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Moderator Carpal Tunnel
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Moderator Carpal Tunnel
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You know, when I first heard this story regarding the safe crash landing in the Hudson, I thought it was an apt metaphor for the condition the nation finds itself in. Economically, socially, politically... we are heading for what appears to be a disaster that we are unlikely to survive... then suddenly, against all hope, something amazing happens. A person of extraordinary skills manages to land us safely. The pilot, a consummate professional, never loses his cool, does exactly what he is supposed to do, and because he has thought about what needs to be done, executes it all just right. The plane still crashes, but he manages to put it where it harms no one, where rescue comes quickly. Instead of everyone perishing, everyone survives. And before he leaves the plane, he goes up and down through it twice to make sure no one, no one, is left behind. The year starts not with an horrendous disaster, but a story of remarkable hope and inspiration. I think it is the same hope millions of us had during (and apparently millions more have gained since) the election. I am feeling pretty optimistic! Happy New Year! 
A well reasoned argument is like a diamond: impervious to corruption and crystal clear - and infinitely rarer.
Here, as elsewhere, people are outraged at what feels like a rigged game -- an economy that won't respond, a democracy that won't listen, and a financial sector that holds all the cards. - Robert Reich
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Joined: Feb 2008
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"The white men were as thick and numerous and aimless as grasshoppers, moving always in a hurry but never seeming to get to whatever place it was they were going to." Dee Brown
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Joined: Feb 2004
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OP
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Posts: 6,523 |
You know, when I first heard this story regarding the safe crash landing in the Hudson, I thought it was an apt metaphor for the condition the nation finds itself in. Economically, socially, politically... we are heading for what appears to be a disaster that we are unlikely to survive... then suddenly, against all hope, something amazing happens. A person of extraordinary skills manages to land us safely. The pilot, a consummate professional, never loses his cool, does exactly what he is supposed to do, and because he has thought about what needs to be done, executes it all just right. The plane still crashes, but he manages to put it where it harms no one, where rescue comes quickly. Instead of everyone perishing, everyone survives. And before he leaves the plane, he goes up and down through it twice to make sure no one, no one, is left behind. The year starts not with an horrendous disaster, but a story of remarkable hope and inspiration. I think it is the same hope millions of us had during (and apparently millions more have gained since) the election. I am feeling pretty optimistic! Happy New Year!  Which is all the more reason to enjoy. I admit, my sense of humor is an acquired taste, but once upon a time it was Republicans who had no sense of humor. Now you guys are all serious about everything. i am very optimistic about the new year, but I was optimistic about the 20 years. We are the greatest country in the world and we will prove it by surviving the next 4 years.  The economy will be fine, as long as our elected "leaders" stop telling us how bad it is. Somebody on this board suggested that Obama will bring a more adult attitude to the Presidency, I hope so because it will take adults to navigate through the next couple of years, then the Republicans will start making a comeback. Back to the subject at hand Al-Qavian? WFD - Weapons of feathered destruction? MOAB - Mother of all birds? SSSCG - Stop the sensless slaughter of Canada Geese! Sully for Transportation Secretary! Christ, lighten up and have some fun! We are starting on a new chapter in America. Obama has the possibility of accomplishing great things. Skepticism aside, I am really rooting for him to succeed. So, let's party like it's 1999; my keyboard does do that octive.
A proud member of the Vast Right-wing Conspiracy, Massachusetts Chapter
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” Thomas Jefferson
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Call the friends and relatives of the folks on that plane and report back on how many of them think you are funny. If the number is above President Bush's approval rating, I'll delete my posts.
"The white men were as thick and numerous and aimless as grasshoppers, moving always in a hurry but never seeming to get to whatever place it was they were going to." Dee Brown
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Joined: Feb 2004
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OP
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Call the friends and relatives of the folks on that plane and report back on how many of them think you are funny. If the number is above President Bush's approval rating, I'll delete my posts. Kind of like watching TV with my wife. She would rather watch something that makes her cry than something that makes her laugh. My bet is that the passengers families were celebrating last night, and they would find humor in this topic, unless they are liberal Democrats I guess. Is it the victimology that is causing this dearth of democratic sense of humor? Is it just the idea that somebody could have gotten hurt? Hell, as a Republican, I mourn the $150M plane and celebrate the piolet and passengers. One more pledge - I pledge to find humor in the next 4 years of occupation. Since I like my job, and have a good time on most days, finding humor in my occupation will not be a problem. 
A proud member of the Vast Right-wing Conspiracy, Massachusetts Chapter
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” Thomas Jefferson
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member
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Does anybody believe that the Candian Geese were actually Al-Qaeda trained? Those were not only Canadian Geese. They were the Canadian Air Force 
A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. ~Chinese Proverb
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. ~Jon Hammond
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stranger
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stranger
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NW, Great post!!!
All kidding aside, that pilot is incredible, the whole crew did a wonderful job, and I am so thankful we're celebrating instead of mourning.
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Becoming even more remarkable as additional details are released. It seems, based on timing of two separate calls to 911, that less than 2 minutes elapsed between the time the first engine went kaplooey and the time the plane was in the water.
120 seconds to assess, decide, and execute, and do it all perfectly the first time! Wow!
And all those folks who went to the plane to assist the people on it with no directive; just went, arriving in seconds. Now if I'm out on that wing having just survived that wild ride, ankle to knee deep in nearly freezing water while standing in even colder temps, all those boats heading my way would have seemed like visions!
"The white men were as thick and numerous and aimless as grasshoppers, moving always in a hurry but never seeming to get to whatever place it was they were going to." Dee Brown
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Joined: Jun 2007
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There was also this flight that I remember from years past. Talk about a hairy ride in and great piloting. I flew on Aloha many times—but glad I missed this flight! Aloha Arlines flight 243
Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
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stranger
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stranger
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You're right Ken! That one ranks right on up there in the miraculous category!
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