Amtrak Coffee

[NAVYBLUE]

First off AlanB a none other authority than Amanda has already told us "liberal" is not a dirty name.

I never said it was a dirty name; just that you were throwing around names.

Second, pennyk as you may be late to this rodeo you have NO idea what has been insinuated about me.

And it got deleted. Time to let it go!

Thirdly AlanB, I have NEVER started an original post of mine that contained political talk or leanings. I have responded to posts that turned into political screeds

Wrong! You were the only one that thought that the question about Free Trade Coffee was a political conversation.

Is it possible that the poster knew of the political overtones? Sure! But he never mentioned politics; only you did.

Fourthly you have a poster that uses an AVATAR of a open mouthed Newt Gingrich and a two faced Governor Perry. How is that not political or name calling. I suppose you would have no problem with me using the famous Obama white face or Obama with red line through it or the myriad of other Obama caricatures. I didn't think so. I don't do it because I have respect for the OFFICE of the POTUS.

And I do as well have respect for the office, which is why despite my firm belief that George W Bush was one of the worst Presidents ever, I only publicly criticized the decisions and not the man during his time in office. And as someone who voted for his father and has great respect for his father, it pains me to acknowledge his sons' failures as a President. In fact, I wrote a similar post just about 2 weeks ago on a newspaper blog that can be found here. Roll about a quarter of the way down the page to a post dated Dec 18th at 5:19 PM with the author name of AHBLID, my other handle when posting on the and AlanB is already in use.

However, let me remind you that neither Mr. Gingrich nor Governor Perry are yet President.

Fifthly this is the rare site that I go to (I am a member of 47 sign in sites) that doesn't have a political discussion section.

Well I belong to about 12 sites, beyond this one, that don't have a political section. My guess is that it just has more to do with the overall theme of the forum than anything else.

Sixthly as I have discovered the AU/Rail fan(as in fanatic) in general tends to lean Democratic, they tend to couch their words in support of AMTRAK because the have a vested interest in it. Anything that goes against their dogma is meant with scorn and no facts to back their views with

I suspect that this forum does lean towards the Democratic side, but I can assure you that there are plenty of Republicans here too. I'm proud to count several as good friends.

Eighthly I have learned an incredible amount of info that helped me with the west to east part of my LD from LAX-CHI-BAL and will be forever grateful for their assistance.

I'm glad to hear that, as that is why this site exists. Everything else is really secondary.

And finally as I told you in a private email, I will challenge those who think there number of posts constitutes imperial wisdom about everything.

With respect, there is a difference between challenging them and shoving it down their throats. Yes, I know that you got slammed earlier on and again, we dealt with that. But lately it seems like you're doing more of the slamming, which is why you've seen some of your posts disappear. And again, those posts have been deleted by both Dem & Repub staff members, as well as me. So it's not a political thing.

AlanB,

I agree with some of your replies and disagree with some of your replies. I find you to be fairly even handed. I can be an **** at times.

The "fair trade" discussion WAS political because as a 63 year old who is well educated and knowledgeable about Economics I know "fair trade" is political speak for FORCED MINIMUM WAGE. What that had to do with "train talk" about good/bad coffee still eludes me. Good coffee is not determined by the wages page to the workers. I unfortunately am bright enough to read the parsed words of the "experts on everything" to see the political underpinnings and will comment.

As I have stated before the I know economics, weapon laws and a person's mental status. Any other subjects I USUALLY avoid interjecting my opinion.

Newt Gingrich is former Speaker of the House and in formal occasions is still addressed as Mr Speaker. Mr Perry is still Governor of Texas. They deserve to not be caricatured on this site as well as the President. But there is that class thing.

As far as your misgivings about G.W.(you brought it up I didn't). President Obama has continued virtually every foreign policy decision as G.W. so I can assume you will equally disown/chatise him.

In the future I will try to limit the "name calling" but reserve to selectively use it for the "experts on everything"

Now back to our sponsor, Green Mountain Coffee.

NAVYBLUE

PS: Now if others could only admit their shortcomings and change their ways. I guess I can hope.

