State GOP rallies today

Romney to speak, Schaffer to get nod at two-day event

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published May 30, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated May 30, 2008 at 4:15 p.m.

Republicans are holding their statewide convention today in Westminster and Saturday in Broomfield. The Rocky's Lynn Bartels is providing live coverage.

2:47 p.m.:The Salazar brothers came in for plenty of ribbing during the 3rd Congressional District assembly.

That’s Ken Salazar of Denver, a Democratic U.S. senator, and John Salazar of Manassa , a Democratic congressman representing the 3rd district.

“We call them the Kennedys of Antonito,” said Darius Allen, of Alamosa, who got a big laugh with that line.

Allen seconded the nomination of Wayne Wolf for the GOP candidate from the 3rd District. The nomination was made by state Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, who ripped John Salazar.

He called him the “invisible” congressman, and said Salazar has “distinguished himself by becoming a party-line vote for the national Sierra Club’s do-nothing, drill-nothing, Stone Age energy policy.”

“I think when it comes to the 3rd Congressional District, Barack Obama has it right, we do need a change,” Penry said.

2:39 p.m.:Ali Hasan, a candidate for the state House in District 56, provided sandwiches, chips, fruit and drinks to those attending his nominating assembly.

His mother told him to, he said.

"My mother grew up in Pakistan. She said, 'Do you know how you're going to win? You're going to feed everyone,'" Hasan said to big laughs.

Hasan referred to his mother several times.

"She told me, 'This isn't a job,'" he said of being a state representative. "'You're a steward, a steward of people's dreams.'"

Hasan, who turns 28 on the Fourth of July, lives in Eagle County.

After Hasan spoke, former state Sen. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville, hollered to him at the podium, "Ali, you accept the nomination don't you?"

Normally candidates open by saying they accept the nomination

2:26 p.m.:Fifteen seconds. That's how long conventioneers got when they walked across the stage to make a pitch to go to the Republican National Convention. And the time limit was strictly enforced.

"Next!" was hollered out over and over again, sometimes in the middle of some speeches.

Here's what some of the NRC candidates running in the 3rd Congressional District said:

"I'm here because Ron Paul brought me home," said Karla Messano of Montrose.

Next!

"I want John McCain to choose our next Supreme Court justices," said Harley Brooke-Hitching of San Miguel.

Next!

"I see only one way to make government smaller and that's to get rid of the IRS," said Sandra Johnson of Costilla County.

Next!

1:57 p.m.:Scott Tipton is running for the state House in District 58, the seat currently held by Rep. Ray Rose, R-Montrose, who opted against running for re-election.

"It's going to be a great race," he said. "People know me this time."

Tipton lost to Democratic U.S. Rep. John Salazar in 2006 during a Democratic tidal wave.

U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave urged voters in the 3rd Congressional District to help send Bob Schaffer to the U.S. Senate.

She said the same wealthy Democrats who have tried to unseat her will go after Schaffer.

"We have to do everything we can to stop the onslaught of the left," she said.

Musgrave also offered brief praise for Schaffer's Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, calling him a "nice guy."

But she said he's too liberal and his wife has Sierra Club ties, an announcement that drew murmurs throughout the crowd.

12:35 p.m.Here’s a first:

Two Democrats and a 9-year-old Greeley girl nominated U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave at the 4th Congressional District assembly.

The Fort Morgan Republican is running for her fourth term in Congress.

Jean Murrell of Longmont nominated Musgrave because of the congresswoman’s work in getting World War II veterans their medals.

Theresa Garcia of Las Animas nominated Mugrave based on her stand against the Pinon Canyon proposal and her work saving the farm services agency office in Colorado.

The girl who nominated Musgrave is Kelsey Reese, who recalled being only 3 when she first worked on Musgrave’s campaign. Kelsey’s family owns the Pirate radio station in Greeley.

Kelsey wore a purple gown and elbow length gloves and stood on a chair to reach the microphone.

“She brought the house down,” said Joe Brettell, volunteer campaign spokesman.

11:58 a.m.Don’t call him Boulder liberal.

But you can call him Lafayette conservative.

Scott Starin is running for the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District, where he hopes to succeed U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs.

Republicans have inaccurately pegged Udall as a Boulder liberal, although he’s never lived within the city limits.

Starin, 47, is an aerospace engineer who says his two biggest issues are fiscal responsibility and a sound energy policy.

