To go or not to go (to China)? That is the question.

Earlier this year, when she was running for president of the United States, Senator Hillary Clinton implored President Bush not to attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in China.

Others who were Congressmen, Senators, and human rights activists totally agreed with Mrs. Clinton. The President responded by saying that to not attend would be a "slap in the face" to China, and that he could do much more good by dealing with Chinese leaders behind the scenes.

I know that it is not in vogue to agree with President Bush on anything, but on this, I think he is absolutely right. How hypocritical would it appear or be if the president didn’t go, but our athletes did? What kind of protest is that? Add to that the fact that we deal with China economically, and in every other way today, and it just seems like hollow symbolism. Should we stop fighting for better human rights where they are abused? Absolutely not, but this is not a human rights, or governmental event. At least, it’s not supposed to be.

In ancient times, these athletic contests in Greece were so important that the various city-states, even if they were fighting, stopped to compete peacefully in the Olympics. That is what the Olympics are, athletic games, where people are competing hard, but peacefully, and shutting out government, at least for two weeks. We should celebrate these games, and the president should be there in that moment.

To do otherwise is a hypocritical insult, not just to the Chinese, but to that spirit that shows us that in at least one place, athletics, we can all get along -- even if just for a moment. I’m Gary Sutton.

What was that Supreme Court Ruling really all about on handguns?

So what was the Supreme Court decision on allowing handguns really about last week and who did it most affect? First of all it was another chapter written in the book called “Can Americans be trusted with responsible choices or not?”

Five of the judges stated clearly, yes to that question on Thursday as they viewed the right to own a handgun responsibly with respect.

As usual, four of the justices did not and decided that responsible American citizens should be treated the same as irresponsible ones who are committing crimes in this country.

Many have said that it is the number of guns causing problems in the country. I would side with those who would say that it is the intentions behind those guns that provide the problem.

This brings me to the answer to that second question; can Americans be trusted with responsible choices or not.

The answer is Absolutely.

They’ve been doing it since the founding of this country using, by the way, ideas and guns. If the ruling had gone against individual rights of gun ownership last week, who would have been most affected? Responsible American citizens would continue do the same things they’ve always done; respect law and make choices with it as part of their civic duty to the country , whether guns would have been taken away or not. We could trust their choices to be the same; responsible.

For criminals, we could also trust their’s to be the same no matter what the ruling; irresponsible and unlawful. The only difference now is that their prey may be armed, which could be a deterrent for them.

So,when they decide to invade a man’s home and castle, they would do well to remember Jesse Ventura’s famous plaque over his door: Forget the dog , beware of owner. “ The responsible owners of this country have rights, too. One ruling for them was cast last week! I’m Gary Sutton.

Just doing his job--Is that illegal?

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta -- who decided to tackle an illegal alien problem and became a national figure because of it -- was a guest on my show on last Friday.

Here is a guy who was hired to enforce the laws of his city of Hazleton. When he saw an apartment with 9 mattresses on the floor and roaches in the frig, plus other housing areas like it, when gang graffiti started appearing all over town, and when two people were killed in one year in a town that hadn’t seen a murder for 7 years, this man decided to act.

Did he act by having jack-booted police kick in doors and hunt down illegals? No. He made the effort by doing three things: 1. If a landlord knowingly allowed an illegal to live there, that landlord would face prosecution. 2. If an employer knowingly hired an illegal alien, that employer would lose license to do business. Finally, 3. English would be the official language of business in Hazleton.

For this, he became a national figure? There is nothing extraordinary here except that a man who was hired through an election to do his job decided to do it. What is that job? Enforce the laws of the community, and keep that community safe.

The fact that he became a national figure as a result is sad because it speaks to the gutlessness of so many other officials on the city, state, and especially federal levels in this land. The fact that we don’t have 100% of support by citizens for this man also tells us a great deal about how far we have strayed in respecting the laws of this country. Why, you ask? Follow the money and the votes, and you’ll see how the respect for and enforcement of the law was left in the dust. I’m Gary Sutton.

A sense of urgency -- what's yours?

With all that seems to face us every day, it seems important to get a grip on prioritizing what it is we should do about them, and -- more importantly -- in what order.

