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Monday's American Morning viewers sounded off on a host of topics. Ron Paul’s interview on Texas secession was received by many as far-fetched. Others thought it wasn’t such a bad idea.
- Cox: I can't wait for Texas to secede then they can take over the Iraq and Afghan wars created by their leading citizen Geo. Bush. They can also take over responsibility for immigration with Mexico and the drug wars included. They are complaining about high taxes; wait till they discover that somebody has to pay the bills. Tthey remind me of a teenager who wants to move out on his own because their parants are too restrictive. I think you can just chalk it up to Republican lunacy.
So, would Texas be right in thinking that a move to secede from the United States is the right action for their state? What do you think about such comments? Is it treason or do you feel that such a move would allow them great power over their concerns?
The young pirate’s arrival in the U.S. brought mixed comments, most believing that he was happy because he’s now in “Disneyland” as opposed to the poverty in Somalia. Still, others wondered why the “little guys” were always the ones to take the fall, while the “top making money on these thefts” goes free.
- Cheryl: Our country is cheering the death of these young pirates and now plans are underway between the Navy and the media to create a reality TV show on hunting pirates. Would it not be prudent and responsible for the media to report the "other" side of this story. Somalians have been teetering on the verge of starvation; they have seen their fishing rights sold on the international market depriving them of food and income; thousands are suffering from horrible diseases caused from the toxic waste dumped on their coast by the so called civilized world. That they have turned to desperate measures to survive should be no surprise. To further exploit this tragedy is sad and inexcusable. I am disheartened that once again citizens of this country take pride in the killing of a desperate people without any concern for why they have resorted to such extreme measures.
- Bill: Did we all notice the smile on the Somali terrorist's face as he was surrounded by American police? Would he have been smiling if he was in Nazi Germany, Russia, Palestine or China? He would be terrified as he should be. Our enemies know that America is ridiculous. He will now be eating better than he ever ate before and sleeping on soft mattresses. We are crazy!!! He should be put to death immediately to send a clear message to pirates and terrorists.
- Tod: Why are we always going after the little guys? We have satellites that can read a newspaper from space, but we can't find the mother ship and take out the people in charge. This is the same crap as always, get the little guy, satisfy the public, leave the big guys alone and get paid. Remember, a lot of the stuff being captured by pirates is paid for by donations and taxpayer money. I think there are people at the top making money on these thefts, even though it will probably never be proved.
Is the U.S. too focused on the “little guys” in the pirating issue? Should we be addressing bigger issues such as poverty in Somalia and the “top” people making the money off the pirating? Share your opinions.
Viewers also shared their stories of UFO experiences.
- Jewell: My husband worked for the Corps of Engineers at Cape Canaveral in the early 1960's building the original launch pads. We lived in the area. At that time, the sightings of UFO's were so frequent that all the fellows were given cards to carry that had a phone number to call to report sightings. However, when a sighting was reported, the person taking the report would not verify if others had also called in the sighting. One evening we were driving in the area and a bright light low in the sky over the Indian River caught our attention. We pulled over and watched the light for at least 5 minutes. It moved very fast in one direction and then stopped, as if on a dime. It stayed in that position for a couple of minutes and then moved rapidly in a different direction, again stopping quickly. It moved back and forth around the sky in the same manner during the period, finally speeding away to the east and out of sight. At that time we were not aware of any craft that the US had that could maneuver that way, and still don't know of any. My husband called in the report when we got home (this was before cellphones). The next day he confirmed with a number of other Cape employees that they also had seen the fantastic action in the sky. I"ll never forget it!
Tell us your story. Do you believe in UFOs? Have you ever seen a UFO? Do you think the government should release any classified UFO reports?
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There is so much anger, hatred, and fear in our nation today. We have been divided, I believe for the purpose of gaining political power, and I'm not sure how we can find our way to peaceful discourse again. We must try. Fear and prejudice have been used pretty successfully to demonize anyone who disagrees on an issue, regardless of the issue or position. Our national compass is spinning out of control. We have lost the ability to respect others.
Texas isn't likely to secede. I doubt that most Texans want to leave the country they love and the political forces in Texas aren't about to give up the half a billion $ in pork barrel spending they're getting. The Governor is a hot head who engages his mouth ahead of his brain. It's merely political posturing. Bravado is often confused with bravery but they are not the same.
I hope we can regain our national sanity and stop being afraid of our shadows. We live in a dangerous world – always have and always will. We must regain our moral authority and stop competing to become as bad as the terrorists. An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth only results in a blind and toothless world.
banking and credit go hand in hand! the statement now is that an indivisual has to be credit worthy? the system used underhanded means to get to this level of unstableness; what and who did they keep under foot because they may have been deemed emenies of the state. we are paying these institutions to continue business as usual. revamp the credit rating system and reduce the charges they receive. we are paying three times: 1.put money in banks,2. pay fees for services and 3.now our tax dollars to the executives!
Wow I sure missed all the fun yesterday! Heck, I wish an individual could sucede from the hold of the Federal Government!
