situationreport

Cafferty File has moved!

2007-12-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

The Cafferty File has a new home. Come visit us and see for yourself. You can go to cnn.com/caffertyfile, where we're posting many more of your comments online. You'll also find Jack's commentaries and video clips of the Cafferty File.

Cafferty: Cheney upbeat on Iraq?

2007-12-06T18:45:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Homeowner bailout?
Is Vice President Cheney right to predict that when he and President Bush leave office a self-governing democracy will be firmly established in Iraq?
I kind of doubt Cheney is correct. I don't think there will be democracy ever in Iraq. Look at Afghanistan. Is it working there? Bush and Cheney put their puppet Karzai on display for a short time and declared victory. Look at today. Iraq will be worse. -Richard, Backus, Minnesota

Cheney has already demonstrated numerous times that he does not have an accurate grasp of the situation in Iraq -- or the world, for that matter. Naturally, I do not expect him to be right on his optimistic predictions about success in Iraq by the end of 2008. Here's my question: If Cheney's War proves to be a bust, will he give U.S. taxpayers their money back? -Lorne, Swartz Creek, Michigan

Are you kidding, Jack? The Sunnis and Shiia will be no more able to work together than the neocons and ultra-liberals in this country. Neither will give an inch. And, oh yeah, don't forget the Kurdish factor. If two factions can't get along, how can anyone expect three to do so?
-Mary, Bean Station, Tennessee

Jack, In one sentence, I want $10.00 worth of what Cheney is smoking. -Rob, St. Lucie, Florida

Why is the war in Iraq less important, and domestic issues more important, to voters now than they were last April?
Jack: It's wintertime in the Northeast and my wife and I are more worried about heating our home, feeding our family and putting gas in the car than the war in Iraq. We're struggling every day to pay the mortgage, credit card bills, uninsured medicals and college tuition on time. As far as I'm concerned, the war in Iraq is over, lost - another sad chapter in our nation's history - and November '08 can't come soon enough. -Alan, Boston, Massachusetts

Jack, The decider has decided to decide that the subprime mortgage crisis will get him more brownie points with the Republican base because the fickle public has decided that unlike a war without a draft consequence, being evicted from your home and put out into the street has a decided consequence. -Steve, New York

Two reasons: The surge seems to be making some progress, so there is some stability with regards to policy. Also, every candidate seems to have a similar policy on the war.
-Tom, Ontario

Are you in favor of denying illegal aliens social services, like public schools and emergency medical care?
Jack, Yes, I'm in favor of denying illegal aliens any kind of help. No one helped me. And the government sure ain't helping me now. -Mike, Liberty, Missouri

Jack, Emergency medical care should not be lumped in with other services and education. No one would deny someone emergency medical care. But no other services should be provided for illegal immigrants. None. They should not be rewarded in any way for their illegal presence in our country. They need to return to their own countries and demand their rights there.
-Alex, Mt. Shasta, California

As a human, I cannot vote to deny anyone emergency medical services. Schools, yes. Above all employers should deny them jobs, and then they will not be here. -Sarv, Miami, Florida

Jack, Yes, We have to stop being so generous. We have been destroying our own citizens' rights to help non-citizens. -Delmar, Ellsinore, Missouri

Cafferty: Homeowner bailout?

2007-12-05T18:41:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Drowning in debt?

Should the federal government bail out homeowners who are facing foreclosure because of rising interest rates?
Absolutely no bailout. These people got in over their heads and took on deals that were too good to be true. The rest of us struggled within our means and so we will look like darn fools. It is enough already hearing about these people. -Bob, New York

Why should I have to pay for someone else's foolish mistake? When I make a mistake I bite the bullet. Freezing the rates is nothing more than more nanny state bull. Besides I've been looking for some cheap property. At least I will purchase what I can afford. -Jim, New Roads, Louisiana

No. They should have read the terms and not overspent. Why should I have to pay for others' inabilities? We should not make mortgages into a welfare program. -N., New York

What should be done about more than 10 million "missing" White House e-mails?
E-mails are forever. A good hacker could get them in a few hours. -Tom, Beaumont, Mississippi

Nothing. Some Democrat is just trying to stir up meaningless political nonsense. -R.A., Texas

I think 10 million missing e-mails should bring about 10 million subpoenas and 10 million calls for impeachment. There is absolutely no excuse for this. It is a blatant obstruction of justice.
-B.D., New York

Maybe we should "misplace" Congress' paychecks until they appoint an investigator to locate the missing e-mails. E-mails don't disappear into the ether, they can always be found. -Beth, Virginia

What message does it send when the Democratic-led Congress has planned a 5-day workweek for only three times next year?
It sounds like Congress has something better to do than the work of the people who sent them to do our business. Nice work when you can get it! -Roberta

At the rate they do the nation's business, let them take as much time off as they want. Convene for one month a year so they can compare vacations and vote themselves a raise. -Les, Nevada

Simple, pay them by the hour for the time they are at work. -Tim, Marceline, Missouri

Sure Congress could probably work harder, but asking these kinds of questions only promotes bitterness and cynicism that does nothing to improve government. -Jonathan, Lynn, Massachusetts

Cafferty: Huckabee rising?

2007-12-04T18:38:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Billion$ into Iraq?

What's behind the sudden rise of Mike Huckabee?
Huckabee's rise is simple. He's not a slimy self-serving politician like all the other slimy self-serving politicians in the race... and, we, the general public, can recognize a politician that's NOT slimy and self-serving when we see one. -Bob

The rise of Huckabee? Well, let's see. When asked a tough question he made a great joke, and the media talked about it on and on. But they almost never point out the fact that he NEVER ANSWERED THE QUESTION! Well, there's your answer: He can laugh is way out of tough issues, and the media will play along. What a way to elect a president. -Robert

Huckabee is getting a lot more people to notice him because of his sense of humor and laid back demeanor. That Chuck Norris campaign ad is huge on the Internet, at least amongst college students. -Kevin, Amherst, Massachusetts

Jack, Huckabee is the most real seeming candidate in the Republican primary. That said, he sells rabid conservatism in a candy coating, both feeding the social conservatives and placating the fiscal conservatives. Huckabee is the single biggest threat to the Democrats, period. He may not have any money right now, but expect him to pull a Clinton (Bill not Hillary) as the other candidates peel off. -Steve, Memphis, Tennessee

