Be sure to come back here Friday, Sept. 4, at 9 a.m. for the Live Chat!

 

 

Transcript for Aug. 14 chat with Observer Columnist Sally Gillies

 

08/14/2009 05:33:35 * Observer Columnist Sally Gillies joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 05:54:58 * The Observer Moderator joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 05:55:15 ‹The Observer Moderator› Good morning. We'll start in a few minutes!
08/14/2009 05:55:34 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Okay, good morning to you, too.
08/14/2009 05:56:59 * Shopgirl joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 05:59:25 ‹The Observer Moderator› Welcome, shopgirl.
08/14/2009 05:59:40 * RandomRedhead joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 05:59:54 * yankeejack joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 06:00:37 * derricklowe07 joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 06:00:58 ‹The Observer Moderator› Welcome to The Observer Live Chat!
08/14/2009 06:01:25 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Good morning everyone, what's our first topic?
08/14/2009 06:01:34 ‹The Observer Moderator› This week, we have Observer political columnist Sally Gillies hosting today's chat. Fire away.
08/14/2009 06:02:13 ‹derricklowe07› WHat did you think of susan young's assertion that all Republicans are racist?
08/14/2009 06:02:35 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› It's insulting as hell. That's like saying all Democrats are black.
08/14/2009 06:03:22 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I was lucky to have parents who didn't believe in racism.
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08/14/2009 06:03:30 ‹derricklowe07› I'm not a Republican, but I was offended, too.
08/14/2009 06:04:06 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› It seems to me that racism will only go away when we don't make it a bone of contention in every conversation. Like the cop and the professor a couple of weeks ago.
08/14/2009 06:05:23 ‹yankeejack› I agree. that was a ridiculous story. Obama should never have said anything.
08/14/2009 06:06:24 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I wondered why he was so quick to jump into a local issue but the prof is his friend and I would defend a friend, too.
08/14/2009 06:06:40 ‹The Observer Moderator› Reader submitted question: "DO you think extreme commentators like Limbaugh are actually hurting the Republicans?"
08/14/2009 06:07:16 * Rosebud joins Observer Live Chat
08/14/2009 06:07:23 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I think they give listeners something to think about. An extreme liberal radiohead told his listeners that Republicans want Obama dead. That's ridiculous.
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08/14/2009 06:07:56 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Free speech, however, is about being able to express yourself even if everyone doesn't share your views.
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08/14/2009 06:08:04 ‹yankeejack› Still, to say police acted stupidly without knowing what is going on, is just plain not smart.
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08/14/2009 06:09:15 ‹Rosebud› I would like them to make sure they know the whole story and check the facts before they speak about any subject on thier shows
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08/14/2009 06:09:37 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Wouldn't that be fabulous? Journalism has deterioriated so greatly in the last 40 years.
08/14/2009 06:10:00 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› We must be experiencing technical difficulties ;-D
08/14/2009 06:10:15 ‹The Observer Moderator› We are. I apologize. Please continue and bear with us.
08/14/2009 06:10:50 ‹The Observer Moderator› Sally, what do you think of the health care plan?
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08/14/2009 06:11:51 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Health care plan? It's a grab for total control of 1/7th of our GDP! I hate it. It's too big, too unreadable and designed to upset and confuse people.
08/14/2009 06:12:04 ‹Rosebud› Has anyone actually read the whole 42 pages of the proposed health care plan?
08/14/2009 06:12:16 ‹The Observer Moderator› The proposal is over 1000 pages.
08/14/2009 06:12:34 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› There is nothing in our constitution that allows the fed government to be involved in health care.
08/14/2009 06:13:15 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› The overrreaching of the Obama Admin into every facet of our lives must stop. That's why states' rights (amendment 10) are a big topic of conversation.
08/14/2009 06:13:56 ‹The Observer Moderator› Would you agree that Health Care is a big problem in the country?
08/14/2009 06:14:04 ‹Rosebud› See ? Even me.!..I need to heck facts...I was told the part of the plan that would pertain to us old folks is 42 pages...?
08/14/2009 06:14:37 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Our elected officials have put themselves on a pedestal and don't want to listen to the people they represent. When they are covered by the same plan we are, then I will consider national health care.
08/14/2009 06:15:00 ‹derricklowe07› great point!
08/14/2009 06:15:05 ‹yankeejack› here here....
08/14/2009 06:16:02 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Our country is facing serious problems with the trillion dollar deficit, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a myriad of other problems. Yet the dolts in Washington are playing games with health care. They need to refocus and pay attention to business.
