Bush Threatened To Veto Same Military Pay Raise That He Now Uses To Attack Anti-War Critics
Bush Threatened To Veto Same Military Pay Raise That He Now Uses To Attack Anti-War Critics
In his Rose Garden address this morning, President Bush criticized the decision by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to pull the Defense Authorization bill from consideration, saying the move would deny a pay raise to soldiers serving in Iraq. “Congress has failed to act on” a bill that would “provide funds to upgrade our equipment, for our troops in Iraq and provides a pay raise for our military,” said Bush. Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl made a similar argument on Wednesday.
“Even members of Congress who no longer support our effort in Iraq should at least be able to provide an increase in pay for our troops fighting there,” Bush added. Watch it:
Bush’s use of the the military pay raise as a cudgel to bash his political opponents is dishonest and hypocritical. In May, he threatened to veto a House defense spending bill over the exact same 3.5 percent pay increase that he is now touting:
Bush budget officials said the administration “strongly opposes” both the 3.5 percent raise for 2008 and the follow-on increases, calling extra pay increases “unnecessary.”
Democratic leaders in the House wrote to Bush at the time urging him to reconsider his veto threat.
In a speech, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), an Iraq war veteran, said that Bush’s veto threat was tantamount to the President of the United States saying, “Thank you for your service to your country, but that’s too much of a pay increase.”
A majority of the Senate is ready and willing to pass the defense bill, but conservatives carrying water for the White House’s stay-the-course Iraq strategy are determined to stand in the way.
UPDATE: Reid’s statement responding to Bush is here.
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Outstanding. So he was against it, before he was for it?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:02 pmAnd this suprises who? Bush will use anything to get what he wants. The republican play book is filled with, spin it until you get it. Please most politicians are asshats, but George takes the crown.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:02 pmI like it. you are harming our troops by not voting for the pay raise that I am going to veto. should play well in dogtown
July 20th, 2007 at 12:02 pmThree months? Is that the current estimate of our national memory? Yet we are told to never forget 9/11 because it ‘changed everything’?
If we were a third world country we’d have condemned ourselves by now for our attempts to stifle democracy.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:03 pmSSDD
July 20th, 2007 at 12:06 pmHe only threatened to veto. He never vetoed it. This is only a tactic to get a bill that he likes.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:07 pmIf we were a third world country we’d have condemned ourselves by now for our attempts to stifle democracy.
Comment by DM — July 20, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
We’d also have to actually pay back our national debt.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:07 pm“We’d also have to actually pay back our national debt.”
Democrats control the purse strings. Why haven’t they done anything about it?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:08 pmCheck out these Funny Bush Comics.
You’ll laugh until you cry
HL’s Comics
July 20th, 2007 at 12:09 pmHow stupid does he think we are?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:10 pmdon’t answer that.
Truth is that the WH threatened to veto the 3.5% pay raise in favor of a 3% pay raise.
That’s the crux of this quibble, half a percent.
Anyway, blaming the other guy is what the WH does best. That’s what happened in the rose garden.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:10 pmEnough is enough already. The commander in chief is a buffoon and his troops are paying the price for it. And for all you fools out there,who think that being CiC means he gets to be King, go back and read the constitution. He’s the executive. He carries the water for the Peoples’ representatives in the House and Senate. They control the purse and they get to declare war.
We in the USofA pride ourselves on the civilian control of our military. The military does not doe things on its own, only under orders from civil officials. So unlike the other banana republics in our hemisphere we gloat. Well, then let the civilians take control of this military exercise. Since the military is subservient to the civilian, and since when the President is acting as CIC he is part of the military, the President must obey the will of Congress (i.e. the People), Congress does not have to obey the will of a King or his handful of idiotic neocons who believe might always makes right (or at least makes a lot of money).
