't be heard?

sbbuilder

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:54 p.m.

The mantra coming through the keyboards of the liberal elite is that 'intelligent' people vote a certain way. It couldn't be otherwise, could it? After all, intelligent people can look down from the lofty heights of intellectual snobbery and proffer their opinions unchallenged and with distain. Who the heck do you people think you are? So you are educated. Big fat hairy deal. Does that mean you know what's best for the rest of the less educated masses? You are educated, therefore, you know what is right. Ahhhh, were it so simple. I would caution you against pitting your degrees and awards against the common man. You may be in for a rude surprise. Does Ms Palin's endorsement matter? Probably not in AA. This just serves to add fodder to the fire. The intellectual elite can use this as a smirking point, I mean talking point. Step out of the cocoon of AA, though, and you will encounter a far different reality. Times they are a changin'. I can't wait to see what's in store! (Mr Briegel: Net worth of Carl Levin - between 1.4 and 3.1 Million, net worth of Sander Levin - around 1.2 Million, net worth of John Dingell - between 2.3 and 6.1 Million. (All in 2007 statements. I'm not sure why the disparity, but there you are.) Mr Dingell's campaign recieves over ninety percent of its donations from PAC's. Mr Steele receives less than 2 percent from PAC's, the rest from individuals. So, I'm left wondering about the millionaire endorsing millionaire slam, specially in light of the fact that the Dems made their money while in office. How did they manage to do that?

rusty shackelford

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:46 p.m.

I have to say that I'm very disappointed in annarbor.com's comment censor board. For all the vigilance you exert over the comments, you allow this much pointless vapidity from scores of people who have never contributed anything useful--or anything at all--to another story before this one?

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.

Me think, Sarah Palin's endorsement was to turn off moderate republicans and independents from voting for Steele. The race must be very close. The establishment is not holding anything back.

bugjuice

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:43 p.m.

Sarah Palin does endorsements and records robo calls for cash. She's in politics for the money and the financial connections. Nothing wrong with that except it's self centered on her and her family's financial future and not the future of the USA.

YpsiBronc

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.

Word from the Tea Party camp is that the Palin endorsement was announced on A2.com entirely for the entertainment value of the Lib's much anticipated over-reaction.

jondhall

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 6:01 p.m.

AARP is also supporting Dingell he is their longest Breathing Member. I heard he voted for Obama Care? He can not even make his bed anymore, where is all that Stimulus money going, he sure has not brought much to Michigan.

PersonX

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:59 p.m.

Why is this such an enormous piece of news? Other Michigan papers have not made such a big deal of a predictable and essentially meaningless celebrity endorsement, putting it proper perspective. Why is this "first page" news on this blog? This town deserves better...

CountyKate

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:51 p.m.

Lots of Dingell supporters here. Let's hope we all get out and actually vote on Tuesday, because that's the only way of making sure your opinion is heard.

Sam

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:50 p.m.

I would rather be endorsed by Sarah than by Clinton and Oboma combined. You liberals must like the big giveaways Dingell approved. Socialism is not the way and neither is Dingell. RETIRE DINGELL!!!!

maallen

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:44 p.m.

Hmmmm, using some of the people's logic on here: If Alvin Greene (you know that Democrat that won the South Carolina primary that no one ever heard of) decides to endorse Dingell then you won't support Dingell?

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:35 p.m.

@roadman Here is another link for the more recent EPIC-MRA poll (knowing well enough tea parties hate Huffington Post). http://www.freep.com/article/20101022/NEWS15/10220399/1001/NEWS/Poll-shows-Dingell-leading-newcomer

AAbob43

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:31 p.m.

If nothing else, the various responses in the chain of comments reflect what a polarizing person Ms. Palin is. That's less a criticism of Ms. Palin that it is of American voters. I remember when Americans respected statesmen (not just politicians) such as Everett Dirksen on the Republican side and Hubert Humphrey on the Democratic side. These were people who had their eyes on what was best for America, not just for their reelection, and who knew how to forge sensible compromises. Ultimately, we as Americans are on the same team. We have enough enemies without making ourselves into further enemies. We seem to "squad-up" after events like 9/11, but other than that, we can't see the common good to save our lives. How do we encourage people to run for office who can work with others?

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:31 p.m.

