ThinkFast AM: June 30, 2006
ThinkFast AM: June 30, 2006
The Senate “agreed yesterday to schedule a vote on a package of bills that would loosen President Bush’s five-year-old restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research.”
In a “swipe at the media aimed primarily at The New York Times,” the House voted yesterday to condemn media organizations that had disclosed the Bush administration’s program tracking financial records.
President Bush has nominated Peter D. Keisler for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Keisler is currently a senior Justice Department official and defended the administration’s policy of military tribunals, which was overturned yesterday by the Supreme Court.
Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke says the administration wants the “public to believe that it had not already occurred to every terrorist on the planet that his telephone was probably monitored and his international bank transfers subject to scrutiny.†“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders.
“Prospects for a swift renewal of the Voting Rights Act faded on Thursday as lawmakers called for new congressional hearings.” If not renewed, provision of the landmark 1965 civil rights legislation will expire at the end of 2007.
Time Magazine asks, “Is BP Really That Green?” “The question has come into stark relief following a series of environmental and safety lapses — and, as of this week, federal charges of price-fixing — which have muddied up the company’s carefully cultivated image.”
“China’s Internet regulators are stepping up controls on blogs and search engines to block material it considers unlawful or immoral.”
Salmon baby food: Sen. Ted Stevens’s (R-AK) newest $450,000 earmark in the fiscal 2007 Agriculture spending bill. “This is a cannery cartel at our [taxpayers'] expense,” said Tom Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste.
“The Bush administration has been unable to muster even half of the 2,500 National Guardsmen it planned to have on the Mexican border by the end of June. … Some state officials have argued that they cannot free up Guardsmen because of flooding in the East, wildfires in the West or the prospect of hurricanes in the South.”
And finally: Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) is taking his colleagues back 2 skool. He has introduced a resolution that “would require every member of Congress and each person on their staff to read the Constitution at least once per year.”
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“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders.
I love how Richard Clarke calls it like he sees it. Wish that approach would catch on in the rest of Washington…
June 30th, 2006 at 9:05 am“would require every member of Congress and each person on their staff to read the Constitution at least once per year.â€
Kinda funny a Republicon is suggesting this… Hypocrisy reigns on Capital Hill.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:08 am“condemn media organizations that had disclosed the Bush administration’s secret program tracking financial records.”?
Shocking! The WSJ is still off the radar of these Boobs. Since congress no longer does anything but Rubberstamp GW Bushs “I-WILL-Break-the-law” programs, we need a Free press more than ever.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:08 amI remember that in some wargames previous to the US invasion of Iraq, the Pentagon played a “hypotetical” war between Middle East irregular forces and USA forces. The US general in charge used the tactics really used by a number of insurgents and irregular forces in the third world, including live messengers in motorcycles with memorized messages instead of cell phones, and a couple other stretegies already used by those irregular fighters. The “insurgent” general scored a series of victories against the “official” US forces, until the HQ commanded him to use phones and other technological devices, “standarizing” his “insurgent” army, simply to not have the “official” US forces humiliated by supossedly inferior forces.
The results of the exercise where widely published in the Internet.
So, the Pentagon officers must be also prosecuted for having released US strategies and tactics to the possible ennemies of the USA? Or maybe the people out there knows already some technology and how to avoid the billion dollar defense programs of the USA?
June 30th, 2006 at 9:08 amQuick comment off topic. Isn’t it ironic that a Bin-Ladin video (actually audio) comes out today? It seems like the past couple Fridays news is planted. Its like the neo-cons don’t want Americans talking about their crimes (wiretapping, Guantanamo, Iraq war etc) over the weekend. Especially this weekend because its 4 days long and our most patriotic holiday. Instead they want us to discuss Bin Ladin and revisit our fear of terrorism. Obviously Rove is at work again. Hopefully people will start to realize they’re being manipulated.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:11 amhttp://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/062906A.shtml
Ten Months After Katrina: Gutting New Orleans
By Bill Quigley
t r u t h o u t | Perspective
Thursday 29 June 2006
…
Over two hundred thousand people have not yet made it back to New Orleans. Vacant houses stretch mile after mile, neighborhood after neighborhood. Thousands of buildings remain marked with brown ribbons where floodwaters settled. Of the thousands of homes and businesses in eastern New Orleans, thirteen percent have been re-connected to electricity.
…
Not a single dollar of federal housing repair or home reconstruction money has made it to New Orleans yet. Tens of thousands are waiting. Many wait because a full third of homeowners in the New Orleans area had no flood insurance. Others wait because the levees surrounding New Orleans are not yet as strong as they were before Katrina, and they fear re-building until flood protection is more likely. Fights over the federal housing money still loom because Louisiana refuses to clearly state a commitment to direct 50% of the billions to low and moderate income families.
…
…New Orleans is looking more and more like Baghdad.
People in New Orleans wonder, if this is the way the US treats its own citizens, how on earth is the US government treating people around the world? We know our nation could use its money and troops and power to help build up our community instead of trying to extending our economic and corporate reach around the globe. Why has it chosen not to?
June 30th, 2006 at 9:13 am…
Some ask, what can people who care do to help New Orleans and the Gulf Coast? Help us rebuild our communities. Pair up your community, your business, school, church, professional or social organization, with one on the Gulf Coast – and build a relationship where your organization can be a resource for one here and provide opportunities for your groups to come and help and for people here to come and tell their stories in your communities. Most groups here have adopted the theme – Solidarity not Charity. Or as aboriginal activist Lila Watson once said: “If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us struggle together.”
re: swipe at the media,(NYT)
After 9/11 Bushco. said over and over again that they were going after terrorists, tracking the transfer of finances through the international banking system. I don’t get this whole BS issue and it is pretty clear to me that this just an attempt to intimidate journalists from reporting the truth about this administrations actions, duh, I know, but jeeezus H.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:16 am..and shouldn’t this administration be turning this false anger towards,say, Dubai and other countries they do business with(or attempt to) who refuse to disclose banking records?
# 5 the misdirection attacks and planted propaganda have picked up, I have noticed too.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:22 am“Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke.†Whenever you start to quote the idiot Richard Clarke, try to remember the terrorists threat grew exponentially, successfully attacked us several times, and missed many opportunities to capture some very senior leaders that might have ended the threat for decades. I think the more appropriate title is: “Former FAILED counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke.†It’s a truer representation of his contribution to the countries security. I have always wondered, if Custer were a liberal would his military campaign at Little Big Horn be termed a victory?
June 30th, 2006 at 9:31 am” A Florida judge has thrown out the confession of the man charged with kidnapping, raping and killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, but kept the discovery of her body as evidence, The Associated Press reports.”
News Flash on CNN
Awsome, so anouther judge helping out a child molester. Maybe when it’s all said and done the guy can get a strict sentence, like 2 years probation.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:37 am#9 You misspelled “Republican” in your fake screen name.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:40 amretired republican veteran is obviously constipated again. Eat some punes asshole, get it out of your system elsewhere, not here please.
I’m thinking that 59,000,000 americans are PRETTY DAMN GULLIBLE. (I’d bet good money that rrv is one of ‘em too).
Hey it’s Friday people! A very long holiday weekend for many of us too….Enjoy!
June 30th, 2006 at 9:44 am“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:47 amPretty much, sadly. And they are correct.
Time Magazine asks, “Is BP Really That Green?â€
There is no oil company that is “green”. It’s impossible for one to be. They had a good PR drive for awhile but the truth always comes out sooner or later.
And Squegee,
June 30th, 2006 at 9:48 amTry reading the whole story before throwing darts. The cops didn’t follow the law so the judge had to dismiss the evidence. The judge was following the laws of the U.S. Why do you hate our laws so much? And why do you attack judges and leave the parties that are guilty of not following the laws be? Neo-con pre-programming maybe? Lay off the Fox News…it’ll rot your brain.
Yeah, squeege! Screw the rights of the accused. Innocent until proven guilty? Hell no! Damn that law-abiding judge!
June 30th, 2006 at 9:49 am9 RRV
June 30th, 2006 at 9:50 amCuster didn’t listen to his intelligence sources either.