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08/14/2009 06:17:44 ‹The Observer Moderator› That segues into another reader question: "Obama promised removal of troops in Iraq very soon after election, what do you think of his lack of focus on that front?"
08/14/2009 06:18:10 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› As you know I am an extremely conservative Republican but I'm dedicated to getting quality representation and holding elected officials accountable for thier actions. This includes Republicans as well ads Democrate.
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08/14/2009 06:19:06 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I think we are there and must stay until some equilibrium is reached in that area. We are constrained by trying to make nice due to the interference in the running of the war by peaceniks! That ought to spark some comment!
08/14/2009 06:19:56 ‹derricklowe07› wait a minute! just because I think we shouldn't be there and the whole thing has been run poorly doesn't make me a peacenik!
08/14/2009 06:20:13 ‹derricklowe07› or a hippie.
08/14/2009 06:20:15 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› point taken, derricklowe07!
08/14/2009 06:20:50 ‹derricklowe07› I think there's times when war is necesary... this wasn't one of them.
08/14/2009 06:20:58 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I'm jsut teasing anyway. I believe when Mr. Obama became president he also became aware there are many more things involved in war and protecting our country than what we civilians ever see.
08/14/2009 06:22:29 ‹Rosebud› As one who has family in the military I would like to see it over asap, but have to agree that end thisgs in the correct manner so as not to have to do this all over again
08/14/2009 06:22:43 ‹yankeejack› I believe we've been lied to for the past 10 years
08/14/2009 06:22:47 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› My nephew is a Marine getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan. He did 2 tours in Iraq and one in Miami. God bless every one of our all Volunteer military.
08/14/2009 06:23:49 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› yankeejack, we've always been lied to to some extent by Congress and the President. It just seems to be getting worse and we "see" everything in real time on the Internet.
08/14/2009 06:24:13 ‹Rosebud› God Bless your nephew and all like him!
08/14/2009 06:24:29 ‹yankeejack› perhaps. still, it seems to be getting worse.
08/14/2009 06:24:37 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Isn't it amazing that they volunteer?
08/14/2009 06:25:03 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I think it gets worse if those we are fighting see our will is weakening. VietNam is a very big example of that.
08/14/2009 06:25:22 ‹The Observer Moderator› I served with the proudest, most fervent patriots in the world. I don't think our fighting force's will is ever in question.
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08/14/2009 06:25:59 ‹derricklowe07› exactly, Moderator
08/14/2009 06:26:25 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I structured that sentence incorrectly. I meant that those we are fighting see our country weakening in its wish to defend and protect freedom.
08/14/2009 06:27:10 ‹The Observer Moderator› I understood, Sally.  
08/14/2009 06:27:15 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› What we see as normal discourse regarding everything that happens in America can easily be misunderstood by those who are constricted in their ability to discuss.
08/14/2009 06:27:26 ‹Beachside› It appears that the pedital is shrinking - It is so exciting to see people who have previously been very complacent stand up and question the direction this administration is taking our country
08/14/2009 06:27:47 ‹Rosebud› It's very difficult to walk the tightrope of making absolutely sure that our sons and daughters know we are behind them and supporting them but also letting the ;powers that be' know we will never stand for another Viet Nam.  My opinion....
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08/14/2009 06:28:23 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› We should always question. I saw a clip from 2003 wherein Hillary Clinton was furious that she was not to be allowed to speak on an issue she thought important. She defended the very people who are expressing themselves now.
08/14/2009 06:28:39 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› You're on the mark, Rosebud.
08/14/2009 06:29:52 ‹The Observer Moderator› Reader question: "What do you think of former Pres. Bill Clinton's recent action to get the journalists freed in North Korea?"
08/14/2009 06:30:00 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› What if our Imperial Congress passes this so-called health care reform bill but we don't understnad it for the next 5 years?
08/14/2009 06:30:02 ‹Rosebud› Thanks guys   
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08/14/2009 06:30:53 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Moderator, I saw several articles in the days before he landed in North Korea that it was already a done deal. Then when Charlie Gibson on ABC said Clinton was to be praised for his efforts, I almost fell off the couch.
08/14/2009 06:31:00 ‹derricklowe07› I actually applaud the move.
08/14/2009 06:32:00 ‹yankeejack› still, sending Clinton was a shrewd move. Regardless of what people think about him, he is a brilliant communicator.