Three Democrats in the 2nd are running for their party’s nomination: former state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, former state Board of Education member Jared Polis and conservationist Will Shafroth.

State Sen. Shawn Mitchell referred to the Democrats when he nominated Starin. Mitchell said the district doesn’t need somebody who can dip into their family’s money – a dig at Shafroth. And he said Sarin’s not spending his “dot.com bubble money,” a reference to Polis, a wealthy Internet entrepreneur, who has put more than $3 million of his own money into the race.

But Starin has a bit of a soft spot for Polis. He said when he filed his candidacy papers, Polis called to wish him good luck.

“I think that shows a lot of class,” Starin said.

The 2nd district leans Democratic, but Starin said he can win by wooing Reagan Democrats and unaffiliated voters.

11:36 a.m.Christine Lovett has one description for all of the Ron Paul supporters out in force today:

“They’re moonies,” said Lovett, a delegate to the 2nd Congressional District convention.

She said backers of the Texas congressman’s presidential campaign are single-minded, dedidcated and even a little cultish.

“I knew they would be here in force when I turned into the parking lot and saw all the signs,” she saiTd.

County Kenny Griffin of Leadville in as one of the Paul supporters. He peddled the “McCain Voter Kit,” which turned out to be a clothespin. He said voters will need one to hold their noses when they vote for McCain.

Jon Warnick, a member of the town council in Blue River, also is Paul supporter. He ran as a delegate to the Republican National Convention during the 2nd Congressional District convention today.

“I do not support liberal Democrats in disguise,” he said.

But Warnick is on the candidate list as a McCain supporter.

McCain backers said Paul supporters are being disingenuous.

10:28 a.m.Some of the liveliest goings on today is in the Cotton Creek meeting room where four Republicans are trying to get on the ballot in Senate District 4.

The seat now is represented by Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Castle Rock, who decided against running for a second term. He addressed the assembly.

Running to succeed him in the heavily GOP district are: Ed Brewer, Mark Vanderbilt, Randy Reed and Mark Scheffel.

To make the ballot, the candidate must receive more than 30 percent of the delegate vote.

A candidate who receives less than 30 but more than 10 percent can also try to petition on the ballot. Anyone who falls below 10 percent is out of the race.

9:45 a.m. Sen. Shawn Mitchell, who is running for re-election, ripped the Democratic-controlled legislature and Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter when he introduced himself.

The Broomfield Republican made fun of a new law regulating therapists.

“A bad neck rub is a tragic thing,” he said, to whoops and applause.

9:30 a.m. So much for Bob Schaffer’s reputation for being prickly with the press.

The U.S. Senate candidate got applause this morning when he told Republicans from the 2nd Congressional District why it’s important for the GOP to win the White House and to prevent Democrats from having a veto-proof majority in the Senate.

“Freedom is better than bondage,” he said when wrapping his remarks. “Liberty is better than …. .”

Better than what?

”I didn’t catch all that,” a reporter asked him afterward.

“Better than the Rocky Mountain News,” Schaffer said, without missing a beat.

Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, nearly choked he laughed so hard.

By the way, it’s liberty is better than bureaucracy.

9:08 a.m. Democrats, there’s good news for you out of the GOP state convention.

Bettina Nava, the regional campaign manager for John McCain, told Republicans that Democrats are registering voters 10 to 1 over the GOP.

“We can’t have that,” she said. “Let’s get to work.”

9 a.m. Drum roll please.

Jeff Crank, candidate for Congress in the 5th District; Randy Reed, candidate for state Senate District 4; and Ron Paul, presidential candidate.

Their supporters were out early today placing their signs along the road from Colorado 36 along 104th Avenue to the Westminster Westin, where the Republican Party state convention got under way today.

Crank’s supporters even had signs on the overpasses leading to the exit for the hotel.

6 a.m.

The number of cars on the Boulder Turnpike with John McCain and Bob Schaffer bumper stickers will increase dramatically today as Republicans kick off their statewide convention.

Oh, and don't be surprised to see plenty of Ron Paul signs, as his supporters will be out in force.

Republicans gather at the Westminster Westin today and at the Broomfield Event Center on Saturday.

About 6,000 conventioneers are expected Saturday, the final stop in a process that began when more than 70,000 Republicans turned out Feb. 5 for precinct caucuses.