“Yeah, squeege! Screw the rights of the accused. Innocent until proven guilty? Hell no! Damn that law-abiding judge!”
Won’t somebody please think about the children?
or alternatively
Why do you hate children?
June 30th, 2006 at 9:52 amThe Senate “agreed yesterday to schedule a vote on a package of bills that would loosen President Bush’s five-year-old restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research.â€
Did Frist suddenly get an incurable disease?
June 30th, 2006 at 9:55 amtry to remember the terrorists threat grew exponentially
June 30th, 2006 at 9:55 amComment by Retired Republcan Veteran — June 30, 2006 @ 9:31 am
You mean when the terrorist alarm went from “I am really nervous”-orange to “oh, my god, I am shitting my pants” crimson?
18 dlet
June 30th, 2006 at 9:57 amNo, Frist has been an incurable disease for a number of years.
Spongebob – Even in Bush’s world the police need to follow the law.
Do not blame the judge for following the law, blame the police who did not. I do not hate children. It is because I love children I want them to grow up in a country where they can be assured rights as citizens will be upheld.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:58 am“It is because I love children I want them to grow up in a country where they can be assured rights as citizens will be upheld.”
And if this guy gets off on a technicality, theres going to be a few less kids who get to grow up.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:02 am#20 PLC
lol, I thought hemmroids were curable but I could be wrong.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:03 amAnd if this guy gets off on a technicality, theres going to be a few less kids who get to grow up.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 10:02 am
And if the police followed the law these people would not “get off” on technicalities!!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:04 amA newcomer to Capitol Hill, a Republican freshman congressman from Texas, is concerned that his congressional colleagues are not as well-versed on the U.S. Constitution as they ought to be as representatives of the American people.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:05 amMaybe they are, freshman, but just enough to violate it.
“And if the police followed the law these people would not “get off†on technicalities!!”
Touche
June 30th, 2006 at 10:08 amAwsome, so anouther judge helping out a child molester. Maybe when it’s all said and done the guy can get a strict sentence, like 2 years probation.
Comment by squegeeboo
Squeegy, the cops didn’t do their job properly. This slime requested an attorney numerous times during his interrogation, but was not provided one. This is a very basic rule, and it’s pounded into the cops’ brains from day-one. All they have achieved is making the prosecutor’s job more difficult. So frustrating.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:09 amZoo – that is a really stupid of them. This is so basic. You arrest someone, they ask for an attorney, all questioning must stop unless initiated by the suspect. PERIOD. They had this guy and they blew it. I hope they can live with themselves when the fall out occurs!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:12 amRep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) is taking his colleagues back 2 skool. He has introduced a resolution that “would require every member of Congress and each person on their staff to read the Constitution at least once per year.â€
Read it, hell, schedule a CLE every damn year, make them attend, make them participate, and make them pass a test. I think i’m cranky about this subject. :}
June 30th, 2006 at 10:13 amOh come on, Zoo. The Constitution is just a piece of paper.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:15 am30 Zookeeper
June 30th, 2006 at 10:18 amA test is Superb. Make it a law. How about “No Congressperson Left Behind”. No salary until the test is passed. And make each member of Congress pay for the test and its administration – no need to fund this mandate.
#29 – You are so right, Jules. When I used to work in an office where we did prosecutions for various towns, I used to get SO pissed at the policemen who were all gung ho about getting the bad guys, but they wouldn’t write a decent report, or bother to find out if they need to get a warrant. Then they’d have an attitude with me, so my boss (my dad, but most of them didn’t know that!) would get them on the phone and tell them exactly what they failed to do, and why he wasn’t taking that crap case to prosecution.
That was a long time ago, now my dad’s a BO fan. I think he lost his mind…
June 30th, 2006 at 10:19 amOh come on, Zoo. The Constitution is just a piece of paper.
Comment by Wilco
You’re pushing me! ;)
Correction: It’s a god-damned piece of paper.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:21 amThanks GWB, you fuckwit…
#32 – Even better, PLC. Connect it to their money. One of the few things they understand!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:23 am:-)
“now my dad’s a BO fan.”
BO?
“And finally: Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) is taking his colleagues back 2 skool. He has introduced a resolution that “would require every member of Congress and each person on their staff to read the Constitution at least once per year.—
June 30th, 2006 at 10:24 amI would think you’d all be against this, if they had to read it, they’d finally realise how all the entitlement programs are illegal.
Does anyone remember the name of the congressman who was on the Cobert shpw pushing the agenda for the 10 commandments to be placed in government offices and school rooms and he could not even remember them?
June 30th, 2006 at 10:24 amHappy Friday all,……..Good posts……Well all most all good posts..LOL..Say R.R. V. Wasen’t Custer the insane from syphliss of the brain guy who led his troops into battle even after he was advised not to.? Seems I read that some where……Oh, and by the way isn’t bush the one who started the Iraq war just because he and cheney could, even when they were advised not to…..Hummmmmm! Is there more simalarieties involved.? like dead brain cells..? Maybe so……..
June 30th, 2006 at 10:25 amAll entitlement programs are illegal….hmmm. me thinks that squeege isn’t a very good lawyer nor a very good jurist today. Squeege – are you an Atlas Shrugged guy? Do you think that maybe, just maybe, an individuals rights can sometimes be overlooked or trampled? If so (and you are claiming just that above), when & who decides? You? Me? Who?
June 30th, 2006 at 10:29 am#37
June 30th, 2006 at 10:31 amJules,
Lynn Westmoreland. He was such an idiot caught red-handed as a christian right-wing appeaser with no knowledge of being a christian himself. Laughed my a$$ off. How do these idiots make office?
“Do you think that maybe, just maybe, an individuals rights can sometimes be overlooked or trampled?”
Apparently as long as their not child molestors, then god forbid they get their rights violated a bit.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:31 amMore similarities? They both hate injuns? and the french!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:33 amAnd they both have really hot moms.
“Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master.”
words from our forefather – Thomas Jefferson (I think…)
June 30th, 2006 at 10:37 amAll of the news to prop up the administration is carefully orchestrated. Look at the “coincidence” o fthe Bin Laden tape coming out now. The Supreme Court decision that lets Repugs say, “Lets fix this in congress”. Also rrv, how do you know what idealogy Custer was, or do you assume he was conservative because he was going to go and teach them “Injuns” a lesson? Lincoln might have been wrong, maybe you can fool all the people all the time…
Texas Juice
P.S. Justice denied is justice Tom “DeLayed”.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:40 am“Prospects for a swift renewal of the Voting Rights Act faded on Thursday as lawmakers called for new congressional hearings.†If not renewed, provision of the landmark 1965 civil rights legislation will expire at the end of 2007.
“We should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections.”
John Adams
PLEASE HEED THE WORDS OF OUR FOREFATHERS!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:40 amthen god forbid they get their rights violated a bit.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 10:31 am
What is “a bit?”
I would not call refusing a suspect counsel a small matter!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:40 amLynn Westmoreland. He was such an idiot caught red-handed as a christian right-wing appeaser with no knowledge of being a christian himself. Laughed my a$$ off. How do these idiots make office?
Comment by dlet — June 30, 2006 @ 10:31 am
have you seen this?
June 30th, 2006 at 10:43 amWestmoreland co-sponsors bill on the Ten Commandments and can’t even name them
dlet – thanks – I was watching it and could not believe this ass was so adamant about this subject then he did not even know the 10 commandments himself!!
These people are such asses!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:44 amThe Ten Commandments are great because women are equated with property!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:45 am“What is “a bit?â€
I would not call refusing a suspect counsel a small matter! ”
Was he worked over? Abused in any way? Maybe tied up and buried alive in a bag in his back yard?
June 30th, 2006 at 10:46 amIf he wanted consul he should have kept his mouth shut until they got him a lawyer, instead he kept on talking while asking for a lawyer, I don’t see the big deal.
These people are such asses!
Comment by Jules — June 30, 2006 @ 10:44 am
Sounds like another good bumperstick for Zoo to add to her car…
June 30th, 2006 at 10:52 am“Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke.†Whenever you start to quote the idiot Richard Clarke, try to remember the terrorists threat grew exponentially, successfully attacked us several times, and missed many opportunities to capture some very senior leaders that might have ended the threat for decades. I think the more appropriate title is: “Former FAILED counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke.†It’s a truer representation of his contribution to the countries security. I have always wondered, if Custer were a liberal would his military campaign at Little Big Horn be termed a victory?
