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[RickFunkDC]

hi all Rick DC checking in, How is evreyone doing? GFR is playing the Mohegan SUn hear in ct, in Sept, I will probably go.

Rick

[Tamara]

Hiya, Rick!  Doing okay, still laid up from the car wreck last year. 

I haven't seen GFR for a couple of years, but I hear the set is pretty much the same.  Mark came near here this past year, but I wasn't up to going.  Have you seen Mark recently?  If so, how was the show?

Great to "see" you again!   

[southeastfunk]

Don & Mel will be here in November.  The last time they were in Charleston, SC was November 7th, 1970.  I will probably go, but I want to tell Don to cut the crap and get back with Mark before one of the three regret their pigheaded decisions.

[Tamara]

Hiya, Gary - good to "see" you again too!

If you get a chance to say that to Don, let us know what he says.

[southeastfunk]

I watched the video the other day of Mark, Don and Mel at Pine Knob, 1998.  I actually started to cry when 2001 began.  I would love to feel that way again.  My opinion is that MARK should be the one at the Charleston concert, either with NrG or Grand Funk Railroad.  I ramble, but if Don and Mel are gonna come and perform in MY backyard, they should be bringing Mark with them.  I want the 100 proof GFR, not "Sam's Choice" GFR.  I was able to "control' my feelings (grin) as long as they (Don & Mel) were performing away from my area, but when I hear November 11th, North Charleston SC Riverfront Park, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up!  We need a new Declaration of Funk, let start in November!

[Tamara]

I watched the video the other day of Mark, Don and Mel at Pine Knob, 1998.  I actually started to cry when 2001 began.  I would love to feel that way again.  My opinion is that MARK should be the one at the Charleston concert, either with NrG or Grand Funk Railroad.  I ramble, but if Don and Mel are gonna come and perform in MY backyard, they should be bringing Mark with them.  I want the 100 proof GFR, not "Sam's Choice" GFR.  I was able to "control' my feelings (grin) as long as they (Don & Mel) were performing away from my area, but when I hear November 11th, North Charleston SC Riverfront Park, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up!  We need a new Declaration of Funk, let start in November!

I'm confused.  It's okay for Mark to perform there without Don and Mel, but not okay for Don and Mel to perform there without Mark?

[RickFunkDC]

I watched the video the other day of Mark, Don and Mel at Pine Knob, 1998.  I actually started to cry when 2001 began.  I would love to feel that way again.  My opinion is that MARK should be the one at the Charleston concert, either with NrG or Grand Funk Railroad.  I ramble, but if Don and Mel are gonna come and perform in MY backyard, they should be bringing Mark with them.  I want the 100 proof GFR, not "Sam's Choice" GFR.  I was able to "control' my feelings (grin) as long as they (Don & Mel) were performing away from my area, but when I hear November 11th, North Charleston SC Riverfront Park, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up!  We need a new Declaration of Funk, let start in November!

There is one thing well two I will say errr three. I. I want mark back in GFR. 2. It was Mark who walked out of GFR, in 1998, and then gave that letter of womanly (no insult to women hear just the unmanliness of that letter which  I still have saved somewhere) excuses for leaving. And 3. Don and Mel have never bad mouthed Mark publicly, while Mark has trashed Don and Mel many times. If the bridges are too burnt for mark to return to GFR it was mark who lit the match. If Mark would of kept his cool, maybe it would be easier for him to return.

The only way I see a return now is if someone offers GFR some big bucks if they do an originals reunion. Remember in 1999 GFR's 30th year GFR was set to do 30 big shows (big arena shows) and capitol was going to release all the re-masters that year, and Budwiser was going to back the tour. But Mark walking but out all that on hold. I have my solo career to think about Mark said and all I have to say is mark you solo career is mediocre at beast.


Rick

[RickFunkDC]

Hiya, Rick!  Doing okay, still laid up from the car wreck last year. 

I haven't seen GFR for a couple of years, but I hear the set is pretty much the same.  Mark came near here this past year, but I wasn't up to going.  Have you seen Mark recently?  If so, how was the show?

