Newsweek profiles White House Middle East adviser Elliot Abrams. “Bush has enormous regard for him,” says a senior administration official who would not speak about their relationship on the record. “One, because he knows Elliott is keeper of the flame. And also, he’s the only one who doesn’t draw any attention to himself.” Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol on the neocon movement: “Every intellectual group, every political group, goes through a period of mini crackup and reassembles in slightly different ways.”
…says a senior administration official…
Would that be Mr Leaky?
Heh.
November 26th, 2006 at 11:40 amWeekly Standard editor Bill Kristol on the neocon movement: “Every intellectual group, every political group, goes through a period of mini crackup and reassembles in slightly different ways.â€
I think what Kristol should have said was this: “Every crack up group, every political group, goes through a period of mini intellectualism and reassembles in slightly different ways.â€
November 26th, 2006 at 11:42 amAgain with the Bill “I’ve been wrong about everything I ever said” Kristol.
November 26th, 2006 at 11:51 amThe article shows to what extent the neo-cons are divorced form reality. They claim to want to spread democracy, but they are not above using violent methods to attain that goal. As a matter of fact, it seems to be their preferred method. Democracy at gun point? Whoever came up with that concept?
But, after all their singing and prasing of democracy, and going to great lengths to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs to “promote democracy”, they call the result of the elections in Palestine -a true display of democracy at work and self-determination in action- a “fallout”.
Democracy is only good if the party/person neo-cons support is elected. Otherwise, it’s a “fallout”.
Consistency is definitely not the neo-cons’ forte.
November 26th, 2006 at 11:53 amKristol will be carried away by the new order, foaming at the mouth with that silly gleaming smile, as he proclaims the neocons yet reign supreme……his impotent screeching, lying and clicking for all to see.
November 26th, 2006 at 11:54 amGregor Samsa: They claim to want to spread democracy, but they are not above using violent methods to attain that goal. As a matter of fact, it seems to be their preferred method. Democracy at gun point? Whoever came up with that concept?
From the PNAC:
We seem to have forgotten the essential elements of the Reagan Administration’s success: a military that is strong and ready to meet both present and future challenges; a foreign policy that boldly and purposefully promotes American principles abroad; and national leadership that accepts the United States’ global responsibilities.
[snip]
Our aim is to remind Americans of these lessons and to draw their consequences for today. Here are four consequences:
• we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;
• we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;
• we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;
• we need to accept responsibility for America’s unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles.
Such a Reaganite policy of military strength and moral clarity may not be fashionable today. But it is necessary if the United States is to build on the successes of this past century and to ensure our security and our greatness in the next.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:04 pmNeo CONNED !
HON. RON PAUL OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 10, 2003
[snip]
Here is a brief summary of the general understanding of what neocons believe:
They agree with Trotsky on permanent revolution, violent as well as intellectual.
They are for redrawing the map of the Middle East and are willing to use force to do so.
They believe in preemptive war to achieve desired ends.
They accept the notion that the ends justify the means that hardball politics is a moral necessity.
They express no opposition to the welfare state.
They are not bashful about an American empire; instead they strongly endorse it.
They believe lying is necessary for the state to survive.
They believe a powerful federal government is a benefit.
They believe pertinent facts about how a society should be run should be held by the elite and withheld from those who do not have the courage to deal with it.
They believe neutrality in foreign affairs is ill advised.
They hold Leo Strauss in high esteem.
They believe imperialism, if progressive in nature, is appropriate.
Using American might to force American ideals on others is acceptable. Force should not be limited to the defense of our country.
9-11 resulted from the lack of foreign entanglements, not from too many.
They dislike and despise libertarians (therefore, the same applies to all strict constitutionalists.)
They endorse attacks on civil liberties, such as those found in the Patriot Act, as being necessary.
They unconditionally support Israel and have a close alliance with the Likud Party.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:08 pm“Bush has enormous regard for him,â€
“…would not speak about their relationship on the record. ”
“…Elliott is keeper of the flame.”
“…he’s the only one who doesn’t draw any attention to himself.â€
(Unlike Jeff Gannon)
It sounds like Bush is hot for Keeper.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:14 pmWashington DC must be the worst place for closet space.
For a list of other NeoCons, many of which are still active in the Bush Administration, see:
http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm
You’ll note Abrams signed this Statement of Principles.
In addition, Bush’s White House Middle East adviser Elliot Abram “was born into a Jewish family.” (Wikipedia)
He also “pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of unlawfully withholding information from Congress” as a result of the Iran-Contra affair.” (wikipedia)
So this is the kind of man we want advising the Commander-in-Chief, a War-Time President (the same President who initiated the War) as to policy in the Middle East?