@roadman You might want to use more up to date polling. Rossman has not been updated since 10/4. LOL at you counting on the green party. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elections/state/MI/house/?chart=10MI15GESvD

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:28 p.m.

As stated by Palin, "hes committed to reduced spending, lower taxes, and commonsense Constitutional principles; and hes right for Michigan an NRA-member and avid sportsman, father, and community leader. After 55 years, its time for new leadership for Michigan." ok, I agree with reducing spending as it pertains to pork projects that do no stimulate hiring in Michigan. However, knowing steele loves self interest PAC's just like Sarah. I am not buying that line. Reduced taxes. Depends on what type of taxes. Just throwing out the line reduced taxes is meaningless. There has to be a source of revenue for the government to operate. What taxes exactly is Steele and tea parties like him planning to cut? Somehow I doubt it will benefit his constituents. commonsense Constitutional principles....Hmmm, to me that sounds like promoting his interpretation of the Constitution. Knowing he is a member of the tea party, that does not sound like he will promote the separation of church and state, personal privacy, equal rights for those in the GLBT community. No thanks. NRA member, ok, how does that separate him from Dingell who is also a NRA member? Sportsman and father, how are those qualifications again? I love fishing, college football, college hockey, and my kids as the next guy, but that does not make one qualified to make important decisions regarding our federal budget. Community leader, wasn't this the same line Palin through at then Senator Obama during the 2008 Presidential election. Sarah needs some new material.

InsideTheHall

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:24 p.m.

LMAO, well the Ann Arbor libbies have their knickers twisted over this one. Well, the district is much more than the Socialist Republic of Ann Arbor enclave. This endorsement will go over huge in Dundee, Bedford, Monroe and the townships of York and Pittsfield. Dr. Rob Steele just might shock the world come Tuesday November 2nd.

jameslucas

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:20 p.m.

It would be helpful if Sara Palin would endorse Michigan Supreme Justices Robert Young, and Marry Beth Kelly so voters would know who not to vote for in this race.

Roadman

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:16 p.m.

The Team Telecom and Rossman polling organizations showed Dingell trailing. Much of his prior support is going to be diverted to Green Party nominee Dr. Aimee Smith, an Ann Arbor resident who is a true fighter for the environment. Go Aimee go!!

Urban Sombrero

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.

Sarah Palin would endorse my dog, if it were a Repbulican. Are we supposed to be impressed by this?

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:09 p.m.

@roadman Do you want to put money on that prediction of Steele's victory knowing every polling service showing Dingell with a comfortable lead going into the midterm elections? I anxiously await for you to eat crow on November 3rd.

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.

@Ian The tea party goals are admirable and liken back to the original contract for America from Newt Gingrich. However, unfortunately the tea party has been taken hostage from partisans such as Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck who are only interested in themselves not the average American. I respect Ron Paul. It is unfortunate more Americans will not support him. Palin disgusts me. She is a career politician that does not respect education and free religion. @jondhall Do you actually believe this endorsement will help him in perhaps the most liberal district in the nation next to San Fransico? This was the kiss of death. I support Dingell. Dingell has been securing grants for many projects in this district. He is also a supporter of embryonic stem cell research and GLBT rights, both platforms I 100% support.

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.

jondhall, geez, what does Rupert and his Saudi partner tell the blondes on FAUX to tell you? We anxiously await! And Huffington Post bothers you. Go figure.

Roadman

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.

John Q: "A loser endorsing a future loser. Who cares?" Sounds like the Bill Clinton endorsement of Dingell. Didn't Ol' Bill have some disciplinary problems with the Arkansas State Bar some time back? 77 years of Dingells are enough for the District. His own constituency may toss him out on his ear like Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick. At least Dingell won't have to go to a prison to see his wife like Congressman Conyers. Remember how Dingell Conyers and Kilpatrick were powerful members in Congress? My my, have times have changed. If Dingell loses on Tuesday it will put an exclamation point on how his influence has dwindled in Congress and among his own constituents.

takeakidhunting

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:59 p.m.

Lets see if i can put this so you will get it,sarah palin has been gov,ran for V.P., written a best selling book,wants lower taxes,less gov,american oil,hmmm......just what have you been doing in your lives to tell another person (whom is making a difference) that they are dumb useless and whatever else is posted here?if you disagree with her than thats fine,that is your RIGHT.But surely you cant be serious with all of the insults,what have YOU done!!!???

jondhall

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.

