ThinkFast: May 4, 2006
ThinkFast: May 4, 2006
Public diplomacy to improve the image of the United States in the Muslim world is “not working.” A new Government Accountability (GAO) report finds that the Bush administration continues to lack “an interagency communication strategy to guide governmentwide public diplomacy activities.”
$6.89 billion: The first quarter profits of Royal Dutch Shell, the world’s third-largest oil company.
Former Homeland Security IG Clark Kent Ervin on former Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson’s lack of response to airport security: “[H]e asked few if any questions, appearing to be totally unfazed by the whole thing…I could only wonder why the man in charge of border and transportation security seemed so blase about how easy it had been to sneak guns, knives and bombs past airport screeners.â€
Mary Cheney, daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney and a senior campaign adviser for Bush, said she nearly quit the campaign over the gay marriage issue: “I struggled with my decision to stay on the 2004 campaign,†she said. “I didn’t want to be there. No one banned me from being there. But I didn’t want to stand up and cheer.â€
The Zacarias Moussaoui trial reveals a central contradiction in the Bush administration’s fight against terrorism — “bit players often have been put on trial, while those thought to have orchestrated the plots have been held in secret for questioning.”
A GAO report finds efficient customer service to be sorely lacking from the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. The report concluded that “Medicare’s telephone operators frequently give callers false or incomplete information…that call waiting times lasted from a few minutes to almost an hour, and the government Web site was so confusing that some people gave up before completing the process.â€
Japan’s Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga said the country is planning to withdraw troops from Iraq and will do so when British and Australian forces begin to withdraw their forces.
Today, a group of senators will call on Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to stop stalling on the House-passed stem cell legislation (H.R. 810). This legislation is backed by a majority of the public and would expand stem cell research beyond the few stem cell lines currently approved.
Yesterday, the Task Force on a Unified Security Budget for the United States unveiled a new report at the Center for American Progress. The report said, “Congress should cut $62 billion out of Cold War weapons programs and shift most of that money to homeland security, efforts to halt the spread of nuclear weapons and diplomatic measures that better address current national security needs.â€
And finally: Sometimes, the apples fall far from the tree. An election on the central committee of the Erie County Democratic Party ended in a tie. The incumbent, William Crawford, has two voting age sons but they didn’t bother to vote. One of his sons lives at home, the other in a house across the street.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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The day Frist passes the stem cell bill is the very day he kisses his chance at any Presidential run. The Fundies just won’t be havin’ it.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:10 amTP,
Today’s New York Times has a very compelling article on Mississippi governor Haley Barbour’s refusal to grant a POSTHUMOUS pardon to a Black Civil Rights worker, Clyde Kennard, whose ONLY crime was attempting to desegregate a Mississippi college.
Mr. Kennard was imprisoned (a seven-year sentence) for “stealing $25.oo worth of chicken feed” on testimony that the sole witness now says was perjured.
However, to the al Crackkker klansman Haley Barbour these facts have no bearing on his resolute decision to NOT grant a posthumous pardon to Mr. Kennard, a 7 year U.S. soldier who upon his return from Germany and Korea decided to finish his undergraduate work (started in Chicago) in Mississippi…
Call the al Crackkker fu*khead haley barbour and let him know whether you support him or DENOUNCE him!
1-601-359-3150, ask for the Community Relations Dept.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:21 amPublic diplomacy to improve the image of the United States in the Muslim world is “not working.â€
Uncle Sam says: “Aside from the fact that we’re bombing your country and neighbors without reason, killing thousands of innocent people, we’re really nice guys. You should like us. Please.”
What a joke.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:22 amPublic diplomacy to improve the image of the United States in the Muslim world is “not working.â€
This really is the CEO presidency. They can’t understand that no matter how good your advertising is, if the product sucks it won’t sell. (Vacuum cleaners excepted.)
Mary Cheney, daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney and a senior campaign adviser for Bush, said she nearly quit the campaign over the gay marriage issue: “I struggled with my decision to stay on the 2004 campaign,†she said.
So why did she?
An election on the central committee of the Erie County Democratic Party ended in a tie. The incumbent, William Crawford, has two voting age sons but they didn’t bother to vote. One of his sons lives at home, the other in a house across the street.
I think you mean an election to the central committee. If the election were on the committee, only committee members would be voting.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:25 am#3 You’re QUICK :D
Exactly what I was thinking…
May 4th, 2006 at 9:26 am#3 – It’s hard to improve our image at the end of a rifle.
We’re in a lose-lose situation in Iraq. Pres. Bush cherry picked his “proof” (some of which was outright lies) and ignored anything that didn’t support his rush to war, and the Iraqi people just want us to leave. We broke a country, and we now have two choices: stay and continue to screw up or leave it screwed up.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:29 amAnd plus: you can’t have an unitarian diplomacy towards the “muslim world”, because there are a lot of DIFFERENT countries whose only link in common is religion. And the Bush cabal as branded too many muslims as dangerous and stremists, thus menacing the only thing in common between those countries… So it’s diplomacy trumps on itself…
May 4th, 2006 at 9:31 amYou’re QUICK :D
Exactly what I was thinking…
Comment by Evil Spaniard — May 4, 2006 @ 9:26 am
Just better timing – this time. More often, you beat me to it : )
They really must think they are very clever and everyone else in the world is really stupid. They aren’t fooling everyone.
I have a friend who says that some people think that if you speak with an accent that it means that you think with one. Pretty much why I dropped the Southern Accent – unless I’m around a bunch of Southerners. Silly what people will use to judge and belittle others – skin color, religious beliefs, an accent…
If the government wants to be ‘liked’ it should consider its behavior, and not what it tells people. No wonder most of these neo-cons geeks don’t have friends…
May 4th, 2006 at 9:31 amThe Moussaoui trial was the biggest sham that was ever produced by the U government.
think about it folks. They took this guy who had nothing whatsoever to do with 911 and the evidence against him was a complete rehashing of the 911 disaster, every film taken, every horror shown in its entirety. They proved guilt by association, nothing more.
I have no use for Moussaoui whatsoever. In fact I would probably shoot him myself if he was in front of me, but, to convict a guy with NO EVIDENCE AT ALL is a complete sham.
Well they say, if Moussaoui had told the truth from the beginning, maybe, just maybe 911 could have been averted. Who are they trying to kid. Moussaoui could have walked into the FBI, told his story, and he would have been ignored by all. The report would never have left the office.
Look at the report Bush recieved in August 91, was anything done about that? Hell no.
Moussaoui got the shaft folks. He was made an example of, he was not one of the original terrist sent here by Bin Laden to attack us. He knew little or nothing of the operation planned, lied about the rest, and your government folks, wanted to turn him into a martyr.
What a country we live in. God tells the prez everything to do and the prez is still trying to figure out why the world does not listen to him. What a poor disillusioned fool the man is.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:32 am#3 – Good morning Unbelieveable. And they don’t even bother to send someone who can speak the language or is familiar with their culture to deliver their message. Karen Hughes?
PS/OT – any word on the job change?
May 4th, 2006 at 9:32 am#4 – “So why did she?” (Stay with the 2004 Republican campaign.)
Mary Cheney is the opposite of her father.
She put family abover her politics.
Her father put politics abover his family.
It’s the only “family values” that Republicans if his ilk adhere to or understand: politics IS his family!
May 4th, 2006 at 9:34 am#11 – I hit “post” too quickly!
I should have written: “Politics ARE his family!”
May 4th, 2006 at 9:35 amI hope Mary Cheney is proud of herself, and of her contribution to society.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:35 am#11 Yep, those repugs are really faithful to the “famiglia”. Don’t ask, don’t tell, or you’ll have a horse’s head in your pillow.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:36 amWe broke a country, and we now have two choices: stay and continue to screw up or leave it screwed up.
Comment by Democrat Soldier — May 4, 2006 @ 9:29 am
Bush has proven, repeatedly , that ignorance is not only NOT bliss, but dangerous.
He’s so arrogant to think that what he wants, the world wants – without understanding pre-existing cultures, religions, and history. Thought he would just march in, as ‘God told him to do’ and be welcomed as a hero.
And now he doesn’t understand why the propaganda isn’t sinking in.
The only reason he is President is because of his circumstances in life (rich, powerful Daddy). He is not qualified to do a good job. He’s never done a good job in his life before. How does anyone still think he will now? Baffling.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:37 amMary Cheney, daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney and a senior campaign adviser for Bush, said she nearly quit the campaign
“I struggled with my decision to stay on the 2004 campaign,” Cheney told “Primetime.” Her personal challenge came when President Bush said the nation must defend the sanctity of marriage.
“I didn’t want to be there. No one banned me from being there. But I didn’t want to stand up and cheer,” she said.
Yeah, Mary, but you were there, huh? Just like McCain and Colin Powell, sucking up and compromising your principles. Here, take a look in the mirror, gal: (_*_)
May 4th, 2006 at 9:39 am#11 I don’t see how working on the campaign makes her a better daughter.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:42 amGood morning Quadrajet… How are you?
And they don’t even bother to send someone who can speak the language or is familiar with their culture to deliver their message. Karen Hughes?
Apparently they don’t even know that they speak Farci… much less hire anyone who can. Pathetic, huh? Well, I guess when you think everyone envies us, you can just go speak English and they will fall all over themselves to capitulate. What a joke.
PS/OT – any word on the job change?
Comment by Quadrajet — May 4, 2006 @ 9:32 am
Yeah, I got a job teaching Architecture with the District where I went to high school. It’s a new program in the county meant to start students on their career path. Will be some college students as well. Should be a huge improvement from the current situation. Keeps me in Georgia for now, but it’s a more open-minded county where teachers are valued. So, hopefully that will balance the Bible-Belt mentality. Thanks for asking.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:49 amI hope Mary Cheney is proud of herself, and of her contribution to society.
Comment by cynical ex-hippie — May 4, 2006 @ 9:35 am
Seriously. She helped fight AGAINST her cause… And now wants us to pity her plight. Sorry Mary, but there are starving and abused children I’m currently too busy feeling sorry for instead.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:51 am#16.
There are those who are Fascists. To them, Bush is doing a good job, but that He doesn’t go far enough. They would have everyone who does not look like them or think like them shot. I have heard people who said Rush Limbaugh is too liberal. Their views are dogmatic, entrenched, and quite simple: The world would be better off if only everyone else (non-white, non-ultraRight) would die.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:53 amI got a job teaching Architecture with the District where I went to high school. It’s a new program in the county meant to start students on their career path…..Keeps me in Georgia for now, but it’s a more open-minded county where teachers are valued. So, hopefully that will balance the Bible-Belt mentality.
