Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Straight Track Set

Off the Tracks Again

 

The popular phrase used to describe John McCain’s presidential aspirations has been the "Straight Talk Express". According to the popular myth, John McCain "tells it like it is" and lets you know exactly where he stands. Those that have bought into this myth have flocked to John McCain as someone they can trust. Others have been scared onto his campaign, accepting him as by far the lesser of two evils.

And while it is true that John McCain is nearly always reliable in telling people where he stands, even when he is blatantly wrong, the fact is that he often fails to "tell is like it is". Also, like Barack Obama who eagerly throws anyone and everyone under his own bus when they dare to speak about the ultimate goals and ideas of an Obama presidency, the track behind the Straight Talk Express is littered with the bodies of those that have "told it like it is" and defied John McCain’s image as the one true straight talker.

John McCain is not merely content to toss those who stray from his set of talking points off the back of the train either. Oh no. He makes sure to toss them off the front and run over them good and hard with the entire train. The problem for McCain is that every time he takes to this tactic, the bodies being run over throw the Straight Talk Express off the tracks and derail his presidential aspirations. Then those that have begrudgingly hopped on board the train start to get off and wander away, wondering why on earth they are supporting him beyond any other reason than the fact that he is not nearly as far left as Barack Obama.

The latest example of this phenomenon came this week when his newest victim was tossed from the engine compartment. Former Texas Senator Phil Gramm, who is the national cochairman of McCain’s campaign, was speaking about how many people in America are in a self-inflicted and pretend state of suffering. I have talked about this before in past columns; how we are often battered over the head with talk about America’s economy is terrible when it is not, that it is in a recession despite repeated growth and increased leisure spending at places like Disney World, and that we are all just one paycheck away from soup lines despite a mere five percent unemployment rate.

Mr. Gramm went out on the stump for his man in the race and against all this mindless rhetoric told it like it was. He said that people were suffering from a "mental recession" and that you hear "constant whining" about it. Well, that caused McCain to spring into action! Mr. "Straight Talk" himself was quick to denounce the comments saying, ""The person here in Michigan who just lost their job isn't suffering from a mental recession." And, "The person unable to get affordable health care isn't whining." Then finally, "Phil Gramm does not speak for me. I speak for me."

Fair enough on the last statement. But the rest of this response is absolute idiocy. So now because you, in particular, cannot find a job the country must be in a recession? Horse hockey!

There is a popular saying is goes a "recession" is when your neighbor is out of work but a "depression" is when you are out of work. The point of that saying is to point out how insane and illogical people can be when it comes to evaluating the overall economy based on their own situation or the situation of a few people they know. In reality neither are indicators of either, but John McCain is buying into it hook, line and sinker.

As for his healthcare comment, with all the plans out there for healthcare coverage you have to really be in dire straights to not afford at least some sort of health insurance. Ok, maybe you cannot afford that nice $500 a month plan that covers every boo boo and sniffle under the sun, but considering that we already have a potpourri of socialist programs to cover the poor in this country and many private plans start for as little at $70 or less per month or less, then yes, if you cannot afford that amount, then you are lazy and probably a whiner sitting around complaining about why you cannot afford it too.

Sorry, but that is "straight talk" you will not hear from John McCain apparently. Go pick up a second job to make ends meet for crying out loud and stop complaining about how you are not happy and spend some time an effort pursing happiness like you are guaranteed to be able to do here in America.

John McCain is obviously too scared to actually stick to the concept of telling us like it is; too scared to alienate potential voters who are just unwilling to believe the truth. That is the only conclusion I can come to when I hear him talking like this.

The facts are the facts. There is no recession and yes, I am sad to say, Americans do "whine" far too much. All you have to do is look at all the special interest groups hovering around politicians complaining about this or that and pleading for special favoritism from the hands of government to overcome some hardship that has befallen those they represent. If that is not enough evidence for you, listen to your typical liberal voter hovering around Barack Obama’s feet moaning and complaining about everything under the sun and about how everything is so unfair.

When Americans do not get exactly what they want, many of them do indeed whine about how things are unfair and start demanding other people pay for what they want. See the latest debate on universal health insurance for a glaring example of this.

