Vice President Dick Cheney Puts Anti-War Democrats In Their Place Part I

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051116-10.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Vice President
November 16, 2005

Vice President's Remarks at the Frontiers of Freedom Institute 2005 Ronald Reagan Gala
The Mayflower Hotel
Washington, D.C.


7:14 P.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: 2008. (Laughter.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Not on your life. (Laughter.)

Thank you very much and good evening to all of you. And I'm -- when I heard about your gathering, and since I work just down the street from here I thought I'd drop in and say hello.

Let me thank the good people of Frontiers of Freedom, of course, George Landrith, Kerri Houston, Al Lee, for bringing us all together this evening. And I see many good friends in the room, including current and former office holders, as well.

It's a pleasure to see all of you. I'm sorry we couldn’t be joined by Senators Harry Reid, John Kerry, and Jay Rockefeller. They were unable to attend due to a prior lack of commitment. (Laughter.) I'll let you think about that one for a minute. (Applause.)

I hope you'll permit me, ladies and gentlemen, to say a few words that were not part of my remarks that I'd planned originally this evening but which concern a matter of great importance to our entire nation.

Most of you know, I have spent a lot of years in public service, and first came to work in Washington back in the late 1960s. I know what it's like to operate in a highly charged political environment, in which the players on all sides of an issue feel passionately and speak forcefully. In such an environment people sometimes lose their cool, and yet in Washington you can ordinarily rely on some basic measure of truthfulness and good faith in the conduct of political debate. But in the last several weeks we have seen a wild departure from that tradition. And the suggestion that’s been made by some U.S. senators that the President of the United States or any member of this administration purposely misled the American people on pre-war intelligence is one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges ever aired in this city. (Applause.)

Some of the most irresponsible comments have, of course, come from politicians who actually voted in favor of authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein. These are elected officials who had access to the intelligence, and were free to draw their own conclusions. They arrived at the same judgment about Iraq’s capabilities and intentions that -- made by this Administration and by the previous administration. There was broad-based, bipartisan agreement that Saddam Hussein was a threat, that he had violated U.N. Security Council Resolutions, and that, in a post-9/11 world, we could not afford to take the word of a dictator who had a history of weapons of mass destruction programs, who had excluded weapons inspectors, who had defied the demands of the international community, whose nation had been designated an official state sponsor of terror, and who had committed mass murder. Those are the facts. (Applause.)

What we're hearing now is some politicians contradicting their own statements and making a play for political advantage in the middle of a war. The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out. American soldiers and Marines are out there every day in dangerous conditions and desert temperatures –- conducting raids, training Iraqi forces, countering attacks, seizing weapons, and capturing killers –- and back home a few opportunists are suggesting they were sent into battle for a lie.

The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone -– but we’re not going to sit by and let them rewrite history. (Applause.)

We're going to continue throwing their own words back at them. And far more important, we’re going to continue sending a consistent message to the men and women who are fighting the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other fronts. We can never say enough how much we appreciate them, and how proud they make us. (Applause.)

They and their families can be certain that this cause is right and just, and the performance of our military has been brave and honorable. And this nation will stand behind our fighting forces with pride and without wavering until the day of victory. (Applause.)

Returning to the purpose of this gathering this evening, I want to thank Frontiers of Freedom for asking me to participate. And I want to thank all of you for coming together to support this organization. Frontiers of Freedom is an active, intelligent, and needed presence in the national debate. Washington is a city with many short-term perspectives and narrow interests competing for attention. Frontiers of Freedom offers something different –- a perspective shaped by the broad interests of the nation, and by principles that are relevant in every time. By advocating a strong defense, limited government, and the protection of individual rights -– and doing so in a way that is factual, honest, and well argued -– you are making a tremendous contribution. And I thank you for it.

It’s appropriate that an organization like yours should present an award named for President Ronald Reagan, who set a standard of principled conservative leadership that will stand through the ages. It is even more fitting that the Ronald Reagan Award should go this year to the man who started Frontiers for Freedom, my good friend Senator Malcolm Wallop. (Applause.)

