Comments on: Milbank: ‘There Are Rumors About A Third [Page Scandal], This One Involving A 16-Year-Old Girl’ http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:54:40 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Bob+in+Denver http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1008260 Bob+in+Denver Thu, 19 Oct 2006 22:53:56 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1008260 109: Thank you for asking! Why isn't this a big deal (aside from the obvious partisan commentary here...) ?? This is not a big deal here because "Slavish" is only a word. It was a word before the United States existed. It was a word before there were black slaves in North America. It, in fact, was most likely coined to describe white slaves, after they had been freed, when they failed to return to productive pursuits. (Due, no doubt, to the extreme trauma of their slavery.) "Slavish" was first recorded as an English word between 1555 and 1565. [Of note, in 1569 an English court ruled that England did not recognize the right of one man to own another -- in regards to a (presumably Caucasian or Asian) Russian slave brought back to England and then beaten. It was an assault case.] Irregardless. "Slavish" is not (nor has it ever been) a black slur. In the usage quoted by you (quoting CNN) its meaning is, clearly, "deliberately imitative; lacking originality." A vocabulary is a tool to express precise meaning -- until those less educated misunderstand, mischaracterize, or misinterpret the meaning. (Parenthetically this is why so many educated people shudder when President Bush speaks; his inability to clearly express himself leads suggests poor education and/or a poor critical though process.) Hmm. "Deliberately imitative; lacking originality." This appears in many ways to be an apt description of many of the "talking points Republicans" that surround the current administration. Yes? No? I can’t speak to the “African-American Senate candidate[‘s]” originality, but it cannot be denied that many Republicans over the last several years have slavishly parroted the Administration’s line. For good or bad. As an assignment for the student, see if you can figure out why, in an election season, some less informed (or deliberately divisive) members of the Republican Party might be trying to create an issue surrounding the factual use of an innocuous word. Any ideas? 109: Thank you for asking! Why isn’t this a big deal (aside from the obvious partisan commentary here…) ??

This is not a big deal here because “Slavish” is only a word. It was a word before the United States existed. It was a word before there were black slaves in North America. It, in fact, was most likely coined to describe white slaves, after they had been freed, when they failed to return to productive pursuits. (Due, no doubt, to the extreme trauma of their slavery.)

“Slavish” was first recorded as an English word between 1555 and 1565.

[Of note, in 1569 an English court ruled that England did not recognize the right of one man to own another -- in regards to a (presumably Caucasian or Asian) Russian slave brought back to England and then beaten. It was an assault case.]

Irregardless.

“Slavish” is not (nor has it ever been) a black slur. In the usage quoted by you (quoting CNN) its meaning is, clearly, “deliberately imitative; lacking originality.” A vocabulary is a tool to express precise meaning — until those less educated misunderstand, mischaracterize, or misinterpret the meaning. (Parenthetically this is why so many educated people shudder when President Bush speaks; his inability to clearly express himself leads suggests poor education and/or a poor critical though process.)

Hmm. “Deliberately imitative; lacking originality.” This appears in many ways to be an apt description of many of the “talking points Republicans” that surround the current administration. Yes? No? I can’t speak to the “African-American Senate candidate[‘s]” originality, but it cannot be denied that many Republicans over the last several years have slavishly parroted the Administration’s line. For good or bad.

As an assignment for the student, see if you can figure out why, in an election season, some less informed (or deliberately divisive) members of the Republican Party might be trying to create an issue surrounding the factual use of an innocuous word. Any ideas?

]]> By: kevin99999 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1006897 kevin99999 Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:54:16 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1006897 President Bush has declared this to be National Character Counts Week.” Does it mean that Bush and his administration is all of a sudden going to get character and stop scamming and start telling the truth? Yeah, right. President Bush has declared this to be National Character Counts Week.”

Does it mean that Bush and his administration is all of a sudden going to get character and stop scamming and start telling the truth? Yeah, right.