I am an American Indian by heritage; my grandmother full blood Cherokee, so don't talk to me about all the rights of Americans. Amazingly, you folks that want to continue to hate George Bush are really NOT American. You are whiney people who always think your ideas are the only ideas and you could do a better job, but in reality your mouth overrides your butt in almost every situation. Easy to get on that soap box when you have no influence in any of the outcome isn't it?
I agree with the poster that said, you have Obama now so move on. I am afraid before his term of office is over, you will be crying the same way about him.
One- that priate should have been shot at sea, like the others. What a waste of my hard earned money. Two-the government is not telling us alot of things. Three-I'am disappointed in the president for releasing the cia info.. Nothing more than policitcal games. As for texas, I agree with Cox. Today is "Earth Day", whereas every day should be earth day, without her we have nothing!
Having lived in a Muslim country too me what GOP wants to do with taxes is exactly what Taliban wants to do in Afghanistan
As most in Afghanistan are suffering from Taliban extremist we at US are suffering from our own GOP extremist. They everywhere all countries have them, that's how you know God is not prejudice boneheads in all nationalities
On Texas succession: I see the great conservative republican patriots not getting their way. If on business taxes, they move their business overseas. If on personal taxes they move their retirement homes overseas. Now, if on foreign policy, they want to succeed.
Now we see the conservative patriotism for the hollow shell that it is.
Should have known. They pledge allegience to a nation under God, who they do not know or care about, to God, which they believe atheists and Agnostics should pledge allegience to. If they do not believe in God, how can their pledge of allegience to the nation under that god have any meaning?
That is how they can pledge allegience to liberty for the rich & the best justice money can buy.
How is it treason to think or say what one believes in a nation whose First Amendment protects and guarantees free speech?
The real attack on our democratic principles is the stifling of free speech with accusations of treason!
Look, I'm from Texas. Stop with the "those terrible things those Texans have done." Look. George Bush is a Texan. That means he lives in Texas. That DOES NOT mean that I, a college student from Dallas, am some "torturous, greedy person." I'm an American darn it. We all are. I hate that for some reason, people forget the flag we say our Pledge of Allegiance to IS NOT OUR STATE FLAG. It's the Stars and Stripes. We are a nation that loves to point fingers and group people. I love that I am from Texas. However, I have lived in Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, and California. When I do something horrible in the future, which state of mine will you choose to point fingers at and say "THEY ARE THE PROBLEM!" ? Seriously.
On another note, if people in this country are serious and think the government doesn't have a boatload of hidden information like the UFO sightings, then we are all crazy. Of course the government does have info like that. But think for a second. If you were in charge of a nation, would you admit highly classified information like that? Think about that for a second. You have a nation of people to lead. Do you want 300 million people losing their minds overnight because you decided to tell them that aliens visited our planet? Even more so, would you want the people also finding out that you, as their leader, have been LYING to them?
I don't think so. Yeah, I bet a lot would be different if we knew about the UFO's, but would it all be for the better? Ask yourself that, not me.
As a native Texan, I feel compelled to remind those of you who feel ashamed by what the "terrible things those Texans have done" to remember that our former president WAS NOT born in Texas and he is NOT a native Texan. I personally have very little in common with the ideals of that administration, and urge the rest of you to be a little more open-minded when calling out the residents of a single state. I am a Texan, yes, but an American first (and proud of it!). This state is not going anywhere, and if you seem to think so, please take this time to pull your head out of your bowels.
As a Texan, I think this talk is stupid. I'm proud to be a Texan, and an American. It is the combination of all our differences in our states, our state histories, and cultures that make us all unique and the best country on Earth. I believe that most of us Americans- no matter what state or ideology- realize that we are great because of the sum of our parts.
Sure we have an independent streak in Texas, but please don't confuse this with stupidity. There are smart people and dumb people in every state, and in every country. I think Perry had too much Whiskey, and spoke like a drunk Texan. Loll.
I am disappointed to read that so many Texans subscribe to this naive and ignorant point of view, and also that so many people writing here also endorse it, in an equally stupid naive view. A political scientist from Russia predicted last year, that our country would break up into parts, including Texas. Let's not let others divide us. We are often our own worst enemy. We are sadists and masochists at the same time. We judge ourselves like we are God, and beat ourselves up before the world as if we seek redemption. Sad, that we are so lost and confused. God bless us to pull our heads out of our backside and see more clearly.
To 'Cox'
Texas would do a better job dealing with the border and Iraq combined. The reason?
They wouldn't approach either like a the bunch of panzies the US government has become.
The Iraq war would have been over in about 12 hours.
The boarder would be lined with 50 cal machine guns and anyone that moved would suddenly stop moving.
You remind me of an arrogant teenager that thinks your way is the only way and frankly, the US would be better off without you.
Wow! I didn't realize that we are now going to hold every resident of the state of Texas responsible for the actions of one man...(re: Sandy).
News flash to Democrats: Bush is out! Obama (the one you love and worship) is in! Isn't it time for you to get off the I-hate-Bush-bandwagon. Since you all seem to be so eager for "Change" perhaps you should move on.