And it is my privilege this evening to make the presentation. Malcolm is someone I’ve known and worked with for a long, long time. He and I, along with Senator Al Simpson, constituted Wyoming’s congressional delegation during the entire Reagan presidency. I remember those years with genuine fondness. Malcolm, Al, and I worked together on home-state and Western issues, and appeared together on many occasions all across the state. We generally saw eye-to-eye on the big questions facing Congress and the country, and we appreciated each other’s company.

Malcolm, of course, has a unique background as a citizen and as a public servant. He comes from Big Horn, Wyoming, was born into a pioneering family that also has a long history of public service. Malcolm’s grandfather, in fact, served in both the Wyoming legislature and the British House of Lords. After finishing college, Malcolm served in the U.S. Army, leaving with the rank of first lieutenant and returned to the ranch in Wyoming. I first knew of him in the '60s, when he was elected to the state legislature. And I was tremendously impressed, as all of us were, when he took on a longtime, very popular incumbent U.S. Senator –- and won the race by more than 10 points.

Malcolm was a great candidate, and an outstanding senator. He ran on the issues, spoke clearly to the voters, and connected well with the spirit of a very independent-minded state. And he always spoke his mind. Once during a debate on the floor of the Senator, Barry Goldwater was in a cranky mood and said the Senate was "beginning to look like a bunch of jackasses." Malcolm stood up and said he couldn’t understand why Barry said beginning –- (laughter) -- because the Senate had been acting that way for a long time. (Laughter.)

Malcolm served in the United States Senate for 18 years, and built a superb record throughout. In the words of President Reagan himself, "Leadership, hard work, experience, loyalty to Wyoming -– that’s what Malcolm Wallop is all about."

At the time Senator Wallop and I were first elected to statewide office in the late '70s, the federal government was showing signs of growing beyond the consent of the governed, and it wasn’t particularly easy to take on the permanent bureaucracy here in Washington. Malcolm never flinched from the task, because he believes deeply that government power must not only be limited in scope, but accountable to those it is supposed to serve. He insisted that regulations address the concerns of average people, and that regulators live in the real world.

To underscore the point, Malcolm ran a creative TV ad in one of his campaigns. I remember it well. It seems someone in Washington had come up with the idea of federally-mandated portable toilet for all ranch workers. People out West took this as a sign that the federal government was swerving way outside its lane. So to underscore how out-of-touch the bureaucrats really were, Malcolm ran a commercial that showed a cowboy on horseback with an outhouse towed behind the saddle. (Laughter.) He got his point across.

Malcolm had a great deal of influence on the Finance Committee and the Energy Committee. He was also one of very few non-lawyers ever to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee. And whether the question was energy production, tax policy, or the proper role of the federal judiciary, Malcolm Wallop was a reliable voice for common sense, for conservative values, and faithfulness to the Constitution of the United States.

As a leading senator, he was part of so many good things that happened during his time in public life -– from the Reagan economic program that led directly to the creation of millions of jobs, to the confirmation of outstanding jurists like Sandra Day O’Connor, William Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, and Clarence Thomas.

It's in the field of national security, however, that Malcolm made perhaps his greatest contribution to the well-being of our country. National security is one of those areas where you have to think and act with as much foresight as possible. When I was Secretary of Defense, for example, my colleagues and I spent a lot of time planning and thinking about the needs of our military 10 or more years down the road, even as we looked after the day-to-day requirements of national security. And the best insights on Capitol Hill came from the members who were taking that same approach -– anticipating dangers, thinking through alternative strategies, and pressing for the kinds of technology our country was going to need to defend itself years in the future.

There is always a need for that brand of wisdom, and Malcolm Wallop has always been there to provide it. Here again, we must recall the period of the late 1970s, when the nation's defenses were being neglected; when, around the world, both allies and adversaries were beginning to have serious doubts about the resolve and character of the United States. Malcolm Wallop came to the Senate and spoke out for a foreign policy that expressed American values with confidence and clarity, and for a national defense second to none.

