ThinkFast: March 9, 2007
ThinkFast: March 9, 2007
A chilly Latin American reception for Bush. As he “opened a weeklong tour of Latin America” yesterday, “police clashed with protesters in Brazil and across the region.” Adding insult to injury, “Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’” after Bush visits next week.
Valerie Plame, the former covert CIA agent whose cover was blown by the Bush administration, has agreed to testify before the House Committee on Government Reform “about the disclosure and how the White House handled it.”
“One day there will be a new attorney general, maybe sooner rather than later,” said Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), in a “scathing criticism” of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’s “handling of the firing of eight U.S. attorneys.”
“More than a quarter of military veterans with disability cases before the Department of Veterans Affairs wait six months or longer for the agency’s decision, creating financial hardships for them and their families. … As of March 3, the VA had almost 401,000 pending cases for disability compensation with almost 115,000 languishing for six months or more.”
The Bush administration said it is “open to holding direct talks with either Iran or Syria over how to help mend Iraq at a regional conference this weekend.” David Satterfield, the State Department’s Iraq coordinator, said yesterday that “if we are approached over orange juice by the Syrians or the Iranians to discuss an Iraq-related issue that is germane to this topic — stable, secure, peaceful, democratic Iraq — we are not going to turn and walk away.”
“Violent crime rose by double-digit percentages in cities across the country over the last two years, reversing the declines of the mid-to-late 1990s,” according to a report by the Police Executive Research Forum. “There are pockets of crime in this country that are astounding,” said Chuck Wexler, the groups executive director.
A letter to McConnell signed by leaders of two Sept. 11 family groups — Voices of September 11 and Families of September 11 — expressed “grave concern that your recent introduction of highly provocative, irrelevant amendments will jeopardize the passage” of the bill.
Brig. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, a “combat-arms brigadier general from Fort Knox,” “will take over as deputy commanding general of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.” The move is intended to “inject a battlefield perspective into what has traditionally been a solely medical operation.” Meanwhile, Army Chief of Staff Richard Cody “has dispatched teams to numerous Army hospitals around the country to identify any similar problems.”
The European Union has agreed on “ambitious and credible” greenhouse gas emissions targets. The agreement would require “greenhouse gas emissions to be cut by at least 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, and ensure 20 percent of its power comes from renewable energy, a massive increase from the current figure of just over 6 percent.”
And finally: The State Department’s human rights report is “very nice!” “Fictional Kazakh TV reporter Borat has made an unexpected cameo appearance as a victim of censorship in a heavyweight annual human rights report issued by the US State Department. … The report cited Borat’s loss of his Kazakh webpage http://www.borat.kz in late 2005 alongside court cases and limits on free speech faced by the few domestic media critical of Kazakhstan’s long-serving President Nursultan Nazarbayev.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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Bush creates trouble whereever he goes , He must be the most disliked man in the world ever
March 9th, 2007 at 9:12 amTime for some subpoenas.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:13 amBush the most disliked person the world has ever known
Shows in a reflection for American people
Best get rid of him soon
March 9th, 2007 at 9:14 amBoth the NBC and ABC nightly news programs have yet to cover the Bush administration’s purge of eight U.S. attorneys
I’m guessing ABC is putting together a “Path to 9/11″ style documentary regarding the purges, dating clear back to when Clinton took office and “purged” all U.S. Attorneys in spite of their having good job reviews by the former Administration.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:17 amProblems with the VA system have been around for decades. No president/congress/etc has done enough to help. That said, this is a bit disengenious; we’ve had a total of 23,417 total wounded in Iraq; this backlog that TP mentioned is far and above what came out of the Iraq war.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:18 amA chilly Latin American reception for Bush. As he “opened a weeklong tour of Latin America†yesterday, “police clashed with protesters in Brazil and across the region.†Adding insult to injury, “Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’†after Bush visits next week.
Hahaha Bush is the devil!!!! Meanwhile back in apathyland, Americans continue to drink lattes and watch the stock market, blissfully reciting “God bless America” and ” Support our troops”! Hahahah
March 9th, 2007 at 9:19 amIt feels so surreall to me much of the time. Anyone else?
“Violent crime rose by double-digit percentages in cities across the country over the last two years, reversing the declines of the mid-to-late 1990s,â€
Oh, you mean the Clinton Years.
Hmmm…
March 9th, 2007 at 9:22 amBnF, You nailed it. Different topic, but you still nailed it. (Referring to #5)
March 9th, 2007 at 9:22 amWhat about president Uribe of Colombia, the biggest ally Bush has in latin america. Check this article to see what he is involved in (since the mainstream media and not even ThinkProgress seem to care about this):
Uribe’s ties to Colombia death squads exposed
News from Colombia exposing President Ãlvaro Uribe’s ties to the terrorist, cocaine trading paramilitaries, or death squads, have not, as usual, received adequate attention in the U.S. corporate media. Were they truly concerned about narcotics traffic, this news would be on the front pages of every major newspaper. Instead, it is covered in articles buried in the back pages if not completely ignored.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/05/18372814.php
March 9th, 2007 at 9:28 amAdding insult to injury, “Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’†after Bush visits next week.
I wonder if there will still be a sulfur smell.
“Violent crime rose by double-digit percentages in cities across the country over the last two years, reversing the declines of the mid-to-late 1990s,†according to a report by the Police Executive Research Forum.
And what usually precludes a sharp rise in crime? Anyone? Could it be a declining economy for the lower classes? It usually is.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:34 amQuote “That a person like (Bush), with the persecution of our migrant brothers in the United States, with the wars he has provoked, is going to walk in our sacred lands, is an offense for the Mayan people and their culture,” Juan Tiney….
I wouldnt have said it better…
March 9th, 2007 at 9:34 amAnd if you want unbiased coverage of president Uribe’s ties with the paramilitaries just check Google News:
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=jorge+noguera+colombia
Read about the situation of the former chief of the secret police in Colombia, appointed and defended by Uribe, and you believe that your tax dollars were wasted in Iraq.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:34 amA chilly Latin American reception for Bush. As he “opened a weeklong tour of Latin America†yesterday, “police clashed with protesters in Brazil and across the region.†Adding insult to injury, “Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’†after Bush visits next week.
But of course, the same thing will happen in Uruguay, Guatemala, Mexico and Brazil. But, we, latinamericans should be doing a daily march against our politicians too.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:35 amI wouldnt have said it better…
Comment by Hector Garcia
It will be funny and sad watching Calderón licking Bush´s ass.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:36 am“One day there will be a new attorney general, maybe sooner rather than later,†said Sen. Arlen Specter…
While completely ignoring the fact that he was the one allowing the little noticed factoid giving Bush the power to replace US Attorneys w/o congressional approval. It’s all in the Patriot Act, Mr. Specter, you know, the one you supported and passed?!
I’m as sick of this mealy mouthed bastard as I am of Coulter & Malkin.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:37 am‘HO’s! The lot of ‘em.
F*CK YOU TP AND YOUR CENSORSHIP!!!
F*CK ISRAEL AND HILL’REH YOU WAR PIG BASTARDS!!!!