Instead of standing up and giving us "straight talk", McCain has done nothing but pander. Meanwhile, Barack Obama took these comments, ran with them and mocked them before a live studio audience gathered for him. They laughed as he discussed these comments and showed exactly how far from reality the typical Obama supporter really is and once again showing just how easily they believe talking points about doom and gloom and how America really does stink.

But unwittingly they are proving Mr. Graham correct by whining about being called whiners and then going on and whining about everything that is wrong! In fact, Obama’s entire campaign has been nothing but one big whine fest about how bad, evil and unfair America is to people too stupid, ignorant or unwilling to take responsibility for their own lives. These are the people that complain they cannot get the job they want because the picked a career that was either too competitive or where no jobs exist. These are the people that whine that America cannot defeat terrorism. They are the poor souls that complain the "rich" are not paying their "fair share" and giving them "free" health insurance. Oh, they are also the same ones complaining that they do not have enough vacation days and that they are not making enough money at their job and demanding government do something to help. They are the hordes of people that complain they are not where they want to be but cannot be bothered to work harder to better their own situation.

And while all this is happening, John McCain and his crew are standing around along side of the Straight Talk Express which is now stranded somewhere far away from the station. They are all standing around scratching their heads wondering why they have not arrived at their destination and for some reason cannot figure out why the train has come off the tracks yet again. Had they stopped pondering why they were off the tracks they might even have noticed as some of his reluctant supporters had packed their bags and taken this moment to disembark.

About the Author

J.J. Jackson is the founder of SignalCongress.com and owner of American Conservative Daily Blog. He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts his weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn.

The Old Straight Track $9.49 The Old Straight Track

Straight $17.99 Track Listing: 1. Straight

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Melissa and Doug 2in Wooden Straight Train Track Set (6 pack) $9.51 It's easy to go further with a bundle of six pieces of wooden 2 straight track to expand and enhance your layout!. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems.

Melissa and Doug 6in Wooden Straight Train Track Set (6 pack) $11.53 Expand into new territory with a bundle of six 6 pieces of straight track to enhance your train layout. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems.

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Enzis Straight Track $210 The light weight Enzis Straight Track is used when straight track is desired. The two aluminum rods in the track are more rigid than the standard Enzis track. Angles and curves may still be made with the Straight Track but the bending will be permanent. No tools are required to attach the full array of mounting hardware or fixture adapters to the track. Enzis Track system can be suspended or semi-flush mounted and allows the use of Bruck Uni-Light fixtures and pendants. Material: Plastic extrusion with tin plated copper conductor braiding. Curves and angles made to the track are permanent.

2-inch Straight Train Track $3.99 It's easy to go further with a bundle of six pieces of wooden 2" straight track to expand and enhance your layout! Compatible with popular wooden railway systems.

Melissa and Doug 2in Wooden Straight Train Track Set - Female (6 Pack) $9.52 Full speed ahead with a bundle of six pieces of 2 straight track with female connections to expand and enhance your train layout!. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems.

Melissa and Doug 2in Wooden Straight Train Track Set - Male (6 Pack) $9.66 Full speed ahead with a bundle of six pieces of 2 straight track with male connections to expand and enhance your train layout!. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems.

Maple Landmark 11120 NAMETRAIN- TRACK SET- OVAL $30.87 Set contains 8 curved sections and 4 8-inch straight sections to form 17 x 33 oval. Made from maple and compatible with other wooden track systems. Gentlemen Start Your Engines! This oval set contains 8 large curved sections and 4 8-inch straight sections to create a 17" x 33" oval. Don't forget to add in the NameTrain race car! Oval can also accomdate up to 20 letters vehicles and animals. Compatible with all NameTrain track pieces as well as other wooden track systems. Track is crafted in the USA from New England hard maple for durability and beauty. Curved pieces are grooved on both sides. The straight pieces are grooved on one side. Solid wood construction with easy "jigsaw connectors.". For the authentic track look NameTrain track has "ties" engraved on each piece.