During the Reagan years, those principles once again became the force behind American policy. Senator Wallop stayed in the lead, and was in fact one of the very first national leaders to advocate a defense of our country against ballistic missile attack.

If Malcolm Wallop had chosen to stay in public office for the rest of his life, I have little doubt the voters of our home state would have been happy to keep him. Yet he is more in the nature of a citizen legislator -– the kind the founding fathers had in mind –- the one who serves a few terms, gives it his best, and returns to private life. That's what Malcolm Wallop chose to do. But he's also a man of ideas who is constantly thinking about what's good for the country. So there was no chance he'd just go off and hum quietly on the outside. As Malcolm said when he announced his retirement from the Senate, "I don’t think the only place to fight for freedom is in the halls of Congress."

He was, of course, correct. And to this day Malcolm Wallop remains an articulate, discerning, and greatly respected player in the important debates of our time. I am pleased to count him as a colleague and a friend, and I can't think of a more worthy recipient of an award named for a Westerner and hero of freedom, President Ronald Reagan. Malcolm, my congratulations to you. And, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much.

END 7:28 P.M. EST

Jim Ross remembers Eddie Guerrero

Jim Ross remembers Eddie Guerrero
Nov. 15, 2005

Eddie Guerrero and I had a special relationship that came together over time. The catalyst was the challenges this wonderful human being faced in his daily life. I know our relationship was special because I can feel it so strongly in my heart at this very moment — and because Eddie told me so this morning in a dream.

I managed the talent roster for WWE when Eddie was hired at WWE. I had known him and his famous wrestling family for years prior to Eddie becoming a WWE Superstar. But it was after Eddie came to WWE that our relationship became diverse, involved, and, luckily for me, one of the most rewarding and valued relationships I have ever developed in this business. Unfortunately, this unique industry is not famous for people building long-term relationships with their peers that last a lifetime. That’s another story for another time.

I will never forget Eddie. I will never forget the face-to-face, spirited discussions we had over his demons. I will never forget the moment we finally reached common ground, with tears flowing and hugs abounding. We both knew we had turned the corner and now there was a fighting chance for this amazing wrestler to live out the balance of his life clean and sober. Eddie got the help he needed. He returned to us a better man, and he became an even bigger star. Eddie Guerrero is easily one of the 10 best in-ring talents I have seen in 33 years in this business. I was so proud of Eddie, and I told him so every single time I saw him from the day he returned to work until the last time I saw him at SummerSlam.

Eddie seemed a little tired at SummerSlam in August when I saw him at the MCI Arena in Washington, D.C. But when our eyes locked he immediately had an ear-to-ear grin on his face and we embraced like long lost brothers. I guess in a way we were brothers … of the wrestling business. I kidded him about stealing the show at SummerSlam and how that might not sit well with those that had to follow “Latino Heat.” He smiled that mischievous smile of his that we all grew to love because that was exactly what Eddie had on his mind. I wished him good luck and told him how excited I was to be able to sit and watch his match just like a regular fan. We hugged for a few moments but not nearly long enough — as I realized when the news of my friend’s death reached me early Sunday morning.

Eddie, I am sorry I could not be a part of your tribute on Monday Night RAW. But you know my heart was there and you know that I will never forget you or what you have meant to me. You once told my wife that I saved your life. I don’t know about that, but I do know this: You definitely made my life better by me simply knowing you. Eddie, you constantly reminded me that “respect” is still the top priority for being a wrestler — even though it doesn’t always seem that way to everyone in this generation. I hope the young wrestlers in this business continue to look to you for inspiration and guidance. You were a wonderful inspiration to me and to so many others — not only as a wrestler but as a husband, father, brother and friend.

