Gregory Pratt

QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 09:46 AM) I do, infact have, as some of my opponents may point out, more political experience than most posters on this board. This is true. But the truth is this. I went to work for the political establishment. The political establishment decided that I wasn't worthy of them. Why? I'm more interested in making a difference than cashing a paycheck. I'm more interested in ensuring that government does what it's supposed to than what it currently does. I'm more interested in listening to my constituents and keeping their wishes in mind. So I'm listening to what you have to say. Please feel free to say it. Together, we can have a Kickass Presidency for Soxtalk! Please explain who you worked for, what happened and why, time periods included.

QUOTE(sox4lifeinPA @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 07:06 AM) Thanks Gregory for your great question. I don't feel uncomfortable at all answering them. The first thing I would say is that to each person at different times in their lives "the worst thing I've ever done" may change, and not necessarily because you've done something to change that; sometimes it's simply paradigm shifts. The worst thing that I have ever done was probably in high school through some of college. I did not respect women like I should have. In relationships i was always nice and tried to make the girl feel happy, but ultimately it was about seeking self-satisfaction. While I can say that I am still a virgin in the purest sense, I have experienced quite a bit. What I most regret about those times are the damaged relationships and hurt feelings that I may have caused these now women to cope with. Perhaps I'm being melodramatic, but in the light of my upcoming wedding, my frame of reference is heavily focused on treated Miss PA with love and respect. I cannot say I did that successfully earlier in my life. I deeply regret that. However, what I have experienced in the past has helped me grow, apply what I've learned, and overcome those obstacles. The best thing to ever have happened to me is my fiancee. Through our four year relationship, I have learned to let go of anger that I once harbored, think of others before myself, and ultimately, I have learned to put in practice what I could not early in my life. There is nothing like finding someone who truly makes you exponentially a better person than you were with them, especially when they can do it so patiently, elegantly, and beautifully. She is a godsend, and I thank Him everyday for that. Well, I hope that allows you to get to know me better. I too, think that the person behind the campaign is really the most important part of the campaign. Thanks again for the question. PA. Thank you for the answers, but I have a few follow-ups: what does virgin "in the purest sense" mean? What type of abuses are we talking about -- and let me say, you don't have to get too into detail, but are we talking about using women for sex, money? Not that it matters too much (as I have a good deal of respect for your answers) but I'm interested in what we're talking about here. I'm happy for you and your fiancee. Truly.

QUOTE(fathom @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 04:53 PM) Or it means that if you trade one of your best hitting prospects in decades (Young) due to having faith in another player (Anderson), you better not give up on him after one year just because your manager is an arrogant idiot. I suppose someone should defend Ozzie and say that he isn't entirely to blame for the fact that Brian Anderson couldn't hit water falling out of a boat for the first half of the season and couldn't get a big hit, or hit for power, in the second half. I'm not sure what we should do for Anderson (I much prefer Sweeney, internally), and I am opposed to trading him for something not-too-thrilling (but that's mainly because he's cheap, and gives us payroll flexibility, as I don't have faith in him becoming a stud), but, I really don't believe Ozzie's to blame for Anderson's season.

I am interested in my candidates as human beings, and I think that one's answer to the following can be quite telling: What is the worst thing you've ever done, in your opinion, to another human being, that you regret? How about: what's the worst thing you've ever done that you don't regret? What's, in your opinion, the best thing to happen to you? (And please note: "White Sox winning the World Series doesn't count. ) If you choose to say, "these are unpolitical questions," I understand fully, let me say, but I do hope that you answer them and feel comfortable answering.

QUOTE(EvilMonkey @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 07:44 PM) Seems Reid has his own 'Hastert' deal. Toobad the media couldn't report this BEFORE the election. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na...-home-headlines Reid's questionable finances have long been a matter of public record. Some people think he's real crooked. Sometimes his finances irritate me. Wish he were squeaky clean because I really like him. ---- But on to the real reason I came into the pits of Conservatism: I thought some Republicans might get a kick out of this: I'm dating a girl who drove her car through a government building, leading to it being shut down for awhile. (She was going to the DMV to get her license, stopped in front of it, was going to park, but instead of hitting the brakes, she accidentally stepped on the accelerator and drove through it. No one was hurt except the pride of bureaucrats everywhere.) She might be a Republican yet!