 

[Ryan]

Now you've done it !!! The liberals panties will be all twisted in a bunch now. Beware, you'll probably be called a troll, a liar, a straw man, an extremist.

Actually, no. Stephen is a long standing member that's pretty well respected by everyone. He's also able to make his point in a polite and respectful manner. You may attempt to learn a little bit from his posting style. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

The truth is not accepted here when it flies in the face of liberal dogma.

[citation needed]

Man, I hope you have armor on. INCOMING !!!!
NAVYBLUE

PS: Also I don't know how long this post will stay up as the moderators also appear to be afraid of the truth also.

You reap what you sow, shipmate.

I just was sharing my knowledge about fair trade coffee since I've learned just about all coffee imported here on the East Coast meets the standards of fair trade, but the company you are buying or drinking coffee might just not pay the fees to the Fair Trade Alliance to use their logo.

That's pretty much what I expected. Unfortunately, some people will spin that into something completely different.

 

[Ryan]

The "fair trade" discussion WAS political because as a 63 year old who is well educated and knowledgeable about Economics I know "fair trade" is political speak for FORCED MINIMUM WAGE. What that had to do with "train talk" about good/bad coffee still eludes me. Good coffee is not determined by the wages page to the workers.

I didn't see anyone claiming that it did. However buying Fair Trade is a matter of personal preference, which is relevant to the topic at hand.

I unfortunately am bright enough to read the parsed words of the "experts on everything" to see the political underpinnings and will comment.

Perhaps if you spent a little less time telling us how smart you were, you'd be a little better received. Usually, the people that spend the most amount of time professing their expertise really aren't, and the truly knowledgeable people let their wisdom speak for itself.

 

[Long Train Runnin']

Maybe I shouldn't even post this, but frankly I have no idea how I even "took a position" I was simply posting "the crazy truth" about coffee and what it means when you see a fair trade logo on a coffee product. It is more of a licensing thing then any kind of complex trade agreement. I'm just a 19 year old college student working part time at a small business, and thought it would be helpful to those on this board to point out that just because your coffee doesn't say fair trade doesn't mean you are not actually drinking a fair trade coffee. I'm not sure how that statement even has any kind of political undertones in it at all. I'm sorry that I even opened this up, and I thank Penny, Tom and Ryan for their kind words. I had no intention of stirring up this kind of debate I was just trying to contribute what I know to this thread and community.

 

[amamba]

EDIT: read the rest of the posts before mine. I can sure you I had no intention of causing a political issue out of fair trade coffee in fact I didn't even see it as one... I just was sharing my knowledge about fair trade coffee since I've learned just about all coffee imported here on the East Coast meets the standards of fair trade, but the company you are buying or drinking coffee might just not pay the fees to the Fair Trade Alliance to use their logo.

Double edit: Just to cover myself in case someone really is trying to take an issue. Yes this year starting Jan 1 you can use the fair trade alliance logo on up to 20,000 pounds with their permission before you have to pay them, and you do in fact have a fair trade coffee. So as of yesterday you can use their logo without paying a fee and perhaps more coffee roasting companies will begin to use the logo on their products because of this change.

LTR, I think I recently read an article stating that some of the "standards" for fair trade coffee - or for using the Fair Trade Alliance logo - were being changed. Aha - here it is:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/24/business/as-fair-trade-movement-grows-a-dispute-over-its-direction.html?scp=1&sq=fair+trade+coffee&st=nyt

It is really interesting to hear from you that most coffee imported on the East Coast meets the standard of Fair Trade. And I will definitely trust the opinion of someone who is directly involved with the business.

I

 

[Long Train Runnin']

EDIT: read the rest of the posts before mine. I can sure you I had no intention of causing a political issue out of fair trade coffee in fact I didn't even see it as one... I just was sharing my knowledge about fair trade coffee since I've learned just about all coffee imported here on the East Coast meets the standards of fair trade, but the company you are buying or drinking coffee might just not pay the fees to the Fair Trade Alliance to use their logo.

Double edit: Just to cover myself in case someone really is trying to take an issue. Yes this year starting Jan 1 you can use the fair trade alliance logo on up to 20,000 pounds with their permission before you have to pay them, and you do in fact have a fair trade coffee. So as of yesterday you can use their logo without paying a fee and perhaps more coffee roasting companies will begin to use the logo on their products because of this change.

