buckeyemike

I first heard of Sheriff Joe about a dozen years ago. People are conservative out there. Arizona is NOT a liberal, bleeding heart hotbed, like much of the Northeast is (read: New England). Despite the fact that I'm an attorney who handles criminal cases, I think that the Sheriff is doing things the right way. Prison is prison. If you don't like it, don't do the freaking things that sent you there in the first place. Mike

You're truly a weenie. Barbara's the much better looking twin. Mike

It is important to vote your conscience, no matter what your race, creed, or religion. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. But we are all smart enough on this board to know that. Straight ticket voting really deprives us of the best possible candidates for the job. Democrats lay claim to the unions and the African-Americans. Republicans go more toward the wealthy and the Bible Belt. This is Politics 101, but it's important to remember that stereotypes (and ultimately, polls) aren't always correct. I think that, when all is said and done, the commercials, speeches, and rhetoric is nothing more than a bunch of hot air. Not to mention a complete and total waste of money, manpower, and resources. Just remember, we get to do this all over again in four years. (((SIGH)))...almost makes me wanna move to Canada. Mike

Samara's OK. I bet she's not a Republican. Try this one...Capri Cafaro. She's only 26, and running in the 14th Congressional District here in Ohio. Capri (and I keep thinking of adult entertainers when I hear that name...or a very bad car from the '70s) is a Democrat, but I don't care much for the Republican incumbent in that race, Steve LaTourette. Mike

As far as the African American churches are concerned, I think you're right, Melissa. It reminds me of Warren Beatty in the very underrated film "Bulworth", when asked if the Democratic leadership didn't really care for the plight of African-Americans, Beatty's character said, "Isn't it obvious?" So many groups and "special interests" in this wonderful nation have sold themselves for a bowl of pottage. This includes the pro-life lobby, the Christian Coalition, gay and lesbian groups, unions, and others. They have failed to remember that many of those politicians, to paraphrase Charles Colson, would walk over their own grandmother if it helped them or their candidate get elected. BTW, I don't like Nader either, but it's because he's a narcissist who thinks he's smart enough to save the world (we have our own local one here, Dennis Kucinich. I apologize to everyone on this board for him.). Mike

I'd like to stay away from all of it until Wednesday...unfortunately, I have several things I have to get done. At least, keep me away from the TV and radio...I'm liable to throw things at them. Mike

I'm a politically minded person. Yet, I wanted this election over with months ago. Politics have just sickened me in recent years. Many of you know that I'm a Republican with judicial aspirations here in Cleveland. But, I don't even like to look at the game anymore. There are just so many more important things in life than achieving and maintaining political power. I'm starting to think that politics is for people who can't hold down a real job and would never make it in the real world that the rest of us live in. Will I run in the future? Probably. Will it kill me if I don't win? Absolutely not. I will vote for President Bush tomorrow. I don't necessarily think that John Kerry would be a bad President. But, I don't like the man personally. I don't like that he's sold his soul to gain power. I think he could have handled his differences with the "Swift Boat" veterans much better than he did. And, he needs to tell Teresa to pipe down a little bit, at least until after the election (after all, Hillary did). The President has made some major mistakes. He should have strengthened intelligence to make damn sure that there were WMD's before invading. The economy, while recovering, is sputtering here in Cleveland and in WNY. Morality is a concern, but there's an old adage that the morals of many tend to come to a screeching halt at their wallets. And even as a conservative, I despise the Patriot Act. It was a mistake to pass that piece of legislation, and Congress did so just to show that something was "being done" to protect us after 9/11. Don't even get me started on all these political commercials. I don't care if an opponent didn't keep a promise, is a liberal or a right-winger, kicks stray dogs or doesn't close his eyes during prayer. I think I'll hunker down and watch DVD's until tomorrow morning, go out and vote, and then stay home until this whole thing blows over. That's about the way I feel right now. Mike

I saw most of the second half today and was really impressed with McGahee and the special teams. Even Drew can't mess things up when you only have to go 30 yards. What was the attendance today, by the way? I saw some empty seats in the upper deck, so I will (conservatively) estimate at 65,000. Mike

They probably all went back outside to tailgate and drink beer. You're a Bills fan. You should know that's the first priority...especially with a lousy team at the end of a blowout win. Mike

Good, because Mr. Russert's gonna be busy the next few days. Mike

Hey NBF...happy birthday one day late. Mike

Close game, but the Bills pull it out in the end. Bills 16, Cardinals 12. Mike

I tried it with a pair of headphones on. It's a blast! Mike

Notice: The Browns are #3. The Indians are #5. The Bills are #6. I really know how to pick 'em, don't I? I'm reminded of an old George Will quote about his beloved Cubs: "They say that losing builds character. I have quite enough character, thank you. I could stand a little decadence." Mike

43, all positive. Mike

I would assume that the Browns aren't too far off. Did you know Jerry Jones is trying to get a new stadium built near Six Flags in Arlington? I don't know what the current status is, but the Cowboys' website has had the info in the past. To put it bluntly, I think PSL's may ultimately be the worst thing to ever happen to the NFL. To price out your loyal blue-collar and middle-class fan base in favor of corporate pricing (and ultimately, corporate whims) can backfire. The people who made the NFL what it is today are being told, "Sorry, but you don't have enough of those green pieces of paper available to make us happy anymore." I love sports, but if it gets much worse, you may see me watching football at my local DIII colleges and playing more golf on Sunday afternoons. Mike

mmmmm...jambalaya Mike

Please don't do this to me. I've got work to do... "Vaughn, a juvenile delinquent in the offseason, in his major league debut." "Well, you may run like Mays, but you hit like stevestojan." "Jesus...I like him very much...but he no help with curveball." I could be here all day quoting these...I've seen "Major League" approximately 75 times...since it involves my beloved Indians. Mike

I just read that Arizona is plus 8 in turnovers and has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. The Cardinals are a rapidly improving team that seeks to break their 16 game road losing streak. Let it be against the Dolphins in Miami on November 7. Mike

I would say, no alcohol (for either of you) in a public place. Now, if you can get her back to YOUR place, then all bets are off. And to those who posted earlier, BOX WINE?!?!? What, you couldn't find Mad Dog 20/20 or a jar of paint thinner to drink? Wine comes in BOTTLES, people. Even really bad wine (ie, Riunite) comes in glass bottles. Anyone who drinks box wine probably has Cheez Whiz and hot dogs with it. Mike

I think it's not just Green Bay; tailgating is a WISCONSIN thing. It must have something to do with beer, brats, and cheese. I once saw people tailgating at a Brewers game in late July, on a Thursday afternoon with Milwaukee a million games out of first. As far as my hometown is concerned, the city started enforcing the open container laws, but most of the cops have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy of what's in the cups. But Cleveland has put up fences along the railroad tracks that are about a Jeff Garcia pass from the stadium, because so many drunk fans were putting their lives in danger by crossing the tracks on foot. About 11 years ago, somebody was hit by a train and killed. And it's not unusual for drunken idiots to be dodging traffic on the Shoreway (the highway that runs right in front of Browns Stadium) BEFORE a Browns game. Arizona is actually supposed to have a pretty good tailgate scene. For a description, go to those famous Buffalonians, Peter and Andrew, at their website, The Ultimate Sports Road Trip. Mike

Anquan on a repaired knee is faster than Bledsoe on two (seemingly) good ones. Mike

Arizona Republic reports It's been that kind of year so far, eh? Mike

You BAS-TARD!! Mike

I can't even say "Go Bl..." in jest. See, I can't even WRITE it. Mike