I'm dropping out of the race. Too much going on in my life. I endorse -- well, I'll decide later.

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 12:30 PM) I just don't get it really, it's not like most of these women would have trouble finding a man to sleep with, and even if they were into kids, how come they never called my name to stay after class to help clean up? Sometimes I wonder the same thing. I'm not sure how green that should be.

I have absolutely no trouble dealing Cotts. Some people like to say that 2006 was an aberration from him and they expect him to revert to form. I believe that 2005 was the aberration and we should deal him while he can still be considered a commodity.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 02:08 AM) Carpenter's numbers werent really better... Roy Oswalt on the otherhand deserved it more than both of them and somehow received the least amount of votes. Yeah, that's the odd thing to me.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 06:58 AM) I think Bush has been very clear about not staying "Fovever", but doesn't want to put a concrete date to anything so these blowhards can sit, wait for that date, and then blow everthing up the next day. We're staying forever. Not in a 130,000 troops sort of way, but we'll be there with a presence of some sort for the longest time. I think it be a mistake not to, at least, have air force bases there.

I don't mind trading him for some Future at the Shortstop position. I don't mind trading him for a bag of balls, either, because I really don't like Anderson, and I do think that the course of his career will bear me out on that.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 12:01 AM) That was part of it. The other part is that the plain reality is that Sir Knighthood of the American Pulse, aka Karl Rove, aka Turd Blossom, really f***ed up on the true American opinion this time. Tell you the truth, King Karl gets more credit than he deserves. In 2000: Republicans win by fluke or fraud, depending on your POV. You can't call it any less than, at least, fluke, when the GOP manages to get 500,000 less popular votes and win anyway, though it would come with the assistance of Ralph Nader, Katherine Harris and the SCOTUS. In 2002 and 2004: I believe that the Democrats really Shrummed it up. Nobody can screw up an election like Bob Shrum, and I think that these two had more to do with Democratic failures, politically, than anything Rove ever did. In 2006: finally, some new blood was in charge (Schumer and Emmanuel) and they know how to sparr. But, about this year's election, more than anything, I believe Foley was the final, clinching factor. One can look to the Catholic Church's scandal a few years ago for further evidence.

I don't like Pelosi and I don't like Murtha. Pelosi seems like a hack to me, and Murtha strikes me as a bit of a boor. Also: I've read that he's a crook (http://citizensforethics.org/press/newsrelease.php?view=156).

I firmly believe that the GOP doesn't lose BOTH houses if it weren't for Mark Foley. There's nothing quite like the news that your political party hid a pedophile for, at least, one year, to damage your credibility with a nation that is already disillusioned with your rule.