LTR, I think I recently read an article stating that some of the "standards" for fair trade coffee - or for using the Fair Trade Alliance logo - were being changed. Aha - here it is:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/24/business/as-fair-trade-movement-grows-a-dispute-over-its-direction.html?scp=1&sq=fair+trade+coffee&st=nyt

It is really interesting to hear from you that most coffee imported on the East Coast meets the standard of Fair Trade. And I will definitely trust the opinion of someone who is directly involved with the business.

I

I agree that the term fair trade coffee looks like it will be changing and I guess when I say most east coast coffee would meet the standard I'm talking more about arabic beans in "premium coffee" the lower grade coffee found at gas stations, or other things along those lines are made from robusta and I have not asked which robusta beans could possibly earn the fair trade designation.

Green mountain buys a lot of coffee from the terminals I've gone to pick up coffee, and since they are really the biggest coffee roaster on the east coast it could be why their is so much fair trade coffee floating around the Northeast.

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

As far as your misgivings about G.W.(you brought it up I didn't). President Obama has continued virtually every foreign policy decision as G.W. so I can assume you will equally disown/chatise him.

Even Republicans concede that Obama's foreign policy success far, far exceeds G.W.'s. Obama's problem is that right now, no one cares about foreign policy. It all about the domestic economy.

 

[NAVYBLUE]

I am one of the liberals whose "panties get twisted in a bunch."

I think there is a big difference in LTR's calm post in which he is not name calling or insulting any group. Some of my AU "best friends" are conservative and we remain friends because we respect each other's opinions and do not engage in name calling.

Peace and Namaste,

Penny

And, we all know, respect, and appreciate LTR and would never question his position.

I don't think I've ever gotten flamed or gotten into anyone here on AU. I try to avoid being controversial if someone would like to challenge I would like to know how many times they've watched a coffee terminal break the seal on a 53 foot shipping container stacked floor to ceiling with 60 or 70 kilo bags of coffee, or for that matter could tell you the names of the people at the fair trade alliance who focus on coffee.

I don't see fair trade coffee as a political issue or even think some of these "ultra premium coffees" are worth anywhere close to what people will pay for them.

EDIT: read the rest of the posts before mine. I can sure you I had no intention of causing a political issue out of fair trade coffee in fact I didn't even see it as one... I just was sharing my knowledge about fair trade coffee since I've learned just about all coffee imported here on the East Coast meets the standards of fair trade, but the company you are buying or drinking coffee might just not pay the fees to the Fair Trade Alliance to use their logo.

Double edit: Just to cover myself in case someone really is trying to take an issue. Yes this year starting Jan 1 you can use the fair trade alliance logo on up to 20,000 pounds with their permission before you have to pay them, and you do in fact have a fair trade coffee. So as of yesterday you can use their logo without paying a fee and perhaps more coffee roasting companies will begin to use the logo on their products because of this change.

LTR,

You're correct. YOU were not trying to be controversial. Someone else was using "train talk" to discuss "fair trade" coffee which is a political issue as it really means FORCED MINIMUM WAGE which my politically attuned nerves picked up.

BUT, back to real "train talk" and not thinly disguised political opinions.

I am interested in your knowledge/opinion on 8 O'clock, PEETS and KONA coffee.

NAVYBLUE

 

[NAVYBLUE]

Now you've done it !!! The liberals panties will be all twisted in a bunch now. Beware, you'll probably be called a troll, a liar, a straw man, an extremist.

Actually, no. Stephen is a long standing member that's pretty well respected by everyone. He's also able to make his point in a polite and respectful manner. You may attempt to learn a little bit from his posting style. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

The truth is not accepted here when it flies in the face of liberal dogma.

[citation needed]

Man, I hope you have armor on. INCOMING !!!!
NAVYBLUE

PS: Also I don't know how long this post will stay up as the moderators also appear to be afraid of the truth also.

You reap what you sow, shipmate.

I just was sharing my knowledge about fair trade coffee since I've learned just about all coffee imported here on the East Coast meets the standards of fair trade, but the company you are buying or drinking coffee might just not pay the fees to the Fair Trade Alliance to use their logo.