President Bush's low approval rating and the recent loss of three special elections to fill congressional vacancies might have Republicans fearing another Democratic sweep in November, but that's not the case in Colorado, said GOP state party Chairman Dick Wadhams.

"There might be a lot of states that don't have the optimism we have here," Wadhams said. "That sets us apart. There is a great deal of optimism among Colorado Republicans."

He attributed the upbeat mood to several factors, including his belief that the party will win an open U.S. Senate seat and that the state will go for John McCain over Barack Obama for president.

A record 380 conventioneers are running Saturday for 44 slots - 22 delegates and 22 alternates - to the Republican National Convention in Minnesota's Twin Cities in September.

"We've never had more than 100 people running for those spots," Wadhams said.

Four congressional districts will meet today at the Westin Westminster where Republicans will nominate congressional, district attorney and legislative candidates. Each district also will elect three delegates and three alternates to the national convention.

The main attraction Saturday will be the nomination of Bob Schaffer for U.S. Senate.

Schaffer, a former congressman from Fort Collins, faces U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, in November. They are running for the seat now held by retiring U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Loveland.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who easily won Colorado's GOP caucus before dropping out of the presidential race, will speak on McCain's behalf at 2:15 p.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile, supporters of Texas Congressman Ron Paul are lobbying hard to sway Coloradans who supported Romney and Mike Huckabee to their camp. The Paul campaign sent 3,000 DVDs to conventioneers to educate them about their candidate, said Jobadiah Weeks, an Adams County resident who is an alternate to the RNC.

"It's a long shot, but it's not over," said Weeks, who has traveled around the country on Paul's behalf.

Who’s going

Colorado Republicans will send 46 delegates and 43 alternates to their national convention in the Twin Cities in Minnesota Sept. 1-4. Most of the delegates will be picked today and Saturday, but some congressional districts already have held their elections.

6th District

Nathan Chambers

Age: 50

Occupation: attorney

City: Greenwood Village

Family: Wife, Carol Chambers, the Arapahoe County district attorney; 11-year-old daughter

Pets: Two dachshunds, Bubba and Suzy

Years in Colorado: 29, moved here from western Pennsylvania

Of all Colorado’s elected leaders, living or dead, whom do you most admire?

My wife and former U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong

Is this your first time as a national delegate?

Yes

How did you campaign? Why do you think you were picked?

I didn’t really campaign, but I’ve worked hard for the party for a number of years. I’m the chairman of the Arapahoe County Republican Party.

Dream ticket: McCain and Condoleezza Rice

First political experience: I’ve been very interested in politics for a long time.

First presidential vote: Gerald Ford in 1976

Joe Nuñez

Age: 71

Occupation: Bush appointee to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and former state lawmaker

City: Roxborough Park

Family: Wife, Lilly; four grown children: John, Danny, Teresa and Lili; and 10 grandchildren

Pets: No

Years in Colorado: Moved here in 1978 from Washington, D.C., where I was working at the Pentagon

Of all Colorado’s elected leaders, living or dead, whom do you most admire?

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong, a very strong family man

Is this your first time as a national delegate?

No. I was a delegate in 1984, an alternate in ’96, and a delegate in 2000 and 2004.

How did you campaign? Why do you think you were picked?

Just the routine, not only making phone calls but sending out a letter asking for support. A lot of folks are new and a lot of them wouldn’t know me, and I wouldn’t know them.

Dream ticket: McCain and Mitt Romney

First political experience: When I was at the Pentagon I was assigned as a congressional liaison officer. I had a lot of contact with different congressional offices.

First presidential vote: I can’t remember.

Kendal Unruh

Age: 43

Occupation: campaign strategist

City: Castle Rock

Family: Husband, Dr. Wally Unruh; two children, Dominic, 15, and Cassie, 9

Pets: A beagle named Dr. Dog, and a Pomeranian, Teddy

Years in Colorado: Native

Leader you most admire: Former U.S. Sen. Bill Armstrong. Truly that is how a politician should be, conservative but well-liked by everyone.

Is this your first time as a national delegate?

No. This will be my sixth.

How did you campaign? Why do you think you were picked?

People know I’m a principled conservative, and I make no bones about it. I was endorsed by various groups, including Republican National Coalition for Life, Colorado Christian Coalition and the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. That always helps.

Dream ticket: McCain and Mike Huckabee

First political experience: I worked with Pat Robertson back in 1988. There’s a definer for you. I came on board with all the other Christian conservatives who got active that year.