What's the single most important task Congress must complete before adjourning for the holidays?
Jack, The single most important thing they should be doing is starting impeachment proceedings on this poorest excuse of a president this country has ever seen. -Clarence, Brodhead, Kentucky

Bring the troops home. That ought to be Congress' #1 priority. NO more funding may just passive-aggressively act to get that done. -Susan, Cape Coral, Florida

I think it would be better if Congress gets nothing done. They stand less chance of screwing something up even more. -Dave, Chicago, Illinois

I think children's healthcare is the most important thing Congress needs to accomplish. They have already put the future of our country in debt and if they can't even provide them proper health care it is just so outrageous. -Elizabeth, Overland Park, Kansas

If Americans have $900 billion in credit card debt, should more be done to regulate the industry?
Government should make credit card companies reduce their rates, and or put caps on interest paid back to them, so people can realistically pay off their debt. -Joe, Buchanan, New York

The amount of debt is absurd. My parents always taught be that I should not buy anything unless I have the money for it. I think people’s imaginations are getting the best of them.
-David, New Jersey

No Jack, It does not mean we need more government control. What we need is more self control over our own finances. I am not one of the Americans who share this meaningless debt. Financial responsibility is what "we" need, not the government trying to tell others what to do. Especially when the Congress cannot control themselves. -Mike

Cafferty: Billion$ into Iraq?

2007-12-03T18:40:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Teddy bear outrage?

If Iraq is the third most corrupt country in the world, why does the U.S. continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into it?
It's easy, Jack: the corrupt politicians here in America are receiving kickbacks from the corporate greed that has grown up around the Iraqi government that we are backing. It's easy for Bush to request more money because the more he spends of our money, the more money the American corporations make for providing supposed services for rebuilding. -John

Jack, The simplest and most accurate way to answer this question is with one tiny little greasy word "OIL". -Mike, Loveland, Colorado

Jack, The answer is simple: we keep pouring money into Iraq because we have one of the most corrupt administrations in American History. Teapot Dome? Watergate? Small change compared to this bunch. -Jim

Good question, Jack. I wish I knew the answer myself. It's so warming to know that we keep pumping billions of dollars into a country that is getting more corrupt by the day, and fail to notice our own economic shortcomings here at home. -Bob, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Will Mitt Romney's speech about being a Mormon faith help or hurt his campaign?
Jack, It won't make any difference. Those who are not part of the Christian right don't care. Those who are will settle for nothing less than a "savior". -Daryl, Ontario

It doesn't matter to me what religion a candidate is. I think most of us are interested in what they are going to do about the issues at hand, like immigration, Iraq, high gas prices etc.
-Janet, Live Oak, Florida

It is likely that Romney's speech will only hurt him. As a former practicing Mormon myself who is still sympathetic to the religion, I have found that openly discussing the faith only stirs up more questions than it answers. -Dave, Seattle, Washington

Is it the government's job to limit junk food sales in schools?
I am a tenth grade high school student and I am writing a article in our school newspaper about banning junk food but as soon as I shared it with my class, everyone jumped on my case asking me why is it my business what they eat. -Sade, Maryland

The local schools here make a ton of money off of the selling of junk food. The soda and candy vendors give them a cut. The schools won’t want to loose that money. -Chris, Scranton, Pennsylvania

Jack, is this a serious question? We need to get the government out of the child-rearing business and let parents do their job. Don't our politicians have other things to be concerned with?
-Charles, Arkansas

Jack, I think that if this law actually passes it will wind up in the Supreme Court within 6 months. While they may mean well, the federal government has no right to dictate what children eat. -Michelle, Somerville, New Jersey

Cafferty: Teddy bear outrage?

2007-11-30T18:42:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Record immigration?

What does it say about the Muslim religion when some want a teacher put to death for allowing children to name a teddy bear Mohammed?
The thing that makes me angry about wanting the teacher killed for naming the teddy bear Mohammed: obviously these people missed the point that a teddy bear is an endearing object to children and it should be viewed as a compliment, not an insult to name this toy that name. If they had named a pet snake the same, then there would be cause for problem. -Derek in Birmingham, Alabama

The furor in Sudan over the naming of the teddy bear doesn't say anything about the Muslim religion, only that some nuts are practicing Muslims. -Jim, Scottsdale, Arizona

Jack, I think the Muslim outcry about a teddy bear name "Mohammad" cries of disparity. On one hand, they cry foul because their children idolize the name of their prophet by naming the bear which causes a revolt. In the next breath they are strapping on suicide vests blowing up innocent civilians in the name of Jihad. -David, Miamisburg, Ohio

What does it say about Islam that this teacher was taken prisoner? It speaks very clearly that Islam is in need of a reformation. It speaks very clearly that moderate Muslims need to take to the streets and take back their religion from those who have brought it into darkness.
-Symeon

Is it time for the U.S. to rethink "Don't ask, Don't tell" when it comes to gays in the military?
Jack, Of course it's time to remove this silliness. Britain & Israel & most other European countries don't even think it's such a big deal. A straight friend once told me that his commanding officer in Nam was gay, no one cared, all his "guys" loved him & didn't give it much thought. -Russ, Oxford, New Jersey

It is absolutely time for don't ask don't tell to be repealed. The military has already lowered standards for age, physical shape, and having a criminal record. So why not allow gays to serve openly, our soldiers are professional enough to handle it. -Matt, Indianapolis, Indiana

"Don't ask, Don't tell" is nothing but dressed-up prejudice. Since gays and lesbians are already permitted to serve in the military, the policy of "Don't ask, Don't tell" does nothing but continue a policy of government funded discrimination. -Roxie, Moorhead, Minnesota

Republican Senator Chuck Hagel calls the Bush White House "one of the most arrogant, incompetent" administrations ever. Is he right?
There is no doubt that Senator Hagel's comments are absolutely spot on. We have never been so hated around the world as we are now. This is all due to one person and his administration: George W. Bush. The next president has a lot of cleaning up to do. -Melton, San Rafael, California

Jack, I've never written to a news organization in this manner but your question regarding the Bush administration's incompetence struck a chord. I'm 52 years old and have seen many presidents come and go. I've live overseas and had to deal with the effects of the Bush policies. I would say unequivocally that King George's administration has been without doubt the worst in terms of its' impact on our country. We will pay dearly in the coming decades for his arrogance and stubbornness. -J., Orlando, Florida

Absolutely correct... I only hope that the opening statement from our new president is "I'm sorry for what the past eight years has brought the world, I can't wait to make it better." -Benjamin, Crested Butte, Colorado

Cafferty: Immigration straight talk?

