ThinkFast: January 12, 2007
ThinkFast: January 12, 2007
President Bush’s address at Fort Benning, GA, yesterday, “received a less enthusiastic reception than has been the case on his past visits to military bases to promote his Iraq policy.” The 300 soldiers who joined Bush were prohibited from talking with reporters afterward, to “ensure that there would be no discordant notes.”
U.S. troops “launched two raids on Iranian targets in Iraq yesterday,” detaining five Iranians and confiscating “vast amounts of documents and computer data.” U.S. officials said the raids “are part of a new U.S. intelligence and military operation launched last month against Iran.”
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) “has quietly backed away from his pre-election demands that the White House turn over potentially embarrassing documents relating to its handling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans.”
Al-Qaeda is “strengthening itself across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe” and cells are “rebuilding their strength” in Pakisan, according to outgoing National Intelligence Director John Negroponte.
75: Percentage of Americans who think President Bush should have to get congressional approval before he escalates the war in Iraq, according to a new CBS News poll.
The House of Representatives is expected to pass a bill today repealing “a Republican-approved ban on letting the government negotiate with manufacturers for lower prices” for prescription drugs for 23 million seniors. President Bush announced he will veto the legislation.
“Iraq is the only major U.S. conflict, except for the 1846-48 Mexican-American War, in which citizens haven’t been asked to make a special financial sacrifice,” Bloomberg reports. “President George W. Bush opposes tax increases, even as the costs escalate far beyond predictions and he calls for more troops.”
“Top officials at the Internal Revenue Service are pushing agents to prematurely close audits of big companies with agreements to have them pay only a fraction of the additional taxes that could be collected, according to dozens of I.R.S. employees who say that the policy is costing the government billions of dollars a year.”
Bloggers “will be allowed to cover the criminal trial of former White House staffer Lewis ‘Scooter’ Libby alongside reporters from traditional media outlets.” The arrangement is the “first for a high-profile court case.” Sheldon Snook of the U.S. District Court in Washington noted, “Bloggers are part of the media landscape and if we were to ignore bloggers, we would be ignoring reality.”
And finally: “The White House labeled as ‘ridiculous’” a story that Rep. Steve Kagen (D-WI) told constituents about his interaction with Bush officials a week after the November election. Kagen, who self-funded much of his campaign, claims he trapped Karl Rove in a White House bathroom and said, “You recognize me? My name’s Dr. Multimillionaire and I kicked your ass.”
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OT – The Washington Post is refusing to publish gruesome pictures of Iraqi mothers and children killed in this senseless occupation.
…Among the images, there is a young boy with a picture of a helicopter on his pajamas, slumped over, his face and head covered in blood. There is a mother lying on a bed, arms splayed, the bodies of three young children huddled against her right side. There are men with gaping head wounds, and a woman and a child hunkered down on their knees, their hands frozen around their faces as if permanently bracing for an attack.
If the public were to see these pics it could put the anti-war/occupation movement over the top. Please call WAPO ombudsman:
Deborah Howell
202-334-7582
ombudsman@washpost.com
Full story here:
January 12th, 2007 at 9:16 amhttp://allspinzone.com/ wp/ 2007/ 01/ 08/ when-the-media-gags-itself/
Guantanamo 5 Years open
LoOk at the British protesting this Disgrace to the civilised world
January 12th, 2007 at 9:20 amAmazing pictures just loOk
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT)
Check this guys bank account he’s obviously a republican with money in swizz bank acoounts or the Caman islands , Hes a right weazle
January 12th, 2007 at 9:24 amIt is clear that Preznit Bush Jr. has decided he doesn’t HAVE to care what people think. He hasn’t listened to the Democrats. He hasn’t listened to Republicans. He hasn’t listened to the Iraq Study Group. He hasn’t listened to his own advisers. And he sure as hell hasn’t listened to the voters. He will do what the voices in his head tell him to do, and that means boots on the ground in Iran by this spring.
How’s THAT for a constitutional crisis?
January 12th, 2007 at 9:26 amWhat a nice, free country we live in. It’s one where the soldiers are forbidden to speak to reporters. So much for free speech.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:33 amHow explain the extraordinary power of the NeoCons to dictate American foreign policy? They were not satisfied with getting rid of Saddam. Now they want regime change in Iran and Syria. Very depressing to know that one small special interest group has such extraordinary influence over our government.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:35 amAs the moral of our troops declines, I have to wonder if the practice of “fragging” might resume. That unfortunate phenomenon started during the Vietnam war’s last days. Not a pretty picture but it’s what happens when you stretch our troops too thin and push them too hard.
I pray our congress will realize that as long as Bush is in office, nothing will change. Impeachment is the only option.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:35 am…claims he trapped Karl Rove in a White House bathroom…
If it were me I’d of given him a swirley.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:35 amw acts while congress dithers. The two houses are talking about “we can’t do anything” to limit the pResident. The house and senate should stand up RIGHT NOW and make an attempt. Those dims that switched from rethug to dim need to be targeted. The congressional leadership that backs off should be targeted. For an example look at Jane Harman; she was DINO, but now she is on the anti-w train. She was targeted, almost lost, and quickly learned her lesson. She is hoping that her constituency have short memories. They should get after w, don’t let him move without making an attempt, even if they lose the show down. This is administration is a continual Constitutional crisis; the congress either has to fight or become irrelevant.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:36 amAl-Qaeda is “strengthening itself across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe†and are “rebuilding their strength†in Pakisan, according to outgoing National Intelligence Director John Negroponte.