Comment by Retired Republcan Veteran — June 30, 2006 @ 9:31 am
Richard Clark, the “Idiot” (according to this bush loyalist)
Starting in 1985, Clarke served in the Reagan Administration as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence. During the presidential administration of George H.W. Bush, he coordinated diplomatic efforts to support the 1990-1991 Gulf War and the subsequent security arrangements. He also advised Madeleine Albright during the Rwanda crisis. His positions inside the government have included:
United States National Security Council, 1992-2003
Special Advisor 2001-2003
National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-terrorism, 1998-2000
Chair of the Counter-terrorism Security Group, 1992-2003
United States Department of State 1985-1992
Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs, 1989-1992
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence, 1985-1988
After Clarke appeared before the 911 Commission, his detractors attacked his credibility, suggesting that he was too partisan a figure, and charging that he exaggerated perceived failures in the Bush Administration’ counter terrorism policies while exculpating the former Clinton administration from its perceived shortcomings.[3] According to Knight-Ridder, the White House tried to discredit Clarke in a move described as “shooting the messenger.”[4] New York Times columnist Paul Krugman was more blunt, calling the attacks on Clarke “a campaign of character assassination.”[5]
June 30th, 2006 at 10:52 amI don’t see the big deal.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 10:46 am
So, the only law a police officer cannot break is the ones protecting individuals from physical harm? Evrything else is “open season” so to speak?
Have you ever been interrogated? Have you ever been in a room for hours and sometimes even days with little sleep, little food, being barraged by questions? There are people who have made false confessions because they were promised the ability to go home, eat, sleep, whatever if they would confess. This is a fact.
The police have procedures they need to follow. To allow them to pick and choose which laws they will abide by and which they will not, well, that is similar to Bush’s policy and we see how well that is working!!!
June 30th, 2006 at 10:53 amThat’s not the law, squeege. All questioning is to end immediately upon request of a lawyer. So blame the Congress, not the judge ruling as required.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:54 amThe Ten Commandments are great because women are equated with property!
Comment by Wilco — June 30, 2006 @ 10:45 am
Which is why I don’t get women who support an ideology that considers them as such…
June 30th, 2006 at 10:55 amhow freakin’ much more can we take?
Hippies Homeland Security Threat
Mass Citations At Rainbow Family Gathering in Colorado
A permit for a pilgrimage?
by Karen Kilroy and Alan Canfora
The Rainbow Family, an ad-hoc collective of free-spirited individuals, has made an annual spiritual pilgrimage since 1972 to various national forests. This year’s Rainbow Family Gathering is outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and will be held from July 1-7. The National Forest Service has determined that a permit is required this year and is arresting people as they arrive. Hundreds of early arrivals have been arrested, ticketed, held in detention camps, tried in secret inside a cramped garage without proper representation, fined, and ordered to leave within 24 hours.
Over the past several days, a federal “National Incident Team” has been assembled to deny these individuals their constitutional right to assemble. The line between the power of the state and the federal government has been compromised, as Colorado State Patrol Troopers, county sheriffs, and local police have been brought into the National Incident Team.
Why is this the year in which a socially conscious group of people is being confronted? Why is the media being fed stories about fire potential, with no mention of the ongoing battle of the Bush Administration to try to shut down their right of free assembly?
In response to Hurricane Katrina, Rainbow Family members ran free food kitchens at which even FEMA personnel ate meals.
Don E. Wirtshafter, an attorney, wrote a plea for help. He suggests that the Bush Administration wants to make this a precedent to discourage groups from open assembly without a permit.
What will happen once the expected 20,000 participants start to arrive at the meeting ground? Many of them will not know what is going to await them because they are generally not a cell-phone/e-mail culture. Many have spent the last weeks hitchhiking to the site or nursing along a car that breaks down every few miles, held together by duct tape. This is their spiritual gathering. They use any peaceful means to get there.
Will they just “go away”? According to a website that allows the Rainbow Family to share messages, it doesn’t look like it.”*Ignore all rumors of cancellation or organization! Live Lightly with the Land and People*” is the prominent message posted on the site.
There has already been an incident (ABC News, Denver, Colorado) in which about 200 people encircled a police checkpoint, armed with sticks and rocks. The Forest Service drew their weapons, but retreated.
The gathering is being held in a meadow with only one road out. The media has been given word that the reason they cannot assemble is because of potential for fire. This is another distortion of facts. For years now, the Rainbow tribe has waged an ongoing legal battle to defend constitutional freedoms.
Attorney Wirtshafter requests that you call your congressperson now and alert them to this situation. Ask them to get the Administration to stop violating the constitutional rights of the Rainbow Gathering participants.
The U.S. Government should make serious efforts to avoid, not provoke, another Waco or Kent State incident in our National Forests. In recent years, the conservative movement has openly declared a culture war against all remnants of the powerful 1960’s movement for peace and freedom. Progressive activists should take action now and speak out against this looming dangerous battle in the modern culture war.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:56 amHippies should not be allowed in public. Anyone who thinks pachouli smells good or is an appropriate substitute for showering should be locked up.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:01 amUnbelievable -The parts they ignore
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” -Exodus 20:07
“The Lord detests men of perverse heart, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless” Proverbs 11:20
“Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool – how much worse lying lips to a ruler.”
Proverbs 17:7
“How hard is it for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for someone who is rich to enter to the kingdom of God.” – Jesus Christ
June 30th, 2006 at 11:03 amFive U.S. Army soldiers are being investigated for allegedly raping a young woman, then killing her and three members of her family in Iraq
U.S. official close to the investigation said at least one of the soldiers, all assigned to the 502nd Infantry Regiment, has admitted his role and has been arrested. Two soldiers from the same regiment were slain this month when they were kidnapped at a checkpoint near Youssifiyah.
BASTARDS THESES SOLDIERS SHOULD GET A REAL JOB
June 30th, 2006 at 11:05 am61. I knew their hatred would come out on this one….
June 30th, 2006 at 11:07 am#56:
I’d actually go and do the research to prove you wrong on Clark’s record and the facts surronding your “claims” (you never get the truth from watching FOX, my friend), but you will ignore the facts and belive in your Republican doctrine (your religion?) over truth, so why even bother….
PS – Custer was a perfect example of ignoring the intelligence provided to you … Just like this administration did (or rather – fixing the intelligence to go your way – to be accurate in their case.)
Sincere thaks for being a veteran, as we ALL (Democrats) appreciate every veteran of our great country! And that is a TRUTH that cannot be doubted.
Happy 4th of July!
June 30th, 2006 at 11:08 am#63. Do you have link for this?
June 30th, 2006 at 11:09 amIm so disgusted By this ill post whole post
U.S. troops accused of killing Iraq family
BEIJI, Iraq – Five U.S. Army soldiers are being investigated for allegedly raping a young woman, then killing her and three members of her family in Iraq, a U.S. military official told The Associated Press on Friday.
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The soldiers also allegedly burned the body of the woman they are accused of raping.
Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of coalition troops in Baghdad, had ordered a criminal investigation into the alleged killing of a family of four in Mahmoudiya, south of Baghdad, the U.S. command said. It did not elaborate.
“The entire investigation will encompass everything that could have happened that evening. We’re not releasing any specifics of an ongoing investigation,” said military spokesman Maj. Todd Breasseale.
“There is no indication what led soldiers to this home. The investigation just cracked open. We’re just beginning to dig into the details.”
However, a U.S. official close to the investigation said at least one of the soldiers, all assigned to the 502nd Infantry Regiment, has admitted his role and has been arrested. Two soldiers from the same regiment were slain this month when they were kidnapped at a checkpoint near Youssifiyah.
At least four other soldiers have had their weapons taken away and are confined to Forward Operating Base Mahmoudiyah south of Baghdad. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.
The official said the killings appear to be unrelated to the kidnappings but that a soldier felt compelled to report the killings after his fellow soldiers’ bodies were found.