I want to smile as I remember you now because I am weary from crying. Goodbye “Uncle Eddie,” until we see each other again. —Jim Ross

Guerrero Funeral Held; Second Wrestler Hospitalized

Guerrero Funeral Held; Second Wrestler Hospitalized

POSTED: 2:52 pm EST November 17, 2005
UPDATED: 10:33 am EST November 18, 2005

Friends and family said their good-byes today to World Wrestling Entertainment star Eddie Guerrero.

Private services for the 38-year-old Guerrero were held at a cemetery in south Scottsdale, Ariz., where Guerrero lived, the Associated Press reported.

Several WWE wrestlers were seen arriving for the funeral. However, many other wrestlers are currently on a tour of Europe and were unable to attend, said several publications that report on the wrestling business.

The WWE also reported on its Web site Friday morning than a second wrestler was hospitalized with health problems Thursday night and has been suspended.

Nick Dinsmore, who portrays the character of "Eugene," was rushed to a Manchester, England hospital, evaluated and then later released.

The WWE said Dinsmore was suspended indefinitely, and it would release more information about the incident.

Widow Says Guerrero Had Heart Damage

Guerrero may have died from heart disease, says his widow.

In a statement on its Web site, World Wrestling Entertainment said Vickie Guerrero was told by a Minnesota coroner that a preliminary autopsy showed her husband had "signs of heart disease."

"She (the examiner) said that the blood vessels were very worn and narrow, and that just showed all the abuse from the scheduling of work and his past," Vickie Guerrero said. "And Eddie just worked out like crazy all the time. It made his heart grow bigger and work harder and the vessels were getting smaller, and that's what caused the heart failure. He went into a deep sleep."

Eddie Guerrero's funeral was scheduled for Thursday in Phoenix. Many of his wrestling colleagues were expected to attend.

The official cause of death may not be known for weeks, said the coroner.

Vickie Guerrero also said her husband didn't feel well for the week leading up to his death.

"He was home and kept saying he wasn't feeling good and we thought it was just 'road tired.' So we thought he just had to rest," she said.

Guerrero's body was found in a Minneapolis hotel room hours before a WWE show on Sunday, authorities said.

While fans and wrestlers expressed shock over Guerrero's passing, Guerrero becomes one of a number of popular pro wrestler figures who have died in the past decade while working in a grueling business.

Active performers such as Big Boss Man, Curt Hennig, Road Warrior Hawk, Miss Elizabeth, Ravishing Rick Rude, The Wall, Crash Holly and Davey Boy Smith have all died since 2002.

In a March 2004 report, USA Today said at least 65 pro wrestlers had died since 1997 — 25 from heart attacks or other coronary problems. Many had enlarged hearts. In five of the 25 deaths, medical examiners found that steroids might have played a role, USA Today reported.

Authorities said he didn't respond to a wake-up call Sunday morning. His nephew, fellow WWE wrestler Chavo Guerrero, and hotel security staffers forced their way into his room and found him on the floor, authorities said.

"This is a huge loss," said WWE chairman Vince McMahon. "Eddie was a consummate performer.''

Guerrero was only the second wrestler of Hispanic heritage to be WWE champion, having won the title in February 2004. He lost the crown four months later.

Guerrero's father was a wrestler in Mexico and his three older brothers also were wrestlers.

Copyright 2005 by NBC10.com The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Do Nice Guys Finish Last?

Do Nice Guys Finish Last?

By Chelsea Badeau, Comcast.net Relationships Editor
October 23, 2005

In response to recent comments from male readers and even a few male co-workers that I don't 'show enough love' to men in my column, I decided to use this article to focus on the "nice guys" of the world. The guys that open doors, call when they say they will, listen to women complain and actually offer real advice, ... and usually end up alone while the so-called "bad boys" get all the girls.

Well, at least that's the theory. I spent this past week investigating this age-old concept of nice guys finishing last. Is it really true and if it is, why is it the case?

Damien C., a young married man I interviewed said, "Nice guys don't always finish last, but they have a terrible time getting out of the gate."