Great to "see" you again!   

Sorry to hear that you were in an accident, I hope you return to full health soon.

I missed GFR I was not feeling to well and My uncle was just being put in the hospital for cancer and his kidneys were shutting down. He was close to death (all the prayer warriors went to work) and with some good doctoring, and 4 weeks at Yale, he is now out of there and in a rehab. He has stage four cancer (limphnods)  but it is treatable and shrinking and his kidneys are working fine now. Now his has to finish the series of chemo and get his strength back. It looks like he is going to make it. Thank God.

I missed mark earlier this year to, I was to embarrassed to go, my weight popped up to massive proportions. SO, I went back on the akins diet and dropped 9 inches on my waist, so now I am just Huge, instead of super huge  LOL 

I did see GFR a couple of years ago at outside venue in southern Mass and it was a great show at a beautiful indian area and lake. The place was filled and it would loud and good (the audience went wild). I was wearing my extreemly bright yellow-ish GFR Roadkill tie dye. LOL

Last time I saw Mark, was in Vegas at an outdoor concert, summerfest, in June of 2000, it did not go well, Mark was having all kinds of problems with his equipment and it was short (pat Benatar was the best at that snow, BTO, Paul Rodgers, George Thorrgood, Sammy Hager ect., were all good) mark playedfor 45 minutes. And it did not go over well, Mark went on second after a local band, and they local bad Epstiens mother actually was better than Mark that day.

But in 1999, I saw mark at the Texas station, in Vegas, and it was a very long and good show, He played songs like Comfort Me, Don't let Em take Your Gun, He sent Me You, and Anybody's Answer. mark was great the N'Er'G band was so so. The good thing was mark was cranked up LOUD so you could hardly hear the rest of the guys. Marks durmmer is good though, the bass player just has never done GFR songs well, he is too disco like. I think the promoters told Mark to play the hits and that's why he has dropped most of those songs since then; And thats to bad.

Has anyone seen mark latley does he play any of his new songs, I like the new album I think its good.

Rick

[Oktay]

Hi Rick and Tamara,

Didn't hear from you guys for a while. Sad to hear about your problems but in the end everything seems to end up okay.

Hey Rick, my best wishes to your uncle, he will be okay. He should be lucky living in USA. If he lived in other country he would have much less chance to recover. And thanks Gd there is no socialized medicine yet in USA. If you guys decide to adopt one you are doomed. Believe me - I know from first hand how socialized medicine looks like - it is not as pretty as Hilary wants you to believe.

I also gave up on GFR. I do not expect any DVDs, CDs, reunions and etc. I tired of "new" GFR also - no new ideas.

My latest discovery (actually last year) is Barclay James Harvest. I somehow missed them in 70s, they were not known in Soviet Union and discovered them lately absolutely accidentally watching DVD trailer.

I also resumed Russian GFR site somehow redesigned and Mr.Murzik’s memorial site also. Link are below if you want to visit.

[Tamara]

Hiya, Rick!  Doing okay, still laid up from the car wreck last year. 

I haven't seen GFR for a couple of years, but I hear the set is pretty much the same.  Mark came near here this past year, but I wasn't up to going.  Have you seen Mark recently?  If so, how was the show?

Great to "see" you again!   

Sorry to hear that you were in an accident, I hope you return to full health soon.

I missed GFR I was not feeling to well and My uncle was just being put in the hospital for cancer and his kidneys were shutting down. He was close to death (all the prayer warriors went to work) and with some good doctoring, and 4 weeks at Yale, he is now out of there and in a rehab. He has stage four cancer (limphnods)  but it is treatable and shrinking and his kidneys are working fine now. Now his has to finish the series of chemo and get his strength back. It looks like he is going to make it. Thank God.