2007-11-29T18:41:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": A Mormon speech?
When it comes to immigration, are any of the presidential candidates saying what you want to hear?
Jack, Ron Paul's position on immigration is head-and-shoulders above the rest. We have to take away the incentive for people to enter the country illegally, period. It's about time somebody started talking sense on the issue. -Charles, Murfreesboro, Arkansas

Jack, I'm a Democrat who likes what the Republicans are saying about illegal immigration. Unless the Democrats change their attitude on illegal immigration, I'll vote Republican.
-Steve, O'Fallon, Missouri

No, none of the candidates seems interested in representing the wishes of most Americans regarding illegal immigration. -Dottie, The Villages, Florida

The only two candidates who are saying what I want to hear about immigration are Tancredo and Hunter. Illegal immigration is bankrupting us. -Eileen, Upland, California

Should people have to give the government more personal information, like birthdates and gender, when buying airplane tickets?
I wouldn't mind giving more detailed information if we know if can be kept safe and not fall into the hands of the wrong people. Way too much identity theft already. -Harold, Rochelle, Illinois

While there is always the fear of more monitoring of our activities and private lives by government (as in Orwell's "1984"), we are already under constant monitoring via video and the internet anyway. Anyone willing to spend a little bit of money can find out anything they want to about you. Anyone who doesn't want to give their full name and date of birth must be hiding something anyway. -Kelvin, Houston, Texas

Ironically, the only way you could get me on an airplane these days would be at gunpoint.
-Wish, Eerie, Pennsylvania

Why hasn't military progress in Iraq made the war more popular?
Iraq has become a grotesque joke. No matter how "successful" the war in Iraq becomes, it has dragged on too long and has become such a sore point for many Americans to accept. Anything short of people laying down their weapons, holding hands and singing “Give Peace a Chance” in perfect harmony will just make the American public more and more tired of this disastrous conflict. -Tim, Hermosa Beach, California

It's simple. Our invasion of Iraq was illegal and immoral. We have been lied to for the past five years. Of course, we want our troops home so we can begin to put this shameful piece of our history behind us. We owe the world an apology. -Mark, Cascade, Montana

We see that this war cannot be won. We are not going to stand for our government keeping our soldiers in combat for the next twenty years, or longer. That area of the world has been in conflict for hundreds of years, and it will continue to be in conflict long after American troops are all home. -Judith

Cafferty: A Mormon speech?

2007-11-28T18:37:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Easing DC gridlock?
Should Mitt Romney give a speech assuring voters his Mormon religion won't interfere with his ability to serve as president?
Jack, Of course Mitt Romney should give a speech addressing the concerns many people have about his Mormon faith, and it is disingenuous for him to pretend his faith should not be fair game. If I'm not mistaken, it was Mr. Romney's Republican Party that injected faith into the political discourse in this country and made it de rigueur to discuss on the campaign trail.
-Andrea, San Francisco, California

Who cares about Romney's religion! This is a nonissue the media has wrapped itself around to create a story. What really matters are his economic, foreign and social policies, period. Stop perpetuating this story and report on something much more relevant. -J.F., Roswell, Georgia

Mitt seems to hold his views on Mormonism only as firmly as his views on other issues. It would only hamper him at certain times when he's in, say, Flip mode. In Flop mode, not so much. He'd be better served giving a speech that demonstrates his understanding of the rule of law and of the U.S. Constitution. -Allan, San Jose, California

Jack, Romney should not have to explain anything about his religion, just as the other Republican candidates don't have to explain theirs. This country is starting to be dominated by the right-winged Evangelical Christians who insist on destroying the separation of church and state that this country was founded on. Pathetic. -Justin, Vermont

Jack, I don't care what religion he is; if he can get the country out of the mess that it's in, then he deserves to be president. -M.C.

What message did the Middle East peace summit send to Iran if President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is furious and is calling it a "failure"?
This is exactly what should have been expected. When the biggest player in Middle East politics is not invited to a meeting of all of its neighbors the result could easily be the war that President Bush seems anxious to have. His utter disdain for intelligent diplomacy should be a cause of great alarm. -Charles, Lansing, Michigan

It means little Hitler is running out of friends & his country is getting ready to oust him. His nuke program & flagrant comments about the destruction of Israel will destroy his political power. He still has a friend, Chavez, to drown his sorrows with. -Martin, Ohio

If Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made a statement that the peace talks have failed, you can bet he is worried. -Carolyn, Sunrise, Florida

A high Arab turnout answers the question. Iran did not like the fact that Arab Nations came to anything that had to do with America or peace. -R., Kent, Ohio

Is Newt Gingrich right to predict Barack Obama will win Iowa "by a surprising margin"?
Could Newt be guilty of wishful thinking? Does he think the Republican nominee could beat Obama, but not Hillary? -Bill, Dickson, Tennessee

I absolutely believe Obama will take a solid lead in Iowa and then win the White House. The American people are ready for change and a different kind of resume... The administration he will build will offer more for ALL Americans. -Andrea

Yes, Newt is correct. The tide has turned from the "old guard political machine" to Obama and a new way of doing business. -S.

Jack, the correct answer is: Who cares what Newt Gingrich thinks? -Matt, Kansas City, Missouri

Cafferty: Easing DC gridlock?

2007-11-27T18:37:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Kick-start peace?