March 9th, 2007 at 9:38 ambluedahlia, thanks. That topic was on the thread first thing this morning, before the picture was posted. It’s gone now.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:39 amFrom the crime rate story:
In Rochester, Mr. Duffy said his city had the state’s highest dropout rate — half of all students drop out— and the highest child poverty rate, with 40 percent of children under 18 living below poverty level.
That is just unbelievable. I guess that Rochester wasn’t allowed into the “No Child Left Behind” program.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:40 amSpecter always gets his dander up in front of others, but in the end he does what he’s told. Even after his humiliation in NOT swearing in Gonzales and then being made the fool.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:41 amDale, thanks for the link. According to your site, 188 Americans got blown up or shot to death while Republicans in the Senate block a non-binding resolution opposing Bush’s surge. The price of protecting Bush from embarassment now stands at 188 DEAD AMERICANS.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:42 amExactly, Manuel. What happened with Clinton´s war on Drugs?
March 9th, 2007 at 9:42 amMy guess is that Columbia is the South American Afghanistan, otherwise, what would Beverly Hills do without the precious cocaine? What could little Linsay Lohan and all Hollywood “stars” forget their pathetic, artificial lives if it wasnt for that white columbian treasure? Yeah, lets blame the producers not the consumers.
wake n bake: a suggestion.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:43 amBe smarter, subrepticiously slide the info. ;)
Brig. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, a “combat-arms brigadier general from Fort Knox,†“will take over as deputy commanding general of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.†The move is intended to “inject a battlefield perspective into what has traditionally been a solely medical operation.â€
Of course…because the medical issues the patients of Walter Reed Army Medical Center are experiencing will benefit enormously from a “battlefield perspective”, rather than a “medical perspective”.
Explain to me how this is going to help. From where I stand, it looks like there’s entirely too much “battlefield perspective” at Walter Reed already.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:44 amwe’ve had a total of 23,417 total wounded in Iraq; this backlog that TP mentioned is far and above what came out of the Iraq war.
Comment by Dale — March 9, 2007 @ 9:18 am
You’re being disingenuous as well. Your number only reflects the number of wounded who required air transport, but you forgot to mention that little detail.
And besides, hasn’t your Beloved Dictator used, “you’re not supporting the troops,” as a club againt all opposition to his War Funding? He’s had a rubber-stamp Congress for SIX YEARS. There’s no excuse under those conditions for our troops to be mistreated in any way, especially not when it comes to our wounded women and men whom he placed in harm’s way with LIES. Why should they have to fight “the enemy” over there, and then fight their own government when they get back, just to get the treatment and benefits they were promised when they volunteered?
March 9th, 2007 at 9:49 am#20, nice way to skate around what my post discussed /sarcasm.
But tell me, why should we stop the surge now that it appears to be working?
Let me ask you this… should we still pull out the troops if the surge works? Wouldn’t that be ‘cut-n-run’?
March 9th, 2007 at 9:52 amI wonder if there will still be a sulfur smell.
Comment by dlet — March 9, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Good one!
March 9th, 2007 at 9:53 amOf course…because the medical issues the patients of Walter Reed Army Medical Center are experiencing will benefit enormously from a “battlefield perspectiveâ€, rather than a “medical perspectiveâ€.
The issues at Walter Reed are not medical they are leadership and concern for Soldiers. Kiley and Weightman are both doctors and we see what a fine job they did taking care of the Soldiers. If it were me I’d put the head of the ANC in charge but this is a better choice than another MD.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:56 am#24, you’re right, there’s absolutely no excuse for our troops not getting the care they deserve, and I never tried to say otherwise. I just pointed out that the problems in the VA system pre-date Pres. Bush… they’re not the fault of any one person; our government for decades has not given them the care they need.
You apparently either didn’t read the link or didn’t understand it.
There’s four categories; Wounded – No Air Transport, Wounded – Air Transport, Non-Hostile Injuries – Air Transport, and Diseases – No Air Transport. So any casualties that did not require air transport were Non-Hostile Injuries or Diseases… accidents etc.
Nice try at sidestepping the issue though. (And now will start the ad hominem attacks).
March 9th, 2007 at 9:58 amComment by Dale — March 9, 2007 @ 9:52 am
Having invaded Iraq illegally in the first place and then fomented a civil war we should no longer be there under any circumstances, surge or no surge. We should get the hell out ASAP, coordinated with the installation of a MASSIVE Peace-Keeping force from the UN.
As to your belief that the “surge” is working. Well, to each his own. Here’s the headline of your article:
March 9th, 2007 at 10:01 amU.S. commander: Baghdad attacks will continue despite encouraging signs
It seems like you’re making a deductive leap from “encouraging signs” to “the surge is working.” If anything, the “surge” is working to push the violence out of Baghdad and into other regions of the country. People are getting killed in different areas, granted, but people are still getting killed. We don’t have enough troops to lock down the whole country. And until you get enough troops to do that, no “surge” is going to bring peace and security to Iraq.
Yes Juan C, Colombia is the second largest recipient of US military aid (after Israel), 4 billion dollars have been poured since 2000 destined to fight cocaine production (but really used for Colombia’s internal war with the leftist guerrillas).
And what do you get after all that money and all these years: The cocaine production hasn’t decreased, and Colombia’s goverment is deeply involved with narco-paramilitary groups, which are keeped safe from extradition to the US by president Uribe.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:01 amhey juan – does that banner say what i think it says?…
actually, does it say what i think it OUGHT to say?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:03 amComment by Dale — March 9, 2007 @ 9:58 am
you’re right on that, I read the chart too quickly.
Still, how does that excuse the Bush administration for still having such a backlog?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:04 amSo junior is a ‘bad spirit’ ?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:05 amThat’s sugar coating it a bit.
“(It’s) too early to discern significant trends, (but) there have been a few encouraging signs,” he said.
He said U.S. and Iraqi forces would press ahead with the plan while “recognising that some sensational attacks inevitably will continue to take place”.
This is what Dale sees as progress. What exactly are these trends that he is talking about? Please be specific. I would like to see these. I haven’t been able to find any facts that General Petraeus uses as evidence.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:06 am“More than a quarter of military veterans with disability cases before the Department of Veterans Affairs wait six months or longer for the agency’s decision, creating financial hardships for them and their families. … As of March 3, the VA had almost 401,000 pending cases for disability compensation with almost 115,000 languishing for six months or more.â€
Talk about failed european universal healthcare. And, no, Repugs, the answer isn’t destroying completely it. Is fixing it by not cutting his financing, as has been done for the past years.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:07 amI just pointed out that the problems in the VA system pre-date Pres. Bush… they’re not the fault of any one person; our government for decades has not given them the care they need.
Comment by Dale
While I will agree there probably have been problems at the VA hospitals that have been around for a long time and should have been taken care of, I would have to point out that during the Clinton era there was no such influx of military wounded as there has been with Bush I and certainly not with Bush II. When you decide to go into two major wars there has to be an examination of everything including the handling of wounded. But I guess they weren’t thinking of that because they believed that the worst injuries would be from thorn pricks from all the roses that would be thrown at our servicemen.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:11 amDale sez:
Please provide the criteria you’re using for claiming the surge is ‘working’. Once you’ve done that, please provide a rationale for thinking that the surge will ‘work’ (that there will be a definable end to the occupation that can be classified as ‘victory’).