]]> By: George Deeming http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1006793 George Deeming Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:19:26 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1006793 Just caught 'Shocked' remarks --- I personally know 'Repuglicans' that spout that they are morally superior to any Democrats and that the GOP is always totally 'right' --- I've heard this countless times - that Republicans are better Christians, better businessmen, better Americans and just all-round better apple pie "folk". It's stupid, disgusting just a little obscene and I keep wondering what these 'wackos' are smoking... where do they get this shit. It's like they're wearing eyepatches on both eyes. Just caught ‘Shocked’ remarks — I personally know ‘Repuglicans’ that spout that they are morally superior to any Democrats and that the GOP is always totally ‘right’ — I’ve heard this countless times – that Republicans are better Christians, better businessmen, better Americans and just all-round better apple pie “folk”. It’s stupid, disgusting just a little obscene and I keep wondering what these ‘wackos’ are smoking… where do they get this shit. It’s like they’re wearing eyepatches on both eyes.

]]> By: big+papa http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1006583 big+papa Thu, 19 Oct 2006 15:00:36 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1006583 Thanks June #103... ...but they (inbred Bushites) NEVER cared about Reid's deal in the first place... ..it's just more Fox Propaganda modus operandi... ..."fair and balanced"... ...deception... Thanks June #103…

…but they (inbred Bushites) NEVER cared about Reid’s deal in the first place…

..it’s just more Fox Propaganda modus operandi…

…”fair and balanced”…

…deception…

]]> By: Happy+Guy http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1006406 Happy+Guy Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:53:27 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1006406 Why is this not a subject of discussion on this site? If a Republican said this you poeple would demand he resign. --- WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A ranking Democrat in the House of Representative is apologizing for saying an African-American Senate candidate "slavishly" supported the Republican Party. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, said he meant no offense when he made the remark about Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, the GOP nominee for the seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Sen. Paul Sarbanes Why is this not a subject of discussion on this site? If a Republican said this you poeple would demand he resign.

—

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A ranking Democrat in the House of Representative is apologizing for saying an African-American Senate candidate “slavishly” supported the Republican Party.

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, said he meant no offense when he made the remark about Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, the GOP nominee for the seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Sen. Paul Sarbanes

]]> By: Madelyn http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1006121 Madelyn Thu, 19 Oct 2006 12:05:41 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1006121 Clinton was in office 37 days when the first WTC was bombed. Guess Bush 41 was at fault there. Also Clinton was not President when Ruby Ridge took place. Waco yes but it was already in place when Janet Reno was confirmed in March or April of 1993. Everyone uses "Bush was only in office 8 months when 9/11 took place". How about those 37 days Clinton had. Madelyn Clinton was in office 37 days when the first WTC was bombed. Guess Bush 41 was at fault there. Also Clinton was not President when Ruby Ridge took place. Waco yes but it was already in place when Janet Reno was confirmed in March or April of 1993. Everyone uses “Bush was only in office 8 months when 9/11 took place”. How about those 37 days Clinton had.
Madelyn

]]> By: Robt Perrault http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005811 Robt Perrault Thu, 19 Oct 2006 08:23:50 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005811 And still to date. Not one Republican evangelical (or religious right) has come out in care of a single Pages soul in the matter................................ And still to date. Not one Republican evangelical (or religious right) has come out in care of a single Pages soul in the matter…………………………..

]]> By: mary http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005733 mary Thu, 19 Oct 2006 07:23:07 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005733 Dear shocked. Yes, we are all shocked and awed by this administration. You are allowed to voice your opinion on this site. We love debate and that is why I love being a democrat. We respect your right to an opinion. We do not all agree with your opinion and that is okay. The truth is if we try to go on rep sites we are barred. Why do you want to be a part of any party that bars free speech. Lucky you that we listen to your opinion! Dear shocked. Yes, we are all shocked and awed by this administration. You are allowed to voice your opinion on this site. We love debate and that is why I love being a democrat. We respect your right to an opinion. We do not all agree with your opinion and that is okay. The truth is if we try to go on rep sites we are barred. Why do you want to be a part of any party that bars free speech. Lucky you that we listen to your opinion!