@ Bob Anderson: I'm not sure we can call the "Huffington Post" a source unless we are talking "bias". One thing is for sure AARP endorsed Dingell, keep him hide, rumor is he can no longer dress himself. His fellow "liberals" even took away the committees he was on. ROFLMAO. Go Steele, Steal this campaign, in "liberal A2".

Soothslayer

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:57 p.m.

wait.. I just studied the picture a bit more.. is she doing the groundhog gig from Groundhog Day?

Soothslayer

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:54 p.m.

The intelligent vote is the exact opposite of whatever Palin endorses.

Greggy_D

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:52 p.m.

Some of you are basing your vote on endorsements? Are you that shallow?

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:47 p.m.

@Bob, If you want to know what the real Tea Party stands for, do not let the chatter and misinformation get to you. Just listen to what Ron Paul stands for. It is very simple, unhold the Constitution. I do not agree with him 100% on all of his postitions, but it is far better that what the Republican and Democratic parties have done to this country. Both parties are controlled and work for their masters, not for the people.

Mama G

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:44 p.m.

I have to say this! With the underlying utter dislike of Sarah Palin shining through very clearly those of you who said that Dr. Steele just lost their vote were never going to vote for him in the first place. Surely you people don't think that Rob Steele supporters or Rob Steele, for that matter, believe you! It reminds me of the most recent poll put out by the Free Press. The poll was taken in an area where there were 50% democratic voters and 22% Republican. The pollsters work hand in hand with the MEA. Take notice that John Dingell himself did not CLAIM this poll either on his FB page or his website. John Dingell knew this was a "bogus" poll or he would have touted it everywhere as would any politician. The comparison between your comments and the recent poll so parallel each other! It's all bunk!

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.

Are chipmunks and endangered species?

RobertinSaline

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

Does Steele really really want to go to Washington, attend meetings and serve constituents in areas as diverse as Monroe, Dearborn & Romulus? His bio shows the only community service/office he has ever held is the "Finance & Benefits Committee" as a partner at his own business. Until this election, his primary contributions were to the lobbying group "Cardiology Advocacy Alliance" - a well-funded PAC in Pinckney. Self-interest is the primary message I am getting from Steele; & with Palin's endorsement, this just underlines his aims.

Sunshine26

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

I think it is wonderful that Sarah Palin endorses Rob Steele. I hope he wins. It is time for some new, young blood in Congress. Rob Steele's medical knowledge will sure come in handy when the GOP submits a bill to repeal Obama Health Care!

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:28 p.m.

@Ian Stuff like this is why no intelligent individual can take the current iteration of the tea party seriously; http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/26/tim-profitt-rand-paul-supporter_n_774285.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/26/ken-buck-separation-church-state_n_774023.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/26/sharron-angle-campaign-ha_n_774176.html

Pika

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.

Sarah Palin's endorsement is something Steele should run from. What a joke!

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.

@Jennifer, Do you know what the real Tea Party stands for? In case you don't know, let me list a few key aspects: 1. Stop the illegal wars and bring our troops home. Palin is in favor of endless wars. So is Obama. 2. Fiscal responsibility. 3. Reduce the size of the federal gov. Both Bush and Obama have greatly expanded it. Huge governments tend to lead to tyranny. 4. End the privately owned Federal Reserve. We do not need them. 5. In short, uphold and abode by the U.S. Constitution. I'd say all the above are good things that democrats and republicans want and it will help this county. So, why is the Tea Party so misunderstood and demonized? The established media that is controlled by the establishment. In other word, propaganda has fooled a lot of people.

HaeJee

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.

@johnny, I don't think it is because she is a woman that people think that she is not intelligent. It is her behavior, what she says, and her actions that tell me she is not intelligent. She has behaved in a sexist manner to gain male voters by acting cute. I think your theory could have applied to Hillary Clinton however.

Johnny5k

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

Also let's face it...Sarah Palin endorsement has little to do with Rob Steele and much to do with John Dingell. Dingell: the man who was first elected when the US had 48 states and become a millionaire off his salary paid by the US taxpayers.

Frank99

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

This endorsement might work in Wasilla but not Ann Arbor. Kiss this election goodbye.