The killings appeared to have been a “crime of opportunity,” the official said. The soldiers had not been attacked by insurgents but had noticed the woman on previous patrols.
SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME ON ALL AMERICA
June 30th, 2006 at 11:19 amI really want to become an insurgent after reading this stuff
June 30th, 2006 at 11:20 amI just checked the Tropical Weather Underground site on the Net, and 2 suspicious areas are showing signs of development into tropical storms/hurricanes > one is building about a hundred miles north of the Dominican Republic in the Atlantic, and the other one is forming in the Gulf of Mexico below Texas, just above the Yucatan peninsula! Be aware that those 2 areas of disturbed weather may develope rapidly in the next couple days into tropical depressions, then into tropical storms, and then possible hurricanes! Atlantic one could effect the East Coast of the US and the other one the coastal States of the Gulf region! Hard onto your hats the storm season is beginning to fire up now > global warming is causing ocean water to increase in temperature and thus fuel more hurricanes into larger and more dangerous storms!
June 30th, 2006 at 11:23 amNo more discussing with trolls anymore. They are poison to humanity.
Darkness at Noon for Democracy
A BUZZFLASH EDITORIAL
Ideology doesn’t matter.
You are a tyrannical thug whether you are Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, or Francisco Franco.
And Cheney and his Puppet Bush are thugs in that infamous tradition.
People who are utter failures in executing policy often rise to power because they are experts at brutally seizing power and silencing dissent. It is the law of the political jungle. Kill off dissent — and no one can expose your wretched failures.
Democrats on the Hill who still harbor an idea that what is going on is about an alleged “war on terrorism” or fight for liberty or “victory” in Iraq are in need of a new prescription for their glasses.
This is a about the raw, ruthless seizure of power and the machineries of state by one radical faction within a democracy.
And that radical faction has as one of its major goals the elimination of democracy.
Sure, they mouth platitudes about the glories of the homeland, as Hitler did. But take the Holocaust away from the history of the Third Reich and tell us, honestly, if you think the Busheviks are headed in a different direction?
Hitler was brilliant in selecting Goebbels as his propaganda minister. Both of them knew that mass media was the way to incite the masses and gain their allegiance to sanction a takeover of the state.
Hitler did it with film, radio and print media. The Busheviks are doing it with television and radio as the leading edge of their blitzkrieg toward permanent one-party control of America.
Whenever their failures are exposed, they use scare and fear tactics to subdue the public. They launch highly coordinated and disciplined dishonest diversionary tactics — such as the bogus attack on The New York Times for printing a story on tracing banking transactions that everyone pretty much knew about anyway, especially the terrorists — for the sole purpose of turning the already lapdog American press into a complete rebirth of the Soviet brand of Pravda.
Make no mistake about it, they are seeking laws and prosecution that will make dissent from the party line a crime.
These are brown shirts, egomaniacs who mask their lust for total domination and the dismantling of democracy in lofty patriotic rhetoric, which has no meaning to them except as a tool to numb the masses, or to manipulate them emotionally.
These are the tactics of the demagogue.
The democratic government following the collapse of the Tsarist regime fell to the Soviets because the Soviets were more disciplined, remorseless, and cunning. The same fate befell the Weimar Republic as Hitler manipulated his ascent through a campaign of fear, ringing emotional appeals to “patriotism,” scapegoating, and the manipulation of the legal process to make his takeover of the government sanctioned by the Reichstag.
If you think that is not happening here, then you are not really thinking at all. You are just a member of the masses who has succumbed to the demagoguery of the barbarians now inside the gates of the White House.
You might as well be brain dead if you don’t understand the perilous risk to our Constitutional form of government that is now at hand.
This is no longer a discussion about the Iraq War.
It is the forces of democracy versus the forces of fascism.
Don’t cringe when you hear the “F” word, as if it is some radical, over the top proclamation.
The radicals aren’t writing the editorials for BuzzFlash. We are pro-Constitution, pro-democracy and pro-balance of powers. We are patriots.
The radicals who would undo the American Revolution are in the White House.
They are brilliant at incrementally seizing uncontested power.
It is the only thing they do well.
The same could have been said of Stalin, Mussolini, Franco and Hitler.
We don’t shrink from these comparisons.
Just look around and see what is happening.
If you don’t see it soon, it will be too late.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:24 amCorrection : Hold onto your hats > not Hard > lol.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:25 amAnyone who thinks pachouli smells good or is an appropriate substitute for showering should be locked up.
Comment by Wilco — June 30, 2006 @ 11:01 am
Because that’s so much worse than people who molest children or steal the pensions of little of ladies?
I hope you’re just an act of sarcasm…
June 30th, 2006 at 11:25 amMadashell,
I’m sure you could write a book about the stuff they don’t follow… oh wait, someone already did – it’s called the Bible…
June 30th, 2006 at 11:28 amJay
“Correction : Hold onto your hats > not Hard > lol. ”
Just switch it to hold onto your hats hard, then you get to use 3 H words at once!!
unbelievable
June 30th, 2006 at 11:29 amWilco is right, you do belong in jail, but if you eat a burger we’ll let the hippyness slide just this once.
Im so disgusted By this ill post whole post
U.S. troops accused of killing Iraq family
BEIJI, Iraq – Five U.S. Army soldiers are being investigated for allegedly raping a young woman, then killing her and three members of her family in Iraq, a U.S. military official told The Associated Press on Friday.
The soldiers also allegedly burned the body of the woman they are accused of raping.
Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of coalition troops in Baghdad, had ordered a criminal investigation into the alleged killing of a family of four in Mahmoudiya, south of Baghdad, the U.S. command said. It did not elaborate.
“The entire investigation will encompass everything that could have happened that evening. We’re not releasing any specifics of an ongoing investigation,†said military spokesman Maj. Todd Breasseale.
“There is no indication what led soldiers to this home. The investigation just cracked open. We’re just beginning to dig into the details.â€
However, a U.S. official close to the investigation said at least one of the soldiers, all assigned to the 502nd Infantry Regiment, has admitted his role and has been arrested. Two soldiers from the same regiment were slain this month when they were kidnapped at a checkpoint near Youssifiyah.
At least four other soldiers have had their weapons taken away and are confined to Forward Operating Base Mahmoudiyah south of Baghdad. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.
The official said the killings appear to be unrelated to the kidnappings but that a soldier felt compelled to report the killings after his fellow soldiers’ bodies were found.
The killings appeared to have been a “crime of opportunity,†the official said. The soldiers had not been attacked by insurgents but had noticed the woman on previous patrols.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:30 amSHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME ON ALL AMERICA
Post 70 > I read Buzzflash all the time and they know that Bush is a fascist who is trying to create a Hitlerian type dictatorship in America! Everyone must think about that, since this 4th of July might be our last one under freedom before Bush tyranny reigns?!
June 30th, 2006 at 11:30 amevery day, every single freaking day, there is always SOMETHING! Frankly, I am so damned tired of it all!
The wild mustang – free no more. Sen. Conrad Burns gutted the 1971 law protecting them and so they could be sold “for processing and shipment to countries in Europe and Japan, where horsemeat is considered a delicacy.” It was passed without opportunity for public hearing or debate. 6/30
June 30th, 2006 at 11:32 amYes boo I could have used 3 H words in that sentence > thanks for pointing that out!
June 30th, 2006 at 11:35 amThere is no wild horse in America, technically. And whats the big deal? It said there was over population.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:38 amBO?
Comment by squegeeboo
Bill O’Reilly, dearest.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:40 amRep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) is taking his colleagues back 2 skool. He has introduced a resolution that “would require every member of Congress and each person on their staff to read the Constitution at least once per year.â€â€
Comment by squegeeboo
Correct me if I’m wrong, but Conaway would be better served if he would put copy of the Constitution right in the middle of the president’s desk—-Right next to George’s crayons and personal copy of “My Pet Goat.”
June 30th, 2006 at 11:40 am79. Wtf? Did you even link to the article?
