I've been thinking about my stance on comments. I've removed all banned I.P's. This blog has grown a lot in the past few months and I feel an obligation to the small by consistent audience here. On occasion Pro- Obama commenters have all but hijacked threads. I see no reason to allow this. I want this blog to be a refuge where those disturbed by BHO can alight to gripe, explain, point out fallacies, raise concerns, insult...whatever....Therefore - and follow me here - I am laying down rules for Pro- Obama commenters. This is not fair - but it is more fair than the treatment Pro-Clinton folks got at Kos.

Anyone is welcome to make their case for Obama. But pro-Obama comments that do not address the serious questions about BHO's past, experience, associations, and worthiness raised here and elsewhere will be nixed.

This blog pokes fun, attacks, and is opinionated. It also accuses. When L.R. says he has no experience worthy of the White House those who disagree must either rationally justify why experience does not matter or explain why his actual experience crosses the "White House bar".

When L.R. accuses BHO of dissembling about his past associations - the onus is on BHO's supporters to explain why the accusation is incorrect or irrelevant. Example: Thoughtful people think 20 years at Trinity Church brings up legitimate questions about BHO's character. I think these questions are valid. Obama supporters must explain why they are not valid or give reasons, based in rational thought, as to why they are not valid.

When L.R. accuses BHO of lying ("my banking committee" and the Selma speech come to mind.) it is clear from this end that he's lied. It is up to Obama supporters to explain why they are not lies or to justify their support for a liar.

When L.R. accuses BHO of flip flopping - FISA etc - and questions his character it is up to BHO supporters to explain why flip flopping on major constitutional issues does NOT go to character. Screeching about the alleged horrors of John McCain does nothing to justify Obama's flip flops.

The accusations against Obama may have been tenuous at one point. They no longer are. Evidence mounts daily that he has been dishonest about his stances on issues and his past. If one feels he has not been dishonest: refute it WITH FACTS.

Finally: I will not be fair. I do not have to be. I pay for this blog. Go voice your opinions on the Daily Kos if you don't like it. Many reasonable people have been removed from that "liberal" blog. The simple fact is I'll give the anti-Obama commenters a long leash. No such courtesy will be afforded pro- Obama posters. It is only recently that the blogosphere has balanced itself a bit after a long run of mindless Clinton hatred. PODS: Support Obama and refute our accusations with facts or go away.

I spent a long time searching for reasons to get behind BHO. The only thing I discovered is that he cannot and should not be trusted. Feel free to prove that this time was not well spent. Reasons based in dislike for McCain or Clinton are not reasons at all.

When I write an angry post about Obama responding with "fight the smears" quotes and fear mongering about the opposition just won't fly here. Let me be AGONIZINGLY clear on this point: They would be fine if BHO had tangible experience worthy of obtaining the position he wants.

He does not.

They would be fine if Obama had demonstrated strength of character to go with a lengthy resume.

He has not. Quite the opposite.

Much as Kerry annoyed me it was self evident in my opinion that:

A. He was the better choice.

B. He had enough experience for the job. Ditto for Mondale, McGovern, Humphrey, Dole, etc.

C. Though his character was imperfect it certainly was solid enough for the Presidency.

I am fed up with being told the reason to support Obama is because he's a registered Democrat and that he's not McCain. No. No it is not. I will not sell my soul in a craps game that a bunch of overheated college kids, George Soros, and duplicitous Democratic "leaders" insist I must play.

If Obama wins, and if Obama runs for re-election in 2012, and if he proves to be an adequate, good or great President I will not only vote for him against any imaginable GOP opponent - I will work my ass off for him. I will also refute myself on this blog. With apologies all around that will go on for months.

Until then he remains a half term, flip flopping, lying junior Senator with a murky past who emerged from a corrupt machine who then ran a skilled, but vicious, campaign.

Finally, broad, funny, insults make me happy. Read Shakespeare or read the Greeks for some of the best found anywhere. However, I will protect my peeps from personal attacks.

Have a great weekend!