That's pretty much what I expected. Unfortunately, some people will spin that into something completely different.

You may attempt to learn a little bit from his posting style.

I don't think I need advice from you.

]The truth is not accepted here when it flies in the face of liberal dogma. [citation needed]

I don't answer to you

You reap what you sow, shipmate.

And finally. You have NOT earned the right to call me shipmate. If you age is correct in your profile, you turned 17 about the time I retired as a MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER with (28) years active duty. You remember Master Chiefs don't you? You earn the title "shipmate" through respect and accomplishments, NOT because you can spell sailor. Get it. You didn't serve with me.

NAVYBLUE

PS: I am still drafting a personal email to you to discuss some of your "issues" which I don't believe appropriate for forum discussion.

 

[NAVYBLUE]

As far as your misgivings about G.W.(you brought it up I didn't). President Obama has continued virtually every foreign policy decision as G.W. so I can assume you will equally disown/chatise him.

Even Republicans concede that Obama's foreign policy success far, far exceeds G.W.'s. Obama's problem is that right now, no one cares about foreign policy. It all about the domestic economy.

OK. You said it, so it must be true.

Even Republicans concede that Obama's foreign policy success far, far exceeds G.W.'s.

Who ? Colin Powell ?

NAVYBLUE

 

[Ryan]

You may attempt to learn a little bit from his posting style.

I don't think I need advice from you.

Many things that you think are actually incorrect.

]The truth is not accepted here when it flies in the face of liberal dogma. [citation needed]
I don't answer to you

You made a claim, back it up or retract it.

You reap what you sow, shipmate.
And finally. You have NOT earned the right to call me shipmate. If you age is correct in your profile, you turned 17 about the time I retired as a MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER with (28) years active duty. You remember Master Chiefs don't you? You earn the title "shipmate" through respect and accomplishments, NOT because you can spell sailor. Get it. You didn't serve with me.

I'll call you what I please, shipmate. If you had served with me, I'd have called you "Seaman" and you would have called me "Sir". If you want respect, treat others with respect. I'll show you the same respect that you show me and others on this forum.

PS: I am still drafting a personal email to you to discuss some of your "issues" which I don't believe appropriate for forum discussion.

Anything you want to discuss with me, you can discuss in public. I have nothing to hide.

 

[Anthony]

Let us all return to talking about trains, not politics.

 

[NAVYBLUE]

You may attempt to learn a little bit from his posting style.

I don't think I need advice from you.

Many things that you think are actually incorrect.

]The truth is not accepted here when it flies in the face of liberal dogma. [citation needed]
I don't answer to you

You made a claim, back it up or retract it.

You reap what you sow, shipmate.
And finally. You have NOT earned the right to call me shipmate. If you age is correct in your profile, you turned 17 about the time I retired as a MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER with (28) years active duty. You remember Master Chiefs don't you? You earn the title "shipmate" through respect and accomplishments, NOT because you can spell sailor. Get it. You didn't serve with me.

I'll call you what I please, shipmate. If you had served with me, I'd have called you "Seaman" and you would have called me "Sir". If you want respect, treat others with respect. I'll show you the same respect that you show me and others on this forum.

PS: I am still drafting a personal email to you to discuss some of your "issues" which I don't believe appropriate for forum discussion.

Anything you want to discuss with me, you can discuss in public. I have nothing to hide.

A 90 day wonder. I am impressed. Ten more of you and you might make a wart on a Chief's behind !!!!

Many things that you think are actually incorrect. [citation needed]

Citations, I want citations to the things YOU think are incorrect. And I want your papers.

NAVYBLUE

 

[Ryan]

Let us all return to talking about trains, not politics.

What part of that wasn't clear, Chief?

Drop it.

 

[PRR 60]

OK, that’s it for now. Coffee morphed to Fair Trade coffee, morphed to liberal verses conservative, and has since swirled down the political toilet despite Anthony’s valiant attempt to promote civility. I’ll leave this for Anthony and Alan to sort out, but I will not have any more useless debating that proves nothing and changes no one’s mind.