According to Tom Pogacnik, Director of the BLM in California, somewhere between 6,000 – 8,000 wild horses and burros sanctuaried in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas will be affected by the new law. It remains undetermined how many more may be subject to the mass sales from gathers in Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:41 amCOMING SOON IN AN ANTI-DEMOCRATIC AD…
Well, here you have Nancy Pelosi saying the decision was not only a “triumph†but that “Today’s Supreme Court decision reaffirms the American ideal that all are entitled to the basic guarantees of our justice system.â€
(in the background, there will be visions of the South Tower being hit and people screaming and yelling!!!) Then, the narrator will ask – DO we really want to give people like Muhammad Atta basic guarantees of our justice system? Well, we know Democrats do.
YOU FUCKING IDIOTS are going to get plowed come November. Thank you for your ignorance!!
June 30th, 2006 at 11:43 amif Custer were a liberal would his military campaign at Little Big Horn be termed a victory?
Comment by Retired Republcan Veteran — June 30, 2006 @ 9:31 am
Custer didn’t listen to his intelligence sources either.
Comment by PLC (Patriotic Liberal Christian) — June 30, 2006 @ 9:50 am
oh SNAP !!!
June 30th, 2006 at 11:43 ami was gonna say “if he were a liberal, he wouldn’t have BEEN there” – but PLC’s comeback covered that fact most effectively, so much better!
I would ask Richard “Flip Flopping” Clarke this: If the financial transaction monitoring information was such common knowledge, why did The New York Times treat it as such a major revelation and put it page one?
Clarke is an opportunist and a fool.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:43 amIf not for judges like John Paul Stevens – A President Rebuked
June 30th, 2006 at 11:46 am… from gathers in Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
Comment by madashell — June 30, 2006 @ 11:41 am
have you seen how they “gather” these horses?
June 30th, 2006 at 11:46 am“cowboys” in helicopters! damn them!
sickening…
“Wtf? Did you even link to the article?
According to Tom Pogacnik, Director of the BLM in California, somewhere between 6,000 – 8,000 wild horses and burros sanctuaried in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas will be affected by the new law. It remains undetermined how many more may be subject to the mass sales from gathers in Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. ”
Horses in the America’s arn’t concidered wild, because they are all initially from domesticated stock, but maybe that just applies to the breed or herd, not the individual horses. And yes I did read the article, and it said
June 30th, 2006 at 11:47 am“In 1987, a Federal Court of Appeals ruled that the BLM could not give title to a person whom they knew intended to sell the horse for slaughter. Instead, in an effort to prevent the overpopulation of the wild horses and preserve the public lands on which they grazed, the horses were gathered and held at facilities for training and adoption placement.”
So it just sounds like this is anouther way to help deal with over-population. Hell, I’ll buy a few steaks if it helps out.
Clarke is an opportunist and a fool.
Comment by Exley — June 30, 2006 @ 11:43 am
Exley is a traitor to the Constitution.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:48 amPost 83 > we all know you are a fascist > thanks for confirming that fact > lol.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:48 amComment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 11:47 am
You are entitled to your narrow minded opinion. I am not attempting to change your twisted views on this matter. I actually posted that for people who care. And for people like you, it is obvious you don’t care about ANYTHING righteous.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:52 am“I actually posted that for people who care. And for people like you, it is obvious you don’t care about ANYTHING righteous.”
I would just say we define righteous differently. Animals being turned into steak dosn’t bother me, prob. because I enjoy steak.
June 30th, 2006 at 11:57 am#89…
Well argued…Really…That was so clever! And really well thought out. It had so much substance to it…
June 30th, 2006 at 12:00 pmSlaughtering horses is bad but slaughtering cows is good? Please justify this.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:00 pmNo my theory about posting the long RAPE and MURder story was to see who posts long threads as to expose republican trolls for shifting the story up furhter as most people who join threads only read the headings and the last post ……get my drift
June 30th, 2006 at 12:01 pmWell, I’m out of here. I’m not hanging around to sling insults back and forth with these fools anymore. I’ve got a life.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:02 pmsay what?
June 30th, 2006 at 12:03 pmYOU FUCKING IDIOTS are going to get plowed come November. Thank you for your ignorance!!
Comment by Terror Sympathizing Left
You are quite welcome, TSL. But I want you to know that I have sworn off screwing idiots since the last time I got plowed.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:04 pm“Well, I’m out of here. I’m not hanging around to sling insults back and forth with these fools anymore. I’ve got a life.”
I haven’t slung any insults. Just provided my opinion on matters.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:04 pmJoe Sixpack
“You are quite welcome, TSL. But I want you to know that I have sworn off screwing idiots since the last time I got plowed.”
Joe, Words to live by, words to live by.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:05 pmThank’s for the info Madashell and all,,,,,,This is turning into another f***ed Friday…..Wow! Why the hell haven’t we heard about the Rainbow gathering problems before now.? Damn Burns for his genocide on the wild horses…The military story is just plane sickening…..When will it get better.? Gonna put the upside down flag up tomorrow morning and leave it there untill the 5th…..Hippies.? Hippies.? Fast forward please, this is 2006 not 1960. Granted many of us were in that fight as well but the term hippies is so way past the time frame. Now those of us that were hippies are true patriots and guardians of the constitution……..Oh in case you were not around then we were the same way back then. Peace……
June 30th, 2006 at 12:06 pmI am dismayed to see pro-tobacco crusader Citizens Against Government Waste quoted here. See sourcewatch.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:14 pmExley:”I would ask Richard “Flip Flopping†Clarke this: If the financial transaction monitoring information was such common knowledge, why did The New York Times treat it as such a major revelation and put it page one?
Clarke is an opportunist and a fool.”
Hey Jackass, the story is that they’re doing it outside the law, not just that they’re doing it. As usual, the real story is that this administration doesn’t respect the law. Richard Clarke has worked for four different presidents and, for his courage against Saddam Hussein in the early ’90s, he was praised as a great American by Pres. HW Bush, so, Exley, when you call him a fool, you just prove that you’re an incompetent, uninformed a-hole.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:18 pm“Granted many of us were in that fight as well but the term hippies is so way past the time frame. Now those of us that were hippies are true patriots and guardians of the constitution……..Oh in case you were not around then we were the same way back then. Peace……”
Sounds like Hippy talk to me….
I think we haven’t heard about the Rainbow gathering before because it just started earlier this week, from the quick googling I just did on it, the permit issue seems to be that they won’t grant 1 giant permit for the whole gathering for cooking(Apparently it’s a bakers group?) but instead will only do it on a campsite by campsite basis due to fire concerns. Some of the campsites have gone out and gotten the permit needed, others have choosen to protest needing a permit instead.
/prob. wrong about all that, but meh
June 30th, 2006 at 12:19 pmHere’s a clue for you Bush cultists who somehow feel the NYT should be closed but have nothing to say about the conservative WSJ who published the same info on the same day: the intelligence community has been monitoring banking transactions since the ’80’s. This entire non-issue is just Karl Rove firing up the rubes (that would be you.)
June 30th, 2006 at 12:21 pmHas anyone seen anyone but MSNBC reporting that SWIFT is completely public info? That there’s a website, a magazine, a 30 page public report on the program by the US for the UN? That it’s public info, just not public knowledge? (thus the newspaper reports)
June 30th, 2006 at 12:25 pmIt’s odd I haven’t seen reporting anywhere else.
Animals being turned into steak dosn’t bother me, prob. because I enjoy steak.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 11:57 am
More logically – because you’re not a cow.
Egocentricity incarnate thy name is squeegeeboo.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:26 pmBut of course! There’s no need for the Voting Rights Act anymore, especially at the time of the next Presidential Election. Minorities no longer need to have their right to vote safeguarded against unscrupulous acts designed to prevent them from voting. While we’re at it, let’s repeal the 13th Amendment, too.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:31 pmI would ask Richard “Flip Flopping†Clarke this: If the financial transaction monitoring information was such common knowledge, why did The New York Times treat it as such a major revelation and put it page one?
Clarke is an opportunist and a fool.
Comment by Exley —
And he’d laugh at you, before telling you Bush himself announced we were tracking terrorists funds, years ago.
I’d say your comments also make you look like an opportunist for trying to CBA (Cover Bush’s Ass), and a fool for posting here.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:31 pm“More logically – because you’re not a cow.”
Something tells me that cow’s prob. arn’t aware that they get turned into steak, or at least not till the last couple minutes.