]]> By: M.L.Harper http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005683 M.L.Harper Thu, 19 Oct 2006 06:47:26 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005683 Everyone of you writing are so lucky! I live here in the midst of "RED STATE BLVD" with Trent Lott as my senator. He won't debate the Democrat, Eric Fleming. He voted for the Tort Reform, now suing State Farm Insurance for his house insurance. But, I cannot even dare say anything against him, or even I get blasted. These people think he is GOD Almighty! Mar from Gulfport MS Everyone of you writing are so lucky! I live here in the midst of “RED STATE BLVD” with Trent Lott as my senator. He won’t debate the
Democrat, Eric Fleming. He voted for the Tort Reform, now suing State Farm Insurance for his house insurance. But, I cannot even dare say anything against him, or even I get blasted. These people think he is GOD Almighty! Mar from Gulfport MS

]]> By: Aced http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005662 Aced Thu, 19 Oct 2006 06:32:05 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005662 Yes, that JERRY WELLER, (R) Ill. Buh-bye, Jerry! Now we know why you were such a leader in "No Child Left Behind" (another of Bush's pet topics this week!). Jerry Weller = nail in the coffin for the GOP Yes, that JERRY WELLER, (R) Ill. Buh-bye, Jerry! Now we know why you were such a leader in “No Child Left Behind” (another of Bush’s pet topics this week!).

Jerry Weller = nail in the coffin for the GOP

]]> By: June Rose http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005623 June Rose Thu, 19 Oct 2006 06:02:58 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005623 Now what about the Ried situation do these guys not get. He bought land, held it several years, sold it for a profit and the entire transaction is reflected on his financial statement. For shame, in htis great real estate market, he made some money. Now let me see, did the increase in value occur because he slammed legislation through to build a highway close to his property - by earmar, NOPE!!!! Now let us compare that with Mr. Haster's land deal. He bought land in Illinois, held it, no improvements, then got a bill through the House by a nasty earmark that financed a highway close to his land and then sold it for a couple million. You tell me which sounds fishier? Now what about the Ried situation do these guys not get. He bought land, held it several years, sold it for a profit and the entire transaction is reflected on his financial statement. For shame, in htis great real estate market, he made some money. Now let me see, did the increase in value occur because he slammed legislation through to build a highway close to his property – by earmar, NOPE!!!!

Now let us compare that with Mr. Haster’s land deal. He bought land in Illinois, held it, no improvements, then got a bill through the House by a nasty earmark that financed a highway close to his land and then sold it for a couple million.

You tell me which sounds fishier?

]]> By: whaleshaman http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005529 whaleshaman Thu, 19 Oct 2006 05:05:44 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005529 <blockquote>#95 Rumor from district 22 in Texas (Tom DeLays old district) is that it is Republican from Illinois, jerry Weller. No backup info. Heard it in a bar. Comment by john cobarruvias — October 18, 2006 @ 11:58 pm</blockquote> <a HREF="http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2006/10/18/1161149272_5101/410w.jpg" rel="nofollow">This Jerry Weller?</a>

#95

Rumor from district 22 in Texas (Tom DeLays old district) is that it is Republican from Illinois, jerry Weller.

No backup info. Heard it in a bar.

Comment by john cobarruvias — October 18, 2006 @ 11:58 pm

This Jerry Weller?