First presidential vote: George H.W. Bush in 1988

Alternates: Kathleen LeCrone, 39, of Centennial; Rick Murray, 62, of Highlands Ranch; Kim Ransom, 42, unincorporated Douglas County between Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree

7th District

Lynne Cottrell

Age: 67

Occupation: Fundraising, event planning, real estate property management and political activism

City: Aurora

Family: Husband, Bo. Together we have four kids.

Pets: Kitty named Sarah. Our dog, Towda, just died in April. I came home and found her dead. It was just a shock.

Years in Colorado: 45 years—moved here from Michigan

Of all Colorado’s elected leaders, living or dead, whom do you most admire?

U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo. I don’t always agree with him, but I respect the fact that his beliefs are based on what he truly thinks is best for our country, not what is politically expedient. And former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown. I just so admire his stature, his principles, his manners.

Is this your first time as a national delegate?

Yes

How did you campaign? Why do you think you were picked?

I dressed up in a fancy shirt with red, white and blue elephants on it, and I wore a red, white and blue cowboy hat. I stood outside the convention with fliers and Bo, my secret weapon. My theme was this: I have given so much to the party but before I die I want one thing, to be a delegate to the party. I had never run before.

Dream ticket: Undecided

First political experience: I was a member of the Young Republicans in high school. There was a parade in Grand Rapids, and we got a truck and pulled this donkey in a cart. We had a banner that read “I’m going Republican. Why not you?”

First presidential vote: I think Goldwater.

Matt Knoedler

Age: 33

Occupation: I’m a public policy adviser at Patton Boggs, where I work with Democrat Mike Dino, the CEO of the host committee for the Democratic National Convention. He urged me to try to become a delegate to the RNC. He said I would have a blast.

City: Lakewood

Family: Wife Ariahn; two daughters, Ciara, 2, and Aida, 8 months

Pets: We have a goldfish for Ciara.

Years in Colorado: I was 12 when my family moved here from Indiana.

Leader you admire most: Former Gov. Bill Owens was a great manager and an innovative leader. U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo was and is a master of the bully pulpit, which is perfect for a member of Congress.

Is this your first time as a national delegate?

Yes

How did you campaign? Why do you think you were picked?

People know me. I campaigned in the district for my state House seat, which I won in 2004, and then in 2006 for a state Senate seat. In my 30-second speech at the convention, I said all of our delegates were super, which was a jab at the Democrats’ elitist regime with their superdelegates.

Dream ticket: I hear good things about Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

First political experience: I worked for the late U.S. Rep. Dan Shaffer. I sat next to his press secretary, Dana Perino, who now is the White House press secretary.

First presidential vote: Bob Dole in’96

Shirley Seitz

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired housewife

City: Lakewood

Family: husband, Billy, and one grown daughter

Pets: None

Years in Colorado: 16—moved here from Arkansas

Leader you admire most: Former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez

Is this your first time as a national delegate?

Yes

How did you campaign? Why do you think you were picked?

I sent out little postcards and gave my past activities on the postcards. I’ve been a longtime volunteer, so a few people knew me.

Dream ticket: McCain and Mitt Romney

First political experience:

Oh, my goodness, as old as I am to remember that. Here in Denver it was Jeanne Faatz, way back when she was a state representative, they needed someone to walk with her. I think I had been here three or four months, and my tail feathers were ruffled about something and she was on the same side as me.

First presidential vote: I remember the Goldwater campaign the best because my husband was in the military.

Alternates: Kathryn Isenberger, 58, of Golden; Jack Ott, 67, of Lakewood; Jobadiah Weeks, 26, of unincorporated Adams County

• May 30, 2008

  6:45 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  GK writes:

  Dinosaurs!

• May 30, 2008

  8:59 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Spencer writes:

  It's very important that they all drink the kool-aid.

• May 30, 2008

  9:15 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  Masawa to all the Republican stalwarts, standing firm for personal responsibility and against moral relativism.

  I don't know what 'masawa' means, but I'm pretty sure using it will piss off the Obama folks >:-)

• May 30, 2008

  9:37 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  DenverDan writes:

  davies stop kissing gene?

• May 30, 2008

  10:10 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  OK Denver Dan, we'll keep it to the men's room ;-)

  Now you Demmies keep Obama from allowing Iran and North Korea to cause a nuclear holocaust, 'cuz I don't think he's up to the job.