Comment by unbelievable
Thats cool, unbelievable. You being a teacher, I mean. Say, how does that Architecture class fit in with the Book of Revalations and the Unintelligent Design stuff? BTY, do you know where Dalton is? As a kid I lived outside a nearby town called Varnell. That’s where I picked up my redneck background, chew habit, and first case of chiggers on my groin.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:00 amThe world would be better off if only everyone else (non-white, non-ultraRight) would die.
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — May 4, 2006 @ 9:53 am
And then, after they got homogenization, whoever would they hate? They’d divide themsleves again – over something pettier such as eye color. It would be blue-eyed people against brown-eyed people. And then freckles. We’d annihilate those with freckles. And red hair. And shorter than 5′ tall – or taller than 6′-5″. And so on.
Their hate is endless. No matter what they destroy, it wioll never be enough.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:02 amThats cool, unbelievable. You being a teacher, I mean. Say, how does that Architecture class fit in with the Book of Revalations and the Unintelligent Design stuff? BTY, do you know where Dalton is? As a kid I lived outside a nearby town called Varnell. That’s where I picked up my redneck background, chew habit, and first case of chiggers on my groin.
Comment by Joe Sixpack — May 4, 2006 @ 10:00 am
Thanks Joe. I’m guessing that Architecture will keep me away from the ‘e’ word :).
I’ve been to Dalton several times. You might know a couple people that I know. Small world.
Thanks for reminding me about chiggers. After 4 years out west, I’d forgotten about them.
You still live in Georgia?
May 4th, 2006 at 10:05 am# 20 Briseadh na Faire :
Greetings,well met fellow,hail !
May 4th, 2006 at 10:06 am#18 Congrats Unbelieveable, best of luck to you. It’s encouraging to know that folks like you and Jules are teaching, especially given the locations you and she are in. All is well here, but I’m always a bit concerned when I don’t see IRI here spouting his nonsense – it means he could be out on the street with my family and friends (I live in the same metro area that he infects) which is always a disturbing thought.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:09 amI agree with most of the above. The thing that struck me in this thread was the Mary Cheney article. I know many gay folks. I mean, this is Ca, you can’t NOT know gay folks unless you prefer to keep your head in the sand, hands over your ears & scream all the time (some folks do just that). But really, I just don’t get the Log Cabin Republicans, not Mary Cheney.
I don’t feel poorly about her because she supported her father. That’s OK. I feel she’s wacked because she supported her father knowing what her father supports. She & all the other Log Cabin Repubs have sold their soul. Republicans, nationally, think gays are lower than dirt. Why would anyone, in their right mind, support someone whose mission is to drive you to oblivion & extermination? I just don’t get it. It isn’t like you can’t find fiscal conservatives in the Dem party. You can. And to try to portray the Dems as amoral, well that’s just blather & bullshit from those who use hate to whip up the idiot masses.
Why do conservatives find sex so bad? What does that say about themselves? Not any good things in my opinion.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:11 amMary Cheney nearly quit the campaign, but she stayed on anyway — so how does she feel about her betrayal of herself?
May 4th, 2006 at 10:12 amMary Cheney, daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney and a senior campaign adviser for Bush, said she nearly quit the campaign over the gay marriage issue: “I struggled with my decision to stay on the 2004 campaign,†she said.
So why did she?
Comment by Gary Kleppe — May 4, 2006 @ 9:25 am
Gary – She is a Republican… they love opposing their self interests… a strange yet common character flaw of the right.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:12 amI don’t know Mary Cheney but it isn’t difficult to make some observations about what she finds important in life.
She, like many people, chose what appears to be the path of convenience and priveledge at the expense of principle. She is entitled to that choice but not the respect that one might afford a person who pursues their beliefs even if it makes life difficult.
In the end, she is her father’s daughter…which means that is where she likely learned her values. It is hard to doubt what Dick Cheney finds important…money and power. As the old saying goes, “the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
read more observations here:
http://www.thoughttheater.com
May 4th, 2006 at 10:13 amYou still live in Georgia?
Naw. I moved west too, with my mama. Been back a few times to visit relatives and friends. Things have changed a lot. People getting false teeth and store-bought toilet paper and all.
(I won’t tell what I was doing out in the woods to get chiggers in my crotch and neither will mighty aphrodite so don’t ask her).
May 4th, 2006 at 10:13 amUnbelievable,
First of all, Congratulations on the new job! Jane and I wish all the best for you. As for me, if anyone is going to be out there filling the “impressionable young minds†of those college students, I’m glad it’s going to be someone like you.
As for Karen Hughes, the idea that she would be a good choice to improve our relations with the Muslim world should be ample evidence that this administration doesn’t understand the first thing about what it’s trying to do. First of all, she’s a terrible person to have as a spokesperson. She’s a horrible liar. She quite obviously lied when she claimed during the 2000 campaign that George W. Bush’s drunk-driving arrest was because he was “driving too slowly.†The truth is that he was arrested because he drove off the road and into a hedge. I’m currently reading John Dean’s Worse Than Watergate, and in it he says that Hughes ghostwrote Bush’s “autobiography†A Charge to Keep. In their review, the Texas Observer said that the book was so poorly written that they considered hiring ghostreaders to review it. So I really don’t believe that communication is her strong suit. Loyalty, yes, but communication, no. Second, as someone pointed out, she doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t understand the culture. If you want to hire someone to bridge the gap between our two cultures, hire Fareed Zakaria. At least he understands both ways of life. And lastly, she’s a woman. For reasons I will never understand, women are not generally respected in the Muslim culture. They are not treated as equals with men, so to send a woman out to them to try to make them understand us is starting off on the wrong foot right from the get-go.
As for the administration wanting people to like them, I do not believe that they care one way or the other if anyone likes them. Rumsfeld is a good example. He couldn’t care less what you or I thought of him. The only person whose opinion of him matters to him is the Vice President. I can imagine him saying, “Am I jealous of the Voice President because he got to shoot a 78-year-old man in the face and get away with it and I can’t? You bet! I’m the head of our military, for Chrissakes, I should be allowed to shoot whomever I want.†But that’s just my imagination at work. The Vice President most certainly doesn’t care who likes him. According to Dean’s book, if Dick Cheney were re-installed (formally) as the CEO of Halliburton, the stockholders would have a legal right to know about his health status. But as one of the most powerful and secretive Vice Presidents in the history of our nation, he has managed to keep the details of his very poor health out of the public domain. And the president only cares that the three or four people he talks to at all like him.
And I agree with you in that their hate is endless. They just can’t seem to function without having someone to hate. Their entire strategy for governance is to pick an enemy and try to get everyone to join in hating them so they’ll be able to slip by the legislation they really want passed while no one is looking.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:17 amI’m always a bit concerned when I don’t see IRI here spouting his nonsense – it means he could be out on the street with my family and friends (I live in the same metro area that he infects) which is always a disturbing thought.
Comment by Quadrajet — May 4, 2006 @ 10:09 am
Don’t worry, he’s employed. Sometimes he travels. Or works :).
Don’t worry about him. In real life, I think he actually has some decorum. It’s just easy in here to say anything
May 4th, 2006 at 10:18 amMary Cheney,
May 4th, 2006 at 10:20 amRemember your Dad so pissed off that a gay daughter was even
brought up as a topic in the ‘04 race?
That’s why you should have stood up then!
Take a stand. Be someone.
Sitting in the backseat ‘wishing’ you would have done something
is childish & irresponsible. You blew it, Mary.
(I do pity you for having to grow up around THE DICK, though)
Dick Cheney shot the Easter Bunny.
(I won’t tell what I was doing out in the woods to get chiggers in my crotch and neither will mighty aphrodite so don’t ask her).
Comment by Joe Sixpack — May 4, 2006 @ 10:13 am
Hilarious!!!
May 4th, 2006 at 10:20 amWhy do conservatives find sex so bad? What does that say about themselves? Not any good things in my opinion.
Comment by kindness
I’ve heard there is a new “Don’t ask, Don’t tell,” policy in the White House. Now I don’t know if that applies to Tony Snowjob’s press conferences or directly to Condi Rice.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:21 am#28 She is a Republican… they love opposing their self interests… a strange yet common character flaw of the right.
Sort of like when democracts stick up for muslims, even though their extremists would like nothing more to suppress/oppress or worse people such as the gay community, or even outspoken women.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:21 amShe & all the other Log Cabin Repubs have sold their soul.
Comment by kindness — May 4, 2006 @ 10:11 am
Saw a T-shirt the other day with the Tommy Hilfiger logo, but “Tommy” had been replaced with “Uncle Tommy” and below it read “Casual wear for the ‘discriminating’ Log Cabin Republican”
May 4th, 2006 at 10:22 amMary Cheney plain and simple….SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!! Daddy Warbucks is her meal ticket!!!
May 4th, 2006 at 10:24 amFirst of all, Congratulations on the new job! Jane and I wish all the best for you. As for me, if anyone is going to be out there filling the “impressionable young minds†of those college students, I’m glad it’s going to be someone like you.
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider — May 4, 2006 @ 10:17 am
Thanks Wayne, I appreciate that. Will do my best to get them to think! :)
The sooner we get these crooks out of office and close the loopholes – the better off we will be. I just hope we can make it happen. I have zero faith in the people in this country to pull it off….
May 4th, 2006 at 10:25 am#39 Thanks Wayne, I appreciate that. Will do my best to get them to think! :)
About architecture right? Cause last thing we need is anouther hippy (you :) bringing politics in to a setting where it dosn’t belong in school. Damn dirty hippies
May 4th, 2006 at 10:29 amDamn dirty hippies
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 10:29 am
All right, Cartman.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:43 am#40 – “Damn dirty hippies”
Hey! I told you, I take a bath at least once a week if I need one or not! ;-)
May 4th, 2006 at 10:44 am#43 “Hey! I told you, I take a bath at least once a week if I need one or not!”
And normally you don’t, right?
#41 Wayne,
All right, Cartman.
The one with the hippy concert is prob. my all time favorite episode, Cartman going around rounding up hippies was hilarious.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:49 amAddition:
Elizabeth Dole, party before country, before homeland security:
May 4th, 2006 at 10:50 am
Public diplomacy to improve the image of the United States in the Muslim world is “not working.†– - Hard to believe that West Texan Karen Hughes isn’t simpatico with the Muslim world, especially its women.
May 4th, 2006 at 10:54 amnah… i change my mind… even SUE wasn’t that whacked…
May 4th, 2006 at 10:54 amSort of like when democracts stick up for muslims, even though their extremists would like nothing more to suppress/oppress or worse people such as the gay community, or even outspoken women.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 10:21 am
Your a clever one aren’t you squissspoop… the old republican conundrum… oh how ever shall I respond?