I missed mark earlier this year to, I was to embarrassed to go, my weight popped up to massive proportions. SO, I went back on the akins diet and dropped 9 inches on my waist, so now I am just Huge, instead of super huge  LOL 

I did see GFR a couple of years ago at outside venue in southern Mass and it was a great show at a beautiful indian area and lake. The place was filled and it would loud and good (the audience went wild). I was wearing my extreemly bright yellow-ish GFR Roadkill tie dye. LOL

Last time I saw Mark, was in Vegas at an outdoor concert, summerfest, in June of 2000, it did not go well, Mark was having all kinds of problems with his equipment and it was short (pat Benatar was the best at that snow, BTO, Paul Rodgers, George Thorrgood, Sammy Hager ect., were all good) mark playedfor 45 minutes. And it did not go over well, Mark went on second after a local band, and they local bad Epstiens mother actually was better than Mark that day.

But in 1999, I saw mark at the Texas station, in Vegas, and it was a very long and good show, He played songs like Comfort Me, Don't let Em take Your Gun, He sent Me You, and Anybody's Answer. mark was great the N'Er'G band was so so. The good thing was mark was cranked up LOUD so you could hardly hear the rest of the guys. Marks durmmer is good though, the bass player just has never done GFR songs well, he is too disco like. I think the promoters told Mark to play the hits and that's why he has dropped most of those songs since then; And thats to bad.

Has anyone seen mark latley does he play any of his new songs, I like the new album I think its good.

Rick

Gosh, I sure am sorry to hear about your uncle's health problems, but glad to hear he is doing better.  That must have been very stressful for you, though, so it's no surprise that you gained weight. 

Don't worry so much about your appearance, though.  I'd be happy to see you even if your hair turned green and your skin turned purple.   

It's sad if Mark is sticking only to the hits.  The longtime fans want to hear other things as well, which is the main complaint I have with the nGFR shows.  And honestly, I suspect the people who go to see Mark are people who either are fans of his CCM career, or old GFR fans.

[Tamara]

Hi Rick and Tamara,

Didn't hear from you guys for a while. Sad to hear about your problems but in the end everything seems to end up okay.

Hey Rick, my best wishes to your uncle, he will be okay. He should be lucky living in USA. If he lived in other country he would have much less chance to recover. And thanks Gd there is no socialized medicine yet in USA. If you guys decide to adopt one you are doomed. Believe me - I know from first hand how socialized medicine looks like - it is not as pretty as Hilary wants you to believe.

I also gave up on GFR. I do not expect any DVDs, CDs, reunions and etc. I tired of "new" GFR also - no new ideas.

My latest discovery (actually last year) is Barclay James Harvest. I somehow missed them in 70s, they were not known in Soviet Union and discovered them lately absolutely accidentally watching DVD trailer.

I also resumed Russian GFR site somehow redesigned and Mr.Murzik’s memorial site also. Link are below if you want to visit.

Hi, Oktay.  I'd be very interested to hear much more about socialized medicine, from the viewpoint of someone who lived in a country where that was the norm.  I have heard that it's very hard to get appointments, etc.  At the same time, I also worry that so many Americans lack the insurance and financial resources to get any medical care, especially since I hail from Appalachia where those problems are common.   It will therefore be a serious issue for me in next year's presidential election, but I just don't know what to think about it yet.

I've been listening to a lot of Alice In Chains (early 90s band out of Seattle), and have been for quite a while.  They're best known for songs like "Man In The Box", but their more obscure stuff is even better.  It's a shame their lead singer Layne Staley died, he was extremely talented and quite unique.  (He was also lead singer for Seattle supergroup Mad Season, best known for the mega-hit "River of Deceit"; you can look up either Alice in Chains or Mad Season on www.YouTube.com; there are lots of videos there for both bands if anyone's interested or curious).  AiC is touring now with all original members except Layne (obviously), but the new lead singer just doesn't have "it" so I'm not planning to see them.

Don is right that the music industry has changed drastically.  However, if he waits for the dust to settle on the digital changes to the industry as he has said he will do, it will be too late.  These guys aren't getting any younger, after all, and neither is their fan base.  I have therefore given up on GFR ever releasing anything new.  If they were going to do that, they should have struck while the iron was still hot back in 2000-2002, and toured to support the CD even if they had to release it themselves.  It's sad when their hardcore lifelong fans are giving up on them, but that's exactly what I have done and I suspect I am not alone. 

