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Then see what you think of this story. No, it's not a republican or conservitave site, it's from an authentic NC newspaper.

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/562899.html

"The first calls on his cell phone came from two lawyers asking to represent him in a slander case. Elizabeth Edwards, they told him, had called him a "rabid, rabid Republican." That wasn't all. The Democratic presidential candidate's wife also told The Associated Press she didn't want her children near Johnson because, she said, he once pulled a gun on workers investigating a right of way on his property.

Johnson, a 55-year-old retired landscaper with arthritic knees, said he's not interested in suing.

"I'd just like to know why she has such hard feelings to me," he said. "They say they're for poor people.""

"What got his goat, he says, was Edwards' calling his 42-acre property "slummy.""
__________________________ A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government. ”— Thomas Jefferson
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AS John Edwards poll numbers rise, we can expect more character assination of him , his wife, and his kids. Rush already started it stating that Elizabeth's cancer was being politically exploited by him. The "whispering campaigns" that Rove turned into an art form will continue. I expect Edwards is ready for all the lies and bs from the right wing. He saw enough of it aimed at Kerry 4 years ago.
I wasn't posting this to attack Edwards. I was posting this because I find it interesting that people think Democrats represent the working class, yet this is how they treat the people who own land next to their $6 million mansion. Just like most wealthy Republicans, most Democrats look down their noses at the common people. They see them as nothing more than votes too keep them in power and generate more money for their mansions. Neither the Democrats or Republicans are really concerned about the middle class and the poor. Their focus is simply to stay in power and make money. That's why our country is in the shape it's in. If you really want leadership that really does consider the working class, elect someone who is not a career politician.
I apologize for mi-interperting the intent of your post.

Neither party fully represents my views, and you are correct in that the lower economic classes are not well represented. There was a thread a few days ago about taking back our government and what it would take, so won't go back and repete.
Throughout my life, as I have worked and tried to raise my family, tho, I have noticed that for a general rule the Republicans do favor the wealthy, and the Democrats do seem to help the middle class more.(at least they have helped ME more). I can give hundreds of examples that I have seen, but I don't think it is well suted at this time.
I have voted for Indipendents, Democrats, and Republicans for president in my lifetime, but I am politically where I am now because of the effect on my own life that these people have had on me. I am not where I am because I listened to some agenda-driven talking head, or preacher.
Is this the Same Monty Johnson? http://home.pacbell.net/margiejj/index.htm
This? http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1NQBDOJW07X4B


Actually NO to both, but this is the story from a less biased source, USA today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-04-09-edwards-gop-neighbor_N.htm

By the way, If I had put 15 million dollars into a home, I would want the property across the road to be "improved" enough to prevent destruction of the value of my property. That is why there are zoning laws.
Monty Johnson says he does not have a million dollars to fix his place up, and that the Edwards development has raised the value of the land he lives on to a point where he cannot afford the property taxes.

MONTY...DO LIKE ANY GOOD REPUBLKCAN'T SHEEP AND SELL. YOU CAN THEN AFFORD TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE TIME AND MONEY YOU HAVE INVESTED IN THAT PRIME REAL ESTATE TO BECOME A RICH MILLIONAIRE.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
I wasn't posting this to attack Edwards. I was posting this because I find it interesting that people think Democrats represent the working class, yet this is how they treat the people who own land next to their $6 million mansion. Just like most wealthy Republicans, most Democrats look down their noses at the common people. They see them as nothing more than votes too keep them in power and generate more money for their mansions. Neither the Democrats or Republicans are really concerned about the middle class and the poor. Their focus is simply to stay in power and make money. That's why our country is in the shape it's in. If you really want leadership that really does consider the working class, elect someone who is not a career politician.


You hit it square on the HEAD.

Democrates, and Republicans could care less about the middle class, or the working Class in any way, shape, or form. Its about greasing their greasy hands with money and POWER, thats what gets them off.