Maple Landmark 11120 NAMETRAIN TRACK SET OVAL $38.22 Set contains 8 curved sections and 4 8inch straight sections to form 17 x 33 oval. Made from maple and compatible with other wooden track systems. Gentlemen Start Your Engines This oval set contains 8 large curved sections and 4 8inch straight sections to create a 17 x 33 oval. Don t forget to add in the NameTrain race car Oval can also accomdate up to 20 letters vehicles and animals. Compatible with all NameTrain track pieces as well as other wooden track systems. Track is crafted in the USA from New England hard maple for durability and beauty. Curved pieces are grooved on both sides. The straight pieces are grooved on one side. Solid wood construction with easy jigsaw connectors. . For the authentic track look NameTrain track has ties engraved on each piece.

Medline Cubicle Supreme Track, 12' Straight, Spliced $97.95 Medline Cubicle Supreme Track, 12' Straight, Spliced

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Medline Cubicle Supreme Track, 10' Straight, Spliced $62.79 Medline Cubicle Supreme Track, 10' Straight, Spliced

Bachmann Williams BAC44493 Ho Track Accessory Set $92.14 Railroading fun gets bigger and better with our EZ Track Accessory Set Turn a basic 36 circle into a giant overunder figure 8 layout with a 14piece graduated pier set and 14 pieces of steel alloy EZ Track. A motorized Gandy Dancer hand car and assembled lighted station complete the scene while an illustrated track plan booklet offers additional layout ideas. For use with Bachmann s steel alloy EZ Track. 14piece graduated pier set. 8 pieces of 18 radius curved steel alloy EZ Track. 6 pieces of 9 straight steel alloy EZ Track. motorized Gandy Dancer hand car. assembled lighted station. Illustrated track plan booklet.

6-inch Straight Track 6 Pack Train Track $8.99 Expand into new territory with a bundle of six 6-inch pieces of straight track to enhance your train layout. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems.

Maple Landmark 11130 NAMETRAIN- TRACK SET- FIG 8 $37.08 Our Figure-8 Track Set contains 12 curved sections 4 6-inch straight sections and 1 crossover to form a 17" x 39" layout. This layout can accomdate 23 NameTrain pieces. Compatible with all NameTrain track pieces as well as other wooden track systems. Track is crafted in Vermont from New England hard maple for durability and beauty. Curved pieces are grooved on both sides. The straight pieces are grooved on one side. Solid wood construction with easy "jigsaw connectors.". For the authentic track look NameTrain track has "ties" engraved on each piece. Figure-8 track. Compatible with other wooden track systems.

Maple Landmark 11130 NAMETRAIN TRACK SET FIG 8 $47.84 Our Figure8 Track Set contains 12 curved sections 4 6inch straight sections and 1 crossover to form a 17 x 39 layout. This layout can accomdate 23 NameTrain pieces. Compatible with all NameTrain track pieces as well as other wooden track systems. Track is crafted in Vermont from New England hard maple for durability and beauty. Curved pieces are grooved on both sides. The straight pieces are grooved on one side. Solid wood construction with easy jigsaw connectors. . For the authentic track look NameTrain track has ties engraved on each piece. Figure8 track. Compatible with other wooden track systems.

The Straight and Endless Transcontinental Railway Track in the Desert $39.99 Jason Edwards The Straight and Endless Transcontinental Railway Track in the Desert - Photographic Print

Fast Track $10.93 ""There was no warning, just a loud metallic bang, and the engine noise stopped instantly. Everything immediately went white, as if I was a plane that had suddenly flown straight into a cloud. The cockpit of the car filled with thick, white smoke, stinging my eyes and nose. I couldn't even see the steering wheel, much less the road ahead."" Eddie Stewart has what it takes to become a top racing driver--everything, that is, except money. That hasn't stopped him and his team from sinking all their savings into a Trans-Am Mustang and entering it in their first pro race. But it will take more than skill and nerve to make it to the victory podium. Eddie is about to learn that some drivers will do anything to win--even play by their own set of rules.

Lionel LIO65038 O-27 Straight Train Track Section $14.53 027 straight track of the older Lionel style. FasTrack being the newer style that includes the roadbed with the track. Each piece is 8-3/4" long.

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Bachmann Williams BAC44494 Ho Ez Track Steel Expander Set $66.69 Steel Alloy Expander Set. With the EZ Track Expander Set you can add to the track included with our train sets or create new configurations of turnouts branchlines and doubletrack mainlines on your existing railroad. Also a handy track plan manual included with the Expander Set contains ideas to inspire railroad tycoons of all ages. Offered in steel alloy (with black roadbed) or nickel silver (with gray roadbed) versions. Features include: 12 pieces of snapfit EZ Track including 4 pieces of 9 straight 4 pieces 18 radius curved track 1 manual turnoutleft 1 manual turnoutright and 2 Hayes bumpers quick easy assembly on floors tables and carpets without the need for special tools or fasteners and helpful track plan manual.