Democrats don’t support any group… certainly not one over another… if we did we would be no better than dirtbag republicans like yourself.
What we support is civil liberties and individual freedoms… maybe you’ve heard of them?
They used to be a lot more popular… you know with our founding fathers and all… but thanks to freedom hating imbeciles like your self they are starting to go the way of the dodo bird:(
Tell me squissypoop… why do you hate America?
May 4th, 2006 at 10:55 amsqueeg – go take a dump. Apparently something has crawled up your ass & you can’t get rid of it.
Why would you use the Savage/Limbaugh clichet that all Muslims are our enemy? That is so wrong. & comming from you, I’m surprised.
Extremists in any religion are our opponents, not our enemies. I say that cause I think Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sihk, and Moslim extremists want to limit all others and give themselves exclusive rights to do what they want. I didn’t include Buddists in the above cause, well, I’ve never heard of a buddist extremist. OK, maybe the ones who self immolated themselves in protest, but they didn’t want to take anything from me.
May 4th, 2006 at 11:00 am#48 “Democrats don’t support any group”
Then who do you support?
“certainly not one over another”
So their all equal to you then?
“dirtbag republicans like yourself.”
So if republicans are dirtbags, and all groups are equal to you, you think every group in america are dirtbags?
“why do you hate America?”
I’m not the one calling every group that comprises America dirt bags, sounds like you have more hate towards america then me.
And, I think I actually used real logic for a change, but probably not, but maybe. Must be the fruit I finally started eating.
May 4th, 2006 at 11:01 am#49 Kindness
“OK, maybe the ones who self immolated themselves in protest, but they didn’t want to take anything from me.”
Except your air quality, I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I assume immolated monks can’t be good on the lungs.
“Extremists in any religion are our opponents, not our enemies.”
May 4th, 2006 at 11:06 amI also said extremists.
Liberals are my opponents, not my enemies. However, people who wish death on me, and my way of life instead of offering alternatives fit more in the enemies catagory.
#48 “Democrats don’t support any groupâ€
Then who do you support?
We support civil liberties and individual freedoms for all people… damn read the post dumbass!
“certainly not one over anotherâ€
So their all equal to you then?
No dumbass! They all have an equal right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness as long as their pursuits don’t impede anyone else’s rights to pursue these things… its really very simple for anyone with a double digit IQ.
“dirtbag republicans like yourself.â€
So if republicans are dirtbags, and all groups are equal to you, you think every group in america are dirtbags?
No dumbass! I never said all groups are equal… all have equal right… get it strait.
“why do you hate America?â€
I’m not the one calling every group that comprises America dirt bags, sounds like you have more hate towards america then me.
Incoherent rambling… can’t respond?
And, I think I actually used real logic for a change, but probably not, but maybe. Must be the fruit I finally started eating.
Think again!
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 11:01 am
May 4th, 2006 at 11:18 amDid anyone think Karen Hughes was going to “make other countries like us more” …………………(crickets chirping)………………………
I didn’t think so either.
May 4th, 2006 at 11:19 am#52 “all people”
All people is a group, it is the highest level group. But you don’t support any groups, so you can not support any people, let alone all people.
“We support civil liberties and individual freedoms for all people”
2nd Amendment, generally attacked by the liberals.
You guys do tend to support individual freedom, but then you don’t support the responisbility that comes with that freedom. Freedom to have sex, don’t worry about what could happen, get an aborition. Freedom to make bad personal choices, don’t worry, you can be on welfare for ever. Freedom to speak out against American policy, but somehow not the freedom to speak out against those speaking out against American policy, thats considered intimidation and attempts to suppress the first amendment, as opposed to also using the first amendment. Freedom to commit crimes and get off on technicalities with things like miranda rights.
“They all have an equal right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness as long as their pursuits don’t impede anyone else’s rights to pursue these things”
Affirmitive Action-Somehow being a minority moves you up higher then being a non-minority, beyond supporting one group over anouther, something you claim democrats don’t do, it impedes on the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness of one group to the benifit of anouther.
“why do you hate America?â€
May 4th, 2006 at 11:32 amI don’t hate America. I love it to my core.
squeeg – my point was that you said moslems in general. Here, I’ll copy & paste:
“Sort of like when democracts stick up for muslims, even though their extremists would like nothing more to suppress/oppress or worse people such as the gay community, or even outspoken women.”
So, we agree that neither of us support the extremists. But your first sentance links the muslems with the extremists. That was my take. We do support the moslems. We don’t support the extremists. OK?
May 4th, 2006 at 11:38 amLet’s see now…
The criminally incompetent, corrupt and murderous Bushite junta’s propaganda campaign to make America more palatable to the Muslim world…
…is failing?
…Are we shocked and dismayed?
…3/4 of Americans hate this regime who’ve been occupying our government for almost six years…
…Could it be that the mass murder of innocents, and the illegal freezing of the Palestinian people’s money by American/European owned banks…
…in deference to America’s (and now apparently Europe’s) masters the Israeli’s resentment of the democratically elected Palestinian government led by Hamas…
…has something to do with the reason Muslims look so unfavorably upon America…
May 4th, 2006 at 11:41 amMary helped fuel the bans against Americans by refusing to stand up.
She stood down just to help neo cons. Can she help stop the trains from wrecking in this country. I don’t believe she can. falwell,dobson,tony perkins have their ‘guns’ trained on stripping Americans of their Consitutional Rights.
Will Mary gain support from the Community ? Just the Log Cabins rethugs but not from the rest of the Community.
Mary your a fraud!
May 4th, 2006 at 11:47 am#28 She is a Republican… they love opposing their self interests… a strange yet common character flaw of the right.
Sort of like when democracts stick up for muslims, even though their extremists would like nothing more to suppress/oppress or worse people such as the gay community, or even outspoken women.
Comment by squegeeboo
You just dont get it do you? Supporting muslims? I think the correct phrase would be supporting HUMANS. The term extremist is NOT what the left supports… which is why the left works against the right because of all the extremist types in the republican party …but they call themselves christians instead of muslims… what ever BS… they are biggoted facists. They want to kill “muslim humans” not just extremists. They have no problem with extremists because they ARE extremists.
May 4th, 2006 at 11:55 amWARMONGER CASTE IN DC?
Thursday 4th of May 2006
by Jay Randal
It has been reported in the Press that one member of the entire Congress has a son in a combat role in Iraq!
A few have sons or daughters in the military, but in safe non-combat positions, so out of harms way for the Iraq debacle fiasco quagmire, and not in Afghanistan!
The Bush Regime is almost ready to attack Iran , so expects most in the Congress to go along with their devious plan, and not to prevent it or vote against it!
Dubya Dunce Decider and Crazy Cheney lied to the Congress for the war on Iraq, so they are also lying on Iran as well, which implies Congressional stupidity!
Senators and Representatives of both political parties are being told to drink the War-Kool-Aid, and accept any phony rational promulgated to wage war on Iran!
The unwarranted aggression on Iran most likely will ignite global WWIII, requiring an emergency draft, so will members of the Congress exempt their children?
( Jay Randal, political activist and writer in Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA.)
May 4th, 2006 at 11:57 amSo their all equal to you then?
Comment by squegeeboo
ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL
May 4th, 2006 at 12:00 pm# 54 – All people is a group, it is the highest level group. But you don’t support any groups, so you can not support any people, let alone all people.
You really are a simpleton aren’t you… by supporting civil liberties and individual freedoms for all people it is implied that this includes the “everyone group”… I specifically stated we do not support any group over any other group… the “everyone group” is all inclusive so there is no other group could stand in opposition to it.
As for the rest of your response… more incoherent ramblings and unfounded generalizations.
You should really consider reading your thought out loud before submitting them… or maybe have a grown up look at them first.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:04 pmSquegeeboo posted:
“Sort of like when democracts stick up for muslims, even though their extremists would like nothing more to suppress/oppress or worse people such as the gay community, or even outspoken women.”
As opposed to the republicans who stick up for christians, even though their extremists would like nothing more to suppress/oppress or worse people such as the gay community, or even outspoken women.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:04 pmTwo can play that game, Squege.
#60 “ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”
And then you make choices that break that equality. The choice to not go to work, the choice to help some one out in need, the choice to rob a person, the choice to assume responsiblity for an action.
Are criminals and their rights worthy of equality to non-criminals?
May 4th, 2006 at 12:06 pm#62 JosephW
“Two can play that game, Squege.”
Which was my point, and why my comment started out referencing comment #28.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:08 pm2nd Amendment, generally attacked by the liberals.
Without those guns our liberal founding fathers could not have made America. Rush may have you convinced that the left wants to get rid of guns, but I have only met a couple flower power people that think that way… and Michael Moore… but I dont agree with him on that. I want to right to shoot might government when it becomes neccessary just like George Washington did.
You guys do tend to support individual freedom, but then you don’t support the responisbility that comes with that freedom. Freedom to have sex, don’t worry about what could happen, get an aborition.
Abortion is taking responsiblity. Morning after pills are also… once again more Rush limbaugh BS.
Freedom to make bad personal choices, don’t worry, you can be on welfare for ever.
I am sure people like this exist… I just never met one.
Freedom to speak out against American policy, but somehow not the freedom to speak out against those speaking out against American policy, thats considered intimidation and attempts to suppress the first amendment, as opposed to also using the first amendment.
Dont know a single liberal that thinks Irans “Death to America” chants are a sign of friendship. They have the right to say that as along as they dont try to implement it. Self defense is far different that killing people because they SAID something you dont like.
Freedom to commit crimes and get off on technicalities with things like miranda rights.
If those “technicalities” are not guarded then they will be ignored by people like yourself, I-R-I, Cartman, and just about every cop… at the expense of our freedoms.
I just dont understand what is so hard to understand here? I grew up right wing. And non of the people I grew up with supported left wing ideals UNLESS it was for their own freedoms ..then they were flaming liberals…. but if it is about the mythical “them” then it was ok to be a reichwinger… Is being TWO FACED really that hard to see in ones self?
May 4th, 2006 at 12:10 pm#60 “ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUALâ€
And then you make choices that break that equality. The choice to not go to work, the choice to help some one out in need, the choice to rob a person, the choice to assume responsiblity for an action.
Are criminals and their rights worthy of equality to non-criminals?
