Scott Van Dusen's Blog

Ed Schultz visits Buffalo New York

2009-06-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

A great night of information and compassion...

I Can't Stop Running...

2009-06-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

Another Rochester Genius gets the award!

2009-05-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

The wonderful right wing rag aka Republican & Chronicle, printed editorial column words from a 17 year old. Astonishing lies and ignorance, cloaked in "a strong christian background"...

Sometimes there's no alternative to harsh treatment

Why are people so disgusted with the "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo Bay? Critics claim that such treatment is three things — ineffective, unnecessary and inhumane. Let's examine these three points.

According to Michael Hayden, the former director of the CIA, torture techniques such as waterboarding have indeed been effective in the past. The names of many al Qaeda leaders were revealed during these interrogations, and they were later arrested — Abu Zubaydah (a senior terrorist leader and a trusted associate of bin Laden), Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks), Hambali (the leader of al Qaeda's Southeast Asian affiliate), and Yazid (a producer of anthrax for al Qaeda). The CIA has also foiled future terrorist attacks on Los Angeles, on the U.S. Marines at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, on the U.S. consulate in Karachi, and many other targets.

But is there a more merciful alternative? No. The problem with demanding information from terrorists is that there is nothing to threaten them with. Do you really think that they would reveal anything if the CIA simply asked? They hate America and have devoted their lives to killing innocent people. There is no way to persuade them except through brute force.

However, I cannot deny that torture is inhumane. Coming from a strong christian background, I remember well that Jesus said "love your enemy." But consider the concept of utilitarianism, achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Jesus died by this principle; he sacrificed himself so that Christians who followed could be saved. Similarly, America is torturing a handful of al Qaeda leaders to prevent future atrocities.

And let's be practical — simulating the death of a few men is certainly worth saving the lives of thousands of Americans. In the end, sometimes doing something that is not politically correct, or even humane, can prevent something worse from happening. I love America, and I believe that national security should never be jeopardized.

Fedyk is a member of the Teen Council.

M/M Jeremy Rice

2009-05-07T05:22:00.001-07:00

Presenting Jeremy and Melissa Rice! On Saturday May 2, 2009, I had the honor of being Best Man, (although I referred to myself as "Best Boy" kinda like a Key Grip!) at this beautiful wedding. Pictured on the steps of St. Patrick's Church in Southold, New York, are the handsome groom and lovely bride. What a wonderful world...

I'll have fries with that...

2009-05-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

What a beauty...here's a shot of the old fashioned neon sign atop the Coronet Lunchonette in Greenport, New York. My friends Jeremy and Melissa Rice were married last weekend (CONGRATS!), and The Coronet provided some deliciously fine comfort food for many of us. Can you say, "Grilled Cheese with Tomato, French Fries and a Chocolate Malted?" Perry the owner was a great host...the Coronet gets 5 out of 5 stars!

Marcie Mazzola Foundation Run in Long Island

2009-04-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Who's that man in the inside lane ready to pass?

Svetlana making the rounds!

2009-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hello my friend!!!
This letter arrived to you from Russian Internet dating agency " Land of Love ".
This is not spam or other bad things. So, please, answer to me!!!
My name is Svetlana. I'm 31 years old from Klin, Russia.
I have decided to change my life, and to find the man for me. The man for serious attitudes.
I addressed to agency " Land of Love " and they sent my letter to you.
I want to search man from USA or Canada for friendship or love.
I'm not married and have no children.
This is my photo. I hope that you like it and will answer to me.

Please, answer only to my personal e-mail: svetlana.pante@gmail.com

Best regards,
Yours Svetlana

Goodbye old maple friend...

2009-04-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

This came as a shock, the Town decided it was time for our guardian maple to fall...Pictured on the left in November 2008...today on the right, the remains of the ancient giant... Home to many creatures. It's quiet and the maple is gone. For me, I have lost a familiar and reliable friend who protected our fortress.

One of the nation's finest master chefs

2009-04-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the General in an animated discussion at Max Of Eastman Place dining room, with one of the greatest chefs and gentleman I know.

Tony Gullace is the owner of several excellent food ventures, including Max Of Eastman Place and Max Market.

If you are in Rochester, you owe it to yourself to make a reservation for dinner...call 585-697-0491. Tony has created many a late night meal for me, when Sphere Sound® was located on Gibbs Street and still does to this day. Max is our favorite restaurant anywhere! Thanks for making our 20th extra special, Tony! (photo by R. Grande)

Happy Birthday Cole!

2009-03-10T14:48:00.001-07:00

he WON...get over it!