Time changes, times change.  What can I say.

[Oktay]

Hi Tamara,

I can speak only about socialized medicine in Soviet Union. How it works in Western socialist countries – I do not know. But if it is socialized – it will break down sooner or later.

In Soviet Union there was 100% coverage for anything that can happen with you. Even more – you had to register with medical institution in your neighborhood, it was a law. Everybody was obliged to get checked once in a year by the team of specialists. So population was healthier in general than now and much more better off than in any third world country. This kind of system is good probably for developing nations and chronically poor third world countries like Mexico, i.e. where is a little hope ever develop economy in our life time.

But of course under Soviet system some were more equal than others. High rank officials had the best clinics available, I mean most comfortable and with best equipment. Scientists had their own clinics. Actors, artists and poets – their own. And etc. But it did not necessarily meant that best doctors were in special clinics for high officials. Because to get there you need to have good connections, be political correct and etc. Because in special clinics you can get cennected with high officials and decision makers. Probably best doctors were still serving ordinary people because most of them did not have these qualities.

So it all sounds good so far. But doctors, even the best ones had the same salaries as e.g. workers. So eventually black market ihad developed. People started to pay doctors and nurses under counter and sometimes unimaginable amount of money. Rich people who got rich illegally of course – got the preference and best doctors, while ordinary people started to get ignored and in the end had little to no hope to get any quality healthcare. At the first opportunity good doctors started to immigrate to countries where they can legally get paid much better. Also there was lack of equipment, medicine and everything else. In most cases you have to find drugs yourself, e.g. asking your relatives or friends who lived in West countries to send over or pay big money to illegal traders. And of course you have to wait for serious treatment because number of good specialists was limited and they continued to leave country. But of course if you paid cash under counter – you did not wait too long. So in the end if you did not pay money you may wait long-long time and may die.

Needless to say that hidden taxes were probably 90% of income. Your salary in Soviet union was enough to survive in western country only couple of days because almost all money you earned were taken away to pay for social system.

And BTW talking about political correctness – it is something invented by communists and adopted in America in 60s. The purpose of political correctness concept in Soviet Union was to keep all different nations populated SU from mutual hatred and conflicts. But even though - discrimination never get away. It actually worked for several generations – previous generations did consider themselves as part of one nation. But in the end political correctness just stopped to work because it was artificial, and then of shortage of everything and number of problems become intolerable and people started to learn how real world in Europe and America looks like. People started to blame each other (like e.g. blacks – whites - latinos possibly will do in USA when USA becomes a socialist country and economic problems accelerate) and hell broke loose. The situation quickly returned to where it was before political correctness. It just died away even at official level.

[RickFunkDC]

Hi Tamara,

I can speak only about socialized medicine in Soviet Union. How it works in Western socialist countries – I do not know. But if it is socialized – it will break down sooner or later.

In Soviet Union there was 100% coverage for anything that can happen with you. Even more – you had to register with medical institution in your neighborhood, it was a law. Everybody was obliged to get checked once in a year by the team of specialists. So population was healthier in general than now and much more better off than in any third world country. This kind of system is good probably for developing nations and chronically poor third world countries like Mexico, i.e. where is a little hope ever develop economy in our life time.

But of course under Soviet system some were more equal than others. High rank officials had the best clinics available, I mean most comfortable and with best equipment. Scientists had their own clinics. Actors, artists and poets – their own. And etc. But it did not necessarily meant that best doctors were in special clinics for high officials. Because to get there you need to have good connections, be political correct and etc. Because in special clinics you can get cennected with high officials and decision makers. Probably best doctors were still serving ordinary people because most of them did not have these qualities.

So it all sounds good so far. But doctors, even the best ones had the same salaries as e.g. workers. So eventually black market ihad developed. People started to pay doctors and nurses under counter and sometimes unimaginable amount of money. Rich people who got rich illegally of course – got the preference and best doctors, while ordinary people started to get ignored and in the end had little to no hope to get any quality healthcare. At the first opportunity good doctors started to immigrate to countries where they can legally get paid much better. Also there was lack of equipment, medicine and everything else. In most cases you have to find drugs yourself, e.g. asking your relatives or friends who lived in West countries to send over or pay big money to illegal traders. And of course you have to wait for serious treatment because number of good specialists was limited and they continued to leave country. But of course if you paid cash under counter – you did not wait too long. So in the end if you did not pay money you may wait long-long time and may die.