Any order would be better than the paralyzing lack of order or effort we see in our present-day representatives in government. Rate the following issues with (1) being the MOST IMPORTANT and (8) being the LEAST IMPORTANT. Tell us why you rated them the way you did.

A. High Gas Prices
B. Energy alternatives
C. War on Terror
D. War in Iraq
E. High Food Prices
F. Illegal Immigration
G. Global warming
H. Health care availability and costs
I. Other not mentioned here

Just Your Super Opinion--Who is the greatest Super Hero?

This is one that everyone can latch on to today. Who is your choice for best superf hero? Use your own criteria for determining it. Wit and wisdom are always welcome here! Have fun, and also feel free to drop remarks here on today's show.

Oh yeah, I know there may be some favorite "super hero" missing, so don't be afraid to add your choice. We'll tally the responses at the end and share them on the air.

The New York Post asked, "Who's the greatest big-screen superhero of all time?" Of course, Superman was by far the favorite pick, but here are the rest of the answers:

* Superman
* Batman
* Iron Man
* Spider-Man
* Flash Gordon
* James Bond
* Robin Hood
* Lara Croft
* Catwoman
* Wonder Woman

What's on your mind today?

It's "What's on your mind Friday" on the show. What's bugging the heck out of you? Get it off your mind, and lighten your burden for the weekend.

It's also Friday the 13th. "Feel lucky, punk, well do ya." Great Clint Eastwood line from "Dirty Harry." Do you struggle with superstitions or worries because of the date? You just don't seem to hear as much about this anymore. Are superstitions dying out in the country as the baby-boomers grow older?

What were your thoughts on the Supreme Court decision yesterday on giving the "enemy combatants" at Gitmo the right to challenge for their freedom in U.S. Federal court?

Wherever You are in PA , Join in on the Gary Sutton Show Today!

We have an array of topics today that beg your attention:

What does the stepping down of Jim Johnson from the Democratic Vice-Presidential Vetting team say about Senator Obama's judgement in who he chooses?

The PA State Assembly is coming up on the budget deadline AGAIN, and again, it's not the irresponsible members of the State Assembly who get drilled, but rather "non-essential" workers on the public payroll who get furloughed. What should happen to the representatives and senators when they can't do a budget on time????

Should transgendered people be able to use restrooms not of their actual physical sexual orientation? Colorado has passed a bill that says, "Yes." What say you?

There is a new method of searching your person when getting ready to board an airplane. It's a glass cube into which you step, and it provides a three-dimensional look at your whole body. Problem is that there are screeners watching, and even though your face is blurred, they can see EVERYTHING! Privacy or protection? Which is more important??

The General Election finally starts

So now we have the two presumptive candidates and two parties squaring off for the heart of America. The third party called "The Clintons" seems to be fading in the west while Obama's star of "Change you can believe in" is rising in the east, and McCain is hoping that a new day is rising in Iraq as he hitches his presidential hopes to the star of the Surge.

The question this morning are numerous:

Will these candidates be able to really debate the issues, or will we continue to deal in some of the same ridiculousness that we have experienced during the primaries? Senator Obama's words were correct on Tuesday night when he said, "America deserves a debate on where the country is going in the next four years." Those words must be followed by a concerted effort to have a REAL conversation, not a political dodge with the American people. Both candidates need to pay attention to this admonition with a sense of urgency in solving real problems in this moment in time.

How much will race and age matter in the upcoming election?

How much will associations with the Jeremiah Wrights of the world matter?

What role will the experience factor play for people?

How much does soaring rhetoric lift people and can McCain possibly hope to match Obama if it does?

Where will Hillary's people go?

Who will be the VP candidates, and must Obama take Hillary to unify the party? If so, what does he do with Bill Clinton?

These are just a few of the thoughts on my mind as the dust clears today. What are yours?

Take this quiz, and take part in the show today.

Reality-based found this really insightful civics quiz. Take the time to challenge yourself, and let us know how you did. It's been a while for me, but I will 'fess up that my score was 52/60 for 86.6%. The address is listed below for you. Thanks, RB. GS

Click this link to take the quiz:

www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx

Make your points here (May 28, 2008)

Welcome to the WOW Blog! Anything you want to comment on during, before, or after the show would be great!

By the way, I saw Iron Man yesterday afternoon. It is one of the coolest movies of the year, with a killer soundtrack. There, Jay, now I can compare notes. GS

To think I'm anti-woman (or don't understand them)!