Now, lets get our elected representatives to DO WHAT THEY ARE TOLD! Uphold the Constitution.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:11 pmThe most powerful “rebuke” the Democratic Congress could give right now in protest is to start impeachment proceedings.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:11 pmWarmongers often appeal to five core concerns—about issues of vulnerability, injustice, distrust, superiority, and helplessness—in order to galvanize public support for their agenda. I examine how Bush/Cheney used these particular appeals to promote the misguided and destructive Iraq war in a 10-minute online video entitled “Resisting the Drums of War†available for viewing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81UKnb5zJbM. Looking ahead, I expect that the continued occupation of Iraq–or an attack on Iran–will likely be sold to us in much the same way. Forewarned is forearmed.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:15 pmFrom TP’s original post: “The Bush administration had asked for a 3 percent military raise for Jan. 1, 2008, enough to match last year’s average pay increase in the private sector.”
Bush didn’t want to veto a pay raise and leave them with nothing. He wanted a 3% increase.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:15 pmThe most powerful “rebuke†the Democratic Congress could give right now in protest is to start impeachment proceedings.
Comment by Mugsy
Whilst I agree wholeheartedly w/ your sentiment, the Dems don’t have the votes until more Repubs find their spines and ethics.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:16 pmComment by Briseadh na Faire — July 20, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
TripMaster
willyloman
ace (?)
R.I.P.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:16 pmBush didn’t want to veto a pay raise and leave them with nothing. He wanted a 3% increase.
Comment by The Eck
It is embarrassing that Bush would treat his own soldiers that way, considering what he’s putting them thru to cover his lies.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:17 pmDemocrats control the purse strings. Why haven’t they done anything about it?
Comment by The Eck
Your premise is false.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:18 pm“the Dems don’t have the votes until more Repubs find their spines and ethics.”
They don’t have 51% of the votes in the house to impeach?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:18 pmDemocrats control the purse strings. Why haven’t they done anything about it?
Comment by The Eck
Factually correct, but in 18 months, we will taking the repukes to the woodshed!
July 20th, 2007 at 12:18 pmYou never answered the question. What are the Dems going to do about it?
Comment by The Eck
Quite frankly, D*ck breath, you’re asking a stupid question. I don’t speak for “the Dems”. there’s no way anyone here can speak for “the Dems”. Try asking a question that makes sense to answer and maybe you won’t get it shoved back up your nose.
Or you could ask Pelosi and Reid.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:19 pm“It is embarrassing that Bush would treat his own soldiers that way”
Actually it is the Dems who have pulled the legislation to allow for a pay raise for the military. They control the purse strings.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:19 pmdamn he’s truly looking pathetic. This is embarissing you’re right.
what a joke we all are allowing this to go on.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:20 pm“I don’t speak for “the Demsâ€. there’s no way anyone here can speak for “the Demsâ€. ”
Or you can just admit they did nothing.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:20 pm#
“Let me be blunt… F*ck you, a**hole.â€
You never answered the question. What are the Dems going to do about it?
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
WAIT until 2008 elections when the dems get 61 votes in the senate then SHOVE every bill they wnt to down the throats of EVERY republican in the country.
bend over.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:20 pmFactually correct, but in 18 months, we will taking the repukes to the woodshed!
Comment by Prof Shropshire
Prof, it’s a stupid, unanswerable question. Eck thinks he’s, or she’s, being clever but it’s really just stupid and pointless.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:20 pmIt was hilarious when chimpy ended his little rant…he turned quickly and strutted off to escape any questions from the press. All the troll supporters standing behind him just stood there for a few seconds… not knowing what the hell to do (most likely their constant state).
July 20th, 2007 at 12:21 pmOr you can just admit they did nothing.
Comment by The Eck
Just beating your head on the wall and loving very minute, huh?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:21 pmbend over.
Comment by bobh
Careful, bobh, Eck is likely to take you up on that.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:22 pm“WAIT until 2008 elections when the dems get 61 votes in the senate then SHOVE every bill they wnt to down the throats of EVERY republican in the country.”
Or they could just do it now by using the nucular option. But that would requre the Dems to actually go to work and earn their pay.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:22 pmis it 2009 yet?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:23 pmChanging the senate rules is fine by me but the Dems apparently follow rules, unlike repugs.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:24 pm#
bend over.