Attempting to ’secure’ Baghdad is like digging a hole in the sand below the tide line. after a certain depth is reached, water starts seeping into the hole. By dint of heroic effort, you can manage to scoop the water out faster than it enters, but the deeper you dig, the faster the water flows in. Eventually, you reach an equilibrium point, no matter how hard you dig. If you then dig slower, water immediately rises to ‘pre-surge’ levels.
All your ’surge’ has managed to accomplish is to temporarily push the worst of the violence a little farther out of Baghdad. It’s still there, and as soon as the ’surge’ subsides, it will flow right back in like the water into the hole.
The only way to ’stop’ it (for your surge to ‘work’) is to continue it indefinitely. , at the continued cost to U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians we’ve seen thus far. Is this really what you’re proposing, or do you still cling to the unsustainable belief that this ‘war’ will have an ‘end’ that can honestly be called ‘victory’ by any yardstick?
‘Winning’ the Iraq Occupation is a fools errand…about as possible as drawing a square circle, but this administration never intended to win. They intended to occupy this oil-rich region indefinitely, both to control its oil reserves and to provide a base of operations for initiating and sustaining hostilities against the other countries in this oil-rich area. If this isn’t clear to you by now, it’s doubtful you’ll ever understand.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:11 amDale you nailed it the problems wiith the VA have been around for years annd years. I personally have seen this with my uncle who has been disabled since he recieved a serious brain injury in the Korean War. However the whole point of todays outrage is that this adminsitration more than any administration in my lifetime has touted their love of the military has emphasised how well they treat our troops etc… yet the Walter Reed situation, by all accounts has been worsened during their tenure and has worsened due to their actions. Othwer than that yes the VA has always been shoddy on service.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:15 amExplain to me how this is going to help. From where I stand, it looks like there’s entirely too much “battlefield perspective†at Walter Reed already.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — March 9, 2007 @ 9:44 am
One thing with the ‘battlefield perspective” is that a “battlefield commander” is more knowledgeable in how to talk to and handle troops that have been wounded on a battlefield.
I do not care how much “training” someone has in medical care or psychiatry, a battlefield vet has certain “needs” that cone only be met by others that have been there. That is why Vets will talk to their buddies at the VFW about their experiences, but not their families.
Basically, it can help give comfort to the troops by knowing that someone that has “been there” is looking out for them.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:16 am#31 hey juan – does that banner say what i think it says?…
actually, does it say what i think it OUGHT to say?
Comment by katy — March 9, 2007 @ 10:03 am
It’s portuguese, but the translation is, more or less “World’s Women March/Bush Go Home”.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:17 amBasically, it can help give comfort to the troops by knowing that someone that has “been there†is looking out for them.
Comment by hacker bob
Thanks, Robert. I was wondering about that.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:20 amAs I’ve said, I’m not excusing the Bush administration for the backlog… in fact as pointed out in #36, along with the plans to invade Iraq should have been a *major* IG inspection of the VA system. The faults do not rest solely with Pres. Bush however; veterans have been making complaints (and getting nowhere) about the VA system for decades.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:20 amIt’s portuguese, but the translation is, more or less “World’s Women March/Bush Go Homeâ€.
Comment by Evil Spaniard
No! We don’t want him back! :)
March 9th, 2007 at 10:20 amhacker bob sez:
Yes, of course, because your average medical professional just doesn’t have any idea that convalescing in a room infested with cockroaches and mice, or sleeping in your own urine, could possible interfere with the healing process, or have detrimental psychological effects.
</snark>
March 9th, 2007 at 10:24 amValerie Plame, the former covert CIA agent whose cover was blown by the Bush administration, has agreed to testify before the House Committee on Government Reform “about the disclosure and how the White House handled it.â€
I would be fabulous if TP did a post about Plame/Wilson’s testimony, with a transcript.
**hint, hint**
March 9th, 2007 at 10:25 am“One day there will be a new attorney general, maybe sooner rather than later,†said Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), in a “scathing criticism†of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’s “handling of the firing of eight U.S. attorneys.â€
I don’t know….how scathing does Specter really get? Steam coming out of his ears, or just slightly pink-faced?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:26 amIt feels so surreall to me much of the time. Anyone else?
Comment by Bluedahlia — March 9, 2007 @ 9:19 am
Unbelievable isn’t it BlueD?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:28 amwe’ve had a total of 23,417 total wounded in Iraq; this backlog that TP mentioned is far and above what came out of the Iraq war.
Comment by Dale — March 9, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Dale, you are confusing two distinctly different groups here. The number that TP references does come largely from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I served in Iraq for 18 months, and I was not wounded, however I still receive a 60% disability. The backlog that TP is referring to is just that, disability cases, not WIA. Most disability cases arise after a soldier’s return home. This was not the case with mine, but it is the majority of disability claims in general. The point I’m trying to make is that the number of wounded has nothing to do with the number of disability cases.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:28 am“Violent crime rose by double-digit percentages in cities across the country over the last two years, reversing the declines of the mid-to-late 1990s,†according to a report by the Police Executive Research Forum. “There are pockets of crime in this country that are astounding,†said Chuck Wexler, the groups executive director.
Um, this needs attention sooner, rather than later. It looks like a trend, and trends don’t stay local.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:30 amA letter to McConnell signed by leaders of two Sept. 11 family groups — Voices of September 11 and Families of September 11 — expressed “grave concern that your recent introduction of highly provocative, irrelevant amendments will jeopardize the passage†of the bill.
Another letter for McConnell’s round file.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:31 amThe rest of the world is protesting against Bush better then we are…..
Come on Americans… This proves we need to speak out against this administration, lets protest at every turn, every where he goes, in front of the white house, in front of his ranch, EVERYWHERE…..
March 9th, 2007 at 10:31 am#25 Dale, don’t you know that historically for the past three years there has been a down turn in the violence in Iraq every January and February? So if the violence is less than December you will rule this a success even though they seem to take these months off anyway.
Also there may be a huge backlog of patients nationwide for the VA however the guys they are treating at Walter Reed are the ones you mention with your 23,000 figure. I for one think that anybody injured fighting for this country deserves lifetime care, and that care should be of the highest quality period.
Also many casualtiees do not require aiirtransport and their injuries are a direct consequence of enemy action. Splinters from IED or grenades atc, might not require evacuation, but they are still casualties. Just becauuse a casualty is not air transported out, does not mean that the casulaty is nnot a result of enemy action. So your statement about “any casualties not needing air trasport are a result of non-hostile action or disease” is patently false.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:32 amthanks, spaniard…
March 9th, 2007 at 10:32 ami was hoping… well, you probably know what i was hoping…
the “f” word has to be universal…
so, “fora” = “go home” … can’t blame them…
It feels so surreall to me much of the time. Anyone else?
Comment by Bluedahlia — March 9, 2007 @ 9:19 am
Unbelievable isn’t it BlueD?
Comment by Quadrajet — March 9, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Bluedahlia & Quadrajet,
It is surreal. I listen to pieces of conversations on the bus, walking down the street, and in class, and the level of apathy (perfect word, Blue) is astounding. Sometimes I want to stop these poeple and ask them them if they remember we have wars going on, corrupt government, climate issues, etc. It makes me sick.