Jennifer

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

Bummer!! I was going to vote for Dr. Steele, But not if Palin or the TeaParty endorses him.

Johnny5k

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.

Perhaps some of the criticism is legitimate and perhaps the conservative women coming to the forefront are inexperienced and not as educated as their opponents. But at some point in time you have to wonder though if these women are being judged as "stupid losers" purely because of their sex and party affiliation. That whether the kiss of death is not so much to be endorsed by a polarizing candidate but rather to simply be a female political candidate in the Republican party. I'd like to see a political atmosphere where the glass ceiling is removed rather than lowered for women in a particular party. This doesn't mean that you can't evaluate candidates properly and some just don't add up, but consider whether you are guided by logic and reason or prejudice. I fear that for many it is the later.

PaperTigerSaline

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.

Thanks for helping me decide, Sarah, that now I will NOT be voting for Rob Steele. Your endorsement is the kiss of DEATH!

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:53 p.m.

Sarah Palin is just a tool for both the established Republican AND Democratic parties to keep those that are part of the establishment in power and to work against groups like the real Tea Party that threaten the existing power structure.

michaywe

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.

Really, who cares? Reporting the news by way of a question.... 'What do you think' gets the intended response and the increased 'click thru's' ($$) you'll proudly show advertisers. I can see the former Ann Arbor News building from my house!!

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:42 p.m.

maallen, Thank you for enlightening us mere mortals of the new meaning of fiscal conservative! Ideological consistency, NOT! discgolfgeek, "if the village idiot was running against Sarah, it would be a tough choice"! You win!!!! Best post!

demistify

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.

Will someone please explain why annarbor.com posted this as "Top News"? Did anyone really think this was an "unexpected" choice? Did anyone think it would sway any votes from Dingell to Steele? Stay tuned for Sarah Palin endorsing Rick Snyder.

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.

It is very possible that Sarah Palin's endorsement is meant to hurt Steele, not help. That way the establishment candidate, Dingell, stays in power. The establishment has done just about everything to get Dingell re-elected (Clinton, money for bridge and rail, etc.)

SemperFi

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.

At least the "Take Back Congress" rally will be entertaining. I'm sure that Thayrone X will be enamored by Kimbirly Vasi's Christian music. maybe she'll do a little hip-shakin', soul-rockin', industrial strength R&B instead. I might go for that. BTW, do they want to 'take back congress' to 2001 when that republican led House of Representatives increased the size of the federal government by passing numerous bills that eventually led to the largest deficits in the nation's history? Oh, not that one?

leaguebus

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.

"Common sense constitutional principles", repeal the Bill of Rights and turn this country into a Christian Theocracy. Dr Steele, I feel for you. Do you hear the bells ringing?

Bob Needham

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:25 p.m.

(comment removed because it was in all caps)

non2574

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:20 p.m.

The media gives her too much attention. I don't understand how this endorsement is news. A republican endorsing another republican. What would have been news if she supported Dingell.

HaeJee

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:19 p.m.

Thanks Forever27 for taking the words from my keyboard. This is why I love Ann Arbor.

David Cahill

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:18 p.m.

An endorsement by someone with one of the lowest approval ratings in American politics is scarcely going to be of much help to poor Rob Steele.

garrisondyer

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:15 p.m.

I believe Steele was just given the political touch of death. I've been too busy to really keep up with the latest comings and goings, but has Palin ever endorsed someone in a big race who has gone on to win?

Forever27

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:15 p.m.

@maallan, I am not criticizing the late Sen. Stevens' ability to bring money back to his district (like a good legislator should), I'm criticizing the hypocrisy that is Conservatives deriding the exact thing they use to get elected, federal projects in their district. You can deflect the argument all you want, but nothing changes that fact.

maallen

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:11 p.m.

@Forever27 If Alaska gets more money per-capita via federal dollars than any other state" then good for them. Dingell can only bring in on average.80 cents for every dollar that we send to the federal government. And this is from the man that claims he is the most powerful and respected person in congress. After 55 years, that's all he can get. It's time for new ideas, new leadership. Because the old leadership just isn't working for Michigan.

Jaime

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.

Who else would she support? I don't think I makes much difference. People are mad and may vote their emotions rather than their brains. Yes, Dingle has been in the house for a long time. Is he still qualified? Yes. What are Steele's qualifications?