If Abram is the “keeper of the flame,” it’s time to put out that flame – and light a candle for peace.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:16 pmBill Maher on the neoconservative “think-thanks”:
November 26th, 2006 at 12:33 pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H3R29UNTNg
The Right cry out at the thought of Hastings becoming the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, because he was impeached years ago and the man was AQCUITTED.
Then you have the criminal Abrams, who pleaded guilty to perjuy during the Iran Contra scandal, along with John Poindexter (seeing a pattern here?)flying under the political radar inside the White House.
Only a technicality kept Poindexter and North out of prison for a very long time. It’s like when a murderer gets away with killing somebody because there was an illegal search. It’s a PURE technicality.
They swiftboated John Murtha, (the biggest reason the Dems did what they did on election day, because he spokeout against the immoral and treasonous war)attempting to tie him with the AbScam felons. Trouble is one small detail. HE WAS ACQUITTED and CLEARED.
This corrupt and law breaking administration should not throw rocks when they themselves live in glass buildings. Confusious Say: Those who step up, MAN UP and say the war was wrong and we need to get out of that hellhole, WILL SAVE LIVES.
Abrams and Poindexter have clout. They served the Conservative Messiah, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Along with Poppy Bush’s reserves coming off the bench, these masters of political propoganda will attempt to find political cover but they will fail.
It’s Rehabilitation time for Sonny Boy. A twice elected president, is in Jimmy Carter legacy territory or worse. “Hey Henry could you talk us through achieving “Peace With Honor”? Kissinger, James Baker, Robert Gates, all proven failures from Vietnam to negotiating with the Iranians to get our hostages out, while funding an illegal war in Nicaragua. These losing leeches never go away. These warmongering and bloodthirsty leeches always come back for more.
Your Sonny Boy Dumbya is going down and there is nothing you can do about it. Maybe he and Jimmy Carter can build houses for the poor together a couple of years from now.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:47 pmAll neocons suffer from a psychiatric disorder called “delusions of grandeur” and need to be ousted and certainly medicated and receive the psychiatric counseling they require.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:47 pmElliott was a criminal in the Iran/Contra affair and Robert Gates came within a hair of being indicted as well….are these the types of individuals we want running things? Let’s get rid of them now!
November 26th, 2006 at 12:48 pmHaven’t seen any NeoCon himself or any person in a NeoCon family is backing such theories by joining the military. NeoCons just create theories for this world’s securities and democracies by military missions,but none of them is willing to pay his life or his kids lives for it. That is why they want to keep making wars for generations to come like they say…but their part is to plan wars and enrich themselves only…. but not to die in these wars.
November 26th, 2006 at 12:54 pmAbrams is not the last Neocon standing. There is also Wurmser in the Office of the Vice President. And, more to the point in the immediate context of Lebanese relations with Syria, there is still John Bolton working the Neocon magic over at the UN.
November 26th, 2006 at 1:14 pm“keeper of flame”.
What flame is that ? Hopefully its the one that rises up and burns them all. People that play with fire deserve the consequences. The DUbya decider hasnt figured that out yet.
November 26th, 2006 at 1:17 pmJust like Nazism.
November 26th, 2006 at 1:44 pmelliot abrams – just another signatory to the pnac statement of principles… he can kiss my nether regions…
And, yes, I DO take it personally
November 26th, 2006 at 1:56 pm#19 – ren,
November 26th, 2006 at 3:11 pmThe problem with the Iraq situation is that the war was won, but the peace was lost. So many bad decisions were made leading into the war and after the fall of Baghdad that Harvard’s Business School will likely set up an MBA program in the study of pure screw-up’s that occurred in the process.
Put them all in prison on charges of treason.
November 26th, 2006 at 3:27 pmThey dislike and despise libertarians (therefore, the same applies to all strict constitutionalists.)
Comment by goodscarrier — November 26, 2006 @ 12:08 pm
Finally someone that sees there is a huge difference between a Libertarians and Republicans :)
November 26th, 2006 at 4:19 pm#19
WWII – Citizens drafted in huge numbers and nearly everything is rationed.
If you can’t join a branch of the Military you become part of the Civil Defense
Iraq – The Preznut wants everyone to go shopping.
November 26th, 2006 at 4:40 pm#19 – Here’s the difference.
WWII – Your drafted with most of your friends and everything is rationed.
If your 4F and are denied service you start building machine guns or tanks or you work for Civil defense. You buy liberty bonds to support your side.
Iraq – The preznit wants you to go shopping. Pictures of coffins are not allowed.
