Comments on: 80%. http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:57:12 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: The Flying Scotman http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-2/#comment-383388 The Flying Scotman Mon, 09 Jan 2006 19:02:54 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-383388 As Ive said Live by the sword die by the sword As Ive said Live by the sword die by the sword

]]> By: Smedley http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-383385 Smedley Mon, 09 Jan 2006 19:01:33 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-383385 America has only had one terrorist attack ever by Muslims 911 which Bush let happen by the way.so #50 stop scaremongering your worse than Bush almost. What do you think Iraigis could say about your troops killing eh ?? America has only had one terrorist attack ever by Muslims 911 which Bush let happen by the way.so #50 stop scaremongering your worse than Bush almost. What do you think Iraigis could say about your troops killing eh ??

]]> By: progressive and proud http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-382995 progressive and proud Mon, 09 Jan 2006 15:37:21 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-382995 I heard today that the insurgents are aiming at those vulnerable sections of our armor. They are getting better at killing us and when they get comfortable enough, they will be back here - don't think you're safer, that would be naive. It's so painful to watch this and know they are learning faster than we are. It is a deadly game that the insurgents find themselves more adaptable in. Sigh and sigh again. I heard today that the insurgents are aiming at those vulnerable sections of our armor. They are getting better at killing us and when they get comfortable enough, they will be back here – don’t think you’re safer, that would be naive.

It’s so painful to watch this and know they are learning faster than we are. It is a deadly game that the insurgents find themselves more adaptable in. Sigh and sigh again.

]]> By: Marie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-381475 Marie Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:18:07 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-381475 Sort of off topic, but related: Hamid Karzai, our puppet in Afghanistan, is making nice with Mullah Omar of the Taliban. I guess the pipeline that Halliburton wanted is coming along nicely, and while the U.S. talks the talk about eliminating the poppy fields (the greatest source of heroin in the world) they have more or less given up on efforts to halt production, leaving that to the Afghan government. So, the Taliban is alive and well in all provinces of Afghanistan, our guy, Karzai (former Unocal man) is Mayor of Kabul, Hlaliburton is happy, the Taliban are growing wealthier and stronger. Thanks GWB. Sort of off topic, but related: Hamid Karzai, our puppet in Afghanistan, is making nice with Mullah Omar of the Taliban.
I guess the pipeline that Halliburton wanted is coming along nicely, and while the U.S. talks the talk about eliminating the poppy fields (the greatest source of heroin in the world) they have more or less given up on efforts to halt production, leaving that to the Afghan government. So, the Taliban is alive and well in all provinces of Afghanistan, our guy, Karzai (former Unocal man) is Mayor of Kabul, Hlaliburton is happy, the Taliban are growing wealthier and stronger. Thanks GWB.

]]> By: Smedley http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-381324 Smedley Sun, 08 Jan 2006 22:51:00 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-381324 worse than that its like killing ever man woman and child in Aberdeen worse than that its like killing ever man woman and child in Aberdeen

]]> By: The Flying Scotsman http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-381321 The Flying Scotsman Sun, 08 Jan 2006 22:49:46 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-381321 <strong>thats like killing the whole population of Aberdeen</strong> thats like killing the whole population of Aberdeen

]]> By: The Flying Scotsman http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-381319 The Flying Scotsman Sun, 08 Jan 2006 22:49:02 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-381319 Bush says 30,000 dead in Iraq but real number caused by 2003 US attack is AT LEAST 180,000 Thats disgusting worse than saddam ...... Bush says 30,000 dead in Iraq but real number caused by 2003 US attack is AT LEAST 180,000

Thats disgusting worse than saddam ……

]]> By: big papa http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-380932 big papa Sun, 08 Jan 2006 19:22:30 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-380932 "I agree Bush must be Impeached..." Comment by The Flying Scotsman #26 Alas Scotsman, I used to think the same thing, 'til I googled "presidential succession". Da*n we've got a serious constitutional crisis... “I agree Bush must be Impeached…”

Comment by The Flying Scotsman #26

Alas Scotsman,

I used to think the same thing, ’til I googled “presidential succession”.

Da*n we’ve got a serious constitutional crisis…

]]> By: big papa http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-380908 big papa Sun, 08 Jan 2006 19:18:20 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-380908 Seriously, the Bush twins need to enlist and walk point on slum patrol. Comment by cynical ex-hippie #33 They'd just get f**ked...(up)...literally... Seriously, the Bush twins need to enlist and walk point on slum patrol.