I am what you may call a Neo-Conservative, though I prefer the term Neo-Liberal. I believe in being straight-forward and direct. I do not lie -- if there's something I don't want to answer, I say as much instead of fabricating. Some people will describe themselves as being Men who like Girls and Football. I -- I describe myself as a Man who likes Women and Baseball. I bring something to the table that nobody else does, especially not my over-aged opponents: youth, and vigor. I've known government since I was a little one and it's self-taught, as growing up in Pilsen I didn't have any particularly gifted mentors at any point but for those pages in the Library. If elected, I will serve honestly and competently and with regard to the opinions of everyone, which isn't to be confused with a desire to vacillate. Some people, like Bill Clinton, are brilliant but change their mind depending on the last person they talked to. I'd like to think of myself as a fellow who appreciates opposing views but can make his own mind up, which isn't to be confused with George W. Bush's attitude, either. My thoughts: Abortion: I am pro-choice and that means that I believe Roe v. Wade to be a sham ruling begging to be overturned so as to give the states a right that they certainly have, being the writing of abortion law. Gun Control: I believe in the Second Amendment, and I do not believe that the government has a right to interfere with the explicit instructions of the Amendments unless they go and overturn them, Constitutionally. (Not to be confused with a disapproval of background checks, as that is more a matter of common sense than "gun control".) Iraq War: I believe in the Iraq War and would send a hundred thousand more soldiers there to train and stabilize but would, in conjunction, tell the Iraqis that this is out and we will begin withdrawing in a year. (Although we would, and will, have some presence there, like in Germany or Japan, for the rest of our lives.) War on Terror: I believe that the best course of action is proactive but measured, and I do not believe in a willy nilly use of force against ideology, meaning that I'd rather the government take care of our country here as far as port security and airport security than I would our nation to go and attack every third world country that possibly might have a terrorist presence somewhere. Energy policy: More nuclear power plants, less coal plants, better technology, and a massive decrease in the use of fossil fuels even if it does make me the most hated man in Suburbia. Prayer/religion in schools: Nothing wrong with someone praying to themselves or with friends but no, there shouldn't be prayers over the intercom or anything like that. Environmental issues, protections: I believe in the protection of the environment but not to excess. I do believe that the EPA should be tough on those who dump toxins in rivers and I believe it's high-time the government crack down on farm pollution as well. Capital punishment: Against, but I believe in letting the courts and their rulings run their course. Gay marriage / civil unions: In favor, but I am no culture warrior. Health care / Medicare: This is the one area where I am a Socialist, although I believe in a Dual-System with Socialism for the poor and Capitalist options for those who can afford their own health care to opt out and do as much (presumably, and understandably, in my system, those who opt out have an incentive to do so because there'd be less bureaucracy in the private health market but, overall, the two systems would be about equal and save lives). Minimum wage: I share the opinion of my opponent. Welfare (individuals): I believe in welfare as assistance for the poor, not as a way of life, and while I understand that many abuse it, I still believe that a government like ours has a responsibility to hungry children and single mothers. (Though I generally believe welfare should be a state's issue.) Government funding of corporations (corporate welfare, targeted research, etc.): If it can be justified reasonably, sure, and by that I mean: if we're giving Microsoft a hundred million dollars to make a new computer disc, no, but if we're giving a corporation money to keep it from folding and taking down the economy or to help a car company work on hybrid automobiles, absolutely. Bankruptcy protections (business, individual): I think, though I have little experience with this matter (see, I don't make it habit to run up massive debts), that our current laws are okay. Immigration policies: I believe in immigration and I would take it easy on illegal immigrants, too. I do not believe that there is a necessity to round up illegal immigrants and boot them out of the country. Doctrine of preemptive military action: No, never, beyond the fact that it's cowardly in most cases, I do not believe that pre-emption can be justified -- at least, not in a situation like we have with North Korea, though a situation with Iran or Iraq, countries known for violence and that are making threats, if they're given some fair warning, then sure, that's okay, but no sudden strikes with no warning whatsoever, as that's far too close to Pearl Harbor for my tastes. Size/scope of federal government: We have fifty states, and so it stands to reason that we'd have a large government at the federal level, but I do believe in trimming so that some matters that aren't currently left to the states can be left to the states. Federal taxes and budget: I believe in balanced budgets but for times of War or emergency; I believe in taxes that match income levels but that are fair. Areas needing increased spending: Transportation and energy . Areas needing decreased spending: Agriculture, and parts of our military budget such as "Tactical Bunker Busters." I guess I should say that I do not believe in or endorse nuclear war. Affirmative action: Perhaps the single most dishonest Phrase that Pays in American history. Relationships with other nations and their human rights records: Sometimes you've got to deal with these places, but if I can avoid the Sudan's friendship, I'm going to. North Korea: A country begging to be contained rather than attacked, and it's begging to be talked to in its little corner, too. Iran: The sounds of War come, and with good reason. At this rate, I believe that we must consider War a real and justified possibility, which isn't to say immediately but, I think it's an eventuality. Mahmoud Ahmaniac is exactly that. Palestine/Israel: I believe in both their rights to exist, and I think that each President should devote significant time there. Though it is true that Bill Clintons and Richard Nixons don't come along too often. School funding: Largely up to the states, though I do wish there were more parity amongst districts regardless of the neighborhood's wealth. Rebuilding of New Orleans: At this point, it's up to NO and LA. Civil liberties vs security (wiretaps, etc.): A couple of liberties must be sacrificed (I could never understand the fuss over library cards, myself) but, overall, I don't believe in burning down the house to kill termites. Social Security: Modest changes can fix it, so take the modest course. Stem Cell research: Completely in favor of, and I take the position that those who oppose it should put their conviction where their uterus is and let the fetii that would otherwise waste away develop in their wombs. Unions and labor: I don't oppose unions in principal (I take them case-by-case, but overall they're fine), but, re: labor, I suppose I'm opposed to it, being a Democrat and all! Eminent Domain: Same as my opponent. Transportation/transit priorities and spending: Here, actually, is where I differ from most people: we need to begin the Hybridization of America and, first, we must do it with transportation, replacing our buses and trains with hybrids which would, in the long run, lower bus prices because of less gas spending but would help change the culture of pollution in our society. International trade policy (open or protectionist, NAFTA, etc.): Open. Tort reform: In favor of tort reform. How to fix corruption in Congress (and other areas of gov’t): You can't. Only thing you can do is make your best judgement come election time and if you were wrong, then vote them out.