Hey, John, what dont you take your Central american buddies, the freedom fighters known as Contras as just start beheading and putting heads in stakes along the roadside, just like in the old times? … oh, wait, thats already happening.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:37 am“The White House labeled as ‘ridiculous’†a story that Rep. Steve Kagen (D-WI) told constituents about his interaction with Bush officials a week after the November election. Kagen, who self-funded much of his campaign, claims he trapped Karl Rove in a White House bathroom and said, “You recognize me? My name’s Dr. Multimillionaire and I kicked your ass.â€
I too find this “story” ridiculous. There’s no way Karl Rove uses the men’s bathroom.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:41 amcan LIEberman be demoted?
January 12th, 2007 at 9:41 amAnd recruiters have been telling kids that the war is winding down, they’ll never have to go to Iraq…they’ll never see combat. Just a weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Now it’s going to be two years at a stretch, followed by three, maybe four months back home to see your wife or husband, your baby that was born while you were overseas…then back for another two-year stretch….longer if you suddenly become “stop-lossed.”
Bush is demanding a blood sacrifice of our young women and men so that the War Profiteers can take billions of dollars out of the U.S. Treasury and ship that money safely into off-shore Perpetual Trusts.
Our kids are bleeding and dying so that the priviledged few can live like Kings and Princes and pass their vast wealth down to their prodiginy forever.
To them, the rest of the world’s population is “just a number,” a “comma.”
January 12th, 2007 at 9:41 amI can sort of attest to the IRS audit issue. On our last audit cycle we had over 100 adjustments to make to our return. For the current audit cycle the number of adjustments is 44. Are we doing a better job? Maybe, but the returns in the current cycle were filed before the previous audit cycle was complete, so any improvemennts in reporting can’t rea1lly be related to the previus cycle.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:44 amComment by Ed Deevy — January 12, 2007 @ 9:35 am
That one small special interest group is our government.
Worth reprinting here:
American foreign and defense policy is adrift. Conservatives have criticized the incoherent policies of the Clinton Administration. They have also resisted isolationist impulses from within their own ranks. But conservatives have not confidently advanced a strategic vision of America’s role in the world. They have not set forth guiding principles for American foreign policy. They have allowed differences over tactics to obscure potential agreement on strategic objectives. And they have not fought for a defense budget that would maintain American security and advance American interests in the new century.
We aim to change this. We aim to make the case and rally support for American global leadership.
As the 20th century draws to a close, the United States stands as the world’s preeminent power. Having led the West to victory in the Cold War, America faces an opportunity and a challenge: Does the United States have the vision to build upon the achievements of past decades? Does the United States have the resolve to shape a new century favorable to American principles and interests?
We are in danger of squandering the opportunity and failing the challenge. We are living off the capital — both the military investments and the foreign policy achievements — built up by past administrations. Cuts in foreign affairs and defense spending, inattention to the tools of statecraft, and inconstant leadership are making it increasingly difficult to sustain American influence around the world. And the promise of short-term commercial benefits threatens to override strategic considerations. As a consequence, we are jeopardizing the nation’s ability to meet present threats and to deal with potentially greater challenges that lie ahead.
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.
Of course, the United States must be prudent in how it exercises its power. But we cannot safely avoid the responsibilities of global leadership or the costs that are associated with its exercise. America has a vital role in maintaining peace and security in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. If we shirk our responsibilities, we invite challenges to our fundamental interests. The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire. The history of this century should have taught us to embrace the cause of American leadership.
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.
Elliott Abrams Gary Bauer William J. Bennett Jeb Bush
Dick Cheney Eliot A. Cohen Midge Decter Paula Dobriansky Steve Forbes
Aaron Friedberg Francis Fukuyama Frank Gaffney Fred C. Ikle
Donald Kagan Zalmay Khalilzad I. Lewis Libby Norman Podhoretz
Dan Quayle Peter W. Rodman Stephen P. Rosen Henry S. Rowen
Donald Rumsfeld Vin Weber George Weigel Paul Wolfowitz
January 12th, 2007 at 9:45 amWith each passing day I am seeing more parallels between Vietnam and Iraq.
In Vietnam LBJ tried to use the carrot to entice North Vietnam into a halt of military operations. His bombing pauses never showed any real results.
In Iraq Bush has tried the stick to entice the insurgents into laying down their arms and join the political process. His surges have never shown any real results.
Just as LBJ kept repeating his mistakes in Vietnam, so has Bush kept repeating his mistakes in Iraq.
While the tactics are different the parallel is eerie and the consequences are just as deadly.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:47 amThe Prez cares for our troops:
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/488076p-410941c.html
January 12th, 2007 at 9:48 amI didn’t think it was possible to take the Prez’s dick up the ass
January 12th, 2007 at 9:52 amand down the throat but Joe Lieberman has proven otherwise.