]]> By: WaltTheMan http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-3/#comment-1005495 WaltTheMan Thu, 19 Oct 2006 04:48:37 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005495 #100 - toe+to+toe, My point is that it took a about four years to assemble the pieces of an elaborate plan, including compoents that never before existed and carry it out to fruition. All of the components that lead to the collapse of the WTC existed well before the event. A child (Given enough cash for GPS receivers and airline tickets) could have carried it out. #100 – toe+to+toe,
My point is that it took a about four years to assemble the pieces of an elaborate plan, including compoents that never before existed and carry it out to fruition. All of the components that lead to the collapse of the WTC existed well before the event. A child (Given enough cash for GPS receivers and airline tickets) could have carried it out.

]]> By: toe+to+toe http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005451 toe+to+toe Thu, 19 Oct 2006 04:34:03 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005451 # 88 "Walt the Man" And your point is? Are you suggesting that Osama's resources are even in the same "cave" as ours or are you corroborating the point that years of planning are required to perpetrate such a crime on American soil? All intelligence reports have suggested that the U.S.S. Cole attack took over 2 years of harbor surveillance before that inflatable sauntered up. World Trade Center attack #1 . . . 3 years. Creating an internal network, establishing residences, training on multi-engine jets and then coordinating the actual event is said to have taken nearly 5 years for the WTC/9/11 event. Logic and common sense suggests that planning for a subsequent terrorist event, on American soil, especially in the face of substantially greater pressure on the known perpetrators (by the global anti-terrorist community established in concentration post 9/11) would likely take even longer than 5 years. To use the tired rationale of " Well, we haven't been attacked since" is not only ridiculous it suggests that the United States is their only target . . . and of course we know that's ridiculous too. Terrorism is a methodology not an ideology, as is the psychology of allowing the less than brave Busheep to stew in their own "fear-based" intellectual sewage, wondering when to crap their pants next. # 94 'stoopid foot suldier" Sorry to hear that neither your parents or Bush's had one of those "My Child is an Honor Student" bumper stickers on their car. We're dealing with the massive GOP corruption going on as we speak. We already know about stuff that happened last century and none of it is relevant or prosecutable. The current rogues gallery? Well, granted we don't yet have all of you, but aren't you just gonna shit when we get subpoena power. HA! frickin HA! Wait, I hear your mother calling you. Nighty-night! # 88 “Walt the Man”
And your point is?
Are you suggesting that Osama’s resources are even in the same “cave” as ours or are you corroborating the point that years of planning are required to perpetrate such a crime on American soil? All intelligence reports have suggested that the U.S.S. Cole attack took over 2 years of harbor surveillance before that inflatable sauntered up. World Trade Center attack #1 . . . 3 years. Creating an internal network, establishing residences, training on multi-engine jets and then coordinating the actual event is said to have taken nearly 5 years for the WTC/9/11 event. Logic and common sense suggests that planning for a subsequent terrorist event, on American soil, especially in the face of substantially greater pressure on the known perpetrators (by the global anti-terrorist community established in concentration post 9/11) would likely take even longer than 5 years.
To use the tired rationale of ” Well, we haven’t been attacked since” is not only ridiculous it suggests that the United States is their only target . . . and of course we know that’s ridiculous too. Terrorism is a methodology not an ideology, as is the psychology of allowing the less than brave Busheep to stew in their own “fear-based” intellectual sewage, wondering when to crap their pants next.

# 94 ’stoopid foot suldier”
Sorry to hear that neither your parents or Bush’s had one of those “My Child is an Honor Student” bumper stickers on their car.
We’re dealing with the massive GOP corruption going on as we speak.
We already know about stuff that happened last century and none of it is relevant or prosecutable. The current rogues gallery? Well, granted we don’t yet have all of you, but aren’t you just gonna shit when we get subpoena power. HA! frickin HA! Wait, I hear your mother calling you.
Nighty-night!