Blue, you go to the BSU campus, do you know what I mean by the almost total stupidity of some of the students?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:37 amZooey sez:
Good luck. As dlet pointed out earlier, the underlying cause for this trend is a declining economy for the lower classes (read: anyone who is not ‘elite’).
This decline is no accident…it’s by design. Chimpy & Co. have been waging war on the middle class since day one of this administration, and things are approaching the breaking point. This trend isn’t going to abate any time soon…after all, the administration needs a steady supply of disenfranchised, poverty-stricken young people with no other options to continue to feed into the meat grinder…
March 9th, 2007 at 10:37 am“Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’†after Bush visits next week.
Perhaps they should adopt the bush doctrine of pre-emption and bless the site before he gets there. You know, kind of a spiritual ’scotch guarding’ to prevent the stain from taking.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:37 am“Troubles for the Oil Deal” – TIME Magazine
An excellent article by Vivinnee Walt for TIME reports that “parliamentarians and Iraq’s oil unions have already begun mobilizing against the draft legislation, arguing that it is a desperate attempt by al-Maliki’s government to satisfy Western demands, which could damage Iraq’s economic future and speed the country’s ultimate disintegration.” She points out where the pressure is coming from: “Iraq’s major creditors have made clear they expect a working oil industry, as a precondition for forgiving billions of dollars in Iraqi debt incurred largely by Saddam Hussein’s wars against Iran and Kuwait and by his mega-splurging at home.” It continues by interviewing Iraqi MP Salah al-Mutlaq “[he] says he is certain he will find allies among his colleagues, who he says believe that the law is geared to the needs of Western oil companies rather than Iraqis. There has been no public hearing on the draft, whose details have largely been kept secret. Iraqi lawmakers fumed last July when U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman discussed the draft during a trip to the region, “when hardly a single parliamentarian had seen it,” says Kamil Mahdi, an Iraqi who is senior lecturer in Middle East economics at the University of Exeter in Britain, and who spent Tuesday discussing the law by phone with several parliamentarians. He said several believe that the government should wait until the war ends before locking Iraq into long-term deals with foreigners.” Finally it notes: “Iraq’s biggest oil unions, which could potentially disrupt production, have been among the law’s strongest opponents. Hassan Jum’ah Awwad Al-Asadi, head of Iraq’s Federation of Oil Unions, the largest union group, says he intends to mobilize his 23,000 or so members against the draft. “We want a new, different law, which will be in the interests of Iraqis,” he said by phone from Basra on Wednesday. “If there is no solution we can stop production, stop exports.” In a more threatening tone, he told union members at a conference on the law in Basra in early February: “We strongly warn all the foreign companies and foreign capital in the form of American companies against coming into our lands under the guise of production-sharing agreements.”"
March 9th, 2007 at 10:37 amAny word from the right wingers on General Parteaus and his comments about there being no military solution for Iraq? About a month ago he was being heralded as A voice ont he ground to be listened to who said that the troops were needed? If there is no military solution, why are the troops needed? Is he still a genius to be quoted for you war mongers?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:38 amComment by TripMaster Monkey — March 9, 2007 @ 10:24 am
You misunderstand what I meant. That is my fault.
When it comes to medical issues and psychiatric care, there are professionals that are trained to handle that. But there is a point that someone, especially someone fresh out of combat, needs someone there that is saying “I know what you are going through, I have been there myself. I will make sure you are taken care of.”
It is a leadership issue. The patients will have more trust in a combat leader than they will someone that has just hidden in the halls of DC.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:38 amSooner, rather than later, we would like an Attorney General who is not so busy figuring out ways to get his criminal masters off the hook; and will attend to the job of combating crime and rooting out corruption.
And, the whole United States is going to need a healing ceremony and purification rite after Boosch and Chainee leave, and preferably sooner than later.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:38 amHey, Dale.
Still waiting for your response to my earlier post.
If you’re going to bandy about talking points like ‘the surge is working’, and ‘the surge will work’, then you need to define the criteria you’re using.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:39 amMore bad news for the lefts beloved mullahs. MORE INSURGENT ATTACKS, in Iran.
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2007/03/insurgents-capture-4-more-guards.html
March 9th, 2007 at 10:40 amComment by Manuel — March 9, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Where are the Gary Webb’s of this country now?
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1213-31.htm
March 9th, 2007 at 10:41 am…this backlog that TP mentioned is far and above what came out of the Iraq war.
Comment by Dale — March 9, 2007 @ 9:18 am
how can you say that? … do the simple math:
As of March 3, the VA had almost 401,000 pending cases for disability compensation with almost 115,000 languishing for six months or more.â€
… 401,000 pending cases
– 115,000 6+ months
= 286,000 cases less than 6 months…
where did they come from, other than afghanistan, if not the iraq “war”?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:41 am.
“Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’†after Bush visits next week.
You know, I’ve been thinking all along that impeachment is what we need when actually nothing short of exorcism will do the job.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:41 am#58 Mark,
March 9th, 2007 at 10:44 amthat’s what I’m thinking too.
TMM explains it pretty well in #37
We have a number of permanent bases there – we do not intend to leave. It gives the US a foothold from which to launch attacks in the ME in the future. It gives the US a chance to control the oil revenue. And it gives the Repugs time enough to pass this along to the Dems who will be left holding the bag, and it will be all “their fault.”
Nancy Pelosi better stay out of Brazil.
Buyer’s Remorse?
March 6th, 2007 4:01 pm
The Democrat-controlled Congress has a lower approval rating than President Bush.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/polls/
March 9th, 2007 at 10:45 amBlue, you go to the BSU campus, do you know what I mean by the almost total stupidity of some of the students?
Comment by Zooey — March 9, 2007 @ 10:37 am
my college daughter addressed this to me one day… i was pleasantly surprised that she broached the subject…
she explained that it is because of the draft… in the 60s and 70s, the people were protesting more because of the draft… kids her age are not faced with that…
i told her she better tell her friends to wise up, because there will come a time, if this is not stopped very soon, that there WILL be a draft…
i’ve said before, there are some waking up and this is hopeful…
March 9th, 2007 at 10:47 ambut the draft will surely get them going… hope it doesn’t come to that…
…
More bad news for the lefts beloved mullahs. MORE INSURGENT ATTACKS, in Iran.
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/ 2007/ 03/ insurgents-capture-4-more-guards.html
Comment by Patrick1 — March 9, 2007 @ 10:40 am
Looks like terrorism to me: extremists setting off bombs against civilians – you might want to be condemning that Patrick. If this was an Israeli town that was attacked, your rank hypocrisy owuld no doubt shine through.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:49 amhacker bob sez:
And apparently you missed my point. Not sure whose fault that is…
While I fully concede your point that soldiers fresh out of combat could benefit enormously from someone who has undergone similar trauma, that is only a small part of the bigger picture. While we do desperately need more individuals like this to assist with cases like this, the fact is that the majority of the furor over the issue of vets’ care is directed at issues that are either purely medical or bureaucratic in nature. The “battlefield perspective” is just not the answer for these issues.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:50 amThis trend isn’t going to abate any time soon…after all, the administration needs a steady supply of disenfranchised, poverty-stricken young people with no other options to continue to feed into the meat grinder…
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
This is exactly the stuff revolutions are made of. It’s like these neighborhoods already have their own revolution going. The pressure is not going to let up under this administration. The poor suffer and the rich don’t even know they exist.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:50 amMorning all, Noted our South American neighbors are doing what we need to do more of here in the states..