President Bush’s address at Fort Benning, GA, yesterday, “received a less enthusiastic reception than has been the case on his past visits to military bases to promote his Iraq policy.â€
Sounds like the rank and file of the military, formerly a reliable source of support for Chimpy, are finally starting to catch on.
The 300 soldiers who joined Bush were initially prohibited from talking with reporters afterward, to “ensure that there would be no discordant notes.â€
“Land of the Free” my ass. Remember, soldiers, this is the freedom you’re defending…a ‘freedom’ in which you’re muzzled, lest your dissatisfaction with Der Fuhrer becomes known.
This country is circling the drain.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:54 amThere is absolutely NO ARGUMENT as to why, in a democracy, that a vote for congressional approval or disapproval for an escalation should not be held – It is both appalling and frightening.
January 12th, 2007 at 9:59 amJust saw this on MSNBC.com:
I believe much credit goes to the power of the blogs like TP, which have hammered the industry on this. Way to go, guys!
January 12th, 2007 at 9:59 amSecond U.S. Soldier Pleads Guilty in Iraq Killings
CHICAGO (Reuters) – A U.S. soldier was sentenced to 18 years in jail on Thursday after becoming the second to plead guilty in the killing of three Iraqi detainees who prosecutors said were gunned down after they were set free and tried to run, officials at Fort Campbell in Kentucky said
The three Iraqi detainees were killed May 9 during a raid on a suspected insurgent camp near Thar Thar Lake, southwest of Tikrit. Those accused said the detainees were trying to escape when they were shot, but military prosecutors said they were freed before being killed.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:03 amYahoo Link about how the president is back to 32% approval. I doubt it will go back up much.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_go_co/congress_bush_ap_poll_3
January 12th, 2007 at 10:04 amUNF*CKING BELIEVABLE! WHAT A BULLSH*T APPOINTMENT:
A DIPSH*T PRESIDENT CAN ONLY APPOINT PEOPLE AS STUPID AS HIMSELF.
THIS IS UTTERLY INCOMPREHENSIBLE TO ME.
NO WONDER WE’RE IN SUCH A CLUSTERF*CK.
IMPEACH NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry for screaming, but I’m GODDAMNED PISSED.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:08 amThe CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS is apparent and in full swing with the IMPERIAL PRESIDENCY! He has made it clear that he will listen to no one – this is precisely the “lesson” to be learned with the congressional ignorance of the fact that this man has a dictator complex (congressional abdication of the “check” which was clearly put in place to safeguard against this type of maniac)….Presidential usurpation is clear and this man only listens to the voice of “god in his head”….so what does that tell anyone with a brain? Auditory Hallucinations? Hearing the voice of God is THE PRIMARY HALLMARK of a bipolar schizophrenic. It’s time to retire this guy to some psychiatric institution and do it now – that would at least save him some face; otherwise, the ONLY option now in this constitutional crisis where our democracy is sinking faster than the Titanic is clear: IMPEACHMENT – IMPEACMENT – IMPEACHMENT – IMPEACHMENT. Just like he’s been “disappearing the visitor’s information at the white house” he needs to be disappeared from the american radar screen.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:14 amDieNow,
I had Visions of Bobcat Goldwaith for a second. I agree with the impeachment, it is clear he is not interested in doing the right thing, only doing whatever he wants. The system has been broken, by this childish man.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:14 am#23 Krazny
Yahoo Link about how the president is back to 32% approval. I doubt it will go back up much.
And at the same time, Congress’ approval has jumped 5 points. You don’t suppose it had anything to do with the Dems taking over, do ya?
January 12th, 2007 at 10:15 amIf the Congress doesn’t take action NOW, the people will and will demand that this guy be impeached. The people spoke during the midterms – this was a referendum on Iraq and on Bush himself. He’s a failure and a disgrace! Today is the day Congress must take action or it, like Dubya, will lose the support of the people who will call for the ouster of them all….as complicitous traitors.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:17 amMost intelligent people realize that they will be enhanced by surrounding themselves with people as skilled or better skilled than themselves in order to fill the gaps of their own shortcomings (not everyone can know everything!)….but this guy has intentionally surrounded himself with sock puppets, idiots, and nincompoops so they won’t have the courage to speak the truth and can easily be manipulated by him. What sleaze!
January 12th, 2007 at 10:19 amBush’s jargon and selection of key phrases, sound bites, and twisted truths is right out of George Orwell’s “1984″ – guess he used that to be sworn in instead of a Bible?
January 12th, 2007 at 10:21 amThe raise in congressional approval is linked with the democratic takeover. To be honest, part of me wants Bush to finish out his term, nothing would end the republican party quicker then two more years of the dear decider.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:22 amToday there is a classic piece of something which we’re all coming to learn: That George W. Bush is a sociopath and is mentally ill. Great article on that site about the recognition of this fact. As I’ve been saying, his symptoms are “hallmark” of sociopathy 101 – combined with bipolar disorder with Psychoses (Auditory Hallucinations). One very telling public statement recently published quoted him as saying ‘contrary to what people may think I sleep very well at night’…..well, folks, so did Ted Bundy and he was responsible for killing far fewer people than this guy! The inability to not admit one’s mistakes is another hallmark of pschopathology which Bush has manifested and continues to manifest.