Comment by squegeeboo
Once the criminal has been punished or locked away it is no longer about THEM… it is about who WE are and what type of actions WE will take because the criminal no longer can hurt us nor has a say outside of the rights he has left. So to answer your question …YES… unless they are no longer HUMANS then yes. If a child molester is in prison for the rest of his life then he can not hurt anyone else… so from there on out if his rights are trampled then it reflects on US not him. Upholding CONSTITUTIONAL rights is about who WE THE PEOPLE are… not the criminal.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:17 pmAbout architecture right? Cause last thing we need is anouther hippy (you :) bringing politics in to a setting where it dosn’t belong in school. Damn dirty hippies
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 10:29 am
I can’t teach them about architecture without context – geographical, historical, political…
And for the last time, I took a bath this month! :)
May 4th, 2006 at 12:18 pm“but I have only met a couple flower power people that think that way… and Michael Moore”
Assult Rifle Ban-Clinton, 50%+ of both houses.
“Freedom to make bad personal choices, don’t worry, you can be on welfare for ever.
I am sure people like this exist… I just never met one.”
Try getting a job at a grocery store in a poor neighborhood, you’ll meet lots.
“Dont know a single liberal that thinks Irans “Death to America†chants are a sign of friendship.” I was refering to people in America, not outside forces, people like Sheehan, who can say whatever she wants, but when the right responds, they’re ‘attacking’ her rights to freedom of speech, as opposed to using their own.
“Abortion is taking responsiblity.”
To you perhaps, to many on the right its escaping your responisiblities to your future child, by killing it.
“If those “technicalities†are not guarded then they will be ignored by people like yourself, I-R-I, Cartman, and just about every cop… at the expense of our freedoms.”
At the expense of criminals freedoms. Not mine.
Is being TWO FACED really that hard to see in ones self?
May 4th, 2006 at 12:21 pmI would assume so.
Why do republicans have such a difficult time with the concept that the US Constitution applies to all of its citizens, not just a choosen few.
I cringe when I hear the KKK or Rush or O’Riely, or Bush speak (although generally they are all saying the same thing), but I will defend to the death their right to say it.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:22 pmAre criminals and their rights worthy of equality to non-criminals?
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 12:06 pm
Still don’t get it do you?
Everyone has the same rights… along with these rights comes a guarantee of protection… so if individual A impedes upon individual B’s rights – then individual A has committed a criminal act.
As a criminal – individual A has a limited set of rights – not the full set afforded to all non criminals… so no criminals and their rights are not worthy of equality to non-criminals… whatever the hell that means?
May 4th, 2006 at 12:23 pmRe Mary Cheney, I thought this:
Guilt
I am guilty,
But not in the way you think.
I should have earlier recognized my duty;
I should have more sharply called evil, evil;
I reined in my judgment too long.
I did warn,
But not enough, and clear;
And today I know what I was guilty of.
By Albrecht Haushofer, a professor at the University of Berlin, had refused to sign a guilty plea before he was shot, but the guards found a sonnet in his pocket entitled “Guilt.â€
May 4th, 2006 at 12:25 pmAssult Rifle Ban-Clinton, 50%+ of both houses.
Sorry but I thought you meant regular guns. Tanks, Shoulder fired guided missles, homemade fertilizer bombs, assault rifles… that stuff is not about defense… it is about ASSUALT.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:27 pm#70 “so no criminals and their rights are not worthy of equality to non-criminals”
#52 “No dumbass! I never said all groups are equal… all have equal right… get it strait.”
Weird, your comments don’t seem to match up, first, all groups have equal rights, but now, criminals don’t have equal rights. Sounds like your setting a standard for where equal rights start, that dosn’t sound like “All people” to me.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:28 pm“Freedom to make bad personal choices, don’t worry, you can be on welfare for ever.
I am sure people like this exist… I just never met one.â€
Try getting a job at a grocery store in a poor neighborhood, you’ll meet lots.
I worked at a Village Pantry for a year and a half… I met lots of poor people… just not poor people that were born with a silver spoon in their mouth and made bad decisions to loose it.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:30 pmBusy, too busy today so just this quick story, because it’s a good one:
An election on the central committee of the Erie County Democratic Party ended in a tie. The incumbent, William Crawford, has two voting age sons but they didn’t bother to vote.
The County Judges in Idaho are appointed, but every 4 years they have to be on the ballot with the question, “Should so-and-so remain as Judge, yada yada…” They Judge on the ballot was a policital “payback” appointment form Boise, and he was a nice man, but naive as they come. Liked to OR people, and they never showed up again; thought all parents were good parents, etc. The cops hated him because he was pretty liberal, and attorneys hated him because he was wimpy and indecisive. He and his wife were having a great time on election day going around talking to people on the street, having lunch with the Rotary, etc. The ballots were counted and Judge Wimpy lost by two votes — he and his wife had FORGOTTEN TO VOTE. Ha! That’s how my Judge Daddy was appointed to the bench in Clearwater County, Idaho.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:34 pmGerald
May 4th, 2006 at 12:37 pm“I want to right to shoot might government when it becomes neccessary just like George Washington did.”
Let me know how that works out with out better weaponry. ASSULT weaponry, if you will.
“We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal…..
The operative word in that sentence is created. What you choose to do with it from there is your responsibility.
You see, progressives use important words like choice and responsibility. If I were a non-progressive, or republican, I would use such phrases as “do it our way” and “it is all Clinton’s fault”
May 4th, 2006 at 12:38 pm“I worked at a Village Pantry for a year and a half… I met lots of poor people… just not poor people that were born with a silver spoon in their mouth and made bad decisions to loose it.”
And how many of them stayed poor due to bad decisions, from my experience it tends to be a large portion of them.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:41 pmAre criminals and their rights worthy of equality to non-criminals?
Comment by squegeeboo #63
queasyboogereater,
…Hopefully. TRAITORS like you inbred Bushites (and “conservative” sh*theads) will be speaking about criminality…
…from the perspective of “criminals”…
…in the meantime you should go and soak your a*s in some cold water cuz…
JosephW and gerald Gibson have been using it (and your sickeningly ignorant a*sed “logic”) for a soccer ball…
One last thing…
they are = they’re
…NOT “their”
“their” is possessive…
…freakin’ moron…
May 4th, 2006 at 12:42 pmbig papa
JosephW only posted once on this thread, and made the same point I had made in my comment he referenced. Perhaps you mean SuperChrist?
my grammer my suck(as does my spelling) but at least I manage to track a thread decently, and use the right handles when refering to posters.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:47 pm“I want to right to shoot might government when it becomes neccessary just like George Washington did.â€
Let me know how that works out with out better weaponry. ASSULT weaponry, if you will.
Comment by squegeeboo
One man standing with his gun defending himself or standing with his neighbors is all that is needed. George Washington did not try to invade England and so did not need the equipment that would have taken.
Lots of things today have changed… We have the Constitution… we have mass media… and we have weapons that no civilian should own, but without cannot defeat a standing army.
This does not mean that one man or his neighbors bearing arms is not going to be overlooked by the mass media.. and the ACLU with the Constitution in hand. This does not mean that individuals cannot be assasinated. This does not mean that buildings cannot be bombed or burnt down. If things get THAT bad people in the military that no longer support a crazy will leave… with their tanks etc…
In todays world the weapons are awesome, but so is the power of the pen in the mass media. It should only take a righteous stand with a regular gun in hand to get the attention of those that can help. And if things get worse than that… well see my previous paragraph…lets hope it never comes to that.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:48 pmGerald “It should only take a righteous stand with a regular gun in hand to get the attention of those that can help.”
Tell that to Darfur.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:50 pm#70 “so no criminals and their rights are not worthy of equality to non-criminalsâ€
#52 “No dumbass! I never said all groups are equal… all have equal right… get it strait.â€
Weird, your comments don’t seem to match up, first, all groups have equal rights, but now, criminals don’t have equal rights. Sounds like your setting a standard for where equal rights start, that dosn’t sound like “All people†to me.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 12:28 pm
You are being intentionally obtuse right?
We all have the same rights until we choose to impede upon the rights of another… along with this first choice we also choose to voluntarily relinquish many of our original rights… this is the system that we as a country have chosen to safe guard the rights of all of our citizens.
You really should try cracking a book or two before you start trying to interact with grown ups!
May 4th, 2006 at 12:50 pm“I worked at a Village Pantry for a year and a half… I met lots of poor people… just not poor people that were born with a silver spoon in their mouth and made bad decisions to loose it.â€
And how many of them stayed poor due to bad decisions, from my experience it tends to be a large portion of them.
Comment by squegeeboo
The system doesnt work that way… tell me how in a capitalistic society that EVERY can be donald trump?
May 4th, 2006 at 12:51 pmLots of things today have changed… We have the Constitution… we have mass media…
Comment by Gerald Gibson — May 4, 2006 @ 12:48 pm
Do we really? I mean, we should and therefore a revoultion should not need to take place, but the way I see it, if the congress, the media, and the courts keep allowing this administration to ignore the constitution, the American people will have no choice.
-…..that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government,……
May 4th, 2006 at 12:54 pm“The system doesnt work that way… tell me how in a capitalistic society that EVERY can be donald trump?”
It can’t, we need burger flippers, and thankfully theres always some people making the wrong choices in life over and over again that keep them at that level.
#83
We all have the same rights until we choose to impede upon the rights of another… along with this first choice we also choose to voluntarily relinquish many of our original rights
Criminals voluntarily relinquish there right to freedom? Then why are there guards at prisons and walls, if the criminals are doing it voluntarily, they shouldn’t be needed.
May 4th, 2006 at 12:54 pmGerald “It should only take a righteous stand with a regular gun in hand to get the attention of those that can help.â€
Tell that to Darfur.
Comment by squegeeboo
That is why America should be the shining light unto the world yes? That is why we should be rushing in to help them. If that was happening in America things would be very different. This is why 5 democrat congress men got arrested the other day protesting at the Suddan embasy because while Bush is playing footsie with the Saudis and playing Nero in Iraq America is not setting the example and upholding the promise of the great American experiment. Your example is a stinging indictment of the UNcompassionate conservatives in this country. They will thump their chests and swagger like big men when it comes to destroying a weak Iraq for its oil. But cower in the corner like children when it comes to doing WWJD…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
May 4th, 2006 at 12:57 pm…in the meantime you should go and soak your a*s in some cold water cuz…
JosephW and gerald Gibson have been using it (and your sickeningly ignorant a*sed “logicâ€) for a soccer ball…
Comment by big papa — May 4, 2006 @ 12:42 pm
big papa
JosephW only posted once on this thread, and made the same point I had made in my comment he referenced. Perhaps you mean SuperChrist?
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 12:47 pm
I’m glad you recognize that I’ve been kicking your ass around like a soccer ball… maybe you aren’t as oblivious as I first thought?