HaeJee

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.

Why do people care who she endorses? She is barely a politician and couldn't even finish her first term as governor of Alaska without resigning and making excuses. I dont respect anything about this woman. She blames everyone else for her problems. The worst thing that every came out of politics in the last 20 years.

care2comment

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.

Wow...looks to me like the Dingell crew communicated with each other really quickly to mock this endorsement. We already knew what good ol AA types would have to say about this: they being so much wiser, intelligent, and tolereant than us conservative red-necks. November 2nd cometh... and I really believe it will be the Doctor... not the Dingell. We'll all be aholding hands around the old oak tree...and singing Kumbayah!!!

maallen

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:59 p.m.

Being endorsed or not being endorsed by someone shouldn't change someone's vote because that endorsement has not changed the view(s) of the person being endorsed. With that said, apparently some voters are easily swayed. Kind of interesting that it's all democrats too.

Forever27

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.

@Tbag, "Real American", "These colors don't run".... any other bumper sticker slogans you want to parrot? Also, I'd like to know what the definition of a "Real American" is. If by "Real American" you mean someone who is a half-term governor who is under investigation for numerous ethics violations, or someone who gets on their soapbox deriding government spending while simultaneously being governor of the state that takes in more money per-capita via federal dollars than any other state; then I think Mrs. Palin is a "Real American" indeed.

discgolfgeek

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.

I have no idea whether the endorsement will hurt or help Steele. I do know that if the village idiot was running against Sarah Palin for office, I would have difficulty making a choice.

Bablat

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.

That's the worst possible endorsement Rob could get in Ann Arbor!!!!! Rob should renounce it or he would loose votes.

Bablat

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.

That's the worst possible endorsement Rob could get in Ann Arbor!!!!! Rob should renounce it or he would loose votes.

Veracity

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.

Well, Dr. Steele has finally obtained the "Seal of Approval" as a true right winger. I wonder if he received a congratulatory call from Brian Calley. I appreciate Sarah Palin for providing more clarity to the election.

Donna Roth

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.

Sarah has the commitment of a kid. She has no business endorsing, she cannot even complete her elected term as governor. She's in it for the glory and the $. Neither of which she deserves.

tommy_t

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.

Great! Now I won't have to stay up late waiting for the vote results.

Cash

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.

T Baggins, I didn't know she was a member of the Aerican Empire! Is she a resident of Mars or Pluto?

UMphd

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.

"An unexpected surprise"?! Can't believe they didn't expect this surprise. Any editors there? Hello?

juju10junk

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.

You are not voting for someone because of an endorsement he did not pursue? Does that strike anyone else as being a bit immature? Please - Be an educated voter and vote based on the merits of the candidate, not on his or her "endorsements". Are you happy with what the Senate and the House have been doing? By all means, vote for Congressman Dingell to continue to do what he's been doing for 55 years. We can all see how well it's working for Michigan. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Put the same person in office and get the same results. Or if you aren't happy, put a different person in office and you can expect different results. (For what it's worth, John Dingell is endorsed by the NRA.)

Nick

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.

She is qualified to make this endorsement because she is part of an elite group! List of losing VP Nominees of the past 50 years- Sarah Palin John Edwards Joe Lieberman Jack Kemp Dan Quayle Lloyd Bentsen Geraldine Ferrarro Walter Mondale Bob Dole Sargent Shriver Edmund Muskie William Miller Henry Cabot Lodge

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.

@forever27, That is because the establishment is backing her. Constantly putting her on TV and getting her invited to talking engagements. Just as Obama was portrayed as the great savior. It is all Madison Ave advertising campaign. In other word, nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Unfortunately too many people fall for it.

Bob Needham

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.

(off topic comment removed)

Oregon39_Michigan7

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.

If anyone needed another reason to vote for Dingell;

Klayton

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.

Yikes! The fact that Steele approved this endorsement speaks to his judgment (or lack there of). No intelligent Rep, Dem, or Indep wants to hear Palin's endorsement with their candidate of choice.

evenyoubrutus

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.

Interesting... I wonder if there's anybody out there who said "Well, I was thinking of voting for Dingell, but now that Palin has endorsed Steele, I think I will change my vote"

LANDS

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.