Texas has the absolute right to secede, it seems to me that many of you of the more liberal persuasion have forgotten that the foundation of this country is built on state's rights. And since you obviously harbor such hatred for states like Texas, I would think it would be in your best interests to promote state rights, so that the places you like living stay the way they are. If Texas secedes, heck, I may move back there, because its a lovely state, filled with real, hardworking, caring Americans.
Sandy Witecki, I'll bet you believe the Messiah Obama is going to deliver us from this troubled land? Its people like you, that have put our country in the shape it is in. When the current president runs out of blaming the past administration for all the world's problems, who is he going to blame after that. He and Pelosi are going to leave our children and their children with the biggest deficits this world has ever known. But just think , you could learn Chinese, because that's who are going own our country. The only thing your president can do, is look good as a celebrity, because he certainly isn't acting like the President of the United States. He's out to make everyone love him. In the mean time these very same countries are looking to over throw us, and he's helping them.
Sandy
Another person who has never studied history. The most corrupt administration was the Grant Administration. The Forty years following the "War between the States" were not squeaky clean either. We started a war to repay Spain for blowing up the USS Maine. We started a war to take Panama. We started a war to cleanse the west of "hostile" Indians. The oil and railroad "barons" could buy politicians and dictate US policy and the theft of property through immanent domain. If you check the names of these people, you'll see Rockefeller, Gore, and Roosevelt. As for comment from foreigners, if they do not like the US, go back to their screwed up countries, with their death squads and non-representative government. And remember that the vast majority of the problems are the result of 1000 years of European interference and greed, and not all the US's fault And GW is really just another page of "American Tradition".
We can only hope that Texas does not secede. If they take the only state economy that isn't in the tank who's going to support the two big
black hole states like California and New York. You lose that tax base and the two big Democratic states will overwhelm whats left of the federal budget trying to keep them afloat. Just look at the differences between them in how they handle a budget. You really want the only smart one to leave the party?
ON THE DAY TEXAS WOULD SECEDE YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO GO IN TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM HOSPITAL AND BE TREATED PROMPTLY AND NOT DIE IN A CHAIR WAITING BECAUSE NON TAX PAYING UNINSURED BROKE NON-AMERICANS WERE DEMANDING THEIR RIGHT TO BE SEEN. THE SECOND AMENDMENT WOULD CLEARLY BE CLARIFIED FOR THE RIGHT OF IT'S CITIZENS TO USE DEADLY FORCE DURING ANY ROBBERY, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, KIDNAPPING, ATTEMPTED ARSON, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR BURGLARY. THE NATIONAL ANTHEM WOULD BE SANG IN ENGLISH AND THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WOULD BE ENGLISH AS IT USE TO BE IN AMERICA.
It can't be treason. Texas, unlike all the rest of the states, entered the US via a treaty that included the right to leave when it wants to,
As to Cox's statement, what most people do NOT realize is that 75% of the oil used in the US is refined, processed or travels through Texas. You think the oil embargo of the 70's was bad. As for who's paying for Immigration, patrolling the borders, law enforcement and restriction of the drug trade? With as much money as is being borrowed and given away right now, it's our great grand children. Also, because it would be an independent nation, Texas, like the US could borrow money from other countries.
But, if you believe ANY thing a politician says, the President included, then you are just gullible.
If Texas wants to be its own country, then it needs to bring back to life those who has fought (the Alamo, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Viet Nam, Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq) to protect their greedy, money-focused Governor and Representative. So much non-Texan blood has been spilled on behalf of Texas that they can never repay the debt! Secession? That would be the ultimate act of selfish, egotistical behavior! On the Judgment Day, such an attachment to "mammon" would certainly compel Jesus Christ to say, "depart from me, too! I never knew you!"
This is not about Republican and Democrat. The right to secede or consider secession is a principle of freedom. When the central power is no longer for the people but for the war profiteering and those seek a constant increase in control and revenue, the people have a right and duty to find some recourse. Does an abused wife have a right to consider separation and divorce? Government is to protect the natural rights of the people – adding more to that proportionately leads to failure and revolution. Therefore a limited constitutional government is the only one that can be sustained. Those who have violated their oaths to the constitution are the ones who have already seceded in principle and the hireling servants that they are should be replaced.
I am seriously sick of hearing the republicans whine about the bad publicity that the freedom of the press brings with it. The worst problem is that this country has been controlled by some pretty corrupt and evil, people that drug our country through the mud and believe me the foreigners know and will be quick to remind us of our slip in spirituality! We have to All bear the responsibility for allowing our country to be run by these kinds of people. In the future lets hope the truth sounds a little better because we have cleaned up the corruption!
After being stuck with the most corrupt administration since the United States began I say here here. and as soon as they are out lets nuke em!! That way the greedy oil companies won't be able to control everything that goes on in the world and we will get an opportunity to actually get out of the terrible things those Texans have done to make us the most despised country in the world! Torture, greed, changing the constitution so they can get away with breaking the law, and starting a war under false pretenses when their real desire was to ruin the country cause"He hurt my daddy." P L E A S E !
If Obama feels so compelled to release top secret CIA document that could potentially be detrimental to our national security for no other reason other than to embarrass the previous administrations, then he should also release the UFO reports. After all, if this information was made public it may lead to scientific breakthroughs that could improve our way of life.