May 4th, 2006 at 1:00 pmLots of things today have changed… We have the Constitution… we have mass media…
Comment by Gerald Gibson — May 4, 2006 @ 12:48 pm
Do we really? I mean, we should and therefore a revoultion should not need to take place, but the way I see it, if the congress, the media, and the courts keep allowing this administration to ignore the constitution, the American people will have no choice.
-…..that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government,……
Comment by Jules
I still believe… and like I said in that same post …lets hope it doesnt come to that. I seriously see it as a truth that “history repeats itself”. Either America is about to lose its Constitution like Rome losts is senate or we are just in a cycle where the American right is proving to everyone they are incompetent… their religious views on the world are ancient history witch doctor snake oil, and they are not to be trusted by their word. Which will usher in either 1) Democrats that take advantage of the situation and makes things even worse or 2) a new era that see America once and for all place reason and science above mystic mumbo jumbo and emotional chest thumping.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:03 pmGerald – I used to be an optimist, but no more. I see things getting much worse before people will finally stand up for change.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:05 pmCriminals voluntarily relinquish there right to freedom?
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 12:54 pm
No they don’t. The law strips them from their rights.
GWSuperChrist’s point was that after someone chooses to impede on your rights, the law may take theirs away.
Then why are there guards at prisons and walls, if the criminals are doing it voluntarily, they shouldn’t be needed.
Non sequitur.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:07 pmThat is why we should be rushing in to help them.
Gerald,
How many U.S soldiers are you prepared to have die for this cause?
How long are you prepared for us to be over there?
How much U.S tax payer dollars are you prepared to spend helping them?
Since the U.N has choosen not to do anything should we “Go it alone” or look maybe for a “Coalition of the willing”?
May 4th, 2006 at 1:08 pmGerald
“1) Democrats that take advantage of the situation and makes things even worse or 2) a new era that see America once and for all place reason and science above mystic mumbo jumbo and emotional chest thumping.”
I would assume 1 is much more likely then 2.
SuperChrist
May 4th, 2006 at 1:09 pm“maybe you aren’t as oblivious as I first thought?”
I wouldn’t count on it
That is why we should be rushing in to help them.
Gerald,
How many U.S soldiers are you prepared to have die for this cause?
How long are you prepared for us to be over there?
How much U.S tax payer dollars are you prepared to spend helping them?
Since the U.N has choosen not to do anything should we “Go it alone†or look maybe for a “Coalition of the willing�
Comment by Tundra
Pretend Iraq didnt happen… Pretend Suddan did…. THAT would set the example like Clintons Serbia did that America is going to wield its sword for RIGHTEOUSNESS… not self-righteousness.
THEN after Suddan was over … and Bush went to the UN and said Iraq his doing this to the Shiites also… I wonder how much support he would have? Would there have been cries of OIL WAR OIL WAR!!! No ..because Bush would have already proven in Suddan that America is not out for oil wars…. but that didnt happen did it?
After 911 Bush should have used Clintons Serbia as an example to muslims that America will defend them if they are being violated. But that didnt happen did it?
Bush’s America is out for its own only. That is why they did not want to help the muslims in Serbia. That is why they want to kill Iraqis to free them … DONT LOOK AT THE OIL PIPE LINE… look at the newspapers with happy go lucky love stories about how America is your buddy…
May 4th, 2006 at 1:15 pmGerald
“1) Democrats that take advantage of the situation and makes things even worse or 2) a new era that see America once and for all place reason and science above mystic mumbo jumbo and emotional chest thumping.â€
I would assume 1 is much more likely then 2.
Comment by squegeeboo
I am afraid so. If the democrats were going to stand on the high ground they would have already skewered BushCo. But they are playing it safe to set themselves up for power… who knows maybe after 4 or 8 years of a democrat BS there will be a REAL center in America that will sweep out all the trash and put some honest technocrats up there that want to engineer solutions instead of bribes.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:18 pmWe all have the same rights until we choose to impede upon the rights of another… along with this first choice we also choose to voluntarily relinquish many of our original rights
Criminals voluntarily relinquish there right to freedom? Then why are there guards at prisons and walls, if the criminals are doing it voluntarily, they shouldn’t be needed.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 12:54 pm
It’s about choices nimrod!
When you choose one thing that has a necessary consequence associated with it – then you also choose the later.
As long as your choice for the first was voluntary then your choice for the second is too.
If you choose to jump off a tall building without a parachute then you have also chosen to fall to your death… if the decision to jump of the tall building was voluntary then the decision to fall to your death was too… even if you decide half way down that you don’t want to fall anymore – gravity like the prison guard will make sure that you are held to account for your choices.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:24 pmGerald,
That did not answer my questions.
If we go over there and 5,000 soldiers die in the first month are you prepared for that? Are you going to stand by your position?
If this isn’t a simple little cake walk are you willing to do it still? If things start to get tough are you going to say oh geee not such a good idea lets run? If you aren’t prepared for it all we shouldn’t go.
To hold the Iraq scenerio 70% of the population was positive about Iraq (According to TP) when “Mission Accomplished” was called. Now everyone wants to run.
I didn’t want Iraq but we started it. I don’t want another popular action that results in a loss of life and then everyone quits
May 4th, 2006 at 1:25 pmTundra… there is NO need for a single American to go in there.
Are you so short sighted? Ever study history? There are many options that can bring the killing to an end.
We spent what 300 billion in Iraq so far? How many billion do you think it would take to send a mostly African + UN force in there to stop it? America could afford to pay the bill and provide the technical skills and equipment and pay Africans to solve their own problem.
That is only one solution. There are others… like getting other muslims to put pressure on the Suddan government.
Or air strikes… remember how Reagan gave Gaddafi an attitude adjustment?
Or sending up some honest Americans say like … Oprah to the UN to help shame them into supporting a UN force to cut off Suddans capital and put them into a squeeze…
Just use your brain ..seriously it does wonders.. once I got out of the organized religion scene I realized this myself… The brain is a wonderful thing if you give it a chance.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:38 pmSqueegeeboo,
You bring up the assault rifle ban passed during President Clinton’s tenure in office. That bill passed with support on both sides of the aisle for a very simple reason: Assault Rifles are often used to Kill Cops. If you’ll remember, some of the largest proponents of that bill were the families of Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy and James Brady who was President Reagan’s Press Secretary and a life-long conservative Republican (both of whom were shot in the attempt on President Reagan’s life).
I really have a hard time with right-wingers who bring up this tired piece of Bullshit rhetoric that liberals somehow want to take away everyone’s guns. The Second Amendment has been misconstrued by the right for many years now. Here’s a hint: READ THE ENTIRE AMENDMENT! The Second Amendment is NOT just about having the right to bear arms. There is a caveat at the end of the Amendment that brings to light the true nature of the Amendment if you would read it. The Second Amendment is, in fact, about taking responsibility for the defense of our nation. It was written at a different time when there was a potential need for conscripted militias to defend the rights laid out in the Constitution. The Second Amendment puts that onus on us all as American citizens. Getting back to the heart of the matter though, you bring up the assault rifle ban (which, I reiterate, was supported by Dems and Republicans alike) and use it (as Rush, O’Reilly, and all the other talking heads did at the time) as some sort of measuring stick to say that we liberals want to take all guns away. As both an avid hunter and the nephew of an officer who was killed in the line of duty with a mac10 machine pistol (1 of the guns banned in the bill you brought up), I take offense to your ridiculous and specious generalization.
In short, go sell crazy someplace else. We’re all stocked up here!
May 4th, 2006 at 1:45 pmAre you so short sighted?
I’m just trying to see how you plan on doing this with words or as you put it, buy ourselves some support on it.
Ever study history?
Just a whole lot of military history, not much when it comes to peaceful resolutions.
We spent what 300 billion in Iraq so far?
Is that the number you are prepared to spend?
How many billion do you think it would take to send a mostly African + UN force in there to stop it?
They currently oppose it according to TP, unless you are trying to figure how much it will cost to buy their support. In which case, why are we bankrolling this?
America could afford to pay the bill and provide the technical skills and equipment and pay Africans to solve their own problem.
I thought we had plenty of problems here at home we need to take care of. I’d rather see it spent here.
Or air strikes… remember how Reagan gave Gaddafi an attitude adjustment?
That requires military action. Against popular belief Air strikes are not Zero risk operations.
Or sending up some honest Americans say like … Oprah
Sure send her on over, works for me. I could actually come up with quite a nice list of people to send there to “Talk” the warlords out of it.
Just use your brain ..seriously it does wonders..
Excellent, thanks for the tip, gee I’ll try
once I got out of the organized religion scene I realized this myself… I was never in it myself, I think the whole premise of God and Jesus is a friggin sham, but I assume there was a reason you added this. Perhaps it was your careful attention to detail and only listing facts idea?
The brain is a wonderful thing if you give it a chance.
May 4th, 2006 at 1:59 pmThere is also reality, you can think that we will stop the genocide of hundreds of thousands by saying “please” and singing folk songs together, but it aint gonna happen. In some other countries they believe in different things than we do and they would rather die than bend to our will. I understand this is a hard concept for some to understand, but it’s true honest.
Mary Cheney, like daddy, is a sold soul. She could have stood up for the basic human rights of gay people at any time. But no. Why didn’t she? Because the special privildeges she personally receives as part of the elite class is more important to her.
Just like the other false patriots of this country, she probably insists that liberty, justice, and equality are dear to her heart. But if she’s willing to put all of these ‘values’ aside when they bump up against personal advantage, then we see what her walk and talk are all about: The walk is that of a typical me-first-er, sucking up every nepotistic position that comes with being the child of a corrupt, in-power Republican; the talk is for merely for public posturing, allowing her to deceive both the public and herself that she actually values our basic principles.
Oh yes, Mary, impressive. You value liberty justice, democracy; it’s just that they are all priorities that come after self-indulgence– and thus, are never gotten around to. Bravo. You’re a chip of the old cow patty.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:11 pmMary Cheney, like daddy, is a sold soul. She could have stood up for the basic human rights of gay people at any time. But no. Why didn’t she? Because the special privildeges she personally receives as part of the elite class are more important to her.
Just like the other false patriots of this country, she probably insists that liberty, justice, and equality are dear to her heart. But if she’s willing to put all of these ‘values’ aside when they bump up against personal advantage, then we see what her walk and talk are all about: The walk is that of a typical me-first-er, sucking up every nepotistic position that comes with being the child of a corrupt, in-power Republican; the talk is for merely for public posturing, allowing her to deceive both the public and herself that she actually values our basic principles.