Needless to say that hidden taxes were probably 90% of income. Your salary in Soviet union was enough to survive in western country only couple of days because almost all money you earned were taken away to pay for social system.

And BTW talking about political correctness – it is something invented by communists and adopted in America in 60s. The purpose of political correctness concept in Soviet Union was to keep all different nations populated SU from mutual hatred and conflicts. But even though - discrimination never get away. It actually worked for several generations – previous generations did consider themselves as part of one nation. But in the end political correctness just stopped to work because it was artificial, and then of shortage of everything and number of problems become intolerable and people started to learn how real world in Europe and America looks like. People started to blame each other (like e.g. blacks – whites - latinos possibly will do in USA when USA becomes a socialist country and economic problems accelerate) and hell broke loose. The situation quickly returned to where it was before political correctness. It just died away even at official level.

Well that is a great description and all we have to do is look to Canada where many of there pregnant women are coming to the USA to give birth (also many come for surgery's because they get put on long waiting lists up there) because they don't have the rooms there, socialism always leads to scarcity. Canadians ay lees for medicine but they  pay what $15 for a pack of cigarettes. But the liberal (liberals are for freedom what we call liberals now are not liberal at all but collectivists) or better yet Marxist and leftists hear in the USA have won the day. The republican or (old time democrats who believed in freedom) are incapable of speaking (and corrupt big spenders just looking out for themselves); the left has won the propaganda war, they control education hear, they control most of the media, and they control entertainment. They will sweep to victory in 08 (we will have Leftist Rudy G. running against far left Hillary C.). We will be paying much higher taxes (while the rest of the western world is lowering taxes-some country's are going to a low flat tax) and we move to socialism including socialized medicine for the masses, but special medicine for the elite. Right now we are taking in record revenue (because of the tax cuts which always work Wilson, JKF Reagan and Bush), but congress (and Mr one veto Bush) is (are) outspending the revenue, like usual (we are trillions in debt). When the capitol gains tax cuts phase out the stock market is doomed. When the democrats stick it to Big OIL the price of gas will go to $7 a gallon, real estate will continue to fall in value for at least two more years. (what happened to the anti communists democrats like scoop Jackson and JFK? oh yea they killed JFK and whit that the democrat party ended as we know it) Our money, which is not backed by anything (well its kind of backed by oil) will continue to be devalued. Bad times are coming, the answer will be socialism. We will be weakened and a prime target of terrorism, I can see us dividing up into regions after the perfect day (attack on 8 schools in rural American like the beslin attack) and big day (7 dirty bombs hit 7 big city's, BOS, NY, Wash DC, LA, VEGAS, Phoenix, SF) Muslims attacks they have been plotting for years. The USA will not be a super power in 10 years, and if you think I am wrong ask Bill Clinton who includes in many of his speeches that "we better treat other nations well, because when we are not a superpower we will have to relied on the largess of other nations." what does he know he is not telling. Dam I am pessimistic, that's how I see it,

PS Oktay remember I told you Russia would attack Israel and you said why? (nukes and oil) can you see it now? They (Russia)  have a war pact with Iran and are arming Iran, Syria,etc., the Muslim  nations;  Putin basically is restarting the cold war.

Humor me; We the USA and the UN (our coalition partners) force Iran to give up there nukes (maybe peacefully maybe by military strikes). Russia uses that as a impetuous to disarm Israel of there nukes (300 plus nutron bombs-googal samson option). They go though the UN and put together a coalition to disarm Israel. Russia, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Libya, and a few others surround Israel which leads to WW 3. I would recommend the book Epicenter my Joel C. Roenburg. ALSO, IF anyone hear does not know the LORD you better and soon.