Remember the other day when a person nicknamed Hillary Forever said I’m anti-woman?

It really bothered me, as you can probably tell by now. I’ve studied women, and to the degree you can understand them, I have tried to do so.

For example, I have learned that when a woman says yes, it means no, and when she says no, it equals yes.

If she says maybe, it always means no.

When she blurts out I’m sorry, the translation is you’ll be sorry.

When she states we need, it means I want, while "We need to talk" is code for I need to complain.

Sure, go ahead means I don’t want you t, and I’m not upset is interpreted to mean of course I’m upset you moron.

This kitchen is so inconvenient in woman talk really is stating, I want a new house.

Do you love me is the precursor for I’m going to ask you for something expensive,

and Are you listening to me—well, too late, you’re dead.

Was that the baby crying tells you to get out of bed and walk him until he’s asleep.

Is my butt fat is a call out to Tell her she’s beautiful.

How much do you love me is the warning that she did something you’re not going to like, and I’ll be ready in a minute means sit down and find a good game on tv.

Finally, the answer to What’s wrong is “the same old things” which means “nothing” which is” really everything” which finally can be interpreted that her pms is acting up.

And to think I am anti-woman or don’t understand you. Huh.

GS

Just another Manic Monday

That song title does indeed fit today's Gary Sutton Show, so tune in and join in as well. We'll be visiting some great topics, including the 2008 Presidential Race, why Gary was out on Friday, and lots more.

Grab your goggles, your floatie and jump in because the water is just right!

So, what now for Senator Clinton?

In the wake of her most recent lack of progress cutting into the Obama lead this past Tuesday, Senator Hillary Clinton now begins the final swan song tour that includes primaries in West Virginia and Kentucky which she will win.

She cannot win the nomination now, nor will she see the super delegates flock her way. For all intents and purposes, she will do what her husband did, which is decide what her legacy and her future will be from now until June 3rd when the final primary will be held.

My bet is that she will become a uniter, not a divider; she will talk more about the issues, especially healthcare, she wants to leverage into the party platform come August. Little negative will be said about Senator Obama, so as not to detract from the presumptive nominee. She will play cat and mouse with the Vice Presidential talk that is certain to run rampant as a super ticket is considered. Senator Clinton will come across as more human than ever before, so as to gain the mantle of Grand Dame of the Party, and return to the Senate in a position to gain even more power there. Finally, she will choose her moment to exit from the race as she should, but look for her to do it after a win either in West Virginia or Kentucky.

She will then go to work for the Democratic Party which will have defeated the Clinton Party for the nomination, and will help to get its nominee ushered into the White House come November 5th. For a family which has only known winning, and has forged its own niche for 16 years in presidential politics, it is a humbling moment that Democrats hope will be tenderly handled with care and grace. I’m Gary Sutton.

Lots of possibilities in today's primaries?

To use some tennis lingo, we are at match point again in the Democratic Primary process, at least according to the all-knowing prognosticators out there.

The popular thought is that Senator Clinton must snatch the primary from next-door-neighbor-favorite-son Barack Obama to continue in the race, and at the same time, close to about 5-6 points in North Carolina where she was down 20 at one time. The predictors seem to be babbling that the pressure is on her because she needs to record big wins to catch up in the numbers, therefore, her back is against the wall.

If that's so, it seems to me that she has the company of one Senator Barack Obama who can’t say he’s gotten his momentum back with that big weekend victory in the Guam Caucuses where about 4,000 people voted. Uh-Uh. No, Barack Obama has won every border state to Illinois so far and much of Indiana is located in the Chicago Media Market. If he can’t win there, even though there are Hillary enclaves located in the northern part of state, further doubt about will explode around the country as to whether he is their guy.

The elected numbers don’t matter anymore for Hillary because she won’t overtake Obama. What does matter is the tally of reasons called primary victories no matter how small that give super-delegates reason to pause on their choice or change before or at the Convention in August. In addition, it also makes dealing with the Florida and Michigan rules mess more palpable if she comes steamrolling into the convention close enough where it becomes a real question.

Either way you look at it, both need Indiana today to either keep the door open to victory for Clinton or slam it in her face if you are Obama. We’ll see at the end of this day who comes knocking. I’m Gary Sutton.