Oh yes, Mary, impressive. You value liberty justice, democracy; it’s just that they are all priorities that come after self-indulgence– and thus, are never gotten around to. Bravo. You’re a chip of the old cow patty.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:11 pmIn some other countries they believe in different things than we do and they would rather die than bend to our will. I understand this is a hard concept for some to understand, but it’s true honest.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 1:59 pm
I gotta agree. And unless some one has attacked us or is about to attack us (or another defensless country or population) we should mind our own business.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:27 pmgreen917
“The original ban passed the House in 1994 by a vote of 216-214, with some crossing of party lines: 77 Democrats voted against it and 38 Republicans voted for it.” Dosn’t exactly sound bipartisan to me.
On th second amendment, it states clearly that the right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed. It’s amazing how many amendments are over analyzed to grant rights that arn’t there, but when it comes to keeping one that is blatantly stated, liberals try to claim there is a real debate on if it’s there or not.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:28 pm#104 we should mind our own business.
But won’t somebody please think about the children.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:32 pmSome of you will be happy to know that I-RIGHT-I got banned again. He doesn’t know for how long.
Personally, I get annoyed with this. If you don’t like what people have to say, ignore them. Censorship is not a Progressive trait. Neither is whining. It gets very boring around here when everyone agrees. Especially when we agree about being inclusive and then a bunch of supposedly inclusive people gang up to get someone banned. It’s really ridiculous. Especially when that person is exaggerating a side for the sake of debate. He’s not really a racist, misogynistic extremist.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:33 pmBut won’t somebody please think about the children.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 2:32 pm
We think about you enough already.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:34 pmBest of luck to you, Unbelievable
May 4th, 2006 at 2:41 pmGood news.
squegeeboo > how old are you? Just curious because I believe you said you are in your 20s once on here? If so then be aware that when Bush attacks Iran you will probably be drafted and forced to fight in that new war! Just be prepared > I feel sorry for young people today being used as cannon fodder for Oil Cartel profits!
May 4th, 2006 at 2:42 pmJay,
May 4th, 2006 at 2:45 pmI’m 22 going on 5. Thanks for your concern.
I gotta agree. And unless some one has attacked us or is about to attack us (or another defensless country or population) we should mind our own business.
Thinking like a Libertarian again here.
May 4th, 2006 at 2:46 pm#111 – I’m 22 going on 5. Thanks for your concern.
Comment by squegeeboo
Oh god, no wonder…
May 4th, 2006 at 2:51 pmCensorship is not a Progressive trait.
Libertarian again here hmmmmm :)
May 4th, 2006 at 2:51 pmHang “Communication Strategies.” Actions speak louder than words. The rest of the world isn’t in a dickering, left-right media bubble – they judge us by what we do. And if we did the same we wouldn’t hear rediculous statements like ‘I disagreed with many of the President’s policies but I voted for him because he means what he says.’
May 4th, 2006 at 2:56 pmIt gets very boring around here when everyone agrees.
Yeah but even if you start to disagree about anything here you get CONservative, Reichtwing, Idiot, Yeah well your buddy Bush did this once (regardless if it’s relevant or not), yeah but you religious zealots and your theories about GOD are so stupid (Talking to people who don’t believe in him), How can you be so stupid. It’s sort of like trying to have a debate with high school kids. If they lack the reasoning skills they come to the conclusion that since you aren’t 100% agreeing with them you somehow are a facist pig.
I think some people here would honestly rather the comments section only be filled with Yeah, You said it, Right on, Agree 100% oh yeah and Bush Sucks. Rather than have a mature discussion.
He’s not really a racist, misogynistic extremist.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:00 pmheh, never figured he was, but some people get worked up so easily.
#116 I don’t completly agree with that rant, you facist pig.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:03 pm117,
Shut up you neobat, you don’t have the ability to comprehand what I wrote. If you would take the time to stop believing that the earth is 3000 years old you may be able to understnd. Perhaps if you wern’t home schooled you would have learned something as a kid.
You and your trusting in daddy Bush and his alcoholic daughter and his wife who killed someone. You should be impeached just like him or maybe Cheney should shoot you in the face then how will you feel huh, huh?????
Oh and your buddy Clinton and his blow job caused the deaths of thousands but you don’t care about that do you?
May 4th, 2006 at 3:11 pmGood news.
Comment by Marie — May 4, 2006 @ 2:41 pm
Thanks!
May 4th, 2006 at 3:16 pmNeobat
I like it. You should trademark that guy before its to late.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:19 pmThinking like a Libertarian again here.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 2:46 pm
I took that test that you guys have on one of yor websites. I scored a ‘Gandhi’…
I can’t be a libertarian. I think there’s too many people on the planet to go anarchist. That government has become a necessary evil.
I likeb eing an Independent. That way I can bitch about every party’s lack of achievment :)
May 4th, 2006 at 3:20 pmPost 120 > at least you have a sense of humor on here boo! I do not mind having discussions with those who bantor and jest! I-R-I and Mighty Aphrodite just spew crap on the TP threads!
May 4th, 2006 at 3:27 pmThanks Jay, with out humor people into politics just get all bitter and mean.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:33 pmIt’s sort of like trying to have a debate with high school kids. If they lack the reasoning skills they come to the conclusion that since you aren’t 100% agreeing with them you somehow are a facist pig.
I’m really irritated about this. He’s the reason I ever started making comments to begin with. I liked debating him. I just never took him seriously, and then later found out that he wasn’t. Well mostly. He’s actually a moderate – right of center like you. He jsut thinks it’s a waste of time trying to intelligently debate certain people, because of the reasons you listed above.
It’s always funny to watch people complain about something they do themselves. And it’s really only a small few in here that try to get others banned. They’re just really loud about it. And apparently the Adminitrators don’t like loud.
I’ve seem some people accuse you of stuff you didn’t say or mean. And you certainly seem to have a higher expectation to be ‘perfect’ that I don’t get.
There are some liberals in here who are just as extreme and radical as some of the extreme and radicals on the right. I don’t care for the fringe on either side.
I think some people here would honestly rather the comments section only be filled with Yeah, You said it, Right on, Agree 100% oh yeah and Bush Sucks. Rather than have a mature discussion.
Universally, people love drama. Although people say they want acquiesecence, if IRI posts one comment he gets at least 10-15 responses. People love to hate him. And to bicker with him. Let’s face it – it’s better than hitting or shooting one another.
heh, never figured he was, but some people get worked up so easily.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 3:00 pm
That is pretty much it. A good bit of what he says is satire. But he gets taken so seriously.
Now watch how much he gets talked about. Give it another 6 months and so will you.
And, if you can find something we disagree about, I’ll be happy to debate you without the name calling. Dirty hippy excluded of course… I’m kind of fond of that one ; ).
May 4th, 2006 at 3:35 pmDirty hippy excluded of course… I’m kind of fond of that one ; ).
If the shoe fits….
May 4th, 2006 at 3:39 pmwith out humor people into politics just get all bitter and mean.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 3:33 pm
They do even with it Squeegie. IRI wasn’t serious. In fact, you’re more conservative than he is. It’s just that some people wanna define funny on their own terms and that’s that. You’ll notice that some of them were screaming the loudest at how satire is a valid form of humor on the Colbert forum, but can’t take it when it’s pointed at them.
I’ve said it many times and will say it again. We’ve become a nation of whiners and crybabies.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:39 pmIf the shoe fits….
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 3:39 pm
Tundra only. You, however, may refer to me in complimentary forms only… :)
May 4th, 2006 at 3:41 pm“We’ve become a nation of whiners and crybabies.”
That’s what happens when you lose personal responsibility and start looking to the gov’t for all your solutions.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:42 pmThat’s what happens when you lose personal responsibility and start looking to the gov’t for all your solutions.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 3:42 pm
Or Jesus. Like I said above – it’s the extremes on both sides of the fence.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:47 pmTundra only. You, however, may refer to me in complimentary forms only… :)
Nanny nanny foo foo Squeege
That’s what happens when you lose personal responsibility and start looking to the gov’t for all your solutions.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:48 pmThat is how I feel in this one too. In general if you are looking for the government to handle everything you will never be happy (They can’t please everyone and the more they try to do the more people will be unhappy). If you take care of it your self it will be done the way you want and if not you can only blame yourself.
I’m not saying the government shouldn’t exist. I’m not saying there shouldn’t be some programs, but it has gotten way out of hand in the last 30 years.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:50 pm“Or Jesus. Like I said above – it’s the extremes on both sides of the fence.”
Protest Work Ethic, God Helps those who Help themselves.
It’s really just the damn catholics that rely on Jebus, I mean come on, if hes so great and powerful, he would have been able to come back for more then just 3 days. That way maybe easter could be more like Ramadan, a month long. (But no fasting, thats just silly)
May 4th, 2006 at 3:50 pmIf you take care of it your self it will be done the way you want and if not you can only blame yourself.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 3:48 pm
Okay, Mission Accomplished. You found one. Here’s my caveat: How does the average worker bee defend him or herself against the multi-billion dollar corporation? This is a benefit of the government – or at least, it was Jefferson’s intention for it to be – oversight.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:52 pmI’m not saying the government shouldn’t exist. I’m not saying there shouldn’t be some programs, but it has gotten way out of hand in the last 30 years.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 3:50 pm
Damn it you facist pig, you killed my argument…. :)
May 4th, 2006 at 3:55 pmIt’s really just the damn catholics that rely on Jebus,
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 3:50 pm
Have you ever left New York? The Catholics are actually some of the most liberal of Christians (go to http://www.dictionary to see that a synonym for ‘catholic’ is ‘liberal’). You need to attend a Southern Baptist church to understand about the power of Jebus. He apparently helps people score touchdowns, win Academy Awards and find missing things. The Hell with starving people, abused children, or disease. TDs are clearly more important.
May 4th, 2006 at 3:59 pm“We’ve become a nation of whiners and crybabies.â€
Or as Squeege’s friend BC says “Or as I like to call them Winerbabies”
May 4th, 2006 at 4:02 pmDamn it you facist pig, you killed my argument…. :)
I’m learning, slowly, but learning none the less :)
May 4th, 2006 at 4:03 pm“That’s what happens when you lose personal responsibility and start looking to the gov’t for all your solutions. Comment by squishypoop”
Really? Because you really should look at the poverty rates in countries where people don’t/can’t rely on their governments and see exactly how well this ‘personal responsibility’ tagline works in the world of REALITY, and not just in the world of FANTASY Reichwingers like you live in. Go look up the poverty rates of 19th and early 20th century america before social programs. And go look up poverty rates in ancient rome – which is a great example of a ‘libertarian’ government.