Semper Fi,(carry on citizen's!)
How was the USA Today article any different? If anything, it supports my original topic, the idea that Democrats are for the working class is just a myth.

From your own article:

""I thought he was supposed to be for the poor people," Johnson said. "But does he ever socialize with any poor people? He doesn't speak to me.""
I think people can do two things at once. You can come from humble, poor, disadvantaged beginnings and STILL understand what its like to be poor once you become rich. I dont know anyone who is against anyone being "rich". I dont know anyone who would not rather be rich than poor. I think the problem comes when people who ARE rich dont want to pay an equal amount of tax money on their wealth. Which they do. 30% tax bracket is pretty steep.
Snake, I gotta agree with you that a person can do 2 things at once. (the one possible exception in the human race may be G.W. Bush who can only think of Iraq for years and years)
It ain't just the rich who pay 30%, middle class does too. Add to the fact that the middle class who pay 30% also pay ss on their total income until they get rich, and then they can stop, and looks like that is the income group getting screwed.
quote:
Originally posted by interventor:
Edwards knew what the property across the road looked like before he invested his ambulance chasing profits into his tacky trash with money McMansion. Rather like someone building next to an organic farm then complaining of the odors.
All I am saying is he did Johnson a favor. He raised the value of that property, by investing in the same area. That is the way capitalism works.
People seem to forget that Edwards is the son of a mill worker. He did not start off rich, in fact his life is an example of the Poor boy making good.

If you are interested in who John Edwards is, check the entries at http://www.answers.com/topic/john-edwards and keep in mind that John Edwards earned that home. He did not inherit it, and he earned it by holding people accountable. His private career was devoted to holding corporations responsible for their actions.
quote:
It ain't just the rich who pay 30%, middle class does too. Add to the fact that the middle class who pay 30% also pay ss on their total income until they get rich, and then they can stop, and looks like that is the income group getting screwed.


Sorry, not true. The middle class pays a much smaller fraction of the total tax revenue. I've linked the statistics from the IRS site on these boards several times.

The point I'm trying to make is that the Democrats are not for the middle class any more than the Republicans. They are all for themselves first. The middle class is nothing but an group to scam out of votes so that they can keep their jobs.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
quote:
It ain't just the rich who pay 30%, middle class does too. Add to the fact that the middle class who pay 30% also pay ss on their total income until they get rich, and then they can stop, and looks like that is the income group getting screwed.


Sorry, not true. The middle class pays a much smaller fraction of the total tax revenue. I've linked the statistics from the IRS site on these boards several times.

The point I'm trying to make is that the Democrats are not for the middle class any more than the Republicans. They are all for themselves first. The middle class is nothing but an group to scam out of votes so that they can keep their jobs.
quote:
Middle Class: The middle class, in colloquial usage, consists of those people who have a degree of economic independence, but not a great deal of social influence or power. The term often encompasses merchants and professionals, bureaucrats, and some farmers and skilled workers.
Does that sound familiar? Do you fit the description? Are you in the middle class by that definition?

So, what is surprising to me is that you can't see that Democrats in general much more closely align with the middle class than Republicans. MUCH MORE CLOSELY.
quote:
Does that sound familiar? Do you fit the description? Are you in the middle class by that definition?

So, what is surprising to me is that you can't see that Democrats in general much more closely align with the middle class than Republicans. MUCH MORE CLOSELY.


Nope, not true. The article I linked to start this thread proves you wrong. The similar article that you provided also proves your statement wrong. Whatever you were trying to achieve by posting the definition to middle class, you failed. You simply showed that your thoughts are very disconnected.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
quote:
Does that sound familiar? Do you fit the description? Are you in the middle class by that definition?

So, what is surprising to me is that you can't see that Democrats in general much more closely align with the middle class than Republicans. MUCH MORE CLOSELY.