WON’T SOMEONE HAVE THE SPINE TO RECOGNIZE HIS MENTAL ILLNESS AND GET HIM TO A SHRINK – AND SOON?
January 12th, 2007 at 10:25 amMeanwhile, Oxfam has released a statement saying a US air raid on Monday mistakenly targeted local herdsmen.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:25 amBush has already ended the Republican party and doesn’t need two more years….the signs are all around us.. They will never win any seat in 08 at this rate. If given two more years, Bush will not only put the frosting on the cake of the Republican party but he will destroy this country entirely. This is crystal clear to everyone now.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:26 amthe url I referred to is smirkingchimp.com which has valuable information on Bush’s psychiatric disorder. Would we, as a country, knowingly allow someone who is psychiatrically compromised run this country? Absolutely NOT!
January 12th, 2007 at 10:27 am#36…it’s the law that “evil begets evil” to err and hit innocent herdsmen; what’s reprehensible is that they will cover up this fact and in it’s place spin pure lies. The cosa nostra had nothing on this crime family of thugs running this country. It’s all LIES and DECEIT! That’s Bush’s legacy: THE ABSOLUTE WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY…..WHO RAN AN UNPRECEDENTED ADMINISTRATION OF LIES AND DECEIT.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:30 amIt all started on 9/11 ,2003..the American people and the world were in agony..the local support to the President was at full scale,the world leaders came to this country from all over the globe,the support to America and President Bush was at its highest…,People here and around the world wanted to bring the people who did this to justice…but the people wanted to know the truth about what did happen on 9/11,but the invesitgation dragged on. Right after 9/11, some groups like Neocons saw an opporunity to get Saddam..althought he was absent from the media screen for over 3 years since the inspectors left Iraq in 1998. Saddam was monitored daily, and US navy checks him out daily from the sky..he was caged very well,and was powerless to do anything..but right after 9/11 the war drumbeat began daily to bring Saddam to the picture..some went further to blame him for 9/11..but the core of the media sell stories and official drive was his WMDS,and his nuclear ,chemical,biological weapons..whom according to Cheney has been at its peak…while inspectors did not see any of these claims..with the media help..and the Congress sell on the idea of attacking & toppling Saddam..,the war began on March 2003..now coming March we will be entering the fifth year in this Iraq war…while the war was described before it started as a ‘Cakewalk, it wasn’t..it is not now. After 3000 US soldiers killed, hundreds of billions spent on this war…the NeCons still want another war against Iran,and Syria per their doctrine. Inside Iraq…the religious wings of all sects are fighting to take over…some were in exile,some were in hiding when Saddam was in power..now they are all in the open.Some fighting us..some fighting each other..some just simply running gangs of their own…the security situation is bad..finally the President acknwoledged it while it was called a success..now it is near failure. I hope and pray that wisdom prevails to avoid this country another mess with another war invloving Iran or Syria..because that will open the hell gates wide open in the Middle East..and more religious factions will take over….when Senator Hagel said it is the biggest Blunder since Viet Nam..he might be right….but what makes the Middle East even worse than Viet Nam..is that it supplies the world with 1/3 of its energy,its startegic location and it wealth in relation to our economy. A big Middle Eastern war will have an impact on everybody’s pocket worldwide….It is up to the new Congress,the American people to weigh all options,results and cost of such big wars that will sweep the area like brush fire..eating the dry and the green. War is the uggliest game..once President F.D. Roosvelt said.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:32 amPresident Bush’s address at Fort Benning, GA, yesterday, “received a less enthusiastic reception.”
Not just Ft. Benning, but the entire world.
They can muzzle our young soldiers, but they can’t make them clap.
Did anyone smell fried Rice yesterday? Israeli top gun Omurt’s approval ratings are at 14%. His defense minister’s are at 10%. Sound familiar? Our planet is full of good people, and Israelis can see for themselves the path these Neosluts are trying to take us all down.
The ‘dark entities’ are consumed with total control and power. The first thing these slimeballs do is control the media. Truth is dangerous to them, and must be stifled at all costs. This is why Cheeks McCain wants to outlaw political blogging. Blogging may have been the biggest influence of all in the ‘06 elections. Again, truth is dangerous to them.
As the Chimp ‘N Chief looks toward invading Iran & Syria, we must increase the volume of our protests. The ‘Crapture’ may look enticing to these religious zealots, but honest people know better. No one will win in WWIII. We will only have losers.
Just put yourselves in our young soldiers shoes. You had the calendar marked, the clock was ticking down and soon you were going home.
OOOPS!
The Chimp just extended many of the duty tours for at least another 4 months…and you thought your day was going bad.
Today’s group prayer…
January 12th, 2007 at 10:39 amMay all the Neosluts rot in Hell for eternity.