Comment by cynical ex-hippie #33

They’d just get f**ked…(up)…literally…

]]> By: Pete Bogs http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-380417 Pete Bogs Sun, 08 Jan 2006 15:50:49 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-380417 it's too bad that a year ago when we found out about the armor shortage, Bush couldn't have skipped his $XX million inaugural ball and put that money toward protecting the troops... http://blogdebogs.blogspot.com/2005/12/guilt-and-missed-opportunities.html it’s too bad that a year ago when we found out about the armor shortage, Bush couldn’t have skipped his $XX million inaugural ball and put that money toward protecting the troops…

http://blogdebogs.blogspot.com/2005/12/guilt-and-missed-opportunities.html

]]> By: cynical ex-hippie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378710 cynical ex-hippie Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:25:17 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378710 Scottsman, I have many friends around the world and I found general support for going after bin Laden. That was the right thing to do, and the whole world agreed. Iraq was a confusing mess going in and the more we sort out the truth, the worse things look. Scottsman, I have many friends around the world and I found general support for going after bin Laden. That was the right thing to do, and the whole world agreed. Iraq was a confusing mess going in and the more we sort out the truth, the worse things look.

]]> By: cynical ex-hippie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378705 cynical ex-hippie Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:23:20 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378705 Absolutely right Marie. They decided some time ago that winning for them was more important than letting the marketplace of ideas settle on the best course. Hence honest debate has been replaced by what we see today. Bush acts like an idiot, and then disparages his critics for calling him an idiot. Absolutely right Marie. They decided some time ago that winning for them was more important than letting the marketplace of ideas settle on the best course.

Hence honest debate has been replaced by what we see today. Bush acts like an idiot, and then disparages his critics for calling him an idiot.

]]> By: John Ehrlichman http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378702 John Ehrlichman Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:22:25 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378702 This is a great article highlighting not only the lack of foresight and prep by the Pres and Joint Chiefs in supplying this stupid war, but also in exposing the debacle that is the COUGAR HEV transport. This vehicle is built to survive IED and landmine explosions, yet the no-bid contract was awarded to a wannabe contractor who HAD NEVER BUILT VEHICLES BEFORE. Consequently, they have transmission problems and are being recalled IN IRAQ. What. A. DIsaster. This is a great article highlighting not only the lack of foresight and prep by the Pres and Joint Chiefs in supplying this stupid war, but also in exposing the debacle that is the COUGAR HEV transport. This vehicle is built to survive IED and landmine explosions, yet the no-bid contract was awarded to a wannabe contractor who HAD NEVER BUILT VEHICLES BEFORE. Consequently, they have transmission problems and are being recalled IN IRAQ.

What. A. DIsaster.

]]> By: Marie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378687 Marie Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:15:00 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378687 #31, cynical, <blockquote><em>I actually heard my red state friends say Bush is really smart, but plays dumb to throw off his opponents. The latter I think is true, but Bush is learning he’s not as smart as he thought he was. </em></blockquote> I have heard much the same and to some extent it may be accurate, but when I think more about it, how asinine is it for the president to "pretend" to be dumber than he really is for political purposes? I think Bush is dumb intellectually, I think he is a stubborn man and a shallow thinker, but I think he has some political savvy - an innate feeling that he listens to - and, added to his lack of critical thinking ability, he is in way over his head and we are all paying the price. Just as his life before 2000, he got everything through the connections and favors of his family. Then he started this illegal, immoral war. He should be hanged. That will help rectify all his previous malfeasance. #31, cynical,

I actually heard my red state friends say Bush is really smart, but plays dumb to throw off his opponents. The latter I think is true, but Bush is learning he’s not as smart as he thought he was.

I have heard much the same and to some extent it may be accurate, but when I think more about it, how asinine is it for the president to “pretend” to be dumber than he really is for political purposes? I think Bush is dumb intellectually, I think he is a stubborn man and a shallow thinker, but I think he has some political savvy – an innate feeling that he listens to – and, added to his lack of critical thinking ability, he is in way over his head and we are all paying the price. Just as his life before 2000, he got everything through the connections and favors of his family. Then he started this illegal, immoral war. He should be hanged. That will help rectify all his previous malfeasance.

]]> By: Marie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378667 Marie Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:01:29 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378667 There are so many things wrong with this story: For starters, Bush started this war illegally, and with lies. Having done so, the Pentagon (Rumsfeld) sent fewer troops than required, with inadequate armor. The generals said the required armor is too heavy and will hinder solders' movements. But when soldiers started remodeling their own body armor, the call went out for the more protective kind. There are 138,000 in Iraq; fewer than 30,000 armored sets have been ordered. This war was wrong from the start, our soldiers are paying a high price, the military is dangerously weakened for the forseeable future. Bush, Rumsfeld and company go on their way ignoring the negative reports, because they cannot show "weakness" or "errors". There are so many things wrong with this story:
For starters, Bush started this war illegally, and with lies.
Having done so, the Pentagon (Rumsfeld) sent fewer troops than required, with inadequate armor.
The generals said the required armor is too heavy and will hinder solders’ movements. But when soldiers started remodeling their own body armor, the call went out for the more protective kind.
There are 138,000 in Iraq; fewer than 30,000 armored sets have been ordered.
This war was wrong from the start, our soldiers are paying a high price, the military is dangerously weakened for the forseeable future. Bush, Rumsfeld and company go on their way ignoring the negative reports, because they cannot show “weakness” or “errors”.