Straight from the Heart [Box Set] $47.99 Straight from the Heart [Box Set]

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Bachmann Williams BAC44594 Ho Ez Track Expander Set Nickel Sil $92.14 This HO Nickel Silver (has gray roadbed) EZ Track expander allows you to enlarge your existing HO set or create all new configurations of turnouts branchlines and doubletrack mainlines. A handy track manual included contains ideas to inspire all ages. Contains 12 pieces of snapfit EZ Track including 4 pieces of 9 straight 4 pieces of 18 radius curved 1 remote turnoutleft 1 remove turnoutright and 2 Hayes bumpers. Quick and easy to assemble on floors tables and carpets with no special tools. Steel Alloy (has black roadbed) Track version is 44494.

Bachmann BAC44811 N 5 in. Straight Track - 6-Card $19.69 5" of straight track with nickel silver rail mounted on gray roadbed. E-Z track system connects quickly with better connections which provide better electrical conduction. Package comes with 6 pieces of mounted straight track. No screw nails or special tools needed for assembly track snaps together. Includes: 6 Sections of 5" Track. Model Scale: N. Sections: 5" x 1-1/8" at the base of mount.

Bachmann BAC44811 N 5 in. Straight Track 6Card $24.38 5 of straight track with nickel silver rail mounted on gray roadbed. EZ track system connects quickly with better connections which provide better electrical conduction. Package comes with 6 pieces of mounted straight track. No screw nails or special tools needed for assembly track snaps together. Includes: 6 Sections of 5 Track. Model Scale: N. Sections: 5 x 11/8 at the base of mount.

Lionel LIO65523 40 in. Straight Track O Gauge $19.26 Made of steel this Lionel extra long straight track section is a 3 rail O gauge track section for AC operation. Length: 40 . Made from the finest materials. Satisfaction ensured.

Lionel LIO65024 35 in. Straight Track O27 Gauge $17.21 Made of steel, this Lionel extra long length straight track is a 3 rail, O-27 gauge track section for AC operation. Huge selection to choose from. Designed to suit any budget. Satisfaction ensured.

V/A Track Kit 39 - Straight $750 The V/A Kit 39 utilizes Bruck's versatile V/A track system. The power feed canopy is designed to give users the flexibility to center it on the track, or at an offset with supports. This kit is designed to get you started with all the components needed for the rail system. Then it can be customized with Bruck Uni-Light fixtures or pendants and connectors, sold separately. Kit Contents: V/A 150W surface mount electronic transformer with cover 2 X V/A end caps 1 X V/A 39" straight track 1 X V/A support with clip Technical Specifications: 120V AC, 50/60Hz input 11.7V AC output 150VA, 148W for 3 (maximum 50 watt lamps) 140VA, 138W for 4 (maximum 35 watt lamp) 140VA, 138W for 7 (maximum 20 watt lamp) Suitable for dry locations only Mounts to 3" - 4" round junction box Short circuit, overload and thermal protections Dimmable Can be used wuth Bruck's LED pendants

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Straight Outta Compton [PA] $9.99 Track Listing: 1. Straight Outta Compton, 2. F*Ck Tha Police, 3. Gangsta Gangsta, 4. If It Ain't Ruff, 5. Parental Deiscretion Iz Advised, 6. 8 Ball - (remix), 7. Somethign Like That, 8. Express Yourself, 9. Compton's N the House - (remix), 10. I Ain't Tha 1, 11. Dopeman - (remix), 12. Quiet on Tha Set, 13. Something 2 Dance 2, 14. F*Ck Tha Police, 15. Gangsta Gangsta, 16. Dopeman, 17. If It Ain't Ruff, 18. Compton's N the House - (Live)

Bachmann Williams BAC44829 N Asst Straight Track $31.2 N gauge assorted straight track sections. Nickel silver with grey roadbed. 2 pieces of each section 6 total. Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind. Top Quality Children s Item.