37/ Bullshit on 911 I went to a chip shop in london when the whole Que of people maybe 20 in all was saying it was about time America had a slap in the face, Even my Parents in the Miliatry said America deserved it ……….. In fact I do not know anybody at all that says America did not deserve 911 do you people understand any pity we had for 911 has long gone…………and in the first place nobody I know out of a few hundred felt sorry for America ( although I must say we expressed concerns about the firemen at the rescue afterwards) But thats all this war on terror is BULSHIT its time for America to change its foreign policy FULL F()CKING STOP from the UK
January 12th, 2007 at 10:46 amThe silence of the trolls is deafening this morning.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:54 am#39 Tobey
I don’t know if you heard about this, Tobey, but when that London subway bombing occurred, the morons on Fox News said ‘It’s about time the British get to see what it’s like.’
Apparently, nobody on Fox News had been born yet when the IRA was setting off bombs all over the UK. I vividly recall the Harrod’s bombing in 1983 and wondering how long it would be before we saw something like that here.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:03 amSen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) “has quietly backed away from his pre-election demands that the White House turn over potentially embarrassing documents relating to its handling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans.â€
Of course he has. He’s living up to his name — Ho Lieberman.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:08 amAl-Qaeda is “strengthening itself across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe†and cells are “rebuilding their strength†in Pakisan, according to outgoing National Intelligence Director John Negroponte.
And GWB got a little trophy for being Recruiter of the Year.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:09 am“Iraq is the only major U.S. conflict, except for the 1846-48 Mexican-American War, in which citizens haven’t been asked to make a special financial sacrifice,†Bloomberg reports. “President George W. Bush opposes tax increases, even as the costs escalate far beyond predictions and he calls for more troops.â€
And lord knows, we would never even consider making a financial sacrifice ON OUR OWN. Do we really have to wait for the Doofus-in-Chief?
**eyes rolling**
January 12th, 2007 at 11:11 amTobey, while I despise US foreign policy since pretty much US was created, in no way the death of innocent people should provoke a feeling of tacit retaliation, no matter what that government had done in its shameful history. If we regard 9/11 as a lesson, we are not better than the people who did that and the people who is killing children in Iraq and Afghanistan. BTW, a friend just came back from London. He loved the museums, but said they were full of other countries stuff: Egypt, India, China, etc. Do you know why is that? Because before US, there were no biggest plunderer in this world than UK.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:12 am“The White House labeled as ‘ridiculous’†a story that Rep. Steve Kagen (D-WI) told constituents about his interaction with Bush officials a week after the November election. Kagen, who self-funded much of his campaign, claims he trapped Karl Rove in a White House bathroom and said, “You recognize me? My name’s Dr. Multimillionaire and I kicked your ass.â€
Since the White House felt the need to respond to this — you know it has to be true.
Um, Dr Multimillionaire? Don’t get on any airplanes…
January 12th, 2007 at 11:13 amMaybe the trolls have already started their long weekend, they like shorter work weeks.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:13 amSecond U.S. Soldier Pleads Guilty in Iraq Killings
Comment by Speaking for Iraq Citizens
He should have recieved life x3 for his involvment. This is the type of “person” that makes the rest of us look bad.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:14 amMen should never corner other men in the restroom, it violates lots of rules.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:17 amMaybe the trolls have already started their long weekend, they like shorter work weeks.
Comment by ForTruth
If you don’t like long weekends, then work. But don’t request overtime or “comp” time for it.
I notice that Congress will not be in session on Monday either..
January 12th, 2007 at 11:18 amHe should have recieved life x3 for his involvment. This is the type of “person†that makes the rest of us look bad.
Comment by robert
I agree, Robert. This is also the kind of “person” you get when the recruiters take anything breathing.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:18 amI notice that Congress will not be in session on Monday either..
Comment by robert
Martin Luther King Day
January 12th, 2007 at 11:19 amZoo, I know recruiters are desperate, but you do realize that the recruiter is not the final say, right? There is testing required, back ground checks, Doctor exams, etc.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:21 amTP commenters
If you’re interested in putting your name on an email list where only other TP commenters can contact you, click on Robert’s name in #48. Robert’s got the security all figured out!
January 12th, 2007 at 11:22 amYeah I hate shorter work weeks.
/sarcasm
January 12th, 2007 at 11:23 amThe recruiters will start taking anaerobic organisms, they don’t even breathe.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:24 am#53 – Robert,
I realize that, but what I also saw while I was working for the County and doing background searches for recruiters, was that they were willing to try to work around almost anything they found in a criminal history. There were two or three that I hope got caught in the testing or doctor exam.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:25 amThe recruiters will start taking anaerobic organisms, they don’t even breathe.
Comment by ForTruth
Still better than some of the mouth-breathers I saw when I was a recruiter. (sent them down to teh Army office)
January 12th, 2007 at 11:27 am#57, Most of those are too dumb to pass the ASVAB (entrance) test.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:29 amYup you hear about recruiters telling people how to pass various tests, like drug tests.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:29 am#49- comment fot the truth [....Men should never corner other men in the rest room. It violates a lot of rule] Not unless one of the two wrote a bad check to the other…OR.. one is offering a urgent help; …a bathroom tissue roll.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:30 amMost of those are too dumb to pass the ASVAB (entrance) test.