Nope, not true. The article I linked to start this thread proves you wrong. The similar article that you provided also proves your statement wrong. Whatever you were trying to achieve by posting the definition to middle class, you failed. You simply showed that your thoughts are very disconnected.
I respectfully disagree. The article you posted, was published in the "Politics" section of the "News Observer." It is fully sourced, not to Mrs Edwards, or her husband, but to Monty Johnson. It quotes Mrs. Edwards, from a source that was NOT identified. and the story ends thus,
quote:
But Johnson and his wife, Vanessa, are getting out. They put their land on the market for $1.6 million -- before Edwards' remarks, Johnson said -- because the couple can't afford the property taxes and don't like all the growth around them.

"Whoever buys it can have it," he said, adding he'll sell it to the Edwardses if they want it.

In the meantime, Johnson said he doesn't have hard feelings toward Edwards, but he does expect her to say she's sorry.

"I think she owes me an apology," he said. "And I won't feel right until I get it. If this is how they treat people in the White House, America is in for a helluva time."
I have the opinion, and it is personal, that your ability to comprehend is seriously compromised by a powerful indoctrination into the cult of elitism or the worship of elitism.
I am sure that you will disagree, but John Edwards, except for exercising limited political power is middle class, by definition. His wife Elizabeth does not represent me, has never asked to represent me, and if she keeps talking the way she has in this case will never represent me.

I am a Progressive Democrat. From My point of view at the moment, Bill Richardson and Barak Obama represent my persona political philosophy best. Both of them are likely to say something embarrassing in the next year and a half.
Of the choices before the American Public at the moment, I would take Edwards over McCain, and Clinton. BUT believe me I would and hope I am able to support the election to the Presidency of either Bill Richardson or Barak Obama. In fact, I would be overjoyed to see a Presidential ticket with BOTH of them on it.
It really happens all the time. Just because Edwards is in politics it made headlines. If Mr.Joe bizwiz after making big bucks selling a new and improved gizmo, decides to build a multimillion home I'm sure the poor 40 acres and a mule person next door will have some pressure on him to paint his barn or move his doublewide. It goes on every day in some form.The fact that a prez want-to- be is why this made the headlines.
Shucks, that kind of stuff happens even here.A Dr. or whomever buys a piece of property next to a pig farmer.Who is going to get the grief in that case? Oink, Oink
quote:
Originally posted by themax:
It really happens all the time. Just because Edwards is in politics it made headlines. If Mr.Joe bizwiz after making big bucks selling a new and improved gizmo, decides to build a multimillion home I'm sure the poor 40 acres and a mule person next door will have some pressure on him to paint his barn or move his doublewide. It goes on every day in some form.The fact that a prez want-to- be is why this made the headlines.
Shucks, that kind of stuff happens even here.A Dr. or whomever buys a piece of property next to a pig farmer.Who is going to get the grief in that case? Oink, Oink
Johnson has a pricetag on his property of 1.6 million dollars BECAUSE the Edwards house is across the road. His lifestyle will work almost anywhere, and with that much money, he can afford to be anywhere.
quote:
I have the opinion, and it is personal, that your ability to comprehend is seriously compromised by a powerful indoctrination into the cult of elitism or the worship of elitism.


Your opinion is wrong. Worship of elitism? You think I worship rich people? Why would I post this story if I think that? Use some common sense here, then even you will see how dumb that statement is.

As for my comprehension, read this statement;

"The first calls on his cell phone came from two lawyers asking to represent him in a slander case. Elizabeth Edwards, they told him, had called him a "rabid, rabid Republican."

You claim that the source for Edwards' comments was not identified. It's very clear that the lawyers wanting to sue were the ones who passed the statement on to Johnson.

Besides, the story is a light hearted piece told from the view of a colorful individual. These types of stories are done all the time as kickers. There is nothing biased about it and thanks to the story you posted, you proved that. It's simply a funny article about the Edward's neighbors written by an actual journalist working for an actual newspaper. I know you're not used to that since you feed your head with extremist garbage.