All I’m saying is if god didn’t want us to eat animals he shouldn’t have made them out of meat.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:33 pmAll I’m saying is if god didn’t want us to eat animals he shouldn’t have made them out of meat.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 12:33
And the cancers we get from eating meat? God’s retribution for slaughtering His creatures.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:35 pmthere are many people out there who truly believe bush really cares about them, is trying really hard to fight the terrorists, is good and honest and that he wants what’s best for the country above anything. So, if he doles out contracts for cronies to pocket all the loot they can, if he uses terrorists to excuse all the grab for power and become King George, if his administration conducts phony wars, if he decides that the US does do torture, ect., it really isn’t his fault. Everyone is just picking on him.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:49 pmYes, Mr. Clarke, there are alot of people out there who are that gullible.
#10 While the fact that the judged tossed out the confession represents a tragedy, the blame clearly lies with the detectives who took the confession, and did not allow Couey the right to an attorney.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:59 pmBushco and the neo-cons got bitch slapped by SCOTUS yesterday, and on the same day Sen. Kyl and Graham started working on legislation in the senate to bypass the court.
This is at the direction of KKKKarl Rove and Bush. Shows you who the real asshole neo-cons are. I am hoping against hope that Kyl gets defeated. He runs in November and in Arizona the pukes are losing voting registrations by the thousands every day.
Run asshole, run.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:01 pm“And the cancers we get from eating meat? God’s retribution for slaughtering His creatures.”
And the cancers you get from eating plants? Is that God’s retribution for harvesting his plants?
June 30th, 2006 at 1:11 pmI would ask Richard “Flip Flopping†Clarke this: If the financial transaction monitoring information was such common knowledge, why did The New York Times treat it as such a major revelation and put it page one?
Clarke is an opportunist and a fool.
Comment by Exley — June 30, 2006 @ 11:43 am
With all due respect, Mr. Exley, why would you ask Richard Clarke that question? That sounds more like something you want to ask the New York Times. What makes you think that Clarke could possibly know why a newspaper would treat a story the way they did? And why do you call him a “flip-flopper”? I’m not sure I understand why you used that particular pejorative.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:16 pmAnd the cancers you get from eating plants? Is that God’s retribution for harvesting his plants?
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 1:11
OK, I’ll bite: what cancers to you get from harvested plants? Perhaps its something I should watch out for.
If you’re talking about processed food, I’d agree, because of all the chemicals and additives, but harvested plants?
June 30th, 2006 at 1:21 pm“OK, I’ll bite: what cancers to you get from harvested plants? Perhaps its something I should watch out for.”
I was hoping the statement would stand on its own, I got nothing, although some googling would prob. turn at least 1 up.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:24 pmAs I thought. Unless you’ re whoofing down one of the Deadly Nightshades, poison ivy, or something like that.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:28 pmI had a revelation and its mighty scary. The neo-cons went after the Times for printing that Bushco had been illegally tracking our bank transactions. We all know that the LA Times & Post also printed the story. But the Times was singled out for criticism. Yet we also know that the Times has in the past been very friendly with Bushco…namely Judy Miller shilling for the Iraq War (some might say it was Judy Miller’s BS reporting that pushed us into this war…and that is a VERY big favor to Bushco). The Times also held back the illegal warrantless wiretapping story for 1 yr so Bush could get elected. The Times also has barely reported on the Downing Street memos. All these are huge favors to Bushco.
Then I thought about it…ALL THIS ISN’T ENOUGH???!!!! Bushco obviously expects 100% obedience from the Times! And until they obey him 100% of the time Bushco will continue to attack them.
And since the Post & LA Times were spared criticism I can only deduce that they are 100% under the control of Bushco. Frightening.
Frankly I’m beginning to feel that until every member of the press simply regurgitates Rove’s Daily Talking Points Bulletin (like Fox News) they’ll come under attack from Bushco.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:31 pm“Unless you’ re whoofing down one of the Deadly Nightshades, poison ivy, or something like that.”
Why is it always the tastiest ones that are bad?
June 30th, 2006 at 1:33 pm#92, #94: Some of us don’t eat animals and are against how they are treated in the meat processing industry. Those who have elected to eat cows, chickens, fish, or whatever, sometimes are indifferent to how other animals are treated (sounds like you) and sometimes get very upset. I would say it’s a little hypocritical to be the latter, yes, but I’ll take any ally I can get — even non-vegetarian allies.
People getting upset about wildlife slaughter, while still being okay with live-stock slaughter, is still a step forward, in my opinion. Not the ideal, but a definite step forward in thinking on this matter. If normal everyday Americans are getting upset about the needless slaughter of wild horses, maybe they’ll think just a little bit more before ordering that Big Mac or bucket of fried chicken.
Now, as much as ending the human-slaughter of all animals would please me. it is unrealistic as in nature, there are always animals that eat animals. Since humans are biologically programmed with the ability to crave, eat, and digest meat, meat-eating is going to continue for a very, very long time.
Myself, many vegetarians, and many omnivores would be happy if livestock were just actually treated humanely. On a personal note, I’d be happy if less people would look upon being vegetarian as some weird unhealthy affliction. You should see the looks I get sometimes when I say “I don’t eat meat.” “What do you eat??????” is a common question. I certianly don’t look the stereotype, being on the chunky side instead of rail-thin. As if the only foodstuff in the modern world contains meat. Being a food lover and amateur chef, I contend that I enjoy my meatless diet more than my previous life as an omnivore.
Remember, October 1 is World Vegetarian Day. Even if you eat meat, give it a shot for one day. You may end up loving it! Quorn rules! ;-)
June 30th, 2006 at 1:34 pm“Even if you eat meat, give it a shot for one day. You may end up loving it! ”
My sources say probably not, I’ve actually just started willingly eating fruit and vegtables for the first time in my life, and I’ve got to say, they suck. Although I am turning the corner on apples/bananas/spinach, but just those have taken me 1-2 months to not gag on.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:41 pmHello Wayne,
I would ask Clarke that question because he raised the issue. He tried to defend The Times by bringing up a point, the absurdity of which I believe I amply illustrated.
As for why I call Clarke a flip-flopper — I do so because in the 9/11 Commission Report and in news articles from the 1990s, we see that Clarke believed that there was indeed a link between Iraq and Al Qaeda and acted accordingly.
Yet before the 9/11 Commission revealed this information Clarke was pushing his book and attempting to get a job with the Kerry administration (and his best friend Rand Beers, who was the Kerry campaign’s NSA) by totally contradicting his earlier position and falsely claiming that there was no Iraq-Al Qaeda connection.
Thus, he is — at best — a flip-flopper. At worst, he is simply dishonest.
June 30th, 2006 at 1:43 pmParrot, I feel you. I just find it hypocritical to rage over horses killed for meat but be cool when it’s cows or chicken. It seems there are too many people ashamed to be the omnivores they naturally are. Sure, horses are some sexy animals, but they’re still edible, I suppose. So what the hey.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:04 pmBut yes, even though they are destined for McStomachs everywhere, all livestock should be treated “humanely,” something that happens far too seldom. It seems respect for life is too often dependent upon the “cute” factor. (I’d love to see an argument against that.)
And for all the true liberals out there, check out getdshirts.com and help a guy out. Screech Powers needs us.
#124 Exley,
Okay. At least you have your reasons and weren’t just saying things that have no foundation just to piss off liberals (as some who visit here do). I’m not sure if I totally agree with your characterizations, but at least you have your reasons. I want to look over the 9/11 report again to see if I agree with what you said. Off the top of my head I do not know how accurate an assessment it was but, as I said, at least you had your reasons.
Enjoy your weekend and holiday (or your four-day weekend if you’re one of the lucky ones). Be safe.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:12 pmComing back late so….
Squeege – We don’t want to see child molesters or murderer’s get off. But we want EVERYBODY to have the full benefit of the law as well as the full force of the law if convicted.
This guy is still going to get convicted because the judge refused to throw out the body as evidence (thank god). But obeying the laws is important.