You talk about the responsibility of people, but government has a responsibility toward the people, just like people have a responsibility to government. In many countries it’s against the law not to vote – you receive a fine if you don’t. Because people have a responsibility in choosing their government, just like the government has a responsibility to those people. I can almost always tell ’single men’, because they talk up ‘personal responsiblity’, without ever realizing they belong to a ‘group’. You need a girlfriend – you sound pathetic.
May 4th, 2006 at 4:04 pm“The Catholics are actually some of the most liberal of Christians”
And the baptists, being protestant have the protestant work ethic(belief that hard work pays off), where as the catholics rely on a higher level to help them(gov’t welfare). Sounds like normal conservatives and liberals to me.
The baptists might thank god for the touchdown, but it was all the hours at the gym/praticing that made it possible.
“Have you ever left New York? ” I’ve been to all sorts of places, the worst was France, very rude upity people, the best was Scotland, the glens kick ass, just watch out for mind eating proteins in the meat you eat.(Not a real prob. for you)
May 4th, 2006 at 4:06 pmI’m learning, slowly, but learning none the less :)
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 4:03 pm
So it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks?
(About how old are you? )
May 4th, 2006 at 4:08 pm(About how old are you? )
He’s roughly 4 scores and 7 years.
May 4th, 2006 at 4:18 pmSo it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks?
Ah yes Lass, Ah yes.
(About how old are you? )
May 4th, 2006 at 4:19 pmI am 31
I am 31
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 4:19 pm
Okay, so you’re still a young dog (explains why you want more puppies)… But you are a boy dog, and well, that takes aboutone score off your life… So, you’re an “almost old dog then” : )
Squeegie is still a puppy. And someone needs to house break him.
May 4th, 2006 at 4:30 pmAh yes Lass, Ah yes.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 4:19 pm
Lass? I’m 8 years older than you. I think you’re supposed to call me ma’am (don’t you dare).
May 4th, 2006 at 4:32 pmHe’s roughly 4 scores and 7 years.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 4:18 pm
And you’re essentially still a teenager :)
May 4th, 2006 at 4:35 pm(explains why you want more puppies)…
Actually won’t happen, I was speaking about the government telling me I couldn’t.
Squeegie is still a puppy. And someone needs to house break him.
May 4th, 2006 at 4:43 pmOh some owman will find him and break his will at some point and turn him into the shell of the man he was going to be. I ummm mean ahhhhhh hmmmmm. Yeah your right.
unbelievable
What was it like before automobiles, and electricity? Did you have to walk uphill both ways in the snow with barefeet because shoes wern’t invented yet?
Tell me about it ma’am, please?
May 4th, 2006 at 4:47 pmAnd the baptists, being protestant have the protestant work ethic(belief that hard work pays off), where as the catholics rely on a higher level to help them(gov’t welfare).
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 4:06 pm
Where in the world did you get this idea?
Sloth is a mortal sin.
You are not seriously trying to imply all Catholics are on welfare, or that those on welfare are necessarily Catholic -are you?
May 4th, 2006 at 4:49 pmGregor, seeing how as I started out talking about Jebus and why can’t Easter be like Ramadan, I would think its safe to assume that it was meant as a joke.
But seriously, arn’t all catholics on welfare?
May 4th, 2006 at 4:51 pmOh some owman will find him and break his will at some point and turn him into the shell of the man he was going to be. I ummm mean ahhhhhh hmmmmm. Yeah your right.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 4:43 pm
Unfortunately, I have to agree. I’ve met many great guys (not that I’m at all calling Squeegie a great guy :) who were so broken by a relationship that they weren’t letting anyone that close again. Too bad really. Mostly for me I think… ; (
Damn it, can’t we find something here to debate? :)
May 4th, 2006 at 4:56 pmWhat was it like before automobiles, and electricity? Did you have to walk uphill both ways in the snow with barefeet because shoes wern’t invented yet?
Pretty much. Wanna hear about the dinosaurs as well?
My ex-boyfriend is 27. How are you so immature just 5 years younger? :)
Tell me about it ma’am, please?
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 4:47 pm
I would but it’s almost your bed time.
Thunderstorms are getting close… I guess I should get off line. Just when we were having fun… Figures.
Later guys…
May 4th, 2006 at 5:00 pm#151 My ex-boyfriend is 27. How are you so immature just 5 years younger? :)
Watch out, I hear teachers go to jail for that kind of age gap in relationships. As to the second part, it’s due to something my grandfather told me on his 60th Bday, growing old is inevitable, growing up is an option.
Enjoy the storms, I’m still waiting for my first one.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:04 pmThere is also reality, you can think that we will stop the genocide of hundreds of thousands by saying “please†and singing folk songs together, but it aint gonna happen. In some other countries they believe in different things than we do and they would rather die than bend to our will. I understand this is a hard concept for some to understand, but it’s true honest.
Comment by Tundra
Are you a compulsive deceiver?
I said TALK to the UN… which means the governments of the WORLD… not war lords in Africa. You twisted my words to deceive.
Bombing the leaders of Suddan would make them very quickly rein in the janja-weed the janja-pot or whatever they are called.
Paying 10 billion to some Africans to get them to send in peace keepers would be cheaper than the 300 billion spent in Iraq and would establish a precendent of Africans taking action for PEACE… a good precendent. Why pay for it? Because we want to be the good guys, because we want to win the hearts and minds of the poor masses that currently cheer everytime we get bombed, kidnapped, etc. Because it is WAY cheaper than a BushCo war in Iraq. Because we want to buy ourselves political capital at the UN to get them to move on issues in the name of peace for the people of the world. Because we want to draw a CLEAR line in the sand about the difference between those that commit evil for self gain and those that sacrifice against evil to help others.
America got its glory after WWII…. why is that? because of the nukes? Hell no. Because we could rightly claim to be the people that didnt want war, but once forced into it we would destroy evil at all costs for the benefit of all those that were too weak to protect themselves.
If only we had done this after 911. People would love us around the world. People would turn on terrorists. People would want to defect from their countries and come tell us where all the secret nuclear sites were in Iran – North Korea….
Doing things the Bush way leads to only one solution to all problems … war.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:09 pmDoing things the Eisenhower way leads people to wanting to be part of something that is bigger than themselvse that is on the side of good.
Personally, I get annoyed with this. If you don’t like what people have to say, ignore them. Censorship is not a Progressive trait. Neither is whining. It gets very boring around here when everyone agrees. Especially when we agree about being inclusive and then a bunch of supposedly inclusive people gang up to get someone banned. It’s really ridiculous. Especially when that person is exaggerating a side for the sake of debate. He’s not really a racist, misogynistic extremist.
Comment by unbelievable
Agree 100%
Bring on the biggots… we can take it.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:12 pm#152 – Squeegy, someone needs to jerk a knot in your tail. ;)
May 4th, 2006 at 5:12 pmI gotta agree. And unless some one has attacked us or is about to attack us (or another defensless country or population) we should mind our own business.
Thinking like a Libertarian again here.
Comment by Tundra
Personally it seems to me that if somebody could get just the right mix of Libertarianism, Republicanism (the real thing not neocons), Democracy, sprinkle in various religions, all based on a scientific validation of truth via reason … and we would have a good party to vote for. The extemes would all be pissed. The capitalists would lose their dream of an aristocracy. The communalists would have to accept there are winners and there are losers. But over all we would have an honest group of people running the show.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:16 pmGerald
“sprinkle in various religions, all based on a scientific validation of truth via reason”
Sounds like no religions then.
“But over all we would have an honest group of people running the show.”
May 4th, 2006 at 5:19 pmUntil they start running it, then the rot sets in.
Gerald
“sprinkle in various religions, all based on a scientific validation of truth via reasonâ€
Sounds like no religions then.
“But over all we would have an honest group of people running the show.â€
Until they start running it, then the rot sets in.
Comment by squegeeboo
Go read up on “Americas Founding Fathers”. Especially Ben Franklin .. He believed religion was a way for people to help each other out emotionally and as a standard of morality, but was TERRIBLE as a replacement for government or even being entertwined with religion. Since science can not prove nor disprove religion… religion and science gets along just fine… it is only when religious people try to say that they CAN prove something based on their belief and they will kill you if you try to prove otherwise that it becomes a problem.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:22 pmWow, I’m realising I’m really pesimistic when it comes to gov’t. Arn’t people my age still supposed to be idealistic? Prob. what makes me libertarian though, it all sounds nice to have a benevelant gov’t but I’d much rather have a gov’t to small to be benevalant, so I don’t have to worry about it becoming badnevalant, or whatever the opposit of benevalant is.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:23 pm“it is only when religious people try to say that they CAN prove something based on their belief and they will kill you if you try to prove otherwise that it becomes a problem.”
What did Chris Rock say, “have an idea, not a belief” when it comes to religion, or something along those lines.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:25 pmWow, I’m realising I’m really pesimistic when it comes to gov’t. Arn’t people my age still supposed to be idealistic? Prob. what makes me libertarian though, it all sounds nice to have a benevelant gov’t but I’d much rather have a gov’t to small to be benevalant, so I don’t have to worry about it becoming badnevalant, or whatever the opposit of benevalant is.
Comment by squegeeboo
A very small government would be great!
Until the rich become an aristocracy and take over that small government and then rape the people … aka.. railroad barons…. oil barons…. etc….
May 4th, 2006 at 5:25 pm#111 – squegeeboo,
May 4th, 2006 at 5:30 pmOK, you’ve revealed your IQ, I believe that Jay inquired about your age.
“A very small government would be great!
Until the rich become an aristocracy and take over that small government and then rape the people … aka.. railroad barons…. oil barons…. etc…. ”
Remove small from yours and it still works out the same. Maybe you should need x levels of seperation to be at a certain level of gov’t from other people at that same level. Sort of like the Kevin Bacon game. If I can get from Ted Kennedy to Cheney in less then 6 blood relations, only one of them is allowed in the high levels of gov’t.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:31 pm#162 The first # is my physical age, the second is my mental age, as for my IQ, no clue, we all got tested in elemntary school as part of some requirement, but my parents never wanted to know, sufficent to say that except for things invloving grammer/spelling tests I’ve managed to coast thru most of the education in my life.
May 4th, 2006 at 5:34 pm#164 – Do you read, Squeegy? If so, why can’t you spell? Or use the correct words? Just askin’
May 4th, 2006 at 5:52 pmLink provided by TP
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/world/africa/27diplo.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
I said TALK to the UN… which means the governments of the WORLD
Well, that’s been done. Hey I’m all for standing there and continuing to talk to them. I think in Feb they agreed to maybe possibly send troops, but it will take 7 more months before they really start to deploy them.