How far would a bipartisan cabinet go toward easing some of the gridlock in Washington?
Jack, What a novel idea. The President would be a true representative of the people and his/her cabinet would reflect diverse ideas. How refreshing. -Bob, New York

Why is gridlock so terrible? In the first term of President Bush, the Republican Congress passed countless spending bills without a single presidential veto. Spend, spend, spend was their motto. Furthermore, Wall Street prefers gridlock in Washington. The market has historically gone up during periods when different parties controlled the White House and the Congress.
-Arthur

Jack, The optimist in me says that since nothing else has worked to fix the "broken system," we should give this a chance. The realist in me says that since nothing else has worked to fix the "broken system," why should this be any different? -Jeff, Boise, Idaho

As far as I can recall from high school civics class, the president's cabinet doesn't make laws! Gov. Richardson's bipartisan cabinet makes for a good sound bite but it is an empty promise insofar as making any real difference. -DB, New York

Why does Washington have the highest rate of AIDS infection of any city in the country?
One word, Jack, "stupidity.” All the babble about racism, failure of educational systems, declining morality, and other excuses is just that, an excuse. It all comes down to being smart enough to not engage in high-risk behaviors. The consequence of stupidity is, in this case, a rather nasty and slow death. -James, Tennessee

I have another question. Why does it matter what race has the highest rates? There the media goes again, forcing us to compare race. If it had been white people with high rates, would you have stated the difference? Unlikely. -Erica

AIDS rates are increasing all over the country since Bush implemented his "abstinence-only" funding policy for AIDS prevention programs, and we are only now beginning to see the results of the implementation of a prevention education method that the AIDS community has known for decades does not work. -Doug

Should the U.S. be spending more money on diplomacy?
Diplomacy is always cheaper than lives or bullets. Talk first and often, and when all else fails, talk some more, and then shoot as a last resort if you absolutely have to. Once you pull that trigger there is no way to recall that bullet. -Richard, Fairview, Texas

It's not about spending more money on communications. It's about the very "policies and goals" of the United States that Gates wants to share with the world. Those policies and goals under the Bush Administration no longer represent freedom, democracy, or the will of the American people. -Candace, North Hollywood, California

Hi Jack, The answer to your question is simple: When it comes to freedom and democracy, we don't practice what we preach. It begs the question: Why should any foreign nation listen to us?
-Robert, Berea, Ohio

Cafferty: Kick-starting peace?

2007-11-26T18:42:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Obama talks drugs?

Is now the time and is the United States the right place for a Middle East peace summit?
It's the right time and place for no one except George W. Bush. He ran his 2000 campaign and entered office as the un-Clinton. He refused to follow up on Clinton's efforts that came within an inch of establishing peace. Now he hopes to rescue his legacy with a photo op. -Ron, Canton, Georgia

Jack, For the first time in modern Israel's tumultuous 60-year history, all of the invited Middle Eastern countries concerned will be together in one place at the same time for the sole purpose of finding a permanent solution to the difficult Palestine autonomy issues which threaten world peace and security. James Baker's Iraq Study Group Report is finally getting the diplomatic credence it deserves, and while it is not a giant leap for mankind it is one small step forward.
-Richard, Seattle, Washington

No, not anymore. The time for that is gone. We should have been pushing for peace a long time ago. Instead, we have been zipping around the region, causing instability, starting wars, and acting like morons. The damage is done. The best thing we can do now is let them handle it themselves, bring our troops home from Iraq, and tend to our national wounds. -Steve, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Jack, 2 words… "Photo Op". -Mike, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Where are we headed if a conservative like Pat Buchanan says "America is coming apart at the seams" and we may not recover?
Pat Buchanan is a hero! These are not new thoughts or conclusions. He has been warning of the mess we are in today for 20 years. -Bobbie, Poteau, Oklahoma

Jack, Being a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, oh, oops, I mean "progressive", I never would have thought I'd be agreeing with the likes of Pat Buchanan, but I agree wholeheartedly! We are headed into collapse and the day of reckoning is soon at hand! The OMB has been screaming this for awhile now! Wake up people! -Jim, Detroit, Michigan

All I know is that something is seriously, seriously wrong with the world when I start agreeing with Pat Buchanan... which I did around December 2000 by the way. -Melody, Calgary

Jack, Pat Buchanan has often been wrong, but when he's right, he's right. And this time, sadly, he is right. -Pat

Cafferty: Obama talks drugs?

2007-11-21T18:40:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Saudi rape outrage?

Does Senator Barack Obama's admitting to using alcohol and drugs when he was a kid hurt his chances of being elected president?
That does it. I will vote for Obama. Imagine! An honest politician! I didn't think I would see it in my lifetime. I may even pay attention to the electoral process. Don't tell my super-cynical friends. -Gary, Ouray, Colorado

It might for a very few people. Mr. Obama probably needed to bring out those facts before his rivals did a lot of digging and disclosed his past first. Myself, I could care less. -John, Missoula, Montana

What ever happened to honesty is the best policy? We should admire the courage the senator has projected with his statement. It's a shame how people will twist this into something negative. This should be a lesson to kids that it is never too late to get your act together!
-Erving , New York

I hope it doesn't hurt Obama's chances. It's refreshing to hear a candidate speak openly and honestly about their past. -Thomas, Cupertino, California

How troubling is a new report that says Americans are reading less?
As a teacher I have noticed students reading less as well. I think it is because students have increased homework responsibilities as well as after-school commitments. The homework is required in order for students to cover the curriculum on state mandated tests. Although these students are quite capable of reading, they are often just too exhausted to read for fun! This is a sad commentary for our education system. -Ann

I don't pay much attention to studies. Times change and there are so many different ways of getting information. The Internet, books on tape, radio, television, Black Berries, cell phones, instant messaging and the list goes on and on. I really don't think people are reading any less just in a different format. -Rich, Fairview, Texas

The joke in Europe goes: if you speak two languages, you're bilingual. If you speak one language, you're American. Americans read less, invent less, think less, produce less, vote less, save less, pay attention less, care less, and are fast becoming second if not third-rate in the eyes of the world. Americans burn fuel, consume, spend, criticize, pontificate, preach, boast and loudly demand of others. It's sad for this old citizen to watch. -J.

Dear Jack, In the 1940s and 1950s everyone was raising hell about us kids reading comic books. If it hadn’t been for those comic books, I don’t think I would have learned to read at all. The stuff they wanted us to read in school was so boring I couldn’t stand it. -H., Scottsdale, Arizona

Which presidential candidate would you most like to invite over for Thanksgiving dinner and why?
I'd pick Kucinich. I can't support his socialist economic positions, but he deserves an attaboy for at least trying to impeach Cheney... and he's the only Democratic or Republican candidate whose lies and insanity wouldn't ruin my appetite. -Kris, Livingston, Texas

I would like to invite Hillary Clinton for Thanksgiving dinner. Then, I could tell my grandchildren that the first woman president ate at my house. -Sheila, Northport, Alabama

I'd like to have John Edwards join us for dinner. Why? One because he's passionate about fixing what's wrong in Washington and two because looking across the table at him sure wouldn't upset my digestion. -Diane, Iowa

None of the above. Like you, I'd rather eat alone than with one of the candidates. -Jeffrey, Santa Ana, California

Whether or not I would vote for him, Ron Paul is the most interesting and engaging presidential candidate in years. Apparently, he actually read the Constitution somewhere along the way, and thinks it is important. How quaint! -Richard, Houston, Texas

Jack, I would invite Rudy Giuliani over for dinner because he's a real American hero who's unafraid to say what he thinks and would not just give, dodgy, political answers to regular questions. -Alex, Arlington, Virginia

Cafferty: Saudi rape outrage?