I think Oswalt got robbed, but Webb isn't that bad a choice.

I wonder what we could get for Jon Garland in a trade. He'd be my first choice to ship out for young pitching + some youth in position players as I think he's overachieved heavily, but he has fair numbers and good win numbers, so I figure someone'd be willing to overpay for him. Contreras, too, as well as Buehrle.

I still haven't forgiven Barker for kicking Adam Sandler's ass.

QUOTE(bmags @ Sep 15, 2006 -> 10:28 AM) NO PRESS CONFERENCES DURING PRICE IS RIGHT MAN Best thread ever.

From the thread, "Goddamnit Bush!" QUOTE(bmags @ Sep 15, 2006 -> 10:28 AM) NO PRESS CONFERENCES DURING PRICE IS RIGHT MAN

QUOTE(Felix @ Sep 15, 2006 -> 08:45 AM) And El Duque is only 36, right? I think Contreras is about thirty six, thirty seven. HE says he's thirty four, but a couple years ago, he gave away his real age, and it was two years plus the age he said he was. But yes, El Duque is only thirty six.

Cotts is a better option than Thornton to start? My balls, man. Maybe if you want to say, "Thornton's better out of the pen," but I don't think so. With his heat, just working on a secondary or two, he'd blow other guys away. Contreras' isn't forty-plus! >D

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Sep 15, 2006 -> 08:18 AM) I'm sorry but this is just 100% incorrect. Mack is just a step slower than Pods to 1B, and Gload has better speed than two thirds of the team. Mind you, I do not think Gload is a leadoff hitter. But to say they don't have speed is just false. Ross gets no respect. No respect at all!

QUOTE(Steff @ Sep 14, 2006 -> 08:55 PM) She's painting my toenails... she want's to be an oriental nail lady when she grows up.. LMAO Have a good one!! I will, but are you sure it isn't your niece that's high instead of me?!

QUOTE(Steff @ Sep 14, 2006 -> 08:48 PM) When it does.. look out. I have my niece spending the night tonight so I'll get back to you on that stuff from earlier tomorrow. Sleep well... I think it's kicking in! GregorySparr: Whitey Ford's hard to stop sLaV: what? lol GregorySparr: I'm snug like a bug in the tub sLaV: its the medicine Don't worry about the messages. Tomorrow's fine. You be good to your niece! Nobody likes a bad aunt! Believe me, I know. (Long story, but my aunt murdered two of my dogs when I was a baby, and nobody stood up for me.) (Actually, "Whitey Ford's hard to stop" is a lyric by Eminem meant to attack Everlast, the singer, but it cracks me up, so I like to say it at random times. "Snug like a bug" is in response to my friend's Away Message: GregorySparr: Don't drown! Auto response from Hilary: I am really really really ridiculously tired. I'm taking a shower/nap. Yeah that's right, a nap in the shower. GregorySparr: I sometimes shower with my socks on. GregorySparr: Well, once, or twice. GregorySparr: And then, sometimes, I take a nap in the tub GregorySparr: I'm snug like a bug in the tub! (The drugs aren't really kicking in, man.)