If you start to slide for one group, when does it end? I know, a tired & trite argument, but I believe in the government of laws, not the government of unitary executive with unlimited powers.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:13 pmThank you, Wayne…Enjoy your holiday too.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:14 pmGot to run to do errands > have fun all bashing the Bush lover trolls today > lol.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:17 pmHey and speaking of horses, check this out:
June 30th, 2006 at 2:33 pmhttp://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7591
BlueDog49,
Clarke was far more concrete in his belief in an Iraq-Al Qaeda connection than you are suggesting.
Here is one example from a 1999 Washington Post article:
The Washington Post
January 23, 1999; Page A02
Embassy Attacks Thwarted, U.S. Says; Official Cites Gains
Against Bin Laden;
Clinton Seeks $10 Billion to Fight Terrorism
By Vernon Loeb
U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies have
prevented Osama bin
Laden’s extremist network from carrying out truck-bomb
attacks against at
least two American embassies since the bombings of U.S.
embassies in Kenya
and Tanzania more than five months ago, the Clinton
administration’s senior
counterterrorism official said yesterday.
…
Clarke declined to go into detail on U.S. counterterrorism
operations that
he believes preempted the planned truck bombings at
embassies in Africa and
the Middle East. He would not say which embassies had been
targeted,
although U.S. officials previously disclosed that they had
foiled an alleged
attempt by bin Laden associates to blow up the U.S. Embassy
in Uganda.
Clarke did provide new information in defense of Clinton’s
decision to fire
Tomahawk cruise missiles at the El Shifa pharmaceutical
plant in Khartoum,
Sudan, in retaliation for bin Laden’s role in the Aug. 7
embassy bombings.
While U.S. intelligence officials disclosed shortly after
the missile attack
that they had obtained a soil sample from the El Shifa site
that contained a
precursor of VX nerve gas, Clarke said that the U.S.
government is “sure”
that Iraqi nerve gas experts actually produced a powdered
VX-like substance
at the plant that, when mixed with bleach and water, would
have become fully
active VX nerve gas.
Clarke said U.S. intelligence does not know how much of the
substance was
produced at El Shifa or what happened to it. But he said
that intelligence
exists linking bin Laden to El Shifa’s current and past
operators, the Iraqi
nerve gas experts and the National Islamic Front in Sudan.
Given the evidence presented to the White House before the
June 30th, 2006 at 2:36 pmairstrike, Clarke
said, the president “would have been derelict in his duties
if he didn’t
blow up the facility.”
Good afternoon UB, Zoo, Jules, Barfly and all. Anybody heard from Seixon? I’m a little concerned about the folks in Norway, he seems to have snapped early this morning:)
And Squego,
Animals being turned into steak dosn’t bother me, prob. because I enjoy steak.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 11:57 am
All I’m saying is if god didn’t want us to eat animals he shouldn’t have made them out of meat.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 12:33 pm
- stay the hell away from my dog.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:39 pmAll I’m saying is if god didn’t want us to eat animals he shouldn’t have made them out of meat.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:46 pmComment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 12:33
Bla, bla, bla…god…bla, bla, bla.
Where the hell is your god, buddy? Wake up and take a look around and tell me, really, that there is a god out there, where children are exploited, raped and killed point blank.
- stay the hell away from my dog.
Comment by Quadrajet
Ill try, but I’m not making any promises.
Where the hell is your god, buddy? Wake up and take a look around and tell me, really, that there is a god out there, where children are exploited, raped and killed point blank.
Comment by Juan C
What do you expect with liberal judges throwing out their cases, or giving them the oh so horrible punishment of probation.
As for the G-man, I use him for the easy joke when I can, and thats the extent of our relationship.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:53 pmDoes the existence of bad things necessarily preclude the existence of a god, especially when the christian faith teaches free will? There’s no provable answer either way. It’s a matter of …… faith. But there must be a god since the Pixies got back together.
June 30th, 2006 at 2:57 pmNo, BlueDog…You missed this sentence:
“But he [Clarke] said that intelligence exists linking bin Laden to El Shifa’s current and past operators, the Iraqi nerve gas experts and the National Islamic Front in Sudan.”
So, Clarke in 1999 said intelliegence linked bin Laden to Iraqi nerve gas exprts…But then in 2004 he totally contradicts himself and says: “There’s absolutely no evidence that Iraq was supporting al Qaeda, ever.”
Which is it, Mr. Clarke?
June 30th, 2006 at 3:01 pmQuadrajet – was Sexion losing it or what? I swear if he were in the same room with us he would have gotten violent. You could almost picture the veins popping, fist waving and foot stomping. That boy is in desperate need of a vacation.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:02 pmDoes the existence of bad things necessarily preclude the existence of a god, especially when the christian faith teaches free will?
So, you dont have a proof about the existence of “god”. Faith…yeah, my faith is that everything is made of chocolate and beautiful women all over the world, want me. That is ridiculous, right? Well, what about paring all animal species inside an ark? Oh, interpretation…right.
The idea of god was made to protect ignorance and interests. Ask why the Vatican is the richest state in the world. Good luck with your faith.
But there must be a god since the Pixies got back together.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:07 pmComment by Wilco — June 30, 2006 @ 2:57 pm
That was a funny comment. I liked it.
“Well, what about paring all animal species inside an ark?”
Yah, but that happened thousands of years ago, before evolution had a chance to create as much diversity as there is today. So it would have been easier.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:13 pmI’m not a believer, but I understand the belief. Just because one believes Jesus is “Lord and Savior” doesn’t mean that same person believes in the letter of the Bible. The Bible teaches Jesus came to denounce those who chose to keep to the letter of Judaic Law but not the spirit. It’s not that Judaism was corrupt, it’s that Jesus felt some Judaic elders were corrupt. So it’s unfair to accuse all christians of having all the exact same beliefs. Yes, some people interpret the bible literally, although I can’t fathom how. But most people are pick-n-choosers.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:17 pmBoo – For once I must agree with you. I gave up red meat for years but when I was pregnant with my daughter I just had to have a quarter pounder with cheese (yeah I know – really cannot be consider true meat). Other than McDonald’s, however, I do not believe I have eaten horse meat.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:20 pm“Boo – For once I must agree with you.”
Are you guys allowed to do that? My mom is roughly the same way, generally no red meat, but a few times a year she just has to go grab a burger from the local pub.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:23 pmI’ve actually just started willingly eating fruit and vegtables for the first time in my life, and I’ve got to say, they suck. Although I am turning the corner on apples/bananas/spinach, but just those have taken me 1-2 months to not gag on.
Comment by squegeeboo
Baby steps, squeege. Start with hot dog (banana) splits, or pork chop smoothies, and gradually ease yourself into it.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:26 pmSponge Bob,
Not only do plants NOT cause cancer, but a good many of them actualy prevent it (especially cruciferious ones like broccoli and brussel sprouts).
I gave up vegetarianism in favor of veganism when I learned how even more poorly daity cows and egg chickens are treated. It’s applalig. They cut off their beaks (the chickens), shove them together in very cramped cages where they cannot move and starve them when their production gets low. At the ripw old age of 2 years, they get chucked into a chipper and turned into processed foods like nuggets.
Before you say you don’t care – try imagining a life like that. Put yourself in that situation of being caged, cramped, starved and ground to death and know that it cannot be anything but a horrible existence, and an inhumane way to live,
At least eat free range chicken eggs. They are still not treated great, but the eggs are healthier (since I know you need the reasons to be completely self-absorbed) and they taste better.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:43 pm- stay the hell away from my dog.
Comment by Quadrajet — June 30, 2006 @ 2:39 pm
Thanks for that :)
June 30th, 2006 at 3:45 pmDoes the existence of bad things necessarily preclude the existence of a god,
Comment by Wilco — June 30, 2006 @ 2:57 pm
It does an all-powerful and benevolent one. Cause if there’s one who can do anything and allows bad things to exist, then it can’t be benevolent. And, well, vice versa…
June 30th, 2006 at 3:47 pmAs long as their tasty, thats my prime concern, just like why I buy wild salmon instead of farm raised, because they taste better, not for humanitarian reasons.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:48 pmSo a truly benevolent God is an unnecessary god? Since he’s only benevolent if bad things don’t happen, such as only in a utopia?
June 30th, 2006 at 3:50 pmHas anyone else heard that the racist al Crackkkers at the university of Colorado fired Ward Churchill?