Comment by robert
I hope. One kid had a juvenile record that would give any parent nightmares, but I couldn’t show it to the recruiter. The darling child hadn’t had a chance to obtain his adult criminal record yet, so basically he looked clean on paper. I just looked at this (Marine) recruiter and told him he ought to go talk to Youth Services.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:44 amZoo,
We hope for that stuff to be caught when the get screened for a security clearance. But if we get a tip, we follow up. When I was a recruiter, I was lucky enough to have the wife working at the local PD. ;)
January 12th, 2007 at 11:51 amThis guy said he felt the American people wouldn’t support impeachment of the president, please e-mail and let him know otherwise.
http://www.tomudall.house.gov/feedback.cfm?campaign=Udall&type=Helping%20You%20
Robert, I took the Asvab in High school, I don’t recall finding it to be too difficult of a test. I don’t think it would adequately screen those unfit for military service. Besides when you just need cannon fodder why bother with career.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:57 amWe hope for that stuff to be caught when the get screened for a security clearance. But if we get a tip, we follow up. When I was a recruiter, I was lucky enough to have the wife working at the local PD. ;)
Comment by robert
So that recruiter probably followed up. Thank goodness.
Always nice to have an operative on the inside. :)
January 12th, 2007 at 12:01 pmKrazny,
THe scary part is, the ASVAB isn’t that though. Yet I saw hundreds fail it. That tell you the state of out public education system.
January 12th, 2007 at 12:06 pmI don’t know what to say Robert, when I took I was in the 96% or above in all areas. I didn’t go to the greatest public school. If you fail it then you have some real issues.
January 12th, 2007 at 12:07 pmThough come to think if it, it those percents weren’t a how many right or how many wrong, it was a bell curve, of how I stacked up with the rest of 16 year olds in the school district.
January 12th, 2007 at 12:15 pm#2 – Speaking for Iraq Citizens
Great pictures. We should be doing that here.
I love the picture of the guy holding up the sign saying “Protect the Human.”
January 12th, 2007 at 12:15 pmLets hope this turns out alright for everyone on that plane
http://www.wave3.com/ Global/ story.asp?S=5930472&nav=0RZF
Bomb Threat Reported on American Eagle Plane
WAVE – 1 hour ago
January 12th, 2007 at 12:55 pmSWANTON TOWNSHIP — Police are on the scene at Toledo Express Airport for a situation aboard an airliner. The Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority says American Eagle flight 4359 was taxiing away from the terminal when the pilots called the control tower …
66; maybe it says more about the types of people who are most susceptable to the recruiter’s pitches.
As a teacher, I continually see kids who don’t do anything in school and say they don’t have to learn anything, they’re going to join the Army.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:03 pmWP:
He’s thanking them as if they had a choice. They signed up to defend our country, not have you order them to risk their lives in your war of lies, Mr. President. I’m glad you believe in God. Maybe, just maybe, you will have to account for your actions some day.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:14 pm75: Percentage of Americans who think President Bush should have to get congressional approval before he escalates the war in Iraq, according to a new CBS News poll.
Good. Because any smart person will deny him this stupid request. Ie, most democrats, very few republicans.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:15 pm#1,
I cannot put into words the way I feel when I just read the descriptions of those pictures. I’ve seen some from Haditha. It makes my stomach turn, and I feel so effing angry and horrified and full of greif at the same time. I can’t believe this is still allowed to go on after what was seen from Vietnam. And Americans are kept from this information because they might disagree with it. We are phucking barbarians. I hate it.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:25 pm“Imagine what would happen if [Islamic] extremists who hate America and our way of life gained control of energy reserves,” he said. “You can bet they would use those reserves to blackmail economies in order to achieve their objective.”
-excerpt from Bushiva’s speech at Ft. Benning-
…Finally we cut to the chase…
January 12th, 2007 at 1:34 pm“Imagine what would happen if [Islamic] extremists who hate America and our way of life gained control of energy reserves,†he said. “You can bet they would use those reserves to blackmail economies in order to achieve their objective.â€
-excerpt from Bushiva’s speech at Ft. Benning-
As is doing the USA to the rest of the world with its military power.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:41 pmIf we need to go to war to control oil, my thought is stop using oil. is it really that hard?
January 12th, 2007 at 1:45 pmEven is we stop using oil, it is still a valuable energy source for other countries. And we wouldn’t want that to happen.
/sarcasm
January 12th, 2007 at 1:47 pmComment by robert — January 12, 2007 @ 11:18 am
It’s a FEDERAL Holliday. sheesh, robert, sometimes your efforts to get in digs really come off as stupid.
January 12th, 2007 at 1:51 pmOT – Please excuse, but I wanted to share this story.
There is hope!
If I could change one mind…
I have a co-worker who is an unmarried lifelong Republican in her mid-fifties. Her parents were Republicans and she has voted Republican all her life. Today, she thanked me and told me that because of me and all the things I’ve been teaching her about the lies of the Republicans and how they have not been conservative (or honest, or trustworthy, or deserving of one’s support), her eyes have been opened, and last November, for the first time in her life, not only did she not vote for any Republicans, but she actually voted for the Democrats, including my new Congressman, John Hall.