November 26th, 2006 at 4:45 pmI believe that a “prerequisite” for anone voting on sending troops into harm’s way must enlist one of their own (children, relative, etc.) at the same time that they vote….then it might help them to comprehend the “reality” of what they’re doing and how easy it becomes to sacrifice “someone else’s kids” with their vote.
November 26th, 2006 at 5:01 pmBesides, this has all been one huge, unrealistic “computer game” to the neocons. The Great American War Game aka Imperialism On The March!
November 26th, 2006 at 5:02 pmIraq – The preznit wants you to go shopping. Pictures of coffins are not allowed.
Comment by mparker
It’s always been about the Great God Money with this administration — from the very beginning. They didn’t even disguise it very well.
November 26th, 2006 at 5:07 pmHey, Zoo. Somebody sent me this. Probably youve seen it. I hadnt. Its wonderful. It made me cry.
November 26th, 2006 at 5:27 pmHi, Juan. You’ll have to describe it to me, because I have dial-up. Make sure you make me cry. :)
November 26th, 2006 at 5:36 pmhold on… i went out to do some yard work soon after this thread was posted… seems it’s the last one too… i thought TP had crashed till i read these latest comments…
is it THAT slow?
i thought durbin had some good comments this morning on ‘this week’ … new mccaskill and sherrod brown on face the nation – gloria b. was/seemed exceptionally bitchy to me… but i was listening, not watching…
well, my mom always says, “no news is good news”…
November 26th, 2006 at 5:49 pm.
THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY NEOCONS STANDING! THEY SHOULD ALL BE HANGING FROM TREES!
November 26th, 2006 at 5:55 pmkaty,
Judd & crew are probably still coming off their turkey & gravy high…
November 26th, 2006 at 6:02 pmaww, zooey – too bad…
juan that was great! i got teary too!
FREE HUGS! … guy holding that sign in a mall (?)… took a while, then a little old gramma came up and it snowballed from there…
then the cops came! whaaa????!!!
ended well though… and a cop got a hug…
good music…
zooey – get high speed! … you tube is amazing!
November 26th, 2006 at 6:04 pm.
Juan, thanks.
Free Hugs is a good idea…pay it forward.
November 26th, 2006 at 6:05 pmkaty,
The unemployed do not get high speed!
Sounds like a great video!
November 26th, 2006 at 6:06 pmJudd & crew are probably still coming off their turkey & gravy high…
Comment by Zooey — November 26, 2006 @ 6:02 pm
yea, heheheh… but even crooks is relatively quiet, for a sunday…
November 26th, 2006 at 6:07 pmthe talking heads must’ve been really boring this morning…
“unemployed”????
November 26th, 2006 at 6:08 pmzooey, what happened??? you could write!
Oops katy, sorry. Heh.
In a nutshell — I decided I hated the job and them, and the feeling was mutual. :-D
It’s a good thing, and I’m pretty happy about it. I might go to school, I always wanted to do that! Having savings is good….
November 26th, 2006 at 6:19 pmwell… i’m glad it’s a good thing for you… last i heard you were happy with that job – and the dental! …heh… i’d imagine it was rather clickish and stifling for you though… a courthouse environment, ugh…
November 26th, 2006 at 6:28 pmdon’t guess the old place still needs their zookeeper, huh?
ah well… school would be a great option for you – i’m betting YOU would end up teaching a thing or two! …go for it!
Thanks, katy. I’m looking forward to what crosses my path next. Whatever it is won’t be the law — done and done. Ugh. :)
November 26th, 2006 at 6:32 pmHey, Zoo, well, then you just have to be more patient.
November 26th, 2006 at 6:56 pmYes, katy, I think they guy is famous, appeared in Oprah (whatever that means), but his idea is great. It has to be done in civilized country, I cant imagine how that will turn up here in Mexico City. :(
Patient, Juan! It will take approximately 100 minutes to load! Ok, I’ll try….
November 26th, 2006 at 7:02 pmjuan – could it hurt?
you sound like the perfect candidate for a trial run!… so sweet and passionate and empathetic… and cute too, i’d imagine!
but, set me straight – you are from argentina? living in mexico city?
November 26th, 2006 at 7:04 pmuniversity?
Ok, Juan. It occurred to me that I could open another tab on Firefox, and let the video work while I did other things on another tab. So it’s working. 34 seconds downloaded so far!
November 26th, 2006 at 7:06 pmIf I had control there would be two choices for the radicals that pushed hard for the invasion Bill Kristol, Elliot Abrams, Ledeen, Bolton, Cheney who should be drowning in the Iraqi peoples blood.
Choice 1. Off with their balls they can become members of the “castrati”!
Choice 2. dropped down in the middle of Baghdad. (naked). So they can experience first hand the effects of their warmongering.