Someone who posts crap from loony leftist websites really can't criticise someone else's sources. You're trying to prove my statement about Democrats and Republicans wrong, but you're just grasping at straws.
quote:
Originally posted by excelman:
AS John Edwards poll numbers rise, we can expect more character assination of him , his wife, and his kids. Rush already started it stating that Elizabeth's cancer was being politically exploited by him. The "whispering campaigns" that Rove turned into an art form will continue. I expect Edwards is ready for all the lies and bs from the right wing. He saw enough of it aimed at Kerry 4 years ago.


Of course it is!!! I mean... WHERE are all the witnesses to all this... I only saw where it was HEARSAY... And besides, I would NOT want my kids around ANY PERSON, much less one slanted like he is, who pulls guns on workers that are doing their jobs, or just his attitude of NOT BEING AFRAID TO USE IT EITHER..

This man is being used... and it is sad really. Does he REALLY Think ANYONE will remember his name AFTER the elections? Nope, he is just a tool they need for now, ...

Silly Politics.. Where WILL they stoop to next???
quote:
Originally posted by Delldude:
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
I wasn't posting this to attack Edwards. I was posting this because I find it interesting that people think Democrats represent the working class, yet this is how they treat the people who own land next to their $6 million mansion. Just like most wealthy Republicans, most Democrats look down their noses at the common people. They see them as nothing more than votes too keep them in power and generate more money for their mansions. Neither the Democrats or Republicans are really concerned about the middle class and the poor. Their focus is simply to stay in power and make money. That's why our country is in the shape it's in. If you really want leadership that really does consider the working class, elect someone who is not a career politician.


You hit it square on the HEAD.

Democrates, and Republicans could care less about the middle class, or the working Class in any way, shape, or form. Its about greasing their greasy hands with money and POWER, thats what gets them off.

Semper Fi,(carry on citizen's!)



VERY well said Delldude... ALL of the rich, illustrious politicians snub their noses at all of us, UNLESS they just happen to want your vote... it is a game.. They are no different than ANY Celebrity out there... no difference at all.. .only thing is we vote for them, and IF our voting systems are FAIR, then the right one wins, if it isn't, they don't...

Did ya hear McCain talking about going back to the paper ballots Nationwide? He said it was the ONLY fair way of elections... Sorry, off topic here.

This man in this article is RELISHING in the attention AND the monies he will derive from allowing the press to publish this story... now THAT is sad.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
How was the USA Today article any different? If anything, it supports my original topic, the idea that Democrats are for the working class is just a myth.

From your own article:

""I thought he was supposed to be for the poor people," Johnson said. "But does he ever socialize with any poor people? He doesn't speak to me.""



It is NOT a myth, not at all it isn't... When you look at a government owned, republican ran Utility like TVA and see what they are planning to be in place BEFORE Sept. 2008, then you just might think again...

The decisions that are being put into place will effect EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the Tennessee Valley... EVERY ONE, whether they work for TVA or not... your rates are going to soar, thing are going to change, and it is going to be a biggie.

The only thing John Q. Public did wrong was back last year when they were deciding on a NINE member board, instead of a three member like they have had for seventy years.. THAT was the time that people should have SHOUTED to the roof tops..

YOu think Republicans are FOR the people???? Then sit back in your easy chair, with your candles burning and just watch what NINE of them are going to do with the very company that took OUR area out of depression.

Oh, shall I add that GWB APPOINTED all nine of these people to this board?
KS, yes, the future of TVA is a scary prop. for us all, but it will be even worse for the entire SouthEast as TVA power rates have held down electric rates in the entire regon.
For the edification of NashBama, the planned distruction of TVA started with the Republican Ronald Reagan, who made a speach in Knoxville in 1980 stating that if we elected him president, he would privatize TVA. Well, the people in the Valley voted for him, and he was elected. He appointed Marvin Runyon as Charman of the Board, who set about to let go permanant employees of TVA and oursource the work to private contractors. I believe his dream was to have TVA nothing but a board of directors, some vice presidents, and everything else would be contracted out.
I know from experience that contracted work is a lot more expensive than permanent employees, except where short term work is needed.
To date, TVA has been moving toward that goal.
I don't know what KS is referring to that TVA will do before 2008, but I am worried that the agency is not headed in the right direction.
I blame Ronald Reagan. I know the Republicans have dieified him , but I assure you he is no god. His policies have hurt the average person, and will continue to do so for years, but he was able through his personality to make most people like it. Many of us have been personally hurt by what he did.
Republicans have hated TVA since it's creation. Eisenhower, and Nixon both tried to get rid of it. Reagan and now Bush may finish it off. WE must be careful who we elect.
quote:
YOu think Republicans are FOR the people???? Then sit back in your easy chair, with your candles burning and just watch what NINE of them are going to do with the very company that took OUR area out of depression.