Comment by bobh
Careful, bobh, Eck is likely to take you up on that.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — July 20, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
I have this handy night stick. :P
July 20th, 2007 at 12:25 pm“It was hilarious when chimpy ended his little rant…he turned quickly and strutted off to escape any questions from the press.”
During Monica, Bill Clinton went months without doing any press conferences.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:26 pmSo Bush wants to give our men and women in uniform “everything they need”? So why did it take four years before his DoD decided to give them ground explosive-resistant vehicles? What does he have against a decent pay raise? Why wouldn’t he tell his Republipawns in the Senate to support the Webb amendment? Why are our returning battered soldiers not getting the health care they need? And the list goes on and on…
For him to use “support the troops” baloney to blast Reid’s handling of the Defense Authorization bill is just plain offensive to the troops.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:26 pm“IMPEACH THIS GODD*MN MOTHERF*CKER! HE IS TRYING TO KILL OUR REPUBLIC!”
Dems don’t have the balls to do that.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:26 pmThey control the purse strings.
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
False.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:27 pmBwahahaha! Check out Raw Story.
“Cheney in charge? Bush to have routine colonoscopy”
How do they know which end of Bush to scope? Or does it matter?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:27 pm“What does he have against a decent pay raise?”
Ask the Dems. They are the ones witholding one.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:29 pmHow do they know which end of Bush to scope? Or does it matter?
Comment by Kevin — July 20, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
Doesn’t matter!
July 20th, 2007 at 12:30 pmWhat can you say: Bush is an evil, evil bastard.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:30 pm“How do they know which end of Bush to scope? Or does it matter?”
How intelligent.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:30 pm#38 –
Dems may not have the balls to do that (although it’s more accurate to say they’re not going to bother when they know the end result will be acquittal due to the Republautomatons in the Senate).
Impeachment will get off the ground when the GOP legislators realize that keeping Bush and Cheney around is bad for their reelection chances, and bad for their party.
In the meantime, Americans are seeing Bush and Cheney for what they are more clearly every day — if polls are any indication. Any Repub standing for them now will have to answer for that stance come election time.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:31 pm“What can you say: Bush is an evil, evil bastard.”
Sure, Bush is the evil one, not Bin Laden.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:31 pmOr they could just do it now by using the nucular option. But that would requre the Dems to actually go to work and earn their pay.
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
The stupidity of the trolls never cease to amaze me. This same jackass would have us believe the repug majority “earned” their pay the 12 years they were in control.
Since Jan. 2001 they have given chimpy a blank check with absolutely no oversight. All of them traitors to our democracy and rule of law.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:32 pmDuring Monica, Bill Clinton went months without doing any press conferences.
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
During Monica, America wasn’t in a state of National Emergency. Dontcha know 9/11 changed everything?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:33 pmSure, Bush is the evil one, not Bin Laden.
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
Since when is it either/or?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:33 pm“when they know the end result will be acquittal due to the Republautomatons in the Senate”
Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were both impeached by the house. The Dems could do the same right now in the house if they had the balls. But they don’t.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:33 pmBulletin Bulletin
Dear Leader to undergo colonoscopy tomorrow!!! Will transfer power to DeadEyeDick.
If they’re still looking for his brain, the colon is a good place to start.
looks like it’s Big Dick’s Big Chance.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:34 pmAs Eck rifles through his repug talking points…
July 20th, 2007 at 12:34 pm“Since Jan. 2001 they have given chimpy a blank check with absolutely no oversight.”
So have the Dems.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:34 pmSince when is it either/or?
Comment by Egreggious
They are two sides of the same coin.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:34 pmJust 10 days ago, President Bush’s bizarre sense of humor seemingly reached a new low when he made a 13 year old girl cry during an event in Cleveland. Today, the compassionate conservative returned to one of his favorite past-times, making light of the disabled. This time, the victim of President Bush’s childlike callousness was an Iraq veteran – and double-amputee.