On our crime rate rise here at home, my neighbors and I have been saying that very thing for year’s…I believe it all ties into the cut’s in services, lack of job’s and people loosing hope of thing’s getting better in the good old USA..
My little community has 2 vet’s, both have been strugeling just to get into the VA and waiting over 6 month’s…Both are Nam vet’s with extensive problem’s…I have known them for 12 year’s and the last 6 have been dreadful…So much so they both have had to go on welfare and into emergency for tratment of old war related injuries because they could not get into the VA…One had a wait time for an apointment of a year…..
Lastly, but still important, we went into this illegal premtive war with the lies given to us by the dictator we had not the one we should of had……Any sane person would not of ordered this massacure at all…We have to remove our troop’s now not 6 week’s or six month’s from now…Investigate,.Impeach, and remove all responsible……Blessings…Sorry for the length.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:51 am#67 – gosh patrick, you’re lying – and so early in the day. Actually, the congressional approval for the last polled period is higher than bush’s approval for the same period. I also note that the congress consistently has a lower disapproval rating. Good example, thanks.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:54 amWe have a number of permanent bases there – we do not intend to leave. It gives the US a foothold from which to launch attacks in the ME in the future. It gives the US a chance to control the oil revenue. And it gives the Repugs time enough to pass this along to the Dems who will be left holding the bag, and it will be all “their fault.â€
Comment by Marie — March 9, 2007 @ 10:44 am
This is something I do not understand. We have had the KKMC in Saudi since the 80’s with Marines stationed there. We have had three permanent bases in Kuwait since 1994 (Doha, Araf-John and Ali Al-salaam). We have also had troops stationed in Bahrain and Qatar for the last 15 years. Why do we need MORE permanent bases in the ME?
March 9th, 2007 at 10:55 amPatrick,
According to your link congress and Bush have the same approval rating with Bush having a much higher disapproval rating.
Pick up an elementary school math textbook and reference the sections containing the following symbols: “=”, “”.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:57 amSo is the surge working? Let’s hear from an Iraqi:
March 9th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Comment by Dale — March 9, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Yes, and your post is an even greater condemnation of the Bush administration. The total of Iraq War Wounded is apparently only about 5% of the backlog. What’s Bush doing with those hundreds of billions of borrowed dollars appropriated to support the troops?
March 9th, 2007 at 11:00 ami’ve said before, there are some waking up and this is hopeful…
but the draft will surely get them going… hope it doesn’t come to that…
Comment by katy
Thanks for that perspective, katy. I should say that some of the students are totally on the ball, and so impressive in their brillance. It’s the idiots who stand out so strongly in my mind sometimes.
I truly hope it takes a draft to get the young people out protesting this issue. GWB will turn himself inside out before he institutes the draft. Bad for the legacy…
March 9th, 2007 at 11:01 am#61, not ignoring you… I actually work for a living, and sometimes work intrudes :-)
I’ve given you one reference (in a post of a few minutes ago), I’ll give more (if you’d like) as time permits.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:03 amComment by TripMaster Monkey — March 9, 2007 @ 10:50 am
I understand exactally what you are saying. The hope is that the “battlefield perspective” for the Deputy Commander (#2 in charge) will be one of “Listen, lets get this s*it taken care of. ” Someone that can cut throught the bureaucratic BS.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:04 amLet’s hear from Gen. Petraeus: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6429519.stm?ls
Hmm talking to the ‘terrorists’ – better start thinking about spending more time with your family, General… /sarcasm
March 9th, 2007 at 11:05 amI see you’re back, Dale. Care to respond to my post #37?
March 9th, 2007 at 11:05 am#78, Zooey, we won’t have a draft because we don’t need one. And wanting a draft simply to ‘get people out protesting this issue’ is not fair to those who’re drafted.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:05 amTMM, here’s some more info for you.
And notice these are all coming from Iraqi’s… not the MSM and not any ‘right-wing nutjobs’.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:09 am#82, if I can find the time :-)
March 9th, 2007 at 11:10 amWe truly miss our President Bush and his leadership. I hope that he returns soon. I’ll be praying for a safe return for the President and his wife. Regarding Brazil, which I will be visiting Rio Dec 16-23, it’s a sinful place that needs redemption. Sex and crime is ramped in that region. Even though I’ll be on vacation, my plan is to visit the Favelas to inform them about what thus saith the Lord. The oil pact between Brazil and the U.S. will strengthen both nations. Brazil, I’m coming to assist you in seeking redemption.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:14 amTMM, also look at this post.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:14 amZooey, we won’t have a draft because we don’t need one. And wanting a draft simply to ‘get people out protesting this issue’ is not fair to those who’re drafted.
Comment by Dale
No Dale, we don’t need one — NOW. But Chimpy’s hard on for attacking Iran will cause a problem in terms of numbers. Chimpy will ignore that problem, at the dearest expense of our troops.
Nowhere in my post did I say I wanted a draft. You’re being patronizing and ridiculous.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:16 amEven though I’ll be on vacation, my plan is to visit the Favelas to inform them about what thus saith the Lord. The oil pact between Brazil and the U.S. will strengthen both nations. Brazil, I’m coming to assist you in seeking redemption.
Comment by Daryll
Lordy Daryll, I hope that works out for you. Meaning I hope you make it out alive.
Why would you vacation in such a “sinful” place? Don’t go there and disrespect the people. Ever heard the term Ugly American?
What about minding your own business?
March 9th, 2007 at 11:23 amFor the latest news, hearings, legal filings and other essential documents on the politically motivated prosecutor firings, see:
March 9th, 2007 at 11:24 am“The U.S. Attorney Scandal Documents.”
Comment by Daryll re:(Brazil) “I’m coming to assist you in redemption…”
March 9th, 2007 at 11:30 amLooks like you missed carnival, coming next year?
We can’t wait…
Good Morning Lady Z,…..I’m smudging with sage and sweet grass this morning as alway’s, just in case TP post’s a picture or article of bush/cheney and the regeme member’s…Like the Myan priest’s we need all the help we can get to rid our country of this evil bunch….Sure wish some other country would step forward and claim this dictator.
It seem’s to me Darryl must have a mouse in his pocket when he refer’s to “we”, guess he hasent been watching the poll’s falling and world dislike for heir bush……Blessings
March 9th, 2007 at 11:33 amInteresting link… from a soldiers’ perspective.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:35 amDale sez:
Dale, you’re not answering my questions. All you’re doing is attempting to bury the discussion with multiple references to apocryphal first-person experiences of life in Baghdad, more often than not referencing Saddam’s former cruelty in a disingenuous attempt to lower the bar further. I’m asking for a rational discussion, and you’re attempting to derail it with appeals to emotion.
Go back and read post #37, and answer my questions. If you can’t..don’t feel bad. Your administrations is having difficulty answering those questions as well.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:35 amSex and crime is ramped in that region.
People are having sex, in Brazil? I knew it! How dare they!
March 9th, 2007 at 11:36 amGood morning, Sharon. Keep up the good work.
The Brazillians have a cute picture of Chimpy with a Hitler mustache on the top thread.