"It seems that most women say they want a nice guy that will treat them right," says George H., a single professional. "But, when you get down to it, there's nothing less attractive to most people than someone who really likes them. Sad, but true." George also goes on to add, "Take it from a bad guy turned good, I did much better with the ladies when I was a complete jerk."

I think it's true that many women say they want a nice guy and then when they actually get a man that treats them right, they walk all over him, treat him like crap, and then break up with him saying that he is too boring. It's kind of like those nice teachers back in school days; you like them but even though you might try not to, it's often very easy to take advantage of their kindness.

Here is an example of a nice guy that was overlooked for a bad boy. Damien shares this experience:

"This is the tale of two male friends who are no longer friends mainly because the "nice" one very rarely got the girl and because the "bad" one, while an undeniable ladies man, would get the cream of the crop simply because he was able to talk to the ladies with zero inhibition and with absolutely no regard for the consequences.

The two friends were having a party at an apartment they shared. The nice one invited the girl that he had been pining over for the past few weeks. He would always make small talk with her but didn't ask her out or make a move on her because he was waiting for the right time and did not want to blow the one shot he thought he would have.

At the party the nice guy started to dance with the woman and both were having a groovin' good time. All was well, but during the night, the bad boy began to glance her way and gradually move toward her. The woman stopped dancing with the nice one and ended up talking to the bad one for a while. We all know what happens here?-- the bad boy ends up getting the girl."

I must admit that in my younger days, I too was guilty of trashing a very nice guy. He was almost perfect. He would make elaborate plans to show me a good time that was different from the run-of-the-mill dinner and a movie. He always opened doors, pulled out chairs, and helped me with my coat. He took me to comedy shows, specialty restaurants, and even on a camping trip. He gave me small gifts out of the blue. Once, he knew I had a cold and picked up some cough drops and vitamins. He worked close to my job and on one occasion left a sweet poem on my car windshield while I was working.

How did I return his kindness? I gave him the cold shoulder. I shrugged off his calls and slowly cut him out of my life right before Christmas. I was young and he was several years older than me. I guess I was guilty of being wrapped up in 'the game.' I wanted to play the field and didn't want to be tied down by this nice guy. Unfortunately, I wasn't mature enough to break up with him in a dignified manner.

Looking back, I truly feel horrible about the way I treated him. And if he is out there somewhere reading this, I hope he accepts my apology and I sincerely hope he has found someone that appreciates all of the nice things that he does. I am glad to say that I have grown a lot since then and revel in the goodness and realness that a nice guy brings to the table. Fortunately, I have been able to meet more nice guys and treat them with the same respect they give to me.

Now, to answer the why part of this 'nice guy treated like crap' equation. There are many reasons, although lame ones in my opinion, why women choose bad boys over nice guys. Some women like 'the chase,' they like a challenge, and often see nice guys as pushovers. Other women feel so comfortable around nice guys that they can only view them as friends. A few women actually seem to thrive off of relationships that involve a lot of bickering. They don't know how to deal with a guy who showers them with compliments instead of insults.

I think that women who prefer a callous man to a nice guy are emotionally immature. Sure, there is something to be said for the excitement and spontaneity that a bad boy can bring to a relationship, but as women grow older, wiser, and more mature, most realize that a nice guy can also provide excitement and spontaneity in addition to attention, kindness, and most importantly, genuine love.

Does a nice guy stand a chance? Yes!!! In the end, they almost always win out. No woman in her right mind wants to spend her life with a shallow, wild, bad boy. Although it's often a rough road for nice guys in search of returned affection, don't give up. Going back to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, the bad boy is the hare and the nice guy is the tortoise. The bad boy thinks he is the hotshot, but in the end it's the nice guy who prevails.

Nice guys: while you are on your quest for real love, don't let women use you. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of, ignored, or otherwise dissed--move on. Even if it means being alone for awhile, it's not worth it to focus your attention on someone who is unappreciative and undeserving of your goodness.