2007-11-20T18:42:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Mud flying in '08?

How should the U.S. respond to a Saudi court sentencing a gang-rape victim to 200 lashes?
The U.S. should respond to it the same way we responded when the Saudis attacked us on September 11th... we should attack another country in the Middle East and accuse it of treating its citizens unjustly. -Chris, Flemington, New Jersey

Jack, This is just another example of the U.S. trying to interfere with another country’s culture. For heaven's sake China has all kinds of human rights issues, yet the U.S. government encourages trade with that country. The Olympics is also scheduled to be held in China. What's the difference? We need to focus on our own issues and stay out of other countries’ cultural differences. -Bonnie, New York

WE will do nothing! WE are in Iraq to protect the Saudi oil. Saudi Arabia is the source of the Bush family fortune. Hell will freeze over before "WE" do anything to upset that apple cart.
-Michael, Gulf Breeze, Florida

Rather late to ask that question now, isn't it? How long ago is it that we hocked our humanitarian impulses, our sense of justice, and our national ideals, along with our line of credit -- all to allow us to keep buying their overpriced oil at their price, and thanking them for it. We can't change them. What we should do is admit what hypocrites we are, and change ourselves.
-Bill, Medford, New Jersey

What's behind Senator Hillary Clinton's drop in the polls?
Overexposure. You can not stay on fire forever. No new oxygen has been blown into the Clinton campaign, but there is a lot of hot air. The Democrats want and need change, not just the same old political face on a woman to excite this country for change. Obama offers that hope.
-Mauricio, Austin, Texas

Jack, The drop in the polls is what one would expect. As time goes on, the public is finding out what she is really about. I'm a Democrat and a woman and knew a long time ago that she was not the way to go. -Anne, North Carolina

I would like to think it might have something to do with the fact that people are understanding that she can be counted on to do only one thing, which is, protect her backside. She is a politician’s politician and is seemingly as two-faced as they come. -David, Palmdale, California

Because people want change and Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton is not change. -Kim, Corn, Oklahoma

Should employers be able to fire people who don't speak English on the job?
YES! You should speak English at work. How else will your employer know if there is abusive or inappropriate language being used? Plus, this is the USA. Speak your foreign language on your own time. -Miyuki

Jack, Yes, English should be spoken on the job. Let's vote the Democrats out of office, beginning with Pelosi in 2008. -Mare, Iowa

I have no problems firing them, I don't even HIRE them. -Bob

Cafferty: Mud flying in ’08 race?

2007-11-19T18:42:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": No bucks for war?
Does mudslinging make you more or less interested in the presidential campaign?
As a young voter, I have a hard time voting for a candidate who doesn't respect his or her opponents. The presidential election is about who is best qualified to lead the free world, not a "he said, she said" mudslinging contest. If candidates want our respect, they have to conduct themselves like world leaders, not rumor mills. -Jeremy, Stony Brook, New York

Of course it makes me less interested. If I wanted to read the tabloids, I would buy them. Why can't they stop playing games with each other and start focusing on all the broken process issues of our government today? -John, Atlanta, Georgia

Jack, What these candidates need to understand is that when they criticize each other, the American people really don't care. We would rather hear them talk about the issues and how they plan to fix our national problems. -Chad, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Jack, Every time I see or hear mudslinging in the race it makes me sick, because what it does for the most part is distract the public from the real issues. -Austin, Charleston, W. Virginia

Should Boston police be able to enter private homes without a warrant to search for guns?
The answer is simple. If the parents are allowing the search of their homes, then there is no problem. I can see this taking a turn for the worse though. This power will likely be abused. But a well regulated system could make this a great tactic. -Andrew, Joplin, Missouri

The answer to the question of whether police should be given a blank check to search homes for firearms by getting an "implied consent" to search from homeowners in an attempt to get guns off of the streets is laughable at best. Bostonians would never allow this in the city where our country has its origins for a revolution. The 4th amendment governs! -Tony

Of course, Jack. If you have nothing to hide, you have no reason to object. We're getting more and more like North Korea every day. -Jim, Clermont, Florida

If you are a minor, your guardian controls your life. They can reasonably infringe upon your civil rights if they wish to. If you live under a person's roof for free, then you live by their rules. If an adult decides to allow the police to search their minor's possessions for contraband, that's their right. While I'm not in love with the idea of the police knocking on people's door without a warrant, if the parents are accepting, the kid should shut up and deal. -Bill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If asked to decide if a fertilized egg is a person, how would you vote?
A fertilized egg is a fertilized egg. And a person is a person. It is that simple and only a simpleton would think otherwise. -Bill, Bothell, Washington

Yes, a fertilized egg is a human being. We all start at that point, not all of us make it out into the world. Ask any parent who's lost a child before delivery. -Michelle

The framers of this legislation say they want to give the fertilized egg full constitutional rights. I want to know if it's legal for them to discriminate against those of us who are no longer fertilized eggs who have lost our full constitutional rights. -Rita, Seattle, Washington

Cafferty: No more $$$ for war?