Did you even read my post? Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans care about the working class. The story I posted is just one example.


The whole Democrats are for the poor and Republicans are for the rich idea is simply a myth. There just isn't that many differences in the two parties anymore. Please KS, don't be so gullible and actually believe the Democrats are looking out for you. They aren't any more than Republicans. This is why we need a third party or more independents in power. These two parties have controlled things for just too long.
As for Regan, I'm not a big fan of his either. What he did with TVA is just one example, remember the flight controller's strike? He fired them all on the spot. The only thing Regan was good at was foreign policy. The US and USSR were teetering on the brink of war, but Regan and Gorbachev managed to keep both countries from actually going into battle. So he didn't send the working class to war, he just fired them from their jobs.
quote:
VERY well said Delldude... ALL of the rich, illustrious politicians snub their noses at all of us, UNLESS they just happen to want your vote... it is a game.. They are no different than ANY Celebrity out there... no difference at all.. .only thing is we vote for them, and IF our voting systems are FAIR, then the right one wins, if it isn't, they don't...


KS, you contradicted yourself with this post. One minute you say the myth is true, then you post this. Which is it?
quote:
Originally posted by miamizsun:
As a general rule, and it might be a law of the universe, there isn't a politician of any stripe that is for the regular joe.

There's campaign promises and then there's reality.



So true. The leaders of both parties are mainly millionaire lawyers. If the middle class in this country want somebody that will do the right thing...we should elect a regular guy to office. A plumber, electrician, truck driver, or construction worker for example...someone who has actually had to work for a living. I can't speak for anyone else but I don't have a lot in common with a millionaire lawyer. Smiler
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
As for Regan, I'm not a big fan of his either. What he did with TVA is just one example, remember the flight controller's strike? He fired them all on the spot. The only thing Regan was good at was foreign policy. The US and USSR were teetering on the brink of war, but Regan and Gorbachev managed to keep both countries from actually going into battle. So he didn't send the working class to war, he just fired them from their jobs.


I was on a plane going to Atlanta, when the pilot came on and announced we were passing thru 10000 feet on our way to 35000 feet and that the air traffic controllers had just gone on strike. You might say I remember that situation well!
You are right. RR did a lot of damage to our country that many people have not seen yet.
I was fooled at the time and voted for him both times. In retrospect, those were two votes I have lived to regret.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
quote:
It ain't just the rich who pay 30%, middle class does too. Add to the fact that the middle class who pay 30% also pay ss on their total income until they get rich, and then they can stop, and looks like that is the income group getting screwed.


Sorry, not true. The middle class pays a much smaller fraction of the total tax revenue. I've linked the statistics from the IRS site on these boards several times.

The point I'm trying to make is that the Democrats are not for the middle class any more than the Republicans. They are all for themselves first. The middle class is nothing but an group to scam out of votes so that they can keep their jobs.
hey the point you are trying to make is WRONG. You pay nearly 10% of your wages for Social Security and Medicare, and you pay about 25% for income taxes. IF YOU, AND ALL THE REST OF US ARE PAYING 35% OF OUR INCOME, AND THE RICH ARE PAYING 80% OF THE TAXES, THE RICH SURE MOST HAVE A LOT MORE MONEY TO PAY TAXES WITH THAN WE DO.

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