So, to every nice guy that's staying true to his heart and not changing his nature to attract women that can't appreciate him, I say cheers! Keep your head up. Continue to hold doors and pull out chairs. Your time will come and your niceness will be rewarded with a fulfilling relationship with a 'nice girl.'

Please feel free to email Chelsea if you have a 'nice guy' comment or story to share.



Chelsea Badeau can be reached at chelscorner@comcast.net .

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Reversing the Roles: Women Pursuing Men

Reversing the Roles: Women Pursuing Men

By Chelsea Badeau, Comcast.net Relationships Editor
November 13, 2005

So Sadie Hawkins Day was this week. Do we all know the point of this holiday? I was clueless until a few years back.

It seems that it originated from a comic strip, Al Capp's "L'il Abner," that debuted on November 15, 1937. Sadie Hawkins was a character in the strip and she wasn't the prettiest girl around?she may have even been the ugliest in town. Her father, who was also the mayor of the town, was sick and tired of waiting for a man to ask her out and was worried that he would never marry her off, so he took matters into his own hands and started a foot race where single ladies would chase the available bachelors, with marriage as the prize. Of course, Sadie used speed to make up for her looks and caught her man.

This idea caught on in real life and soon colleges across the nation were holding their own Sadie Hawkins Day events where the idea was for women to ask men out, usually to a dance. Due to the popularity of these events, the day became an annual "holiday." For more information and to read the cartoon strip, check out http://www.lil-abner.com/strip.htm.

The original intent behind this day was to give women the opportunity to do something that wouldn't ordinarily be acceptable. As the years have gone by, however, this holiday is looked upon by many critics as sexist and unnecessary. The thought is that women no longer need a special day to ask men out because it is an accepted part of life in the 21st century and they can--and do--pursue men at their leisure and without any objections from society.

But is this really the case? Do most women actually feel comfortable asking a man out on a date? Or is it still somewhat taboo for a woman to approach a man in a romantic manner?

I surveyed a number of men and women on this topic and received a variety of opinions. Most of the women said that they think it's completely acceptable for a woman to ask a man out on a date and most say they have done it at least once.

One young professional, Regina F., says "Yes, it's acceptable. With that being said, if a woman asks a guy out, she should be prepared to pay for dinner, drinks, etc." Hmm...the plot thickens. But that topic would take a whole column to do justice, so I will stay focused on the issue at hand.

The majority of men I interviewed also indicated that it is fine for women to ask men out, and actually in most cases, it is a welcome change to the norm. One man, Darren C., says, "Totally acceptable -- how else would you know if she's interested? Seems people are busier every day and there isn't much time for the traditional courtship. The 24/7 world has changed the rules."

Chipper J. animatedly agreed, saying, "Yes, of course it's OK. We're not living in an oppressive country and it's not 1935. Women are involved in every aspect of society in this country and should have every right to go after whatever they like, not only in career, but in love. Don't you watch 'Sex and the City?'"

However one man, Donald R., ponders, "I think it's still a tad taboo, but I think it's totally acceptable (and speaking personally, very welcome)."

While most of the men and women I spoke to were all gung-ho for women asking men out on a casual date, when the subject of marriage came up, the opinion tide took a turn.

The majority of the women I asked said that while they don't see anything wrong with a woman proposing to a man, most went on to add that they would never actually consider doing it themselves. Now, what does that really say?

One woman, Claudia C., says, "I think it's OK if a woman did that. She should have the right just as much as any man should. I'd perhaps casually bring up the idea of it if I was really interested and I thought the guy was interested too. That way he'd feel more comfortable asking me because he'd know I'd say yes. Even though I totally believe in equality of the sexes, there is something to be said about the tradition of the guy proposing to the girl."

Sara C. agrees: "I'm all for women's rights, but I think it should be the man's job to propose. I think it's fine for the woman to drop hints (like poking her boyfriend when they walk by a jewelry store), but I think it somehow might make the man feel less manly if his girlfriend proposes to him. The furthest I would go would be to ask, 'When are you going to propose?'"

