“Even should they win the Oval Office, and perhaps a second senator’s seat in Virginia, by fall 2009 the bloom would already likely be off the rose, and the pendulum may swing the GOP’s way once again.”

-Heaven help us if that happens...last time this state’s pendulum swung to the ‘right’ we had a disaster in Jim Gilmore.  I’d say this state has done rather well for itself since the pendulum swung ‘left’; thanks for cleaning up the mess Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

That is ridiculous Ray.  Tim Kaine couldn’t clean up after his dog.  The guy has accomplished nothing meaningful, and he has gone back on just about every campaign promise that he made.

Mike…
Let me guess...you think there’s WMD still in Iraq too...right?
I think the state’s continued business rating and consistent low unemployment rate stands and speaks for itself.  All I can say is that even though I was not and never was a supporter of Jim Gilmore for elected office in this Commonwealth, at least I wasn’t disrepectful of the former Gov. in my initial comment as you were of the current Gov.

Of course, calling Jim Gilmore a disaster in your initial comment, which initiated this dialogue in the first place, is a fine example of showing respect.  It is funny that every time you and your like-minded people meet the slightest opposition, you instantly resort to Bush-bashing, WMD talk etc.  What in the world does that have to do with VA Governors?  It is like you all are programmed or something RayII.  I am sure it is upsetting to you that you cannot hi-jack the sleepy little Mechanicsville Local, to spread your gospel unchecked.  I still happen to think that Tim Kaine is a horrible Governor. He has been extremely two-faced, dishonest and he is bad for VA.

Well Mike...I guess it’s obvious where both of us stand.  Contrary to what you might think...I do thank God...yes God...that infinite spiritual entity that many conservatives think only they know how to pray to and go to worship on Sundays to...I thank God, the father of us all, that I am not programmed and believe it or not...I respect your views even though I seriously disagree with them.  Yes...respect...something many people on both the left and the right have forgotten how to do.  I hope that in the spirit of democracy and the principles this nation was built upon, you can respect others opinions that don’t adhere to your dogma or ideology.  I referred to Gilmore as a disaster for his work as Governor, but I’d have to say that’s a bit different than calling him dishonest wouldn’t you say? 

Never once in my comments did I bash the President, I only made a statement of fact that even he has admitted to.  And although, I think some readers may take offense to your description of the ‘Mechanicsville Local’ as ‘sleepy’ I must say I never dreamed of making comments that wouldn’t be responded to...it’s not upsetting to me at all.  Sadly, of course there are authoritarian types across this great land who I suppose think comments by me or anyone of the Liberal persuasion, regardless of what they are, would be of a Marxist nature and would say that they we’re trying to turn the ‘sleepy’ weekly into a ‘Pravdaesque’ publication for my comrades… ‘nyet’ I say. 

Again, let the record speak for itself regarding the previous governor’s administrations and the current one.  We’ve all got opinions and healthy debate is very worthwhile...it’s part of our nations history; a famous congressman once said, ‘All politics is local’ indeed it is.  Thankfully, we’re all different in many ways besides politically...it would be a pretty boring place if we weren’t.  I’ve enjoyed this comment exchange with you.  Peace be with you Mike.

My initial thought was that you may have some sort of complex, if you think your religious conviction is in question, just because of your political views.  After reading more, I can clearly see that your religious rant is nothing more than a way for you to fit in another back-door jab at conservatives.

I especially like the way you try to pit any audience of this dialogue against me, for calling the Mechanicsville Local a “sleepy little paper”.  I have lived in Mechanicsville long enough to know that people take pride in living in a sleepy little town, with a sleepy little paper that is filled with community news, and devoid of your political rants. 

I respect your right to use the paper as a means for spreading your message, just as you have professed to respect my opinion that Tim Kaine is a horrible Governor.  However, after my initial response, you started the typical liberal hate-train rolling, with cleverly disguised, snobby, back-door attacks on all things conservative.  So do not tell me that you value “healthy debate”.  you have been exposed for what you are.  You just keep talkig.  I’ll give you the spotlight, so I can sit back and laugh, with the rest of the readers.

Mike...I’m sorry if I offended you with any of my thoughts...I like you am proud of my upbringing and ways in which I see the world and my faith...let’s face it...emailing, blogging and such can all be taken a bit too seriously.  I too like Mechanicsville I’d move if I didn’t and meant no disrespect to you, the people of the community or this publication...let’s just leave it that.  Again I say varied opinion is good.  Peace.