As always, I love your column Ann. Thank you for clearing up some confusion about McConnell's plan as well. I guess what I heard was what the "hysterical Republicans" were saying. I'm glad to know that Congress will retain the authority to accept or reject Obama's cuts. I'm so tired of this nonsense in Washington and look forward to 2012.

I realize that what you're saying, James, has some truth to it. It takes a lot of time to study all the "choices" for those who will govern in our country, however, if those who actually vote would take enough time to - at the very least - understand where each candidate stands on the biggest issues facing our country, it would be helpful. There are FAR too many people voting that do not vote for the right reasons. I have seen charts online that show where those running for office stand on various issues. I'd like to see that type of information more readily available to the public so that they can make a more informed decision when voting. I was appalled at some of the reporters asking "people on the street" questions prior to the...

Excellent! I do not understand why people do not find out the facts behind the negative accusations against Sarah Palin. I also do not understand women especially who believe the nonsense and lies about her and do not try to back her up in any way ---- you don't have to agree with her political policies. I'm looking forward to seeing the film.

I'm also wondering how many times it has to be said that there was NEVER - NOT ONCE anyone who came forward with any proof what-so-ever of spitting on or cursing or name calling of any black representative at the incident referred to above. A substantial amount of money was offered for any video proving such an incident occured. Many, MANY people were in attendance with video equipment of some sort filming as black representatives walked thru the crowd and NO such proof ever surfaced. Just because someone says it's so - doesn't make it so. Tea partiers no more encourage or approve of that type of behavior than anyone. Actually, I should reword that ... tea partiers absolutely do NOT approve of or engage in that type of behavior. ...

great idea - Now if only the state of CA will listen........ they don't seem to be very good at making good decisions for the most part so I'm not counting on it, but I do like your idea very much.

Totally in agreement with you George. I hope when they release these prisoners, the families of those who will be assaulted/raped/I don't even like to think what else, WILL file charges against the ACLU and the 5 justices that decided this was a "good idea".

Excellent article, Mr. Stossel. I will be looking for the books that you mentioned. I'm also glad to see that there seem to be a larger number of people commenting on your article that actually discuss facts and don't behave like they're in Jr. High. Maybe I haven't read enough of the comments?

Agreed, Barbara. This would be what's wrong in America - people act like they're still in Jr. High instead of having intelligent conversations based on facts and not their childish emotions.

I think ALL states should adopt a rule that if you receive welfare/food stamps you must first (and periodically thereafter with NO advance notice) pass a drug test. No pass - no assistance. It will either help people to clean up which might actually make some of them able and willing to get jobs/start businesses AND/OR it will greatly reduce the amount we have to spend on the welfare system. In addition, we need to adopt in ALL states something that I believe Wisconsin FINALLY did which is if you are able-bodied, but are still getting assistance for whatever reason, you must show up 5 days a week for a set number of hours each day and pick up trash, rake, whatever needs to be done around your city to EARN your welfare assistance. ...

I also am at a loss for words...... this has gone beyond ridiculous. Does our government SERIOUSLY condone this and think this is a REAL illness that deserves MY tax dollars? I say - let the big baby threaten all he wants. People have a strong desire to survive. I feel sure his threats are just that .... and if they're not? Why is it my problem? What does his family think of his behavior? It seems pretty clear that if he knows not to dress as a baby when he goes out in public that he's not "disabled" - he's simply "USING" the rest of us. He definitely needs to be cut off. I just wonder how much more nonsense is going on out there besides these 2 cases. Probably enough to put a big dent in that deficit we have.