• May 30, 2008

  10:20 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  Also Denver Dan, what is with the homophobic implication? For shame! For are you not of the Party of the People, the Party of Inclusion? How dare you imply that behaviors between consenting adults are subject to judgement, ridicule or acts of insensitivity by others!

  I demand that you attend the Remedial Sensitivity Training Module at the DNC, as sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance. And not hot lesbians either.

• May 30, 2008

  10:39 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  What, Foley's ringing bells now? I guess I won't go peeking if I hear any unusual 'tinkling' in the men's room!

• May 30, 2008

  10:41 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  mytwosense writes:

  Sweatshop Schaffer shows his love of liberty by disparaging the press. Wow, you repubs have picked a real winner there.

  davies: "Now you Demmies keep Obama from allowing Iran and North Korea to cause a nuclear holocaust, 'cuz I don't think he's up to the job."

  Yeah, starting a war with them is exactly the way to keep 'em from pushing the button!

  Here's a question to ponder: how do other countries keep America from unleashing our own nuclear weapons?

• May 30, 2008

  11:15 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  Oh boy, a debate! mytwosense: "Here's a question to ponder: how do other countries keep America from unleashing our own nuclear weapons?"

  Answer: Most of them don't. Republican (meaning in the governance sense) democracies generally don't go around nuking or threatening to nuke other countries. Of course Russia still has a formidable nuclear deterrant, so they certainly can be seen to "keep America from unleashing" our nukes. Britain and France have significant capabilities, if they ever perceived the U.S. to be a threat, and China is gaining fast in this regard. But otherwise it is mostly the self-restraint of our democratic form of government.

  Now you get a question, mytwosense: Are you suggesting that, because only a few other countries can effectively deter us from using our nuclear weapons, that the United States has no right and no responsibility to prevent Iran and North Korea from developing nuclear weapons? Despite the UN prohibition? Even though one is currently a radical Islamic theocratic oligarchy, and the other is an extortionist dictatorship? Even though one has stated and shown its intent to destroy the nation of Israel, and the other is clearly a threat to South Korea?

• May 30, 2008

  11:32 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  DenverDan writes:

  Davies

  You sound like fat boy rush! You cant talk about what your boy bush3 is going to do. So all you can do is bash Obama talk bad about THE DEMS. Tell me why you like Mcshame? We dont want to hear about your out-rage on pins on a coat!

• May 30, 2008

  11:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  Thanks Marine. And here I was trying to have a civilized debate. Denver Dan, some of you democrats get so angry, you seem to lose the ability to type in coherant sentences. Well then here's my response:

  GeeDub will go down as GRATEST PREZ EVER!!! You Demoncrats exert vacuum pressure AND ARE DUM!!!!! You dont like fat peple??? well i guess thats becaus Obama is skinny from having AIDS from AFRIKA!!!!!!! and is afriad a flag pin mite maek him bleed to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  (Note to RMN site staff: I know you're going to be asked to delete this one, but at least recognize the satire first. DenverDan went nutzo on me up above here.)

• May 30, 2008

  noon

  Suggest removal

  mytwosense writes:

  davies: "Answer: Most of them don't. Republican (meaning in the governance sense) democracies generally don't go around nuking or threatening to nuke other countries."

  Well, we're the lone exception to that rule, aren't we? Or have you forgotten the atomic incineration of hundreds of thousands of private Japanese citizens in WWII?

  davies: "Now you get a question, mytwosense: Are you suggesting that, because only a few other countries can effectively deter us from using our nuclear weapons, that the United States has no right and no responsibility to prevent Iran and North Korea from developing nuclear weapons? Despite the UN prohibition? Even though one is currently a radical Islamic theocratic oligarchy, and the other is an extortionist dictatorship? Even though one has stated and shown its intent to destroy the nation of Israel, and the other is clearly a threat to South Korea?"

  Of course not. But I know that if I was one of the leaders of those countries, I'd be irritated that the one country who has actually used nuclear weapons to level two cities populated by hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and uses uranium in its current weapons, is telling my country we have to halt our nuclear program.

  We are the ones who started the whole nuclear movement. Can you really blame these other countries for developing their own weapons in response to what WE started?

  Truthfully, davies, I don't know how we get out of this mess that threatens the whole world now. I don't think it's enough to get rid of all the nuclear weapons - we have to get rid of the causes that drive countries to develop them in the first place. Fear of each other. Some of it based on good reasons. Some of it based on hysteria and paranoia.