Daryll is clueless as to the ways of the world. I hope he survives.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:37 amI am beginning to think Juan is right. Daryll is a parody.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:40 amI wonder if those nice looking ladies in the front have Brazilians.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:40 amDale,
The simple fact is that, although there have been problems within the VA for years, those problems have risen exponentially during the Bush administration. The Veteran’s Administration had a $1.2 Billion shortfall last year until DEMOCRATS in Congress fought to put the money back in the budget. The reality of the situation is that no other President in history has asked so much of our nation’s fighting men and women while asking so little of the remainder of the populace while the nation was at war. The Bush administration has cut the VA budget Every year that they’ve been in office. It’s now known that they (and Republican members of Congress) have been cognizant of the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed for years and done NOTHING about it but try to cover it up from the public. Their mantra (regardless of what Tony Snowjob says it is) of “we support the troops” has been shown to be a big fat lie! They support the troops as long as there is a camera rolling or taking photos. Otherwise, the troops are on their own just like the rest of us poor bastards who don’t fall into the top 1% of the economic scale.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:41 amAnybody seen that worthless piece of shit TrumpMaster Monkey?
If you see it, tell it I am looking for it.
There’s a new sheriff in town.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:47 amI wonder if those nice looking ladies in the front have Brazilians.
Comment by ForTruth
Yes, they probably do have Brazillian — husbands. Big, burly, switchblade carrying, husbands.
Just sayin’
March 9th, 2007 at 11:48 amPresident of Brasil sitting between Bush and Condi Rice:”
Mr Bush:’ My English is not that good ,but I can talk to you”
Bush:’My Spanish is not that good either”
President of Brasil:’But this is not Mexico, this is Brasil, my dear friend”
Bush:”Let’s get down to business:’We are overhere after your sugar cane”
President of Brasil:”No Rudy for us, we are with Mccain”
Bush:”I am not happy about your Mayan priests trying to cleanse and eliminate ‘bad spirtis’ from their religous sites,after my visit’
President of Brasil:”But I have no control over these people…you know they can say whatever they want”.
Condi:”No they can’t…..Remember:’You are either with us,or against us”. She reached her briefcase and pulled a long sheet of paper.
“What is this’?!!..Said the President of Brasil
Condi:’This is the ‘terror list”…we can add your name if you don’t do something about the mayan priests….
Brasilian president:’Let’s talk about biodiesel, biofuel instead….’
Condi:’We know that you have been also talking to Chavez, lately”…NO MORE
No More Castro contacts..ok
President of Brasil:’I promise, I promise”…
Condi :”I don’t have to show you Saddam’s picture..do I”?
No mam….
Bush:’We can feed you democracy,if you feed our cars with sugar canes,just like we do in the Middle East right now”
“Ya, I heard about dat…A deal, a deal “, said the president of Brasil.
Bush:’I am impressed with your country,I thought you are good in soccer only,but now in sugar fuel….amazing…from “Pele to fuel”.
just joking,
Brazilian president :”You good sense of humor, mr. Bush”
Bush:’One last question….what kind of name is Lula Da Silva”…
March 9th, 2007 at 11:51 amSex and crime is ramped in that region.
People are having sex, in Brazil? I knew it! How dare they!
Comment by TerrytheTurtle — March 9, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Yes, this must be stopped.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:53 amDale, please explain how the surge will work quelling centuries old sectarian hatred? Tell me how it will work when after three years the Iraqii’s hhave not shown a willingness to defend themselves. (Remeber we went from a peacetime army to invading Europe and fighting our way half way to Japan in less than three years. Also tell me how the new surge mentality blends with the old strategy of “as the iraqii’s stand up, we willl stand down” Have any stood up yet? I thought by this point that our troops would be drawn down significantly. Also since the adminsitration has been wrong so many times on Iraq, how can you still trust them today?
March 9th, 2007 at 11:55 amThere’s a new sheriff in town.
Comment by TrumpMaster Mickey
Can we please not do this, rachel?
March 9th, 2007 at 11:55 amYes, this must be stopped.
Comment by Daryll
Do you and your wife plan on having children, Daryll? You do know how babies come into the world, right?
Maybe Brazillians want babies, too. And a whole lot of fun….
March 9th, 2007 at 11:56 amSex and crime is ramped in that region.
People are having sex, in Brazil? I knew it! How dare they!
Comment by TerrytheTurtle — March 9, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Yes, this must be stopped.
Comment by Daryll — March 9, 2007 @ 11:53 am
Zoo, I don’t think Darryl’s going to get out alive….
March 9th, 2007 at 11:57 amDo you and your wife plan on having children, Daryll? You do know how babies come into the world, right?
Darryl’s going for the Lynn Cheney Immaculate Conception Technique… no dirty pillows for him, no sireebob.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:59 amSorry that’s the Mary Cheney Immaculate Conception Technique.
Lynn Cheney’s Immaculate Conception was Immaculate because it kept Dick from having to fight Charlie.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:00 pmZoo, I don’t think Darryl’s going to get out alive….
Comment by TerrytheTurtle
It’s really not looking good….
March 9th, 2007 at 12:00 pmZooey sez:
Zooey, rachel’s just upset that I exposed her as a plagairist, a liar, and a fraud earlier this week.
So much for being a ‘reformed troll’…interesting how long that lasted…
March 9th, 2007 at 12:01 pmZooey, rachel’s just upset that I exposed her as a plagairist, a liar, and a fraud earlier this week.
I saw that.
So much for being a ‘reformed troll’…interesting how long that lasted…
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
Rachel cycles. That’s why I asked her not to do this. It would be better to just take a break for a few days.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:05 pmZooey sez:
Hmm…sounds bipolar. Perhaps her meds need to be adjusted…
March 9th, 2007 at 12:07 pmZoo, I don’t think Darryl’s going to get out alive….
Comment by TerrytheTurtle
It’s really not looking good….
Comment by Zooey — March 9, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Trust me, I will. I have the blood of Jesus covering my wife and myself. She may remain in our temporary residence during the vacation, but I plan to visit the favelas to save souls and be a prayer partner for these individuals. I should visit some of your neighborhoods because you libs need redemption, too.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:07 pmBy all means Daryll, go and stop the people in Brazil from doing things you don’t like. Hurry.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:09 pmI should visit some of your neighborhoods because you libs need redemption, too.
Comment by Daryll — March 9, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Maybe you already did – do you remember anyone telling you to come on in and help celebrate walpurgisnacht by shagging a goat they had tied up in the back? No? Then it mustn’t have been you.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pmPullin out all the “stops” now.
I will take your site down for good now.
Wait and see.
Heh.
And it’s all TrumpMaster Mickey’s fault.
Got a complaint?
Address it.
TrumpMaster Mickey that is.
TrumpMaster Mickey?
Welcome to your nightmare, and thus TP’s.
Heh.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pmPullin out all the “stops” now.
I will take your site down for good now.
Wait and see.
Heh.
And it’s all TrumpMaster Mickey’s fault.
Got a complaint?
Address it.
TrumpMaster Mickey that is.
TrumpMaster Mickey?
Welcome to your nightmare, and thus TP’s.