2007-11-16T18:39:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Your debate questions?
Should Congress hold off on sending President Bush any more bills funding the Iraq war until next year?
Blackmail is an ugly word but that is what this is. Once you give in and pay the blackmailer it doesn't end there. They come back again and again. Not one more dime. -Janet, Henderson, Nevada

Dems should simply fund the war, leave out the coming home restrictions and start doing some real work like enforcing our borders and tax reform. -Milton

What difference does it make at this point? Bush and his Republican backers will just continue to defeat any bill that has a withdrawal timeline. The Democrats may as well continue to submit their bills so they can have some valid fodder for the 2008 Election. -Ken in Shawnee, Kansas

No! As long as Americans keep dying and we're spending $300 million per day in Iraq, Congress MUST keep sending Bush funding bills with a start date for withdrawal, as mandated by a vast majority of the American people last November. -Joseph, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

What does it say about conditions at Guantanamo prison camp if, in 2003, military officials wouldn't let the Red Cross in to see what was going on?
It seems to me that there is "something rotten in Denmark". Close that base immediately. We are hated or ridiculed in every country in the world because of Mr. Bush's cowboy attitude. He needs to saddle up and ride back to Texas where heshould have been for the last seven years.
-Sammye

What it says is maybe that we have something to hide. Why do we have something to hide? Because we have become what 225 years of freedom and logic have fought against. -Bill, Birmingham, Alabama

This is a major problem for the U.S. We are acting on a double standard. We advocate human rights, and then we have a report like this which tells the world we are violating human rights... we're losing credibility. -M., Baltimore, Maryland

Iran could be one year away from a nuclear weapon. What should the U.S. do about it?
The answer is simpler than most people think: In a word, diplomacy. Talking and trading with Iran with peace in mind is the best strategy to avoid confrontation. I consider economic sanctions an act of war. -Aaron

I think that we should do nothing. George Bush has meddled in the affairs of the Middle East long enough. I think taking action would only make America less safe. The Middle East is crazy. I say if they want to blow each other up then let them do that, and leave our troops out of the affairs of their wars. -Jamal, Swartz Creek, Michigan

Bomb them! I still think they should pay for the hostages, let alone being a nuclear threat to us. Iraq was the wrong country to invade. -Tom, Spring Hill, Florida

Nuclear Iran? Jack it's inevitable. We will try sanctions, that will hurt the poor but the powerful and corrupt will not suffer. We couldn't stop India, Pakistan or North Korea...
-Jim, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

Cafferty: Your debate questions?

2007-11-15T18:39:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Spitzer retreats?
How confident are you in airport security if investigators were able to pass through checkpoints at 19 airports with bomb-making components?

Gee, Jack, what did you expect? We keep sending money overseas to help build Iraq back up and not spending money where it is truly needed. I hope to never fly cause I don't want to be herded into a plane like cattle and pay thousands of dollars for my ticket and not even get a sack of peanuts and a coke. -Ted

Jack, I haven't had any confidence in airport security since November 2005, when I unloaded the duffel I took daily to Phoenix Sky Harbor to run it through the wash. What did I discover to make me feel that way? Knives, Jack. Ten metal table knives in the outside pocket. I'd been taking them onto the tarmac 4 days a week for two months at that point, and never even been slowed down by security, much less stopped. If ten knives aren't enough to get the TSA's attention, I don't expect anything to. -Zeke, Phoenix, Arizona

Well, to answer your question: If I am a terrorist, I am ecstatic at the news that US airport security is no more effective than our immigration controls. Unfortunately, I'm a concerned citizen who likes the option of driving my car or staying home a lot more every day.
-Jim, Howell, New Jersey

Jack, I just purchased the latest updates on train routes. -Mac, Winter Park, Florida

What does it say about the U.S. that more than 35 million Americans went hungry last year?
You measure the greatness of a country by how it looks after its weakest and most vulnerable citizens, not how big its military is. If we spent a fraction on improving the lives of children in this country as we do in fighting foreign wars we could truly still be called great. Hunger in the richest nation in the world is immoral. -John, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dear Jack, The only thing that can be said is, 'shame on us' for not taking a more proactive role to get our government to do more. We have so very many layers of government, who are getting our hard-earned monies in the form of taxes, where the heck is it going? -Bernadette, Leesburg, Florida

What does it say? It says our priorities are upside down. It says our government is insane. I am not saying the government needs to swoop in and create a new program to prevent hunger. But it does need to stop giving hundreds of billions of foreign aid to other countries. -Liz, Dover, New Hampshire

Jack, It just goes to show that the elite in Washington care more about the starving in Africa and the rest of the world than here in America. We better start taking care of our own from the homeless veterans to the mothers with children who can't get help. -Jason, Scottsdale, Arizona

What would you like to hear the candidates answer at tonight's debate?
Poll after poll has shown that the American people are not in favor of amnesty. So why are you (all of the Democratic candidates) more concerned about courting the illegal aliens in our country, who by definition cannot vote, than you are about alienating the majority of the country? -Jason, Blacksburg, Virginia

Something they probably will not answer, since big corporations are involved, but here goes: How can you prevent the jobs that Americans have been doing all these years from going abroad and slowly annihilating the middle class? -Ann, Newton, New Jersey

I would like to hear REAL IDEAS come from the Democrats instead of attacking each other. I am tired of politics as usual and want real change for all of those of us suffering in this country.
-Faith, Windham, New Hampshire

Simply answer the question without a music score. In other words, without a dance number to a two-step. You can't trust nothing for all the smoke. Both parties miss the mark badly. I am an independent-minded voter. -Ray, Vonore, Tennessee

Cafferty: Spitzer drops license plan?

2007-11-14T18:36:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Dems go 0 for 40?
What's your reaction to New York Governor Eliot Spitzer dropping his plan to give driver's licenses to illegal aliens?
Oh, Jack! Do you mean we have a politician who actually listens to his constituency? One who is not afraid to admit he may have made a mistake? One who is sufficiently strong to show a little weakness? I am astonished! -Gail, Drakes Branch, Virginia

It's about time Governor Spitzer saw the light! He was beginning to give Democrats a bad name. Illegal alien means criminal here in Florida. -Fred, Live Oak, Florida

He came to his senses; the American people do not want to reward the illegals in any way!
-Richard, Clearwater, Florida

Governor Spitzer did exactly what he should have done. He was elected to represent the people of New York and if the majority of people in New York didn't want this program, it shouldn't be too hard to know what you should do. Why do you think the last federal immigration bill fell like a stone? It's nice to know the people actually do still have a voice and can control the direction of this country if they REALLY want to. -Todd, State College, Pennsylvania

Is it a good idea to reduce the sentences of thousands of federal inmates imprisoned on crack cocaine charges?
Of course release them, and then send them directly into the military and then to Iraq. If they refuse, don't let them out. It will keep our streets safer and also increase the depleted military. Go back to the old way when I was in: go to jail or go in military. -Dennis, Washington

I think that decision should be left up to each state. We're so broke in the state of Michigan that we can't afford to keep the "real" criminals off the street because it costs so much to incarcerate them. And, we have homeless veterans in the country but the prisoners get food and health care for free. -Mary, Rockford, Michigan