08/14/2009 06:32:28 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I loved the little snit Miss Hillary threw when someone asked her what Bill thought about something. And yes, no matter what you think of Bill Clinton, he certainly can communicate.
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08/14/2009 06:34:50 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› This is only the second time I've "chatted" and it's pretty funny visualizing people I don't know moving in and out of the chatroom.
08/14/2009 06:35:18 ‹The Observer Moderator› For those who have not seen the video of Hillary CLinton snapping at a journalist, go  to http://www.sevobserver.com/ind...mid=153
08/14/2009 06:35:45 ‹Rosebud› I heard the NKorean leader would only release the ladies to him and he was willing to jump through the hoops to get them out of there...?
08/14/2009 06:35:55 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I suppose she is plenty unhappy about spending the majority of her life in the shadow of Bill.
08/14/2009 06:36:37 ‹The Observer Moderator› disregard that link. go to this one: http://vodpod.com/watch/203801...e-i-am-
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08/14/2009 06:37:31 ‹derricklowe07› I watched that video. I thought she overreacted a little.
08/14/2009 06:37:39 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Rosebud, I suppose that is one way to keep Bill in the limelight but it also showed we were willing to "negotiate" with the head of a terrorist state.
08/14/2009 06:38:16 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› derricklowe07, she overreacted a lot, but that's what I meant by my comment above.
08/14/2009 06:38:21 ‹derricklowe07› I didn't like it either. But if talking with the leader of a terrorist state gets citizens freed, I'm all for it.
08/14/2009 06:38:49 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I know I couldn't be involved in international diplomacy. I'm too crabby to make nice with crazies.
08/14/2009 06:38:54 ‹Rosebud› Which is going to leave us open for all kinds of blackmail but what else could we do?
08/14/2009 06:39:01 ‹yankeejack› I agree. Getting them home safe is way more important than saving face.
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08/14/2009 06:39:46 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Howeve,r once you start down that slope, ever more nutcases want to get into the act. Look at the piracy on the high seas. Hundreds ofm illions of dollars paid to people in rafts!
08/14/2009 06:40:06 ‹The Observer Moderator› What kind of "blackmail," rosebud?
08/14/2009 06:41:15 ‹derricklowe07› I just don't like people enough to visit with a little lunatic!
08/14/2009 06:42:22 ‹The Observer Moderator› Reader question: "Do you think the Cash for Clunkers program helped out the economy and/or the automakers?"
08/14/2009 06:42:22 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Maybe Rosebud meant that other bad guys would try to hold hostages for ransom.
08/14/2009 06:42:55 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› derricklowe07 that's because you seem to be pretty normal.
08/14/2009 06:43:01 ‹Rosebud› Any nutcase leader will have the idea they can kidnap or arrest Americans and make whatever demands on the US enters thier pointy little heads to get our citizens back
08/14/2009 06:43:24 ‹The Observer Moderator› Is there any evidence that shows we gave Kim Jong Il anything?
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08/14/2009 06:44:09 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› And that's a real problem. As soon as the shipping companies began to pay the pirates stepped up their game. Same thing could happen to us if we deal with terrorists like this.
08/14/2009 06:44:23 ‹Rosebud› It's my understanding that we allowed him to dictate to us who was going to go to his country and make nice to get the ladies back
08/14/2009 06:44:38 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› I think Bill Clinton's visit gave ol' KJII legitimacy.
08/14/2009 06:45:05 ‹derricklowe07› he had legitimacy before, when he was firing test nukes.
08/14/2009 06:45:10 ‹derricklowe07› at least, he should have.
08/14/2009 06:45:31 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› that's not legitimacy; that's terrorism.
08/14/2009 06:46:19 ‹derricklowe07› Clinton's visit did not make him a power. It simply meant he had something we wanted back. I would like to think we'd do the same thing with anyone to get an American back.
08/14/2009 06:46:46 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Since we don't want to go around blowing up our enemies, we have the UN (worthless if there every was a definition of the word) and other international friends to exert pressure.
08/14/2009 06:46:56 ‹yankeejack› It comes down to what's more important. a life? or political leveraging?
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08/14/2009 06:47:39 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› yankeejack, I agree individual lives are important. We have some 305 million of them here and each would be a target of a hostage situation of our enemies knew we would do anything to get them back.
08/14/2009 06:48:07 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› if our enemies ... sorry, I type so fast and make mistakes.
08/14/2009 06:48:20 ‹yankeejack› but we're not talking about doing "anything." we're talking about a single visit by a former president.