Sarah Palin should stay in Alaska and hunt endangered species.

John Q

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:24 p.m.

Sarah Palin has held a half dozen political offices over almost 20 years. By any definition, she's a career politician.

Ian

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.

The kiss of death. I would not want her (the FAKE Tea Partier) to endorse me I'd I were running for office.

Top Cat

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.

Sorry but I don't believe any of you that claim that this endorsement changed your decision. You were all going to vote for Dingell anyway. Anyway, woman are not supposed to be Republicans. Women are all victims and therefore should be Democrats. Those that are not Democrats are therefore not intelligent. Everybody knows that!

Mikey2u

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.

Sarah who?

Forever27

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.

@xmo, Sarah Palin is anything BUT a "self-made woman." And it isn't her "misbehaving" that frightens people. The scariest part of Sarah Palin is not her anti-intellectual rhetoric, or her hypocritical policy positions when it comes to "pork-barrel spending". What really frightens most people is that she has so many followers who actually think she is a smart person.

Ram

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.

Dang.

A2K

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 2 p.m.

Hahahhah! Oh, this is rich...The most anti-intellect, anti-woman, anti-progress, anti-middle-class mouthpiece has issued her royal endorsement. Hahahahha! *oh my* Good luck Mr. Steele.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.

I'm shocked. I was staying up all night, thinking Palin was going to endorse Dingell. But here she did an about-face and endorsed the Republican challenger. Will wonders never cease?

DagnyJ

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.

If I were Rob Steele I would have run away from this woman fast. She is the kiss of death in this district.

david hall

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.

And endorsement from a quitter. That's fantastic. If anyone should tell someone to shove their endorsement, it should be Steele.

rusty shackelford

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:32 p.m.

The fact that any person gives serious consideration to the notion that Dingell won't be re-elected tells you everything you need to know about that person's depth of political knowledge (yes, that includes Rosenthal..er..Lesko). Oh and when he "retires" his wife will take his seat for another 25 years. Let's get real folks.

iamwrite

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:26 p.m.

Ryan, quick! We must stop the comments on this before it turns into a yahoo or gasp, even worse a cnn comment board! All will be rushing to sign up and comment on this one!

David Briegel

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.

Half term Governor and winner of the Iquitarod shares same values as Rob Steele. Multi-Millionaire endorses Millionaire! Sarah and the Tea Pary fear Knowledge. That is the only fear in the room! John Dingell and I thank her ever so much.

xmo

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:21 p.m.

Sarah Palin is a self made women who started with nothing and now scares the Democrats. I guess women who misbehave really do make history! (just like the bumper sticker I see all over Ann Arbor)

ummsw

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.

Yikes!!! Mr.Dingell,you definitely HAVE my vote....

iamwrite

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.

RA-Once I was informed and educated that Sarah Palin endorsed Steele, I made the educated decision that I will vote for Dingell. I am all for Steele and what he stands for, but I will not support Sarah Palin. She is polarizing...there is no middle ground with her. Dontcha know? You betcha!

Forever27

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.

hahaha, that will just about do it for Steele's campaign. He was already slipping in the polls, now I think you can stick the proverbial fork in it.

cinnabar7071

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.

Can you smell the fear? All you have to do is mention Palin and the smell of fear explodes in the room. I know you libs hate her cause shes dumb, thats a great value you libs are so very proud of.

RA

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:58 p.m.

John Q - Apparently you do, First Commenter. iamwrite - Because there's nothing like making informed, educated and independent decisions. Good for you!

True_Wolverine_Fan

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

From a Dingell supporter... THANK YOU SARAH PALIN!

Bob Anderson

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

now I know who not to vote for. Thanks Sarah!!!

a2grateful

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.

In a2, Sarah Palin's endorsement is like just like a "Smooch of death" (isn't that one of Washtenaw Dairy's flavors?)... Even if it means something outside a2, Dingell's a tough guy to beat...

iamwrite

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.

I was on the fence about this one, but now I will not be voting for Steele. Thanks for helping me decide Sarah!

a2miguy

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.

Do people really think a Sarah Palin endorsement is something to be proud of? Yikes.

John

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.

Couldn't agree more, John Q!

John Q

Tue, Oct 26, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.

A loser endorsing a future loser. Who cares?