…if so, I hope their enrollment and faculty fall to unsustainable numbers…
…boycott Colorado, yet another abominably facist red state…
June 30th, 2006 at 3:51 pmwas Sexion losing it or what? That boy is in desperate need of a vacation.
Comment by Jules — June 30, 2006 @ 3:02 pm
I think he’s one of those uber control freaks who needs to be right 100% of the time – yet he doesn’t bother to learn or read anything, or for that matter, experience anything.
He’s too young to be so enraged over things he cannot control. Although he criticized the advice we gave him, I hope he’s one of those who will take it after bitching about hearing it.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:52 pmOr does it depend on how one defines “benevolent”?
June 30th, 2006 at 3:52 pmI really want to become an insurgent after reading this stuff
Comment by Doodle Bug #68
Doodle,
…anti-Bushite Progressive American patriots…
….ARE…
…”American insurgents”…
…as our government is currently…
…just as much under “foreign”(right wing facist, racist, and corrupt) occupation…
…as Iraq’s…
June 30th, 2006 at 3:56 pmAs long as their tasty, thats my prime concern, just like why I buy wild salmon instead of farm raised, because they taste better, not for humanitarian reasons.
Comment by squegeeboo — June 30, 2006 @ 3:48 pm
Then look at it this way – stressed animals are sick and sick animals not only taste bad, but make you sick.
Organic and free-range animals produce healthier and better tasting meat, dairy and eggs. So, if you’re gonna be a self-centered prick, then atleast eat organics for the taste and it will be a compromise for all involved.
June 30th, 2006 at 3:57 pmJapanese Prime Minister Koizumi…
…is an embarrassment to his people…
…and…
…China’s not laughing…
June 30th, 2006 at 3:57 pmSo a truly benevolent God is an unnecessary god? Since he’s only benevolent if bad things don’t happen, such as only in a utopia?
Comment by Wilco — June 30, 2006 @ 3:50 pm
Actually a God who is benevolent is superfluous if he is also impotent to do anything.
But, since he apparently created the universe, he must be omnipotent. So, as long as their is pain and ‘bad’ things, he cannot be benevolent. Because who can sit by and do nothing for those in pain when you are able? Someone who is indifferent.
Benevolence and omnipotence are impossible in a realm where there is extreme pain.
June 30th, 2006 at 4:01 pmOr, the argument goes, someone complex. Not necessarily indifferent. Struggle is perhaps god’s challenge.
June 30th, 2006 at 4:16 pmBut no matter what, trying to prove or disprove God thru logic isn’t….logical. Like Menudo.
Well, it’s folly to try to disprove god’s existence thru logic with someone who believes. I should have qualified that.
June 30th, 2006 at 4:22 pmAnother TREASONOUS Bushite who*e jumps ship…
…the WH Communications Director Nicole Wallace…
…stepping down…
…maybe someone with some common sense and patriotism…
…talked the bi*ch off the ledge…
June 30th, 2006 at 4:27 pmWhen Bush goes to visit Elvis its DisGraceland.
June 30th, 2006 at 4:57 pmWhen Bush goes to visit Elvis its DisGraceland.
Comment by Larry from C — June 30, 2006 @ 4:57 pm
I think Elvis would have approved of Bush. Didn’t he push Hoover to appoint him as some sort of Post Toasties Junior G-man back in the Sixties? Rootin’ out communists in the entertainment industry, or some such?
June 30th, 2006 at 5:41 pmOr does it depend on how one defines “benevolent�
June 30th, 2006 at 6:26 pmComment by Wilco — June 30, 2006 @ 3:52 pm
It doesnt matter. It doesnt exist. It is just an idea to make you feel safe about your fate after death and your (mine, too) ignorance of certain questions like origin of the universe. Just because we dont know this, doesnt mean we have to create a “god”. Even less, he is benevolous, he is a “he”, he is “white”, etc…
All I’m saying is if god didn’t want us to eat animals he shouldn’t have made them out of meat.
Comment by squegeeboo
That’s some funny shit right there, Squeegy. Have a great weekend, deary.
June 30th, 2006 at 7:05 pmThat’s some funny shit right there, Squeegy. Have a great weekend, deary.
Thanks Zoo, and I hope you enjoy the weekend and the 4th also, even though your kind does hate america, and the troops :)
June 30th, 2006 at 7:48 pmOnce again, Squeegy, I smile while I tell you to get bent. :-)
June 30th, 2006 at 9:04 pmNo Squeege, we don’t hate the troops, just the trolls!
June 30th, 2006 at 9:10 pmBarfly, I think it was Nixon not Hoover that Elvis asked for a badge from. He got the badge by the way and it’s at graceland I heard. never been there….Some kind of undercover drug officer thing, isn’t that funny….Not funny Ha Ha but funny peculier now knowing what happened to Elvis………Blessings
June 30th, 2006 at 9:14 pmYah, but that happened thousands of years ago, before evolution had a chance to create as much diversity as there is today. So it would have been easier.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:39 pmComent by squeegeboo
Please, do me a favor and read some anthropology. Tell me, when was that man (thousands of years according to you) learned to make arks. I will wait for the answer.
“No Squeege, we don’t hate the troops, just the trolls!”
Ha, I love it.
“Please, do me a favor and read some anthropology. Tell me, when was that man (thousands of years according to you) learned to make arks. I will wait for the answer.”
Juan, try learning how to get humor. As for when man learned to make arks, with god’s will, it could be done.
“Once again, Squeegy, I smile while I tell you to get bent. :-) ”
July 1st, 2006 at 8:21 amAnd it’s with a smile that I accept, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the official weigh in to collect my winnings from the fat man contest.
Good luck, Squeegy!
July 1st, 2006 at 12:31 pmUnbelievable
July 1st, 2006 at 2:31 pmYour comment about debeaking chickens is incorrect. I grew up on a poultry farm and actually debeaked chickens for hire. Chickens are one of the few animals that can see color and they go absolutely nuts when they see red (blood) on another chicken. They will band together and peck the wounded chicken to death, literally. This happens whether the chickens are caged or free ranging. The poultry industry tried alot of things to curb this – including using red bulbs in the barns and, believe it or not, little red sunglasses in order to mask the sight of red on the other chickens. Nothing worked and the cannibalism continued. So they debeak the chickens by using a sharp, heated blade to cut and cauterize at the same time. The beak is only cartilage, like our finger nails, and debeaking does no harm usually. After being debeaked the chickens usually return to eating within just a few minutes.
How was my comment incorrect if I said that they debeak egg chickens and your post verified that? You just gave an excuse for why they do it that I consider off target. Off-target because they wouldn’t have this problem on a large scale if they weren’t over-crowding the birds to begin with.
No matter how you rationalize it – the way to solve the situation is not cutting off their beaks. It’s to stop over-crowding them. Why I refuse to buy or eat eggs in protest.
I’ve researched the matter, and people who own a few chickens for egg production do not have this problem on a reoccuring basis because they do not stress the animals as they are stressed in egg ‘factories’. The problem isn’t chicken behavior, but human.
July 1st, 2006 at 4:16 pm[...] Think Progress » ThinkFast AM: June 30, 2006: Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke says the administration wants the “public to believe that it had not already occurred to every terrorist on the planet that his telephone was probably monitored and his international bank transfers subject to scrutiny.†“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders. [...]
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:40 am[...] Think Progress » ThinkFast AM: June 30, 2006: Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke says the administration wants the “public to believe that it had not already occurred to every terrorist on the planet that his telephone was probably monitored and his international bank transfers subject to scrutiny.†“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders. [...]
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:51 am[...] Think Progress » ThinkFast AM: June 30, 2006: Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke says the administration wants the “public to believe that it had not already occurred to every terrorist on the planet that his telephone was probably monitored and his international bank transfers subject to scrutiny.†“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders. [...]
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:11 pm[...] Think Progress » ThinkFast AM: June 30, 2006: Former counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke says the administration wants the “public to believe that it had not already occurred to every terrorist on the planet that his telephone was probably monitored and his international bank transfers subject to scrutiny.†“How gullible does the administration take the American citizenry to be?†Clarke wonders. [...]
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:16 pm