I told her that she shouldn’t stay home, but she didn’t have to vote for Democrats, either. Just recognize that the Republican Party had not done what they promised to do, that they have not been doing their job of oversight, and that if she didn’t like what President Bush was doing (and she didn’t), then voting for Republicans would not do anything to stop him. I told her that even if she couldn’t vote for a Democrat, vote for a Conservative Party candidate or a Right-to_Life party candidate (we have them in NY). Vote for ANYBODY YOU WANT, just don’t vote for the Republicans. She chose to vote for Democrats, and she told me that I was the one who convinced her not to vote for the Republicans.
There is hope. Don’t give up, my liberal and progressive friends. If we all take the approach to try to change just one mind, it can make a difference. I did, and I feel good for having done it. Of course, now there’s the next person to convince, but I think it can be done. One person at a time.
I have to go now. Have a good weekend everyone. Those who still think football is worth watching, enjoy yourselves.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:02 pmSounds like we need to do more militarily against AQ. I agree on this point with TP. We do need to start performing more invasions inside other countries to kill and cature AQ. The time is now to get after them inside Iran, Syria, etc.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:04 pmRoger,
if Bush sticks to the way he has been doing things, it is far more likely he will go after Al Qaeda in Cuba, or Burma. they after all have zero to do with Al Qaeda, and don’t represent a threat militarily.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:19 pm#81 Sounds like we need to do more militarily against AQ. I agree on this point with TP. We do need to start performing more invasions inside other countries to kill and cature AQ. The time is now to get after them inside Iran, Syria, etc.
Comment by Roger_Roger — January 12, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Yeah, that’s an estrategy, keep invading countries. And don’t forget to wave your magic wand to create the extra troops needed every time.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:24 pmRoger, is there any logical reason why we should take anything you post seriously? You’ve been wrong about everything from the beginning. Just because the mainstream media rewards those who were wrong, doesn’t mean we have to here. I think that around here we should have higher standards than the main stream media. If someone’s been wrong about everything, we should ignore him.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:30 pmRogerRabbit says: “the time is now to get after them (AlQaeda) in Iran, Syria”
Put down those Risk cards, Napoleon. Did you stop to think that as an inherently Wahabbi militant sect, Al Qaeda is fiercely opposed to Shiite Iran. Therefore, Napoleon, there are probably no Al Qaeda in Iran…
Jesus wept
January 12th, 2007 at 2:54 pmWe do need to start performing more invasions inside other countries to kill and cature AQ. The time is now to get after them inside Iran, Syria, etc.
Comment by Roger_Roger
You left out Pakistan. Why?
January 12th, 2007 at 2:55 pm#81 Roger_Roger
Sounds like we need to do more militarily against AQ. I agree on this point with TP. We do need to start performing more invasions inside other countries to kill and cature AQ. The time is now to get after them inside Iran, Syria, etc.
Does that “etc.” include Afghanistan? Oh wait…that’s right, we’re pulling troops OUT of Afghanistan.
Roger_Roger, if you need a clue, don’t be ashamed to ask for one.
January 12th, 2007 at 3:22 pm“Iraq is the only major U.S. conflict, except for the 1846-48 Mexican-American War, in which citizens haven’t been asked to make a special financial sacrifice,†Bloomberg reports. “President George W. Bush opposes tax increases, even as the costs escalate far beyond predictions and he calls for more troops.â€
Oh but we have! Bush recently told Brian Williams of NBC that Americans have sacrificed by paying a lot of taxes (among other things):
Want the source? Then use the Google!
January 12th, 2007 at 4:34 pmOk…technically, yes, I suppose Bloomberg is right in that Bush never specifically asked Americans to sacrifice financially.
January 12th, 2007 at 4:36 pmRegarding the raids:
“Consuls are commercial, not diplomatic agents…..They exercise jurisdiction over their country men, their persons are inviolable, their residences may be used as asylums in the case of war or tumult, and in fact they possess more than the ordinary diplomatic immunities.” T.J. Lawrence, A Handbook of Public International Law, 86-87 (10th ed., 1925) (emphasis added)
January 12th, 2007 at 5:52 pmhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2545514,00.html
Claims of terror safe haven denied
Times Online – 3 hours ago
Pakistan yesterday rejected allegations by the American National Intelligence Director that the country was a refuge for terror leaders.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0112/p99s01-duts.html
US intel chief: Al Qaeda active, strong in Pakistani hideout
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/488087p-410903c.html
Rabbis throw book at Jimmy
New York Daily News – 17 hours ago
BY OWEN MORITZ. Outraged by Jimmy Carter’s controversial new book, the nation’s largest organization of rabbis yesterday pulled out of a planned visit to the former President’s human rights center in Atlanta.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=24746
Carter Center board members rebuke Carter’s leadership BP News
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/carter-fans-quit-over-israel-book/2007/01/12/1168105181409.html
January 12th, 2007 at 9:44 pmCarter fans quit over Israel book The Age
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aFOgp5SUnMlo&refer=home
Japan Warns of Tsunami Following Major Quake in Pacific Ocean
Bloomberg – 23 minutes ago
By Steven Bodzin and Hiroshi Suzuki. Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) — Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning over the eastern coast of Hokkaido in northern Japan after an earthquake northeast of the island that the US Geological Survey measured …
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP199617.htm
January 13th, 2007 at 1:20 amTsunami warning in Japan after strong Pacific quake
Reuters AlertNet
http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=48814&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs
Iran demands halt in US illegal moves in Iraq
IranMania News – 31 minutes ago
LONDON, January 13 (IranMania) – Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki condemned the US raid on Iran’s Consulate General in Erbil, saying such an attempt runs contrary to the Vienna Convention, IRNA reported.