]]> By: obsessed http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005432 obsessed Thu, 19 Oct 2006 04:28:03 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005432 more fun and games coming? http://www.archpundit.com/archives/014061.html check the comments for this clue http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/10/18/lawyer_foley_to_name_of_alleged_abuser/ one more really good scandal could drive the silver stake through Rovsputin's evil heart more fun and games coming?

http://www.archpundit.com/archives/014061.html

check the comments for this clue

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/10/18/lawyer_foley_to_name_of_alleged_abuser/

one more really good scandal could drive the silver stake through Rovsputin’s evil heart

]]> By: Running out of superlatives at grown young http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005430 Running out of superlatives at grown young Thu, 19 Oct 2006 04:27:25 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005430 [...] TPM Reader DK already ran with the Imelda Marcos metaphor, so I’m not quite sure how to describe tonight’s murmurs that tomorrow may bring an answer to the question Dana Milbank has us all asking. [...] [...] TPM Reader DK already ran with the Imelda Marcos metaphor, so I’m not quite sure how to describe tonight’s murmurs that tomorrow may bring an answer to the question Dana Milbank has us all asking. [...]

]]> By: StealthBadger http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005325 StealthBadger Thu, 19 Oct 2006 04:01:29 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005325 <em>StealthBadger, you need to take a remedial Sex Ed course. Pedophiles are not gay. Pedophiles are not straight. Pedophiles are pedophiles. They are neither gay nor straight. Pedophiles also are proof that sex drive is innate. You don’t choose it, it chooses you. </em> Tom3, exactly what part of "we need to be looking at the straights too" conflicts with any of that?? :P StealthBadger, you need to take a remedial Sex Ed course.

Pedophiles are not gay. Pedophiles are not straight.

Pedophiles are pedophiles. They are neither gay nor straight.

Pedophiles also are proof that sex drive is innate. You don’t choose it, it chooses you.

Tom3, exactly what part of “we need to be looking at the straights too” conflicts with any of that?? :P

]]> By: StealthBadger http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005316 StealthBadger Thu, 19 Oct 2006 04:00:18 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005316 <i>StealthBadger, you need to take a remedial Sex Ed course. Pedophiles are not gay. Pedophiles are not straight. Pedophiles are pedophiles. They are neither gay nor straight. Pedophiles also are proof that sex drive is innate. You don’t choose it, it chooses you. </i> Tom3, exactly what part of "we need to be looking at the straights too" is in conflict with that?? StealthBadger, you need to take a remedial Sex Ed course.

Pedophiles are not gay. Pedophiles are not straight.

Pedophiles are pedophiles. They are neither gay nor straight.

Pedophiles also are proof that sex drive is innate. You don’t choose it, it chooses you.

Tom3, exactly what part of “we need to be looking at the straights too” is in conflict with that??

]]> By: john cobarruvias http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005309 john cobarruvias Thu, 19 Oct 2006 03:58:46 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005309 Rumor from district 22 in Texas (Tom DeLays old district) is that it is Republican from Illinois, jerry Weller. No backup info. Heard it in a bar. Rumor from district 22 in Texas (Tom DeLays old district) is that it is Republican from Illinois, jerry Weller.

No backup info. Heard it in a bar.

]]> By: stoopid foot suldier http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/comment-page-2/#comment-1005205 stoopid foot suldier Thu, 19 Oct 2006 03:36:23 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/18/milbank-16/#comment-1005205 Nice job trying to list all of our republicam scandals, now here's my own short list of democratic scandals that everybody cares about today: 1. Ted Kennedy & Chappaquiddick 2. Bill Clinton & Monica Lewinsky 3. Jimmy Carter & the failed hostage recovery 4. Woodrow Wilson & the League of Nations You guys are toast. We've got you right where we want you. HA! Nice job trying to list all of our republicam scandals, now here’s my own short list of democratic scandals that everybody cares about today:

1. Ted Kennedy & Chappaquiddick

2. Bill Clinton & Monica Lewinsky

3. Jimmy Carter & the failed hostage recovery

4. Woodrow Wilson & the League of Nations

You guys are toast. We’ve got you right where we want you. HA!

]]>