2009-03-01T11:49:00.001-08:00

How is it that criminals are given any creedence?
Tom Delay? Who the hell wants YOUR opinion????

White Republicans (is there any other type ?) stand united in hate, greed and foolishness...

sneak peak at the future new home of Champions

2009-01-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of the new stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey...
this photo was taken on January 11, 2009 pregame of the Eagles/Giants Divisional Playoff. At this construction point, it has a very dark and unwelcoming presence... Much like the day, it cast a brooding shadow over the fans...

white moon on earth...

2009-01-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

Today it was the white lunar surface on Earth...
Surface and air temperature?
5ºF at a 9:00am run!

Still The Champs

2008-12-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 17!

2008-11-25T07:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, Conner!

Powder feet

2008-11-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here's the sun diffusing through the ol' maple. I ran today in low 20º temps, with light powder underfoot. It was only my second workout since November 9, the cold illness just walloped me...I'm back and longing for Spring...

chasing the sun...

2008-11-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here I stood in the valley of Napa ...what I would give for that warmth now...

Did you vote?

2008-11-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here's our polling place off the boulevard...

Campaign buttonneer

2008-10-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the man who sells the best US made quality and official campaign buttons in the country! My amigo Roger Black is pictured here...he's been at for over 30 years!

Want to buy one or ten? Call 585-544-9896...

Black's Hardware 610 East Ridge Road, Rochester, New York 14621.

As seen on my block...

2008-10-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Astonishing that anyone on our little dead end road would even admit to this?
If you look beyond the “country first” faction sign, excuse me, fascists, you'll see another sign...

Hollow thoughts from a nobody!

2008-10-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Dear “Friend,” Joe Porter, Ronald Hess, Nobody, Self-Thinker,

You've obviously never played a good game of cards, because your multitude of “tells” is all over this email.
(yes, I know, to many “christians”, gambling is evil!)

To state that, “I'm 46 years old, a born-again christian, a husband, a father, a small business owner, a veteran, and a homeowner”
was the self-inflicted shot in the foot, that began your pathetic tirade.

The basic question that I have for you is, just exactly who in the hell do you think you are?

It's time that you just come clean to say you don't want to vote for the Black Man. The divisional and racist tone of your email is
just more of that echo chamber of horror, “self-thinking,” flag waving yahoo, so-called “american” garbage, that's been rammed down our throats by creatures like yourself and other republicans for the last several years.

Your insensitive and ridiculous writing is so way off base, and I am convinced that you are someone who never earned a degree... if you did, you slept through all your higher education years, like your presidential and vice presidential candidates!

I am not going to waste my time with a point by point dissection of your foolishness, but would like to congratulate you on your absolutely baseless and hollow point of view.

Suggestion? When you fire the next round, It would be crucial if your ”fair and balanced” diatribe would note any of Senator Obama's life accomplishments or campaign proposals and issues. I'm glad to enlighten you, should your curiosity awaken. As a bonus, I've included some of his key accomplishments below.

For the record, the “odds” of a McCain presidency are not with you! (vague reference to gambling again, so sorry!)

Scott Hussein Van Dusen- Proud American since 1960
Rochester, New York

PS: You want a man who knows the cost of war to his troops?

John McCain voted against any and all help for the troops, or abstained, 23 times during this administration...
John McCain voted for helping the troops ZERO times.

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Barack Obama's record:

* Senator Obama has worked with Senator Durbin to require the VA to provide veterans in six states, including Illinois, with notification of their rights to appeal any benefit decisions.
* Senator Obama cosponsored a bill that led to a $1.5 billion increase in veterans' medical care. During the debate on the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, Senator Obama cosponsored measures that would have provided additional funding increases for veterans.
* Senator Obama reintroduced the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act to improve the VA’s planning process to avoid budget shortfalls in the future.
* He authored the Sheltering All Veterans Everywhere Act (SAVE Act) to strengthen and expand federal homeless veteran programs that serve over 100,000 homeless veterans annually. During the debate on the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, Senator Obama passed an amendment to increase funding for homeless veterans programs by $40 million.
* Working with Senators Akaka and Craig, Senator Obama passed legislation in December 2006 to provide comprehensive services and affordable housing options to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development and nonprofit organizations.
* Senator Obama introduced an amendment that became law providing food services to wounded veterans receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services at military hospitals. Previously, service members receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services in a medical hospital for more than 90 days were required to pay for their meals.
* Senator Obama fought a VA proposal that would have required a reexamination of all Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases in which full benefits were granted. He and Senator Durbin passed an amendment that became law preventing the VA from conducting a review of cases, without first providing Congress with a complete report regarding the implementation of such review. In November 2005, the VA announced that it was abandoning its planned review.
* Senator Obama passed an amendment that became law requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on the delayed development of an electronic medical records system compatible with the VA's electronic medical records system.
* Part of the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act, which Senator Obama reintroduced in January 2007, would help veterans transition from the DOD health system to the VA system by extending the window in which new veterans can get mental health care from two years to five years.