Main Street of America: 5/6/08

There's lots on the table today, not the least of which are the Indiana and North Carolina primary elections. Will the Democratic race end today, or will it go to the convention in Denver for a nasty fight? Would Hillary and Barack work together in any order on a Democratic presidential ticket?

There were lots of arrests of kids at a party who were drinking over the weekend -- a lot of them well-known athletes in the area. Why is drinking so important at a party, and what about all of these contracts students sign with the school about "no alcohol parties" or "no drinking" with their coaches and teachers?

More importantly, where were the parents at a house where a booze party was taking place? Is this much ado about nothing and we sweep it under the rug, or is it a serious situation that needs our attention?

Today, like everyday, your comments are welcome here and on the show!

Congressman Platts in today

Okay, folks, wanna gripe, groan, compliment or just plain get something off you chest about the Federal Government?

Your opportunity has arrived today. Congressman Todd Platts is in with Gary this morning -- and in case you can't call, please feel free to leave you questions here on the blog so we can get them on during the broadcast.

Join in on The Gary Sutton Show today, April 29, 2008

Welcome to the Voices from Main Street blog sponsored by WOW Cafe and Wingery!

It's the home opening day for the York Revolution Baseball Team today as we do our show LIVE from Sovereign Bank Stadium. We welcome you to contribute before, during, and after the show on any of the subjects we discuss or debate today.

The "Reverend Wright Tour" is not making the Obama folks too happy, and meanwhile, a new poll shows Hillary Clinton with a 50%-41% over Senator McCain in a possible general election matchup.

The Supreme Court has decided that ID cards are legal in an election. Why are Dems so against this, and Repubs so much for it?

Finally, has baseball been good for York, and were you a "doubting Thomas" who has changed your mind, or do you still see no benefit?

Don't forget to listen to the game with Darryl Henry and me tonight starting with pre-game at 6:05 on Newsradio 910 WSBA!

Obama's honeymoon is on the rocks

Barack Obama’s honeymoon with the media may well be over.

His rhetoric has turned into a double-edged sword which took him to great heights because of its regular man soaring possibilities, but has now become the kind of cryptic, almost Clintonian kinds of answers to troubling questions that leave us as a nation feeling unfulfilled.

For a man with an oratorical gift like the Senator, and one who constantly talks about clearness, and transparency, he missed a great opportunity portraying those qualities by not telling us what “earlier controversial comments” he had heard his pastor Jeremiah Wright utter. The fact that he understates the controversy of Wright’s remarks as simply a “distraction” instead of a defining moment that could help people trust him or not is an error in judgment for a man with a considerable intellect.

People walk away from that answer with a feeling that this is the same old political hack who holds an arrogance that we have seen emanating from Washington for years -- the same Washington that Barack Obama is trying to distance himself from, and the type of political hack he constantly criticizes.

Add to that the tortured oral bumbling in trying to explain how an association with William Ayres, a bombing member of the Weather Underground is nothing more than a “manufactured issue” and you have a candidate whose high-flying words have been grounded, at least for the moment.

It seems to me that what will raise his message back up is clear and plain talk about all issues, whether he thinks they are important or not. I’m Gary Sutton.

The Greatest Sports and Social Trivia Question of All Time!

Okay, here's the best question ever, and it will take some work and patience to get it.

You have to have some sports knowledge, but really more awareness of social stuff and current events over the years. Anyway, if you get the whole thing right, we will provide 5 different dinner dates at WOW plus a couple of tickets to a York Revolution Game for the ultimate winner. I will drop hints if needed, but for this group, I don't think that will be needed very often. I also will tell you up front, and again I might be wrong, I don't think these answers are collectively in any one place.

So, here we go with the Greatest Sports and Social Trivia Question of All Time:

Since 1954, there have been only 5 times (Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods cannot be given as answers) where the same people, animals or teams have appeared on the covers of both Sports Illustrated and Time magazines in the same week. Name those 5 people, animals, or teams.

Guess in "fives" rather than one at a time with your answers. I'll let you know what's right and what's not along the way. Good luck, and have fun!

What are you doing to combat and overcome gas prices?

Carpooling, conservation, or other forms of transportation -- what are you doing and what suggestions can you make for dealing with the astronomical gas prices? Let's hear 'em right here!