Heh.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:13 pmDaryll sez:
You pray for me, and I’ll think for both of us.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:15 pm“TrumpMister Mackey” sez (again, multiple times):
OMG…it’s fascinating to watch the meltdown in action. This is so pathetic it’s funny.
rachel, when you manage to blink away the tears long enough to read this post, reflect on this: Don’t you realize that your obsessive behaviour is giving me exactly the validation I so desperately crave? ^_^
March 9th, 2007 at 12:20 pmIt’s bad enough that all the stupid Media like the NYTimes and WaPo give him more airing than they do the Democratic leaders in Congress who are actually providing oversight – unlike Specter ever did. Remember anything he says – you know the complete opposite to be true! You just know he has someone working for him who does nothing but count how many times his name is in print. Please don’t feed his ego by naming him here!!!
March 9th, 2007 at 12:21 pmthe “f†word has to be universal…
so, “fora†= “go home†… can’t blame them…
Comment by katy
No, katy. It would be a compliment for Bush. :)
March 9th, 2007 at 12:22 pmDaryll
Could you explain about the sex in Brazil being “ramped”? Do they have intercourse on an inclined bed? Is that to enhance the physical sensation, does it increase the likelihood of pregnancy, or are their beds just broken?
March 9th, 2007 at 12:23 pmI have the blood of Jesus covering my wife and myself.
Comment by Daryll
You sound like a voodoo master.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:23 pmI should visit some of your neighborhoods because you libs need redemption, too.
Comment by Daryll
Looking forward to it, Daryll. I’ll have you out of your underpants before you can say, “God, help me…”
March 9th, 2007 at 12:25 pmYes, this must be stopped.
Comment by Daryll
I would recommend you to start in the favelas outside Rio de Janeiro. You will be recieved with open arms.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:25 pmPLC,
I would go with the broken bed angle….
March 9th, 2007 at 12:26 pmHeh, PLC…that last post made me actually laugh out loud in the office. ^_^
Keep up the good work…you’re on a tear today.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:27 pmI would go with the broken bed angle…. Comment by Zooey
Must…resist…response…to…”I…would…go…with” :)
March 9th, 2007 at 12:29 pm#64 – katy,
March 9th, 2007 at 12:31 pmSince Dale has not responded, I will for him – The other 286,000 are left over from the Civil War – they just filed for disability due to their advanced age which excoriates old war wounds. It’s all Abe Lincoln’s fault.
Must…resist…response…to…â€I…would…go…with†:)
Comment by PatrioticLiberalChristian(PLC)
Heh. You are good….
March 9th, 2007 at 12:34 pmI have the blood of Jesus covering my wife and myself.
Comment by Daryll
Sounds like you need a shower.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:41 pmSure it’s not puppy blood, that you got from your hero Darth Cheney?
Or did you just murder Jesus again?
thanks, spaniard…
i was hoping… well, you probably know what i was hoping…
the “f†word has to be universal…
so, “fora†= “go home†… can’t blame them…
Comment by katy — March 9, 2007 @ 10:32 am
Well, literally, fora=out, but Go Home fits perfectly in this case :)
March 9th, 2007 at 12:41 pm#56 “Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate ‘bad spirits’†after Bush visits next week.
Perhaps they should adopt the bush doctrine of pre-emption and bless the site before he gets there. You know, kind of a spiritual ’scotch guarding’ to prevent the stain from taking.
Comment by Quadrajet — March 9, 2007 @ 10:37 am
Probably, a blessing of the site would prevent Bush to be any closer than 500 feet :P
March 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pmOr did you just murder Jesus again?
Comment by Wayne — March 9, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
Daryll is Jewish?
March 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pmI still like Brazillians.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:47 pmBush probably read the sign as “For Bush” and was as pleased as a Federal inmate getting a Scooter for Christmas.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:50 pmI still like Brazillians.
Comment by ForTruth
I think you should get one.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:51 pmI see you are a Commie sympathizer. There are places for you out in Wyoming.
http://www.tripmastermonkey.com/
about us
Frequently Given Answers
What is TripmasterMonkey.com? It’s a cheeky news magazine for the Asia-savvy. Yellow journalism served up fresh—that’s our goal. On the site, you’ll find plenty of pop culture, offbeat topics, unusual views on U.S. and world news, and—as we ramp up—more graphic content (comics, photo essays, illustrated stories). In short, it’s a place for some fun and titillation. A lychee-martini lounge on the Web.
What’s with the name? The name comes from Maxine Hong Kingston’s novel about a hipster playwright, a modern-day incarnation of the fabled Monkey King, who spread Buddhism from India to China. Pretty trippy, right? As we see it, tripmasters are people who connect different worlds and cultures and ideas. People like you. (BTW, we’re not affiliated with Maxine Hong Kingston, the novel, or the defunct band of the same name.)
Who are you guys? Most of us are young journalists from the ranks of CNN, The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and magazines like Ms, New York, Glamour, and World Press Review. Many of us first met in various parts of Asia but now call New York City home.
Why a Web magazine? Seeing connections that exist across cultures—that’s what we’re all about. We love the borderless nature of the Web. It’s totally cosmic, man. A way to link to what’s Out There. The casual, ephemeral nature of the Web is perfect for a light but tasty sampling of Asian-accented news.
How are you funded? Excellent question. TMM is a volunteer effort, though it’s not technically a nonprofit. We’re funded through private donations, ads, and the sale of branded merchandise.
So, how do you define Asia? We follow the Asia Society’s definition: “The area from Japan to Iran, and from Central Asia to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.” Though, given our namesake, we tend to focus on countries where the Monkey King managed to spread the Buddha’s teachings to a large segment of the population.
Um, you really like monkeys. Well, Tripmaster Stephen Hawking probably said it best: “We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.”
Okay, you guys are completely bananas. Can I write for you? Sure, submit to the monkey.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:55 pmBush probably read the sign as “For Bush†and was as pleased as a Federal inmate getting a Scooter for Christmas.
Comment by PatrioticLiberalChristian(PLC)
Laughing my ass off, PLC.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:56 pm#86 Regarding Brazil, which I will be visiting Rio Dec 16-23, it’s a sinful place that needs redemption. Sex and crime is ramped in that region. Even though I’ll be on vacation, my plan is to visit the Favelas to inform them about what thus saith the Lord. The oil pact between Brazil and the U.S. will strengthen both nations. Brazil, I’m coming to assist you in seeking redemption.
Comment by Daryll — March 9, 2007 @ 11:14 am
You’re a parody troll, isn’t? You can’t be so naïf. Frankly, visiting the favelas as a tourist is already dangerous, but as an USA evangelist telepreacher? Just don’t carry anything of value (that includes brand wear), and maybe you’ll have luck and return in one piece to USA.
BTW, is an “ethanol” pact. You know, alcohols aren’t oils in any sense.
Damned
March 9th, 2007 at 12:56 pmThat’s cute, rachel…too bad http://www.tripmastermonkey.com isn’t my site.
Keep swinging, though…it’s amusing to watch you flail about. ^_^
March 9th, 2007 at 12:58 pmGood Luck Daryll, we’ll miss your ridiculous posts.
March 9th, 2007 at 1:02 pmEvil Spaniard,
I’m not holding out much hope for our Daryll. Somehow he will learn to mind his own business, or pay the consequences. I hope he learns….