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JUST COMMON SENSE!

THIS LETTER MAKES MORE SENSE THAN ANYTHING I HAVE SEEN, HEARD, OR READ, CONCERNING THE UPCOMING ELECTION...

IT'S A LETTER FROM A U.S. CITIZEN... WHO LIVES IN ILLINOIS ... AND OBVIOUSLY IS A 'SELF-THINKER'... NOT JUST A 'FOLLOWER'!!!

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING, REGARDING THIS ELECTION... LET THIS BE THE ONE THING!! AFTER READING IT, YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO FORWARD IT TO OTHER AMERICANS WHO ARE 'SELF THINKERS'!! SO PLEASE, JUST TAKE THE TIME AND READ IT!!!

An impassioned letter from a 'nobody'. But he gives his telephone number at the end.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, August 18, 2008 3:19 PM

A letter from Illinois

Dear Friends:

My name is Joe Porter. I live in Champaign , Illinois . I'm 46 years old, a born-again Christian, a husband, a father, a small business owner, a veteran, and a homeowner. I don't consider myself to be either conservative or liberal, and I vote for the person, not Republican or Democrat. I don't believe there are 'two Americas ' but that every person in this country can be whomever and whatever they want to be if they'll just work to get there and nowhere else on earth can they find such opportunities. I believe our government should help those who are legitimately downtrodden, and should always put the interests of America first.

The purpose of this message is that I'm concerned about the future of this great nation. I'm worried that the silent majority of honest, hard-working, tax-paying people in this country have been passive for too long. Most folks I know choose not to involve themselves in politics. They go about their daily lives, paying their bills, raising their kids, and doing what they can to maintain the good life. They vote and consider doing so to be a sacred trust. They shake their heads at the political pundits and so-called 'news', thinking that what they hear is always spun by whomever is reporting it. They can't understand how elected officials can regularly violate the public trust with pork barrel spending. They don't want government handouts. They want the government to protect them, not raise their taxes for more government programs.

We are in the unique position in this country of electing our leaders. It's a privilege to do so. I've never found a candidate in any election with whom I agreed on everything. I'll wager that most of us don't even agree with our families or spouses 100% of the time. So when I step into that voting booth, I always try to look at the big picture and cast my vote for the man or woman who is best qualified for the job. I've hired a lot of people in my lifetime, and essentially that's what an election is - a hiring process. Who has the credentials? Whom do I want working for me? Whom can I trust to do the job right?

I'm concerned that a growing number of voters in this country simply don't get it. They are caught up in a fervor they can't explain, and calling it 'change'.

'Change what?', I ask.

'Well, we're going to change America ', they say.

'In what way?', I query.

'We want someone new and fresh in the White House', they exclaim.

'So, someone who's not a politician?', I say.

'Uh, well, no, we just want a lot of stuff changed, so we're voting for Obama', they state.

'So the current system, the system of freedom and democracy that has enabled a man to grow up in this great country, get a fine education, raise incredible amounts of money and dominate the news, and win his party's nomination for the White House that system's all wrong?'

'No, no, that part of the system's okay we just need a lot of change.'

And so it goes. 'Change we can believe in.'

Quite frankly, I don't believe that vague proclamations of change hold any promise for me. In recent months, I've been asking virtually everyone I encounter how they're voting. I live in Illinois , so most folks tell me they're voting for Barack Obama. But no one can really tell me why only that he's going to change a lot of stuff 'Change, change, change.' I have yet to find one single person who can tell me distinctly and convincingly why this man is qualified to be President and Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful nation on earth other than the fact that he claims he's going to implement a lot of change.

We've all seen the emails about Obama's genealogy, his upbringing, his Muslim background, and his church affiliations. Let's ignore this for a moment. Put it all aside. Then ask yourself, 'What qualifies this man to be my president? That he's a brilliant orator and talks about change?'

CHANGE WHAT?