Choose warmongers!
November 26th, 2006 at 7:14 pmbut, set me straight – you are from argentina? living in mexico city?
university?
Comment by katy
are you watching me? mm…I was just looking porn to know what was the big deal about it. :)
Yeah, National University of Mexico in case you were asking that. Thermofluids Department.
November 26th, 2006 at 7:17 pm34 seconds downloaded so far!
November 26th, 2006 at 7:18 pmComment by Zooey
wait till its all done. Then watch it.
wait till its all done. Then watch it.
Comment by Juan C
Your porn, or the free hugs? :)
November 26th, 2006 at 7:21 pmYour porn, or the free hugs? :)
Comment by Zooey
Free who? :)
November 26th, 2006 at 7:28 pmFree who? :)
Comment by Juan C
Heh. I see how it is…
November 26th, 2006 at 7:30 pmSo, did you see it?
November 26th, 2006 at 7:33 pmYes! I just saw it, Juan. No sound, for some reason, but it was great! I’d hug that guy… Thanks for making me be patient! It did bring a tear to my eye.
My math was WAY off… :)
November 26th, 2006 at 7:41 pmjuan – you crack me up…
ever see the movie “lost in translation”? … the title alone is apropos to some of the conversations you are involved in…
i mean that in a friendly, joking way…
i asked about argentina because i thought i remembered you saying you were from there (?), and you just spoke of mex.city… that’s why i asked… you did not have to admit to watching porn! …too funny!
so, what year are you, at university? …right out of high school, as in the states? (usually)… i guess i could just ask your age… you seem “old” (wise) for your years, if you are 20ish… that’s all…
is this now an open/highjacked thread? …just say so…
November 26th, 2006 at 8:04 pmWell, I guess that rules me out!
:-(
Juan, she’s all yours!
(unless, of course, Zooey’ll make an exception for a lawyer in a kilt!)
November 26th, 2006 at 8:09 pm53 – I think Juan was refering to “starring in” as opposed to “watching.”
I could be wrong….
November 26th, 2006 at 8:11 pmJuan, she’s all yours!
Thanks for bouncing me around like a stale legal brief. :)
(unless, of course, Zooey’ll make an exception for a lawyer in a kilt!)
Comment by Briseadh na Faire
Only for you, my dear. Bring your kilt…
November 26th, 2006 at 8:13 pmI could be wrong….
Comment by Briseadh na Faire
Oy.
*hanging head in shame*
November 26th, 2006 at 8:14 pmis this now an open/highjacked thread? …just say so…
Comment by katy
If so, Juan did it. So goodscarrier can just stay off my ass. :P
November 26th, 2006 at 8:16 pm53 – [...]
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — November 26, 2006 @ 8:11 pm
what – so now i’m just a number? … even if there are no deletions, that number reference is annoying… but, oh well…
November 26th, 2006 at 8:22 pmhuh… just noticed some new threads open since my comment about the lack of such earlier…
November 26th, 2006 at 8:27 pmi need to stretch out and relax… one of those 2 aleve days today…
later, maybe…
is this now an open/highjacked thread? …just say so…
Comment by katy
I guess…thanks Zoo… he he. :)
To all the things you said about me, yes. Argentinian living in Mex City, 29, finishing Master´s final project (hopefully). The porn thing not as much as in high school…kind of boring. :)
No, a friend told me that was a great movie, one of the best, so I should probably watch it (Lost in Translation)
November 26th, 2006 at 9:04 pm#28 juan
November 26th, 2006 at 9:59 pmWho could watch that viedo and not smile the whole time?
#30 katy
November 26th, 2006 at 10:00 pmGloria Borger is ALWAYS bitchy.
sorry, my laptop’s cpu has exceeded its usable lifetime sending me back to my iMac. This doesn’t support the most recent browsers, so doing the blockquote, italic, bold, etc. all has to be typed in manually…and I was pressed for time when I posted earlier. No offense was intended: perhaps I should have not commented at all….
Besides, if I were to reduce you to mere numbers, I’d probably pick a three two-digit sequence which might be both more appropriate and flattering (if it’s not considered sexist of me to say such things).
November 27th, 2006 at 1:03 amapology accepted, BnF… i knew you meant no offense… talk about ‘lost in translation’… typing just doesn’t get it right at times…
but don’t ever stop commenting!…
and your ‘three two-digit sequence’ statement was meant as a compliment, i’m sure, and so i am flattered, but i am math phobic and as such have no idea WHAT you meant and trying to figure it out will only result in a headache! …so, i will just say ‘thank you’ knowing that you meant well :-)
November 27th, 2006 at 10:25 am…