March 9th, 2007 at 1:04 pm#144 I’m not holding out much hope for our Daryll. Somehow he will learn to mind his own business, or pay the consequences. I hope he learns….
Comment by Zooey — March 9, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Somehow, the movie “Midnight Express” comes to mind when I think of people like Daryll adventuring outide his county (yes, county, not country :D).
March 9th, 2007 at 1:13 pmMistress Z ~ et al.
March 9th, 2007 at 1:14 pmYou all are in fine form this morning. I’ve had coffee nostrilized twice already!
Somehow, the movie “Midnight Express†comes to mind when I think of people like Daryll adventuring outide his county (yes, county, not country :D).
Comment by Evil Spaniard
Yikes. That would be startling for our Daryll.
I can hear him now, “But I’m an American!”
March 9th, 2007 at 1:17 pmMistress Z ~ et al.
You all are in fine form this morning. I’ve had coffee nostrilized twice already!
Comment by RUCerious
I haven’t dared drink anything in the vicinity of PLC this morning.
That’s fair warning…
I’m out of here for a while.
**passing the torch**
March 9th, 2007 at 1:18 pm**passing the torch**
Comment by Zooey
And I heard that kidney stones hurt! Hope you feel better soon, Zooey.
March 9th, 2007 at 1:25 pmEven though I’ll be on vacation, my plan is to visit the Favelas to inform them about what thus saith the Lord.
Comment by Daryll — March 9, 2007 @ 11:14 am
Brazilians are Catholic -they already know what the Lord sayeth. People living in favelas do so out lack of money (ie. poverty), not lack of religion. What they need is social justice not more religion.
What an insulting, self-righteous drivel you write.
Brazil, I’m coming to assist you in seeking redemption.
Feed the soul, never mind the body -after all it’s the after life that counts, right?
How very thoughtful of you…
March 9th, 2007 at 1:35 pmJesus Christ, rachel.
This is not fair. If you’re serious about this, you better call 911 right now and get the help you need.
Do it now!
March 9th, 2007 at 2:20 pmPeace, and Blessings, rachel.
March 9th, 2007 at 2:45 pmComment by Zooey — March 9, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
Zoo, don’t, just don’t.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:00 pmRobert,
I know you’re not telling me I shouldn’t be concerned about a fellow human being.
I know you’re not doing that.
God damn it, rachel.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:25 pmCan we get those guys to come to Washington DC? The Republicans would scatter like cockroaches when a light is turned on. Heck Dick Cheney would burst into flames, Ted Stevens would probably melt, and Karl Rove would probably fall to the ground, turn into a few hundred bats and fly away.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:25 pmComment by Zooey — March 9, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
I am not tell you not to be concerned about another human being. I am warning you to not let yourself get beat up mentally by another human being.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:32 pmI’m sorry, Robert.
I’m taking it out on you, when I’m actually pissed off at rachel for doing this.
Forgive me.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:45 pmComment by Zooey — March 9, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
Zoo, no problem at all. I understand perfectly.
Your heart is pure. As for the rest of you……
March 9th, 2007 at 3:49 pmThanks, Robert.
March 9th, 2007 at 3:58 pmIs it acceptable to cheer for the rioters? If so, hoorah!
March 9th, 2007 at 4:12 pmBlue, you go to the BSU campus, do you know what I mean by the almost total stupidity of some of the students?
March 9th, 2007 at 4:38 pmSorry Zooey, I was in class earlier. Sometimes I post and can’t stay as long as I would like. Yes, I totally agree. It is an willfull ignorance. And laziness. (Kinda like our elected officials)
Basically if somebody isn’t going to spoon feed them the information, then it is easier to whine and make excuses or even seek a pass on why they a) didn’t get their work done b) recieved a really bad grade on an assignment/test. I get so frustrated sometimes.
There was one English class I was in where I thought everyone except maybe 3 of us were going to fail. I really don’t know the grades, but they should have failed based on what they didn’t get done. And the bad thing is that the professors get in trouble because if so many did bad, then it is assumed it must be their fault. And then the bar is lowered, again. It is so frustrating.
http://acc6.its.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~phalsall/texts/taote-v3.html
March 9th, 2007 at 4:40 pmOf course the Mayan priests will purify the “sulphurous stench of evil miasma” left by CHIMPya “El Diablo” Bush!!!!!
March 10th, 2007 at 2:36 pmGive ‘em HELL, Valerie! Be a VALKYRIE, and charge in there with your snickersnee, to GUT the GUTLESS WONDERS, of Bushland Uber Allies gap-mouthed fishy wall-eyed FLOUNDERS!!!!!
DEFINITELY SOONER–Inqusitor General Alberto VO5 Gonzales IS ON HIS WAY OUT, with F(*cking) B(izarre) I(mbeciles) director Robert Mueller, V.P. Torticola DICK-less B(ugger) Cheney, Karl Miss Piggy Rove and other Bushland Uber Allies SEWER-RATS who have OUTLIVED THER USEFULNESS–”Wha’ hav’ ya done fer me lately?” ASKS CHIMPya!
Waiting SIX MONTHS is a mere short span for SOME UNLUCKY VETS, SOME OF WHOM HAVE BEEN WAITING MORE than SIX YEARS for disability compensation–even SIX MONTHS is TOO LONG a WAIT–THIS IS A DISGRACEFUL STATE OF AFFAIRS and IS ALL CHIMPya and the CLUELESS MORONIC IMBECILE Jim Nicholson who CHIMPya PUT IN CHARGE OF THE VA’S FAULT!!!!!
Ah Yes, A COMPLETE ABOUT-FACE FROM THEIR PREVIOUS STANCE–HYPOCRISY, THINE NAME BE Bushland Uber Allies!!!!!
IT IS TOO BAD THAT THE VIOLENT CRIME THAT HAS INCREASED BY DOUBLE-DIGIT PERCENTAGES HAS NOT BEEN DIRECTED AT CHIMPya/Cheney and Bushland Uber Allies PERSONALLY!!!!!
McConnell, YES YOU, the one named Mitch,
You GODDAMNED F*CKING SON-OF-A-BITCH!
sirrah, HOW DARE YOU TOY
With the MEMORY of OUR LOST BOY!
WE 9/11 FAMILIES WILL MAKE YOU INTO A LITCH!!!!!
Brig. Gen. Tucker SHOULD BE MADE AS COMMANDER, PERIOD! NOT “DEPUTY” COMMANDER–GET THAT F*CKING SLIMEY CREEP Kiley THE HELL OUT OF Walter Reed–ANYONE WHO COMES FROM Fort Knox IS “GOOD AS GOLD” IN MY BOOK!!!!!
THE European Union IS IN CONCURRENCE. THOUGH CHIMPya/Cheney and Bushland Uber Allies ARE NOT–SHOWS YOU WHAT OBSTRUCTIONISTS CHIMPya/Cheney and Bushland Uber Allies ARE!!!!!
GO, Sasha Baron Cohen aka BORAT!!!!! NEXT, FOUR WAY TAG-TEAM NUDE MUD WRESTLING WITH Karl Miss Piggy Rove, Gannon/Guckert, CHIMPya/Cheney, and Mukhtar Safarov, WITH BORAT AS REFEREE! NO HOLES IN PIG-BOTTOMS WILL BE BARRED!!!!!