  If we don't deal with this once and for all, it would just be a matter of time before we all started developing nuclear weapons again.

  And since we started it, yes, we have a moral responsibility to end it. But not in the way I suspect you are proposing.

• May 30, 2008

  12:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  mytwosense: Thanks for the thoughtful (and civil!) reply. Two points:

  #1, Nuking those cities in Japan amounts to a holocaust in and of itself, that is worthy of debate. BUT, it has to viewed in the context of the overall scope of the conflict. In hindsight I think it was a mistake, but at least it certainly showed the world what two relatively primitive and tiny nuclear weapons were capable of. But very regrettable nonetheless.

  #2, and my larger point regards your statement: "we have to get rid of the causes that drive countries to develop (nuclear weapons) in the first place. Fear of each other. Some of it based on good reasons. Some of it based on hysteria and paranoia."

  - Sadly, I do not think this is possible. As long as there are human beings there will be war of some kind or another. Since the objective of war is victory, new and deadlier weapons will always have eager buyers. I support trying to avoid war whenever possible of course, but mostly I think democracy, and strength in the hands of democracies, is the best hope for world peace. Yes I said "world peace", just like a beauty contestant ;-)

• May 30, 2008

  12:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  mytwosense writes:

  davies, you've got my vote for "Mr. Democracy." :) (assuming you're a mister).

  I realize the last 5000 years or so have pretty much depicted a war-resorting human race. But I am not convinced we can't evolve. I'm reading a fascinating book right now called "The Great Turning." Written by a very brilliant man, Dr. David Korten. He has a PHD in organizational behavior, a Harvard professor, worked around the world helping developing nations, etc.

  Anyway, the theory he puts forth is that for the last 5000 years, we've operated under Empire and Dominator rule, which emphasizes a rigid hierarchal nature. There are many reasons why this leads to continuous war. He also states that we have been very consumed with mastering the "physical" environment. This has led us to superhuman powers in terms of technology development. However, we've neglected to master the "spiritual" side of humanity. He believes if spend as much effort to do so as we did to conquer the physical elements of our planet, our minds would make quantum leaps in wisdom and enlightenment.

  And, we'd find amazing new uses for those technologies beyond warfare.

  Long story short, I believe there's a great deal of hope for humanity. I think we will progress.

• May 30, 2008

  12:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  mytwosense writes:

  davies and marinegrunt, what do you think about this...

  We could have simply set the bombs off over a barren stretch of land or water in front of Japanese officials. I believe the "shock and awe" effect would have been enough to scare them into surrendering right then and there.

• May 30, 2008

  1:04 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  DenverDan writes:

  MarineGrunt Experience and Liar are going to do?)

  I don't know about the latest lie rush told you about Obama. I do know it is not as bad as being a liar about war! WMD. They didn't even find a supper-soaker 3000.

• May 30, 2008

  1:26 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  mytwosense writes:

  Froward, that's because the repubs have gone out of their way to marginalize just about every group in the US except for the rich. They have no one but themselves to blame for steadily shrinking their base.

• May 30, 2008

  1:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  mytwosense writes:

  marinegrunt, I still think it would have shocked them into surrender if we'd just shown them what the bomb could do first. Back then, nothing of the sort had ever been seen. I think it would have sufficiently frightened the wits out of them just to witness the potential.

• May 30, 2008

  1:39 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  HOOK writes:

  Someone offered me $3,000,000 up front to write a book, heck id write it on whatever they wanted me to too!

• May 30, 2008

  1:54 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  davies writes:

  You Dems/libs are getting a little cocky. I wouldn't be making inauguration plans just yet. The Democrat-controlled Congress has a lower approval rating than Bush. And whatever happened to the "pay-as-you-go" promise - did it get put on the Bridge to Nowhere? I think the dems have managed to disenfranchise a few people too. You know, it kinda makes folks cling to their guns and religion and so forth, the poor ignorant souls.

• May 30, 2008

  2:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  windbourne writes:

  Hmmm. The GOP rallies in denver and videos of Alliens are shown at the same time? Any Connection? Yup. Just a bunch of whack jobs trying to pull ANOTHER scam.

• May 30, 2008

  4:01 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  T1anda writes:

  Were the sandwiches bacon and tomato Mr. Hasan?

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