Absolutely. The disparity in sentencing between rock and powder cocaine is vastly unfair at best, racist at worst. More fundamentally, mandatory minimum sentencing and the war on drugs as a whole has been a complete failure. The time has come for this country to abandon its panic mentality and adopt a rational solution to the drug crisis that goes beyond simply locking people up and throwing away the key. -Justin, Oceanside, New York

We should not be letting these drug offenders back on the streets. They're degenerates who have no place in society until they've repaid their debt. -Bill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Have concerns about childhood obesity gone too far if people are signing up four-month-old babies for gym classes?
I think that it is great that so much attention is being brought to childhood obesity! The younger they start, the better ... if you teach children that "fitness is fun" then they consider it play time. Those values and fun experiences will stay with them throughout childhood and adulthood- which will only help fight the obesity epidemic in this country! -Reema

How sad that parents delegate yet another responsibility to someone else. If you don't want fat children then look in the mirror. Children learn from their parents. Give me a break, a gym for infants? -Christopher

What's next? Gym classes for babies in utero? -Laurie, Carbondale, Illinois

Cafferty: Dems go "0 for 40" on Iraq?

2007-11-13T18:34:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": No dynasties?
The only way the Dems can stop the war is by stopping the funding. If they stop funding the war, the Republicans will say they don't support the troops, they want to lose the war, they are not patriotic. We the American people will buy the lies lock stock and barrel, because though we are smart enough as individuals, as partisans we are hopelessly stupid. -S.

They're afraid of the backlash. People can't seem to get the idea that you can be FOR the troops and be AGAINST the war. Being against the war is being for the troops by getting them out of harm's way. -Walt, Everett, Washington

Sadly, the Democrats have demonstrated that they have no convictions. Being that they are afraid of offending someone they have become impotent. If their track record continues they will be facing the very real prospect of another Republican in the White House. -Joseph, Oceanside, California

It's simple. It's the numbers. 1. The Democrats do not have a veto-proof majority. 2. Most importantly, they do not have enough votes - 60 - to pass a resolution in the Senate. We voted a lot of Democrats into office in the 2004 elections, but not nearly enough to get any war resolution passed. -Bernie, Lowell, Massachusetts

A new study says many blacks are worse off than their parents were. Why?
Jack, Single family homes have nothing to do with it. Racism is still the underlying factor. Corporations still want to pay us less, banks have never stopped being racist, as far as giving loans, and the mentality of America hasn't changed. We are worse off than our parents because Jim Crow forbade our parents from owning property and passing it down to us, so we could establish some type of economic gain. -Lunyon

It's obvious, Jack. First, moving our manufacturing base first to Mexico and then to China has destroyed millions of well-paying, mostly union, blue collar jobs in the U.S. that many black American workers had. Second, the use of illegal alien, paid under the table, labor by construction contractors, especially in cities like Los Angeles and Houston, put most family-owned black small business contractors, who used mostly black American workers, in businesses such as roofing, dry wall, landscaping and other trades out of business. -W.B., Las Vegas, Nevada

Well, Jack, if the average household is like ours, it's hard enough to get to middle class status but even harder to maintain and keep it. Add to that the desire that we have to have our children stand on their own two feet and not to expect some sudden windfall from someone else whether that be from government, organizations or family. -Dwayne, Kingstree, South Carolina

Does the decline in the number of U.S. casualties change your mind about the war in Iraq?
I fail to see how less blood is no blood in a war that has lasted longer than it ever should have. Fewer casualties of war this day than the last are still casualties of war. My heart goes out to the families of all those who have lost someone in this war and a decline like this is by no means a call for rejoicing in my honest opinion. -Robb

The fact that there has been a decline in the number of US casualties does nothing to change my view on the war. This news is just about the only positive thing we've heard come from this war since it began. The constant bad news we're hearing about this war makes the first positive thing we hear seem a bigger deal than it is. Our troops are still dying in Iraq, granted at a lesser rate, but is that really good news? Or is it better bad news? -Steven, Los Angeles, California

No! Iraq is a tragic page in American history and the war was wrong, is wrong and will still be wrong tomorrow. Deaths go up and down, the morality of the war remains the same: immoral.
-Roxie, Moorhead, Minnesota

Let me respond with a question: If we knew that next month only 1 American soldier would die and we also knew it would be your son or daughter, would you want the war ended today?
-Glenda, Loveland, Colorado

Cafferty: Dynasty or democracy?

2007-11-12T18:33:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Homeless vets?
Should the Constitution be amended to ban family members from succeeding one another as president?
Jack, You rarely ask foolish questions, but this is one. As long as elections are about who has or can raise the most money, the presidency has changed from an election of the people, by the people, and for the people, to an election of the aristocrat with the best PR man. And, as long as our elected aristocrat is beholden to big businesses like oil and pharmaceuticals, we are doomed to the muddle we are in today, regardless of which dynasty occupies the position. -Cynthia, Garland, Texas

Jack, Let's get real here. Norquist is a Republican hack, who was in league with Ralph Reed & every Republican's favorite lobbyist. Do you honestly think that he'd be suggesting an amendment if this were Laura Bush running? Doubt it. -Russ, Oxford, New Jersey

Don't try to change the Constitution for this reason. Voters have the right to shut out a family member who is not wanted. Besides, I want Hillary to be elected. -Bertha, Central Square, New York

Yes! Amend it quick before Jeb decides to run! -Bill, Des Moines, Iowa

Is Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign suddenly vulnerable?
Sure she's vulnerable. She always has been. Clinton rode the inevitability train for as long as the media wanted her to. Now it's time for the Hillary is vulnerable train to leave the station. And, yes, those planted questions were extremely stupid. She needs to fire the person who did that.
-Teresa, Rio Vista, California

Jack, As Hillary is so far out in front of not only the Democratic pack, but the field as a whole, don't you think it's inevitable for there to be an attack or two? It's my feeling that the media is hoping, if not praying, for her to falter so there's a story to report. -Scott, Dubuque, Iowa

Senator Clinton is the most qualified of all the candidates. No damage done, she will continue to do well. -Katherine, Biloxi, Mississippi

Hillary's campaign, built as it is on wild ambition, has always been as vulnerable as a bouffant hairdo in a driving rainstorm. And it's just started to rain on the little lady! Wait 'til the monsoon season! -Clark, Bell Acres, Pennsylvania

Senator Clinton has always been vulnerable. It's just that they have been holding back so they wouldn't be perceived as ganging up on her. The gloves are finally off. Let's rumble! -Diane, Barnevald, New York

A top intelligence official says it's time for people in the U.S. to redefine privacy. Why should we?
Definition of "privacy": That which any president, or a member of his administration, or any government employee, or any backyard neighbor, should keep his prying eyes, nose, or ears out of. -Adele, Toledo, Ohio

It is not privacy we need to redefine; it's the administration which has taken it from us. We have an amazing source for redefinition; it's called impeachment. That's what it's time for! -Soni, Salem, Oregon

We shouldn't redefine any more of our rights and liberties. Wake up, America, we are losing our country. The next right they will redefine is gun rights. We will not have any! -Sandra, Whittier, California

Cafferty: Will Israel attack Iran?