Friends, I'll be forthright with you I believe the American voters who are supporting Barack Obama don't have a clue what they're doing, as evidenced by the fact that not one of them - NOT ONE of them I've spoken to can spell out his qualifications. Not even the most liberal media can explain why he should be elected. Political experience? Negligible. Foreign relations? Non-existent. Achievements? Name one. Someone who wants to unite the country? If you haven't read his wife's thesis from Princeton , look it up on the web. This is who's lining up to be our next First Lady? The only thing I can glean from Obama's constant harping about change is that we're in for a lot of new taxes.

For me, the choice is clear. I've looked carefully at the two leading applicants for the job, and I've made my choice.

Here's a question - 'Where were you five and a half years ago? Around Christmas, 2002. You've had five or six birthdays in that time. My son has grown from a sixth grade child to a high school graduate. Five and a half years is a good chunk of time. About 2,000 days. 2,000 nights of sleep. 6, 000 meals, give or take.'

John McCain spent that amount of time, from 1967 to 1973, in a North Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp.

When offered early release, he refused it. He considered this offer to be a public relations stunt by his captors, and insisted that those held longer than he should be released first. Did you get that part? He was offered his freedom, and he turned it down. A regimen of beatings and torture began.

Do you possess such strength of character? Locked in a filthy cell in a foreign country, would you turn down your own freedom in favor of your fellow man? I submit that's a quality of character that is rarely found, and for me, this singular act defines John McCain.

Unlike several presidential candidates in recent years whose military service is questionable or non-existent, you will not find anyone to denigrate the integrity and moral courage of this man. A graduate of Annapolis, during his Naval service he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. His own son is now serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq . Barack Obama is fond of saying 'We honor John McCain's service...BUT...', which to me is condescending and offensive - because what I hear is, 'Let's forget this man's sacrifice for his country, and his proven leadership abilities, and talk some more about change.'

I don't agree with John McCain on everything - but I am utterly convinced that he is qualified to be our next President, and I trust him to do what's right. I know in my heart that he has the best interests of our country in mind. He doesn't simply want to be President - he wants to lead America , and there's a huge difference. Factually, there is simply no comparison between the two candidates. A man of questionable background and motives who prattles on about change, can't hold a candle to a man who has devoted his life in public service to this nation, retiring from the Navy in1981 and elected to the Senate in1982.

Perhaps Obama's supporters are taking a stance between old and new. Maybe they don't care about McCain's service or his strength of character, or his unblemished qualifications to be President. Maybe 'likeability' is a higher priority for them than 'trust'. Being a prisoner of war is not what qualifies John McCain to be President of the United States of America - but his demonstrated leadership certainly DOES.

Dear friends, it is time for us to stand. It is time for thinking Americans to say, 'Enough.' It is time for people of all parties to stop following the party line. It is time for anyone who wants to keep America first, who wants the right man leading their nation, to start a dialogue with all their friends and neighbors and ask who they're voting for, and why.

There's a lot of evil in this world. That should be readily apparent to all of us by now. And when faced with that evil as we are now, I want a man who knows the cost of war on his troops and on his citizens. I want a man who puts my family's interests before any foreign country.

I want a President who's qualified to lead.

I want my country back, and I'm voting for John McCain.

Phone: 760.434.1395
E-mail: ronald.hess@alumni.purdue.edu

_______________________________________________________________________

goodbye Ol' #22 (1936-2008)

2008-09-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Dick Lynch

You will be missed. Thank you for making my Giant Sundays special - Scott

Banner Night September 4th...

2008-09-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

more retards from the right...(wrong)

2008-08-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

C'mon back home, boys and girls! Is this pilot like McCain? Did he destroy four fighter jets in crashes? This pilots' moral and ethical compass is FUBAR! What are you SO scared of????? This is about as racist a rant I have seen yet!

All of you misinformed geniuses-blame it on Democrats, the black man, and the terrorists!

Just who has been steering the ship since 2000? Oh, I forgot-that's all Bill Clinton's fault!

My conscience is clear... those who voted for (we know it was taken twice, so I'll use the verb “to vote” like condensed milk) Heir Bush are to blame... I'll take Senator Obama any day, over the Bush and his crime family, who have single handedly ruined this country.

Heaven help Barry Obama if he inherits this mess...

Maybe it's really time to really think about that question: WWJD? - Scott

PS: don't hurt yourself doing so...

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pilots perspective on Obama

,,,,,,,,,,DO I HAVE THIS STRAIGHT?

HIS FATHER WAS A BLACK AFRICAN MUSLIM FROM KENYA .

WE HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF HIS AFRICAN FAMILY.

HIS MOTHER WAS A WHITE AMERICAN ATHEIST FROM KANSAS .

WHERE ARE THE PICTURES OF HIS AMERICAN FAMILY?