Julie L. says, "Hmmm...this isn't so cut and dry for me... bottom line is I think it is OK. I wouldn't have a problem with someone else choosing to do it if they felt comfortable with it, but personally, I would probably never consider it," Julie goes on to add, "I would hope the person I was to marry would know that him asking was my preference and I wouldn't want to get to the point where I felt like I had to ask or I wouldn't be willing to commit to marry him at that point if he wasn't in tune with my preferences."

The men also were not very keen on the idea of a woman asking a man to marry her.

George H. says, "This is a tough one. I believe tradition still applies here. Man gets on knee and all that fun stuff. However, I think it is totally appropriate for a woman to bring up marriage during the course of a relationship."

Donald R. says, "Personally, I would probably feel a little cheated if a girl proposed to me. I feel like the proposal is my responsibility. However, the reverse-proposal does happen. My grandmother was the one who asked my grandfather to get married back in the 1940s, and he said yes." He adds, "Since men are traditionally more reluctant to jump into marriage than women, the main concern here is how certain the girl is that he'll agree to it."

Chipper J. says, "Yes it's OK ... however I think because it's customary for a man to ask a woman you'd have to evaluate the relationship to see why the guy hadn't asked first."

Very interesting. It seems that while we, as a society, have progressed to the point where it is acceptable, if not commonplace, for a woman to ask a man out, we are not to the point where most people feel comfortable with a woman (gasp!) proposing marriage.

Personally, I think it's great if a woman is gutsy enough to ask a guy out on a date. I am a big flirt and will clearly let a man know when I am interested, although I don't usually do the actual asking. I do, however, have a lot of respect for women who have enough self-confidence to approach a man and ask for a date.

It's great that so many women feel empowered enough to take such an important aspect of their lives into their own hands and not wait at home for a phone call that may never come. I also think that it's important to note that it's not only "homely girls" like Sadie that are asking men out. Beautiful, professional, strong women of all races, ages, and sizes are asking men out and are proud of it.

Thank goodness we have come a long way since the first Sadie Hawkins Day. How many more years do you think will pass before it becomes socially acceptable for a woman to propose marriage to a man?

Please send me your opinion or stories on this topic.


Have you ever asked a man out? Women share their stories:

"When I was in 11th grade, I had a crush on a 12th-grader, Chris. A few days a year, they would have a carnation sale at my school and people would buy carnations for a dollar apiece and have them delivered to their sweetie's homeroom. I was all ready to send a carnation to Chris when I found out he was absent that day. So I bought a carnation anyway, flattened it out, put it in an envelope, and mailed it to Chris's house with a note telling him that I missed him on carnation day. I don't think he ever asked me out, but I felt really good about myself for being that bold."
--Sara C.

"I've never outright asked a guy if he'd like to go on a date, but I'll often invite a guy to just hang out or go someplace like a movie or concert if I'm interested in him, something very casual. So I guess I have an indirect approach at asking guys out. Sometimes I'll just invite a guy to a party my friend is throwing or something."
--Claudia B.

"Yup, several times. They went out with me, and I ended up getting married to one."
--Shauna B.

"Yes, it didn't go well...he turned me down. Needless to say, I haven't tried that again. I will drop hints to a guy to let him know I'm interested, but I will no longer go so far as to ask."
--Regina F.

Has a women ever asked you out? Men share their stories:

"I've been asked out a few times. Nothing terribly inventive, just, "Would you like to go to (place or event) with me?" I think it shows a great deal of confidence, which is very attractive."
--George H.

"Heck yeah. I didn't know she was interested in me. We were at a party and she suggested that we go out to dinner sometime. It was refreshing because I had a date and really didn't have to think about it."
--Darrin C.

"Yes. I had a woman ask me out in college once. She knew full well that I had a girlfriend that I had been dating for about two years. The girl that asked me out was awesome and soooo hot. I said yes, broke up with my longtime girlfriend and then a few months later this evil vixen dumped me. I was so heartbroken and felt so bad for having dumped my longtime girlfriend"
--Chipper J.



