What's being read in San Angelo Today ? "Supporting the Troops" and "Compassionate Conservatives"

Group gives R's D's for troop support

November 8, 2006

Editor:

Do our elected Republican politicians really support the troops? When they show up politicking at our local schoolhouse, coffee shop, editorial board, etc. do they speak of their complete voting record and their own grades? Although I know that bringing this report card to the table is not politically correct in these parts, here are their grades - their report cards - based on how they voted on the issues involving our military troops:

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison : D+; U.S. Sen. John Cornyn: D-; U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway: D; and U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer: D.

These grades were compiled by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a non-profit group dedicated to the troops, veterans and civilian support of those who served in those countries. For those interested in seeing how your elected leaders voted on these issues and why they were scored accordingly, please visit iava.org.

I made a few D's in my school life and I knew at an early age that a D is failure. No matter how hard I tried to convince my parents or my teacher otherwise, we all knew it was a failing grade. Spin it however you'd like, these four R's have all brought home D's on their ''Support The Troops'' report cards.

Steve Harris
Brownwood

source: http://www.sanangelostandardtimes.com/sast/news_opinion_letters/article/0,1897,SAST_10318_5127149,00.html
---------------------
'Compassionate' in name only
By Ty Meighan, editorial page editor, tmeighan@sastandard times.com or 659-8227
October 31, 2006

Rush Limbaugh's comments about Michael J. Fox exaggerating his symptoms of Parkinson's disease are part of disturbing trend: People who claim to be compassionate conservatives but are willing to do and say anything to further their political agenda.

Anyone who was surprised that Limbaugh would use his talk show for derisive, scurrilous attacks hasn't been paying attention. He has made a living for years spouting his political diatribe to followers who take in every word as if it were the Gospel. He says it, therefore, it must be the truth.

Limbaugh attacked Fox because the actor has appeared in political ads that support candidates who favor stem sell research. Fox should expect criticism of his views, but Limbaugh's personal attack crossed the line.

''He is exaggerating the effects of the disease,'' Limbaugh told listeners. ''He's moving all around and shaking, and it's purely an act. This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting.''

How's that for compassionate conservatism? Let's all get aboard this train.

Limbaugh has since apologized, but it was about as genuine as Mel Gibson's lame excuse for making racist comments about Jewish people.

''So I will bigly, hugely admit that I was wrong, and I will apologize to Michael J. Fox, if I am wrong in characterizing his behavior on this commercial as an act,'' Limbaugh said. Then Limbaugh directed his hate-filled oratory at the Democrats, saying Fox ''is allowing his illness to be exploited and in the process is shilling for a Democratic politician.''

How about if Limbaugh tries a new tact: telling the truth. Could it be possible that Fox is pushing for stem cell research to help the millions of people suffering from crippling diseases? Could it be that Fox actually wants to help others instead of engaging in personal attacks that harm people? Is Limbaugh so cynical that he dismisses opposing views as some sort of political conspiracy?

Conservative groups should have been outraged at Limbaugh's behavior, but their lack of condemnation was telling.

If Limbaugh and others disagree with Fox's stance, let's have a legitimate debate on the issue. But a personal attack on someone who is suffering from a debilitating disease crosses the line of ethical behavior.

Fox spoke about the incident on ABC News' ''This Week with George Stephanopoulos.'' Fox, who was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago, said he wants to stay focused on stem cell research instead of getting drawn into the name-calling of partisan politics.

''What I'm talking about is about hope,'' he told Stephanopoulos. ''It's about promise. It's about moving forward. It's a forward-looking attitude about what this country is capable of and what we can accomplish for our citizens.''

Sunday's interview was difficult to watch because you could see the pain the disease is inflicting on Fox and his lifestyle. I remember him as Alex P. Keaton, the arrogant, wisecracking Republican teenager on the hit show, ''Family Ties.''

Fox said Limbaugh's comments hurt the Parkinson's community. Perhaps. Maybe something good can came from this, such as an increased awareness of the disease and just how it affects people. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affecting more than 1.5 million people in the United States, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. Symptoms include shaking, slow movement, difficulty with balance and stiffness.

The disease affects men and women in almost equal numbers, and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The disease generally is treated with medication and often the symptoms progress to the point that it causes tremors that interfere with the most basic activities, such as holding a fork and tying a shoelace.

Limbaugh and others can log on to www.parkinson.org to find more information about the disease and current research developments.

Fox has showed courage in taking a stand for what he believes. We need more people who give hope and promise to people instead of using vitriol and half-truths that keep this country divided.

source: http://www.sanangelostandardtimes.com/sast/news_opinion_columnist/article/0,1897,SAST_10316_5106493,00.html
---------------
Note from Steve, Find yourself driving through Brownwood and feel the need for some of that Hate Radio ? Just tune in to KXYL 96.9FM (A Wendlee Broadcasting Station) for Rush and many of the other "Compassionate Conservative" Right Wing Radio shows. Remember it's "scary" in the Brownwood area. Why so scary ? Because of the Republicans (25+%) who "will do or say anything in the name of GOD" ( and these observations/comments from our own Republican Congressman's Chief of Staff ) . Speaking truth to words !