HIS FATHER DESERTED HIS MOTHER WHEN HE WAS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD AND WENT BACK TO AFRICA BY WAY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY . HOW? WAS HIS FATHER WEALTHY?

HIS MOTHER MARRIED AN INDONESIAN MUSLIM AND THEN MOVED TO JAKARTA WHERE HE WAS ENROLLED IN A MUSLIM SCHOOL .

WHEN HE REACHED HIGH SCHOOL AGE HIS MOTHER SENT HIM TO HAWAII TO BE WITH HIS WHITE GRANDPARENTS AND HE WAS PUT INTO AN EXPENSIVE PRIVATE SCHOOL. HE LATER WENT TO HARVARD UNIVERSITY . HOW? WERE HIS GRANDPARENTS RICH?

HE LIVES IN A $1.4 MILLION HOUSE OBTAINED THROUGH A DEAL WITH A WEALTHY FUNDRAISER. HOW?

HE 'WORKED' AS A CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST IN CHICAGO . HE HAS NEVER HELD A PRODUCTIVE JOB OR RECEIVED A PAY CHECK THAT WAS NOT GOVERNMENT-FUNDED AND/OR TAYPAYER SUPPORTED.

THE PRESIDENCY IS NOT A CIVIL RIGHTS POSITION, NOR IS IT SUBJECT TO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION SET ASIDES; ON-THE-JOB TRAINING WON'T CUT IT.

HE ENTERED POLITICS AT THE STATE LEVEL AND THEN THE NATIONAL LEVEL WHERE HE HAS MINIMAL EXPERIENCE.

HE IS PROUD OF HIS 'AFRICAN HERITAGE' (A FATHER WHO GOT A WHITE GIRL PREGNANT AND DESERTED HER).

WHERE IS THE PRIDE IN HIS 'WHITE HERITAGE'? (A MOTHER WHO FLAUNTED CONVENTION AND DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD).

SOME MIGHT THINK THERE WAS NOT MUCH TO BE PROUD OF EITHER WAY.

HE BELONGS, AND HAS BELONGED FOR OVER 20 YEARS, TO AN 'AFRO-CENTRIC' CHURCH IN CHICAGO THAT HATES WHITES, HATES JEWS, AND BLAMES AMERICA FOR ALL THE WORLD'S PERCEIVED FAULTS. (INCLUDING CREATING THE AIDs VIRUS IN ORDER TO INFLICT IT ON AFRICANS).

HE REPEATEDLY WHITEWASHES THE PASTOR, HIS CHURCH AND THE MEMBERS WHO CHEERED AFTER HEARING VITRIOLIC TIRADES AGAINST AMERICA .

HE COULD NOT CONFRONT HIS PASTOR BUT HE WANTS US TO BELIEVE HE CAN CONFRONT NORTH KOREA AND IRAN ?

YEAH RIGHT ! !

DURING HIS VERY BRIEF TIME IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE HE HAS MANAGED TO AMASS THE NUMBER ONE ULTRA LIBERAL VOTING RECORD OUT OF THE ONE HUNDRED MEMBERS.

HE HAS VOTED CONSISTENTLY FOR BIGGER GOVERNMENT AND HIGHER TAXES. HE HAS VOTED FOR BIG ENTITLEMENTS AND LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SEVERELY CURTAIL AMERICA 'S ABILITY TO FIGHT TERRORISM AND TO PROTECT OUR BORDERS AND OUR NATIONAL INTERESTS AROUND THE WORLD.

BUT, HE IS A GOOD ORATOR. ISN'T THAT A COMFORT?

YEAH, I THINK I SEE HOW WELL HE COULD UNITE THE COUNTRY.

I THINK THE TRUTH IS THAT HE HOPES NO ONE WILL PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEW CHIEF PILOT.HE HAS NEVER FLOWN AN AIRPLANE, IN FACT HE HAS NEVER EVEN SAT IN THE COCKPIT, BUT HE SAYS HE HAS RIDDEN ON PLANES BEFORE. WE ARE SURE HE WILL GUIDE US SAFELY THROUGH THE STORMS WE MAY ENCOUNTER ON THIS FLIGHT.

PEOPLE WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? HAVE YOU NEVER HEARD THE STORY ABOUT THE WOLF HIDING IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING SO HE CAN DESTROY THEM FROM WITH-IN ? THE HAND WRITING IS ON THE WALL, DO YOU NOT HAVE EYES TO SEE IT ?

THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE YOU VOTE FOR THIS GUY!

Angry Angus Guitars arriving soon at Sphere Sound®...

2008-08-10T08:37:00.000-07:00