Chelsea Badeau can be reached at chelscorner@comcast.net .

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Republicans Refuse to Honor Springsteen

Republicans Refuse to Honor Springsteen

By DONNA DE LA CRUZ, Associated Press Writer
44 minutes ago


WASHINGTON - Bruce Springsteen famously was "born in the USA," but he's getting scorned in the U.S. Senate.

An effort by New Jersey's two Democratic senators to honor the veteran rocker was shot down Friday by Republicans who are apparently still miffed a year after the Boss lent his voice to the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

The chamber's GOP leaders refused to bring up for consideration a resolution, introduced by Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Jon Corzine, that honored Springsteen's long career and the 1975 release of his iconic album, "Born to Run."

No reason was given, said Lautenberg spokesman Alex Formuzis. "Resolutions like this pass all the time in the U.S. Senate, usually by unanimous consent," he said.

Telephone calls to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's office seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Lautenberg said he couldn't understand why anyone would object to the resolution.

"Even if the Republicans don't like (Springsteen's) tunes, I would hope they appreciated his contributions to American culture," Lautenberg said.

Springsteen endorsed Kerry last year, and made campaign appearances that drew huge crowds who came to hear music described in the resolution as "a cultural milestone that has touched the lives of millions of people."

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press.
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Bill's Comment: Even though I do not agree with his political views, I do not agree with the GOP on this one. To this day, "The Boss" still draws no matter where he goes.

Songwriter Wins Case Against Madonna

Songwriter Wins Case Against Madonna

By Associated Press
Fri Nov 18, 12:09 AM

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A little-known Belgian songwriter won a plagiarism case against Madonna on Friday, leading a local court to ban the megastar's song "Frozen" from sale or broadcast in the country.

Songwriter Salvatore Acquaviva's suit had alleged that Madonna's 1998 hit off the album "Ray of Light" plagiarized parts of his song, "Ma Vie Fout L'camp (My Life's Getting Nowhere)," which had been written five years earlier.

"The judge has ruled Madonna must withdraw from sales all remaining disks, and orders that TV and radio can no longer play 'Frozen,'" Acquaviva's lawyer, Victor-Vincent Dehin, said.

No damages were set.

Madonna can appeal the ruling. A call to the singer's New York-based publicist, Liz Rosenberg, was not immediately returned.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press.

Wrestling Star Eddie Guerrero Found Dead

Wrestling Star Eddie Guerrero Found Dead

POSTED: 6:41 am EST November 14, 2005
UPDATED: 8:30 am EST November 14, 2005

World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his Minneapolis hotel room on Sunday.

Police said the 38-year-old Guerrero didn't respond to a wake-up call Sunday morning, so hotel security at the Marriott City Center and Guerrero's nephew forced entry into the room.

Attempts to revive Guerrero were not successful. Authorities said there's no apparent signs of foul play.

The WWE Web site said Guerrero is survived by his wife, Vickie, and three daughters. WWE chairman Vince McMahon calls Guerrero's death "a huge loss.''

Last year, he became the second wrestler of Hispanic heritage to be WWE champion, though he lost the title four months later.

He is the son of Mexican wrestler Gory Guerrero.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office will perform an autopsy.

United States Border Fence Needed

Joyce Comments: This picture says it all. Ever since the 1846-1848 U.S. War with Mexico for "Manifest Destiny", our country has been used as a doormat to Mexicans and others who take advantage of our countries good will. We need to stop them from doing that for the sake of our sovereignty and national security and a fence is a very good start to that. Other discouraging things or loopholes that lure illegal aliens here are "free" (that is we the U.S. taxpayer through our federal, state and local taxes) pay for their health, education, welfare--ironically this is the name of a former executive branch department before Carter disbanded it for seperate ones on Health and Human Services and another for Education--and anchor babies that is babies born in this country to illegal alien parents that are granted immediate full U.S. citizenship upon their birth being on U.S. soil because of the 14th Amendment to the Consitution.