Iraq: Detained Iranians had gov’t authorization Jerusalem Post
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1167467721432&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Iraqi FM: Liaison Office Raided in Thursday’s Operation in Irbil Voice of America
January 13th, 2007 at 1:29 amhttp://www.voanews.com/english/2007-01-12-voa23.cfm
“75% of Americans think President Bush should have to get congressional approval before he escalates the war in Iraq, according to a new CBS News poll.”
And yet, we have anchor-whore Gretchen Carlson of Fox vomiting out on Wednesday, “You talk about the hostile enemy, obviously being Iraq, but hostile enemies right here on the home front. Yesterday Senator Ted Kennedy, proposing that any kind of a troop surge should mean there should be congressional approval of that.” Apparently Senator Kennedy is a traitor simply because he believes what 75% of Americans do.
January 13th, 2007 at 1:32 am>>>>>>>>MUST READ
January 13th, 2007 at 1:43 amhttp://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=5932972&nav=3w6o
WFIE-TV – 38 minutes ago
Rice: Bush authorised raids on Iranians in Iraq
Washington & Bahghdad: Recent US military raids against Iranians in Iraq were authorised by President George W. Bush under an order for a broad offensive against Iranian operatives in the country, the New York Times said on its Web site on Friday.
“There has been a decision to go after these networks,” the Times quoted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice saying in an interview conducted on Friday before leaving on a Middle East trip.
She said Bush issued the order several months ago “after a period of time in which we saw increasing activity” among Iranians in Iraq “and increasing lethality in what they were producing.”
The Bush administration has long accused Iran of interfering in Iraq, including providing weapons and training to Shi’ite forces.
But US military officials and Iranian exiles say there is increasing evidence that many of the most sophisticated roadside bombs being used against US troops are produced in Iran.
January 13th, 2007 at 3:29 amhttp://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=5934310
Tsunami warning issued for coast
KTUU – 50 minutes ago
by Megan Baldino and Mike Ross. Anchorage, Alaska – A tsunami advisory was issued earlier tonight for parts of coastal Alaska and has caused some frazzled nerves around the state.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4468337.html
Tsunami warning issued for Alaska Houston Chronicle
http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/10737004/detail.html
January 13th, 2007 at 3:44 amHawaii Under Tsunami Watch After Japan-Area Quake Hawaii Channel.com
It’s a FEDERAL Holliday. sheesh, robert, sometimes your efforts to get in digs really come off as stupid.
Comment by Briseadh na Faire
Can you say “being facisious”? Good boy, I knew you could.
But on that note, If all federal laws do not apply to the Congress (like, no smoking in government offices), why should federal holidays apply?
January 13th, 2007 at 11:13 amBut on that note, If all federal laws do not apply to the Congress (like, no smoking in government offices), why should federal holidays apply?
Comment by robert
Because Congress normally exempts themselves from having to comply with most laws. Federal holidays and pay raises are two of the bigger exceptions. Nothing like looking out for number one, eh?
January 13th, 2007 at 1:36 pmHere are some images I made that I would like to share to give one or two posts an occasional kick
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It is really bad strategy to base actions in an ill informed public. A properly informed public will always make the right decision. Which is why the media has embarked on an extreme campaign if misinformation. Besides I find it hard to believe that the public gets to sit down and take notes during the daily intelligence briefings.
January 13th, 2007 at 9:59 pmIt is really bad strategy to base actions in an ill informed public. A properly informed public will always make the right decision. Which is why the media has embarked on an extreme campaign if misinformation. Besides I find it hard to believe that the public gets to sit down and take notes during the daily intelligence briefings.
Comment by joeslogic — January 13, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
Sorry, joe, but once again you have a problem with facts. It is not the media that has “embarked on an extreme campaign if [sic] misinformation”, but President Bush and his entire cabinet that have set out to mislead the public at (almost literally) every turn. The public hasn’t been “uninformed” so much as they’ve been misinformed, and your president did everything he could to help with that misinformation.
It would not surprise me to learn that you, yourself, fell into at least one of, if not all three of, the groups of people who, before the invasion of Iraq, believed one of these three false things: 1) That there were WMDs in Iraq that could be handed off to terrorists; 2) That Saddam had something to do with the attacks of 9/11; and 3) That there was an operational relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda before we removed Saddam from the scene. None of those three things was correct, but they were the main reasons the public said they would support the president. And now, everyone with an IQ in the three-digit range knows that Bush lied.
Your act is wearing thin, joe. If you truly believe this nonsense you post, then I suggest you get out more and seek alternative sources of news. But if you’re just here to disrupt things, you should be fired because you’re not very good at it. Persistent, yes. But not very good.
January 14th, 2007 at 7:58 am