]]> By: James http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378475 James Sat, 07 Jan 2006 22:26:26 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378475 Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Rumsfield has a big interest in the promotion of the generals...suggesting that the troops needed extra body armor - that was already available - would be tacitly (in rumsfields mind) admitting that there was a big error made on his part. He can't have that. If you tell Rumsfield that there's this great new well existing armor plate that could have kept 80 percent of marines hit in the upper torso alive - you won't get promoted. Bringing bad news, especially news that should have come up prior to the elections, is not a good idea for advancement. So, what do you do? Answer: More classified studies. Remember that Kerry made a big deal about Bush not sending the troops to battle with essential armor and such? An announcement by the military that they should have given troops this armor would have played into his hands. Generals are politically savy. This isn't a big surprise. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Rumsfield has a big interest in the promotion of the generals…suggesting that the troops needed extra body armor – that was already available – would be tacitly (in rumsfields mind) admitting that there was a big error made on his part. He can’t have that.

If you tell Rumsfield that there’s this great new well existing armor plate that could have kept 80 percent of marines hit in the upper torso alive – you won’t get promoted. Bringing bad news, especially news that should have come up prior to the elections, is not a good idea for advancement. So, what do you do? Answer: More classified studies.

Remember that Kerry made a big deal about Bush not sending the troops to battle with essential armor and such? An announcement by the military that they should have given troops this armor would have played into his hands.

Generals are politically savy. This isn’t a big surprise.

]]> By: Dana http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-378322 Dana Sat, 07 Jan 2006 21:55:42 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-378322 That is just criminal. No other way to describe it. Rumsfeld, Cheney and everyone else who sent those men over there without proper equipment should be imprisoned -- at Gitmo. That is just criminal. No other way to describe it. Rumsfeld, Cheney and everyone else who sent those men over there without proper equipment should be imprisoned — at Gitmo.

]]> By: The Flying Scotsman http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-377996 The Flying Scotsman Sat, 07 Jan 2006 20:38:29 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-377996 31 / I would add 3/ when 911 happened " my first thoughts when I seen Bush sitting in a school with young kids " I thought thats a bit strange it was almost as if he planned to be their looking back in hindsight yes I suppose things did go to quickly to war. But I think the world supported you going for Bin laden .. Even up to a few months ago I could not get round my friends telling me Bush planned 911 ...Which I still dont think so maybe What my conclusions are that Bush for sure knew it was going to happen 100% and let it happen to get to the stage were at today......... After reading last week this ((The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions About the Bush Administration and 9/11 - David Ray Griffin)) I can say definately America needs to do what the book reccommends and that is a full public enquiry into 911 .... might cost a bob or 2 but it would have been better than a 2 triilion war only then can Americans put there differences aside and get back to being one nation, rather then being split in half like what Hitler did in WW2 31 / I would add 3/

when 911 happened ” my first thoughts when I seen Bush sitting in a school with young kids ” I thought thats a bit strange it was almost as if he planned to be their

looking back in hindsight yes I suppose things did go to quickly to war. But I think the world supported you going for Bin laden ..

Even up to a few months ago I could not get round my friends telling me Bush planned 911 …Which I still dont think so maybe

What my conclusions are that Bush for sure knew it was going to happen 100% and let it happen to get to the stage were at today……… After reading last week this ((The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions About the Bush Administration and 9/11 – David Ray Griffin)) I can say definately

America needs to do what the book reccommends and that is a full public enquiry into 911 …. might cost a bob or 2 but it would have been better than a 2 triilion war

only then can Americans put there differences aside and get back to being one nation, rather then being split in half like what Hitler did in WW2

]]> By: cynical ex-hippie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-377992 cynical ex-hippie Sat, 07 Jan 2006 20:36:31 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-377992 Seriously, the Bush twins need to enlist and walk point on slum patrol. Seriously, the Bush twins need to enlist and walk point on slum patrol.

]]> By: cynical ex-hippie http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/comment-page-1/#comment-377979 cynical ex-hippie Sat, 07 Jan 2006 20:29:38 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/01/07/80/#comment-377979 Some time ago I heard a rumor that the Saudi government was buying a lot of the body armor in 2003/2004, using some of the excess manufacturing capacity that our own army did not utilize. And some thought it strange that the Saudi military was buying equipment that never appeared within the ranks of their army. Nobody knows where the equipment went, but you can guess the conventional wisdom is that it went across the Syrian border and was used against us. And Bush held their hands and walked them across our land. He may as well hand over West Point and call himself Benedict Bush. Some time ago I heard a rumor that the Saudi government was buying a lot of the body armor in 2003/2004, using some of the excess manufacturing capacity that our own army did not utilize. And some thought it strange that the Saudi military was buying equipment that never appeared within the ranks of their army. Nobody knows where the equipment went, but you can guess the conventional wisdom is that it went across the Syrian border and was used against us.

And Bush held their hands and walked them across our land. He may as well hand over West Point and call himself Benedict Bush.

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