Rick DC

[Tamara]

Hi Tamara,

I can speak only about socialized medicine in Soviet Union. How it works in Western socialist countries – I do not know. But if it is socialized – it will break down sooner or later.

In Soviet Union there was 100% coverage for anything that can happen with you. Even more – you had to register with medical institution in your neighborhood, it was a law. Everybody was obliged to get checked once in a year by the team of specialists. So population was healthier in general than now and much more better off than in any third world country. This kind of system is good probably for developing nations and chronically poor third world countries like Mexico, i.e. where is a little hope ever develop economy in our life time.

But of course under Soviet system some were more equal than others. High rank officials had the best clinics available, I mean most comfortable and with best equipment. Scientists had their own clinics. Actors, artists and poets – their own. And etc. But it did not necessarily meant that best doctors were in special clinics for high officials. Because to get there you need to have good connections, be political correct and etc. Because in special clinics you can get cennected with high officials and decision makers. Probably best doctors were still serving ordinary people because most of them did not have these qualities.

So it all sounds good so far. But doctors, even the best ones had the same salaries as e.g. workers. So eventually black market ihad developed. People started to pay doctors and nurses under counter and sometimes unimaginable amount of money. Rich people who got rich illegally of course – got the preference and best doctors, while ordinary people started to get ignored and in the end had little to no hope to get any quality healthcare. At the first opportunity good doctors started to immigrate to countries where they can legally get paid much better. Also there was lack of equipment, medicine and everything else. In most cases you have to find drugs yourself, e.g. asking your relatives or friends who lived in West countries to send over or pay big money to illegal traders. And of course you have to wait for serious treatment because number of good specialists was limited and they continued to leave country. But of course if you paid cash under counter – you did not wait too long. So in the end if you did not pay money you may wait long-long time and may die.

Needless to say that hidden taxes were probably 90% of income. Your salary in Soviet union was enough to survive in western country only couple of days because almost all money you earned were taken away to pay for social system.

And BTW talking about political correctness – it is something invented by communists and adopted in America in 60s. The purpose of political correctness concept in Soviet Union was to keep all different nations populated SU from mutual hatred and conflicts. But even though - discrimination never get away. It actually worked for several generations – previous generations did consider themselves as part of one nation. But in the end political correctness just stopped to work because it was artificial, and then of shortage of everything and number of problems become intolerable and people started to learn how real world in Europe and America looks like. People started to blame each other (like e.g. blacks – whites - latinos possibly will do in USA when USA becomes a socialist country and economic problems accelerate) and hell broke loose. The situation quickly returned to where it was before political correctness. It just died away even at official level.

This is absolutely fascinating, Oktay, and I appreciate your insights tremendously.

I guess my concern is now how doctors will be compensated for their services under a plan such as has been suggested, and what kinds of regulations will be in place to protect patients from the types of problems you discuss.  I guess I think it's a good idea, but it may or may not work. 

I feel sure doctors will still be very well compensated compared to the average person, but I'm not sure what will happen with regard to those doctors whose work is highly specialized, or doctors who entered certain specialties solely due to the increased compensation. 

As I understand it, basically the government will require those who can afford insurance to purchase it, while those who cannot purchase it will be covered by a government-funded plan.  I'm just not altogether sure whether it's a good idea to force people to buy insurance, since a lot of people only see doctors rarely.  On the other hand, a lot of people who need medical care now can't get it because medical costs are so high.  However, I am firmly in support of the government being only minimally involved in people's lives. The question thus becomes, is this a necessary intrusion by the government?  I fear that with socialized medicine, the government will become intricately involved in our lives, and frankly, I don't trust the government to do that.

I also think you have a very good point about political correctness.  Have you ever read the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr?  Written in the 50s, it discusses a world wherein everybody is forced by law to be completely equal.  Here is a link to the story, for those who are curious (don't worry, it's a quick read):  http://instruct.westvalley.edu/lafave/hb.html

By the way, I'm really enjoying this discussion, and think it really raises the bar for Roadkill discussion.  I hope I'm not upsetting Bill by bringing it up, but I do think we all have some basic beliefs in common since we are all GFR fans, and they were a band who sang about a lot of social issues.