Bombing the leaders of Suddan
Some might consider that an act of war. Personally I do not believe in war unless the congress authorizes it. Do you think it may breed more terrorists. If one of these bombs hits an innocent what do we do? How much collateral damage are we willing to deal with here?
Paying 10 billion to some Africans to get them to send in peace keepers would be cheaper than the 300 billion spent in Iraq
They already have peace keepers there per the article above. They are inadequate.
“but the African Union troops in Darfur have already shown they are incapable of enforcing a cease-fire.”
“What is more, few countries have expressed any willingness to send forces or equipment as part of the United Nations mission”
“The United States and Europe have largely financed the African Union mission, but both have concluded that it is inadequate for the job.”
“But Sudan has remained opposed, and Khartoum has lobbied other African states, with some success, to view the idea as an affront to Sudanese sovereignty.”
Because it is WAY cheaper than a BushCo war in Iraq.
It is not Iraq, the most common argument on this whole site for Darfur is, it’s cheaper than Iraq. Well heck buying me a car is cheaper than Iraq too. Does Darfur have it’s own merits for us to go. What is the cost that Darfur is worth, not in comparison to anything else. My original question was How much are you prepared to spend on this issue? Based on your previous post I am “assuming” zero american troops lives (If I am wrong please correct me).
we would destroy evil at all costs for the benefit of all those that were too weak to protect themselves.
May 4th, 2006 at 6:30 pmThere are a whole lot of groups of people too weak to take care of themselves. Who do we help? Who is considered Evil? Who makes that determiniation?
Zoo, I have a wall of my house filled with books. I read every chance I get, its expanded my vocab. but sadly never my spelling.
May 4th, 2006 at 7:07 pmI have a wall of my house filled with books.
How many Crayons?? Did you get the big pack with the sharpener on the back?
May 4th, 2006 at 8:28 pmI would say squegeeboo is just above average intelligence > is inquisitive and definitely NOT a dummy like Mighty Moron on here! Spelling correctly is not an indicator of intelligence, but knowing how to use words is important! Dubya Dunce Decider does NOT know how to use words to make a proper sentance, so his IQ of about 89 is about right > 75 is mentally retarded and average is about 105! Bush is below average in intelligence and it shows > lol.
May 4th, 2006 at 8:33 pmI would say squegeeboo is just above average intelligence
Oh Brother, now he’s going to walk around work with this big head. We finally beat him into submission and now you go ahead and pump him back up.
Geees now we have to start all over.
May 4th, 2006 at 8:38 pmWatch out, I hear teachers go to jail for that kind of age gap in relationships.
If you’re 27 and still in high school, you’re not my type. He had already graduated college when we met. And could drive. Drink alcohol legally. And go potty on his own.
As to the second part, it’s due to something my grandfather told me on his 60th Bday, growing old is inevitable, growing up is an option.
Then 7 is a bit of a stretch. Tell Tundra to keep you away from his kid. You might be shown up.
Enjoy the storms, I’m still waiting for my first one.
Comment by squegeeboo — May 4, 2006 @ 5:04 pm
Last week one woke me up in teh middle of the night when lightning hit a neighbor’s tree and cracked it in half. I literally stood up in bed it was so jolting. So, feel free to have some of ours. Global Warming has made them fierce and frequent. Well, and Atlanta makes it’s own situation even worse (much like Phoenix).
May 4th, 2006 at 8:40 pmGeees now we have to start all over.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 8:38 pm
I think Zookeeper volunteered to help in her earlier post… She has raised two strapping lads herself. Squeegie would be a snack.
May 4th, 2006 at 8:42 pm#164 – squegeeboo,
May 4th, 2006 at 8:45 pmYou should be able to access your school records via the net. Requires SSN, mother’s mother’s maiden name, and school track in the Dallas, TX system. My two tests were 183 and 187. I bummed out on the SATS, only got 1580 out of 1600. Missed out somewhere on the language part, could be my spellling. I’m not much of a warlock.
I think Zookeeper volunteered to help in her earlier post
I was hoping you would come on up to help me with it :)
May 4th, 2006 at 8:45 pmAgree 100%
Bring on the biggots… we can take it.
Comment by Gerald Gibson — May 4, 2006 @ 5:12 pm
You’re a real man Gerald ; )
May 4th, 2006 at 8:46 pmmother’s mother’s maiden name
Could have been there :)
May 4th, 2006 at 8:48 pmI was hoping you would come on up to help me with it :)
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 8:45 pm
Oh, you wanted to hear him cry like a little girl then? :)
Actually, I think I mentioned it to your little buddy… I’m planning to visit some friends and relatives this summer in NJ and NY (great part about being a teacher). If you can tolerate him that long, I might be able to help.
That or put himin a FedEx envelope and ship him to Georgia… Your call :)
May 4th, 2006 at 8:49 pmInteresting that an IQ evaluation group did a study of presidents since about 1920 to determine their IQs > Clinton and Carter scored way above average, but most of the Republican presidents scored average or below! 2 dumbest presidents were determined to be Bush Senior at 91 and Bush Junior at 89! Bush family are certified dummies, but they know how to gain power and steal everything not nailed down > lol.
May 4th, 2006 at 8:51 pmOh, you wanted to hear him cry like a little girl then? :)
That happens daily around here
I’m planning to visit some friends and relatives this summer in NJ and NY
May 4th, 2006 at 8:52 pmIf you end up in the Rochester Area, I’ll buy you dinner.
That happens daily around here
Somehow, I had the feeling you were going to say that…
If you end up in the Rochester Area, I’ll buy you dinner.
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 8:52 pm
They grow alfalfa sprouts in the Upper New York State tundra? ;)
Very sweet of you. Thanks… Will keep you posted on my travel plans…
May 4th, 2006 at 8:58 pmPost 173 > Walt IQ of 183 to 187 is way above average > Clinton’s IQ is around 185 too! Interesting that Ronald Reagan who most people considered stupid was determined to have an IQ of about 110 to 120, so a bit above average, and way above Dubya Dunce Decider!
Last time I had an IQ test was in High school > they said mine is about 175 plus or minus!
May 4th, 2006 at 9:02 pmThey grow alfalfa sprouts in the Upper New York State tundra? ;)
I have a friend that’s a vegan another one that’s a ovo-lacto-vegaquarian (Who knew they existed). There is also some other guy here at work who’s a Vegatarian. They all seem to be eating on a regular basis, so I’m pretty sure we can find you something :)
May 4th, 2006 at 9:03 pmwe would destroy evil at all costs for the benefit of all those that were too weak to protect themselves.
There are a whole lot of groups of people too weak to take care of themselves. Who do we help? Who is considered Evil? Who makes that determiniation?
Comment by Tundra
In WWII it was people that were commiting inhuman injustice against entire peoples or nations.
To shoot down all your other nonstatements that were trying to parrot my arguments against Iraq….
1) Iraq was not commiting inhuman injustice against entire peoples or nations. At one time they were and we did nothing about it.
2) Suddan IS commiting inhuman injustice against entire peoples or nations.
And that explains why ….
“but the African Union troops in Darfur have already shown they are incapable of enforcing a cease-fire.â€
“What is more, few countries have expressed any willingness to send forces or equipment as part of the United Nations missionâ€
“The United States and Europe have largely financed the African Union mission, but both have concluded that it is inadequate for the job.â€
“But Sudan has remained opposed, and Khartoum has lobbied other African states, with some success, to view the idea as an affront to Sudanese sovereignty.â€
Because YOUR KIND is incapable of winning an argument of logic and reason. Your kind discourages compromise. You do not easily see associations between third parties unless one of those third parties are YOU… because quite frankly your egos control you.
An engineer that faced these problems would 1) gather facts 2) create a list of all “objects” involved in the scenario 3) list all relationships between all the “objects” 4) List ways the each object can affect each other object in a way that can influence the outcome you are looking for. 5) Continue until you run into one combination that gives the desired outcome…
*** Yes I know I know … your black/white brain never made it past 3) before your blew a fuse. However complexity is part of many difficult problems yet scientists/engineers do it all the time.
And there is no way you are going to get me to believe that the situation has been broken down and all possible solutions have been considered when in the end what we get is … a bunch of diplomatic gesturing… was that the big wining plan that they came up with? That is what convinces the African nations to make a real effort? Is that what gets a reluctant nation to steel itself for doing the right thing and make a sacrifice? When it comes to “arranging payment” for votes in congress the Republicans will go through hold late night arm twisting sessions to get their way… but I guess saving a half million pathetic suffering humans on the other side of the planet warrants only a half hearted “Thats too bad …really” over a cup of coffee? Doesnt Suddan have oil? Doesnt China need oil? Doesnt America have some kind of influence in that region? Isnt America supposedly known as the prick that sticks up for human rights? Is commiting an act of war against a few people that are commiting genocide alot different than bombing a country that has no such thing going on? Are you saying that helping the Jews would have been an unacceptable injustice against Germany? There is a big difference between Iraq and Suddan. One we would be doing because of our “Jesus” roots… in the other we do it for selfish interests. I could even accept Saudi Arabia because of their role in 911… but Iraq? It is like we wont go to war for 911 vengence against Bushs buddies… we wont go to war with Suddan over human rights because there is nothing in it for us…. but we will go to war in Iraq because the neo cons want to 1) help Isreal 2) Get control of oil 3) set up shop in middle east to send a message that we are bigger than you?
All of that goes for deciding Americas response to 911 also. No … I dont believe for a minute that a long planning phase was ever enacted. This wasnt a cold calculated long term move like the slow methodical build up to D-Day… this was exactly what your egos reflect in your every conversation… “Were BIG MEN!” “We smash !@#$%^. We love flag. We smash !@#$%^. We BIG MEN!….. CHARGE!!!!” What if Saddam would have been useful in a move against Saudi Arabia? THAT is cold and calculating….
What a joke you are. How is it that the Saudis come out smelling like freakin roses?
May 4th, 2006 at 9:05 pmThey all seem to be eating on a regular basis, so I’m pretty sure we can find you something :)
Comment by Tundra — May 4, 2006 @ 9:03 pm
LOL… Or we could just wander into the nearest pasture and graze… Dead cow for you and field clover for moi… :)
Okay funny guy, I gotta go feed the kitties and get to bed. Will catch you later.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:12 pmOK, Gerald
I simply wanted to ask what Darfur was worth to you. It seems that you are not able to answer that simple question without pulling Iraq, WWII and Saudi Arabia into it.
You have also decided that this is a personal issue and the discussion has to be full of insults. I am no longer going to respond to you.
Please have a nice evening.
May 4th, 2006 at 9:15 pm