08/14/2009 06:48:30 ‹Rosebud› Of course a life is most important but how do we protect all the other lives also? Anyone at anytime can grab a citizen and demand anything...
08/14/2009 06:48:56 ‹yankeejack› there clearly is a limit. but a visit is not the line.
08/14/2009 06:49:10 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› a very high profile visit, however. It gave status to KJII in the world where he is usually loathed and shunned for his abominable behavior.
08/14/2009 06:49:58 ‹The Observer Moderator› Do you not think he still is?
08/14/2009 06:50:03 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› next time he could demand a whole group of high profile americans come over ... this is a losing game.
08/14/2009 06:50:04 ‹Rosebud› I have to add here...If my anyone in my family was the one being held I would want heaven and earth upturned to get them out...I don't know what the answer is...
08/14/2009 06:50:20 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› he still is what?
08/14/2009 06:50:36 ‹The Observer Moderator› hated and shunned.
08/14/2009 06:50:52 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› yes, I do.
08/14/2009 06:51:20 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Rosebud you've hit the nail on the head: there is no single solution. Each case must be treated on its own.
08/14/2009 06:52:10 ‹derricklowe07› I agree it is a slippery slope. But if someone has the power to free lives from god-knows-what, would it not be just as abominable to NOT do it?
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08/14/2009 06:53:25 ‹The Observer Moderator› We have time for one more question for Sally Gillies. Who would like the honor?
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08/14/2009 06:53:52 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Jump in, lurkers. The water's fine.
08/14/2009 06:54:33 ‹yankeejack› Now 8 months removed from Bush's presidency, how would you grade his time in office?
08/14/2009 06:54:42 ‹derricklowe07› D
08/14/2009 06:54:43 ‹Rosebud› Per haps my idea about letting women run the world (they are natural negotionators) and have the old men do the actual fighting (they are to feeble to aim weapons and to crotchety to push FIRE buttons) may not be so far fetched after all       
08/14/2009 06:55:09 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› oooh, a hard one. I like many of the things he did, but am disappointed in others. I'd give him a B-
08/14/2009 06:55:26 ‹yankeejack› wow, really?????
08/14/2009 06:55:34 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› hahaha, Rosebud, good one.
08/14/2009 06:56:05 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› yes, really. I'm a Republican and loved his loyalty to the troops; didn't like the expansion of government, ...
08/14/2009 06:56:13 ‹The Observer Moderator› As the moderator, I cannot offer an opinion.
08/14/2009 06:56:30 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› oh, sure, let us all hang out to dry!
08/14/2009 06:56:47 ‹The Observer Moderator› a good friend of mine has him rated much, much lower, though.
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08/14/2009 06:57:05 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Well, how about after 8 months of Obama, we give him a grade?
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08/14/2009 06:57:14 ‹yankeejack› C
08/14/2009 06:57:24 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› because?
08/14/2009 06:57:30 ‹derricklowe07› liked some things, not some others. I give him a B
08/14/2009 06:57:57 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Well, of course he drives me right out of my mind so my grade so far would be D-
08/14/2009 06:58:06 ‹yankeejack› he has done some really good things, such as closing Guantanamo. But he has some promises yet unfulfilled.
08/14/2009 06:58:38 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› closing Guantanamo was NOT a good thing. Who wants all those horrid people in American jails recruiting?
08/14/2009 06:59:01 ‹yankeejack› Guantanamo was flatly and patently un-American!!!
08/14/2009 06:59:18 ‹The Observer Moderator› Unfortunately, we are out of time in today's live chat.
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08/14/2009 06:59:44 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Ohhh, no, just when it was getting interesting. Thank you for letting me do this!
08/14/2009 06:59:51 ‹The Observer Moderator› Thank you, Sally Gillies for your time today. Check out the transcript of today's chat on www.sevobserver.com later today!
08/14/2009 07:00:03 ‹The Observer Moderator› Have a great weekend everyone!
08/14/2009 07:00:17 ‹yankeejack› Thank you, Sally. I do, most of the time, enjoy your column.
08/14/2009 07:00:22 ‹derricklowe07› thanks, Sally!
08/14/2009 07:00:37 ‹yankeejack›  
08/14/2009 07:00:40 ‹Observer Columnist Sally Gillies› Thank you everyone, I love writing it!
08/14/2009 07:00:52 ‹The Observer Moderator› Have a great day!
08/14/2009 07:00:57 ‹Rosebud› Great chat!   Thank you!