[Tamara]

Well that is a great description and all we have to do is look to Canada where many of there pregnant women are coming to the USA to give birth (also many come for surgery's because they get put on long waiting lists up there) because they don't have the rooms there, socialism always leads to scarcity. Canadians ay lees for medicine but they  pay what $15 for a pack of cigarettes. But the liberal (liberals are for freedom what we call liberals now are not liberal at all but collectivists) or better yet Marxist and leftists hear in the USA have won the day. The republican or (old time democrats who believed in freedom) are incapable of speaking (and corrupt big spenders just looking out for themselves); the left has won the propaganda war, they control education hear, they control most of the media, and they control entertainment. They will sweep to victory in 08 (we will have Leftist Rudy G. running against far left Hillary C.). We will be paying much higher taxes (while the rest of the western world is lowering taxes-some country's are going to a low flat tax) and we move to socialism including socialized medicine for the masses, but special medicine for the elite. Right now we are taking in record revenue (because of the tax cuts which always work Wilson, JKF Reagan and Bush), but congress (and Mr one veto Bush) is (are) outspending the revenue, like usual (we are trillions in debt). When the capitol gains tax cuts phase out the stock market is doomed. When the democrats stick it to Big OIL the price of gas will go to $7 a gallon, real estate will continue to fall in value for at least two more years. (what happened to the anti communists democrats like scoop Jackson and JFK? oh yea they killed JFK and whit that the democrat party ended as we know it) Our money, which is not backed by anything (well its kind of backed by oil) will continue to be devalued. Bad times are coming, the answer will be socialism. We will be weakened and a prime target of terrorism, I can see us dividing up into regions after the perfect day (attack on 8 schools in rural American like the beslin attack) and big day (7 dirty bombs hit 7 big city's, BOS, NY, Wash DC, LA, VEGAS, Phoenix, SF) Muslims attacks they have been plotting for years. The USA will not be a super power in 10 years, and if you think I am wrong ask Bill Clinton who includes in many of his speeches that "we better treat other nations well, because when we are not a superpower we will have to relied on the largess of other nations." what does he know he is not telling. Dam I am pessimistic, that's how I see it,

PS Oktay remember I told you Russia would attack Israel and you said why? (nukes and oil) can you see it now? They (Russia)  have a war pact with Iran and are arming Iran, Syria,etc., the Muslim  nations;  Putin basically is restarting the cold war.

Humor me; We the USA and the UN (our coalition partners) force Iran to give up there nukes (maybe peacefully maybe by military strikes). Russia uses that as a impetuous to disarm Israel of there nukes (300 plus nutron bombs-googal samson option). They go though the UN and put together a coalition to disarm Israel. Russia, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Libya, and a few others surround Israel which leads to WW 3. I would recommend the book Epicenter my Joel C. Roenburg. ALSO, IF anyone hear does not know the LORD you better and soon.

Rick DC

Do you really think Giuliani will get the Republican nomination?  If they do that, they may as well hand the election to the Democrats on a silver platter since he does not have a lot of support even within the Republican Party.  I'm not a Ron Paul supporter (I'm not sure who I support yet), but they are far better off nominating him since his support crosses party lines.  Then again, they probably think they won't be able to control him, so that's pretty good reason to nominate someone else.

I just hope Ron Paul doesn't decide to run either with a third party or as an Independent, if he doesn't get the Republican nomination.  While I am extremely supportive of third parties, a popular third party candidate threw a serious monkey wrench into the 2000 election, and allowed a warmonger to get into the White House.  Despite Dr. Paul's grassroots support, there is no way he can win if he's not affiliated with a major party.  Hopefully he understands this, but I'm not sure he does.  He was, after all, the Libertarian presidential candidate at one point, and is a Life Member of the Libertarian Party.  He would get the Libertarian nomination with no effort at all, but I'm not sure that's in anyone's best interests (including the Libertarians).

Either way, I suspect that Bush has created a situation which will insure that the Republicans can't win, no matter who they nominate. On the bright side, I never voted for him, so my conscience is clear.