2007-11-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Robertson for Rudy?
Should Israel attack Iran's nuclear facilities?
Jack, it doesn't really matter what we think. What Israel does to Iran is between Jerusalem and Tehran. The decision is ultimately theirs, not ours, and it's time we stopped worrying about other countries' foreign policy decisions. Unless it's Israeli policy toward the U.S., it's none of our business. -Dave, Cincinnati, Ohio

Bomb, bomb, bomb! Is that all these politicians know. What on earth is the difference between bully Israel bombing Iran, or Iran being a threat to bomb Israel. Cooler heads need to prevail all around. -Janelle, Roeland Park, Kansas

Mr. Cafferty, Yes Israel should make the strike. Iran should be taken at their word and a pre-emptive strike would be in self-defense. This is not a Wild West saga where you wait to be fired upon. These are nuclear weapons and justifications do not apply to 21st century fanatics.
-Bruce

I believe if Israel bombs Iran's nuke sites it will lead to the largest Holy War since biblical times. Every terrorist group will try to attack Israel. -Bruce, Fargo, North Dakota

What's your reaction to new research that shows being overweight might help you live longer?
Dear Jack, At my age of 63 and counting, I thought that I had about heard it all, NOT! Being overweight is dangerous to your health no matter which way you look at it. Would love to know who designed that study and what control groups they used. In addition, what needs to be done is track those overweight individuals to see how much their quality of life is impaired and how their life expectancy is greatly shortened. -Bernadette, Leesburg, Florida

Jack, Who sponsored this research? McDonalds, Frito-Lay, and the Cookie Monster? -John, Charleston, West Virginia

Jack, if I believed everything I read about health over the years, and acted on it, I'd have been dead long ago. Moderation in all things is the ticket! Except your show. I can't get enough of it!
-Leena, Leetsdale, Pennsylvania

My reaction to the report? Sad resignation to the fact that we're insistent on maintaining our overindulgent, gorging ways, especially when it comes to food, and now there's an excuse for it.
-John, Johnston, Iowa

My reaction is simple Jack. I'm heading right out to the store for a six pack and big bag of pretzels. Finally, study results I can agree with. -Tom, Cape May, New Jersey

How does the U.S. treat its veterans if they make up more than 25% of our nation's homeless population?
We don’t take care of them, at least not the way we should! It's possibly one of the most embarrassing legacies of the current administration, and that's saying a lot considering the number of rather unattractive skeletons that now lurk in the president's closet. The awful conditions exposed at Walter Reed were only the tip of the iceberg. -John in Johnston, Iowa
Hey Jack, Everything is just so wonderful America should just keep giving its money away to other countries and Congress should create more pork barrel projects. Don't worry about the poor vets, Bush doesn't. -Frank, Sunny Hills, Florida

Vets deserve the most of any within our country. Each returning vet must be guaranteed medical, mental, and educational services. These services should last as long as THEY choose. They are not "slackers" to be pushed off to the side of the road and shouldn't be treated that way. We need a whole NEW vets benefit program which is life long and guaranteed! -Dave

Jack, We have treated our veterans terribly and have for years, but I have an idea... adopt-a-vet. Lets get companies to adopt homeless vets, supply them a place to live, food, and support by giving them a job and emotional support. It's time our companies and its employees give back to those who keep them free. -Terry, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Cafferty: Preaching for Giuliani?

2007-11-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

WATCH "The Cafferty File": Ron Paul surge?
How will Pat Robertson's endorsement affect Rudy Giuliani's campaign?
Hi Jack When a religious leader endorses a presidential candidate, I will vote for someone else. Look what happened in 2000 and 2004. -Bill, Nashua, New Hampshire

Jack, King Rudy is now officially "toast" with the Independents. Just the idea of voting for anyone Pat Robertson endorses makes me want to wash my hands in Holy Water! -Jack, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This shows that the "holier than thou" evangelicals who will vote for a pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-gay rights candidate are no more than a cult - willing to throw their "morality" to the curb to achieve a quick victory. -Luke, Knoxville, Tennessee

Should the Food and Drug Administration have the power to order mandatory recalls?
Jack, What are you thinking? Giving a government agency under this administration any power to do anything can only lead to a disaster. Remember Iraq, Katrina, and now Iran. -Jack, Boynton Beach, Florida

Certainly, Jack the primary purpose of government is to protect its citizens from enemies, foreign and domestic. The protection of our children from lead poisoning falls under these categories in my book. -Harold, Anchorage, Alaska

The new consumer protection legislation is a great idea. I just hope they enforce it with more vigor than our immigration laws. -Joe, Desert Hot Springs, California

The FDA "should" be able to perform mandatory recalls but the question will be - "Will They"? With all the big lobby groups buying politicians - who's to stop them from getting into politicians pockets influencing the FDA? Jack, I don't trust a single one of them attached to this administration. -Mike, Minneapolis, Minnesota

How effective is the government's terror watch list if it includes more than 750,000 names?
750,000 people. Garbage in, garbage out. Too many incorrect entries just makes the process of identifying the most important/dangerous people that more difficult. Essentially makes the list useless. -Bruce, Oldsmar, Florida

Jack, This huge bureaucracy called homeland security is ridiculous. The only thing they try to do is control our fear levels with silly colors. I know more about the colors of the "Starburst" candy than I do the homeland security colors - they cause more problems than they prevent. I think that Ron Paul guy wants to get rid of them... good idea. -Dan

Jack, come on, we're talking about the government. How competent can it be? You've commented on every government department, and all of them are always filled with stooges or grumpy old people. What's so different about the one heading this Terrorist Watch List?
-Connor