Surrounding by servicemen during a speech today, Bush recalled his conversation with an Iraq soldier who lost both legs in combat. The President then said of him:
“He’s a good man, we’re gonna get him some new legs.”
For the details, see:
July 20th, 2007 at 12:35 pm“Bush to Iraq Amputee: ‘We’re Gonna Get Him Some New Legs.’”
#19 is not me. Although I guess tube socks are matching pairs.
Still, I’d appreciate it if the OTHER Mr. President’s Tube Sock would identify itself as “Mr. President’s LEFT Tube Sock”.
Although, come to think of it, tube socks are interchangeable.
DAMN! Anyway, that’s ANOTHER Mr. President’s Tube Sock.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:35 pmSure, Bush is the evil one, not Bin Laden.
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:31
They are both evil, just because they are fighting each other doesn’t automatically make one good and one evil. thankyouforplayingpleasefuckoffanddie
July 20th, 2007 at 12:35 pm“During Monica, America wasn’t in a state of National Emergency.”
That’s the problem. Liberals missed the threat of al qaeda during this period.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:35 pm“It was hilarious when chimpy ended his little rant…he turned quickly and strutted off to escape any questions from the press.â€
During Monica, Bill Clinton went months without doing any press conferences.
Comment by The Eck
Hi JAKE, I’d say you’re an idiot, but that would be an insult to idiots.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:35 pm“So have the Dems”.
Eck
How old are you? 12?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:36 pmBy the way, “Ther Eck” is actually Mr. President. He came up with the name when Mom picked his pj’s off the floor and said “Eck” when she caught a whiff.
I saw the gleam in his eye when he heard that.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:37 pm“He’s a good man, we’re gonna get him some new legs.â€
But the Dems are currently witholding the funding for that. Sad to say.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:37 pmSorry, Sock.
Forgot to change my alias back.
I was borrowing yours while you were under the bed.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:38 pmPat, the Dems have given Bush everything he has ever wanted.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:39 pmPlease people IGNORE THE TROLLS
- Especially Mr. Pr(ick)
- yesterday was ridiculous
- that idiot is destroying your site
- he and CT_V1 should be banned from the site.
If it continues you will find yourself with very few people coming here.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:39 pmPisses off the repugs when they don’t get that blank check. The hypocrisy smells to high heaven when chimpy says “there needs to be a debate on Iraq”. What friggin debate…it’s his way only. What a small man he is.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:40 pm“Good morning, sir, I’ll be your technician today!”
“Heh heh, don’t look so happy about it, willya? heh heh…”
“Have no fear sir, I’m quite familiar with the procedure, actually I’m quite familiar with this particular orifice…”
“Say, heh heh, you sound familar, a little muffled by the mask, but did you ever used to work for me?”
July 20th, 2007 at 12:40 pmSorry, Sock.
Forgot to change my alias back.
I was borrowing yours while you were under the bed.
Comment by Mr. President’s LEFT Tube Sock — July 20, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
No problem. Glad to see you made it back from the laundry safe. I always worry.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:41 pmYou are a funny pair.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:41 pm“Pisses off the repugs when they don’t get that blank check.”
What have the Dems denied from Bush?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:43 pmAnybody seen Zooey today?
I’m worried, what with all the bannings today.
Don’t know what she would have done to be banned but…
July 20th, 2007 at 12:45 pmBush to undergo routine colonoscopy tomorrow. I’m guessing Jeff Gannon will be performing the procedure.
Scary thing is, Cheney will be the President while this is going on.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:46 pmEggreg ~ I was just thinking the same thought.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:48 pmIt could be that she’s tired of wading through the trollshit. Hope not.
I’ll send her an email and see how she’s doin.
Anyway, blaming the other guy is what the WH does best. That’s what happened in the rose garden.
Blaming the other guy is the hallmark of the so-called “personal responsibility” crowd. Comes as naturally to them as breathing and ratfucking
July 20th, 2007 at 12:49 pmI’ll send her an email and see how she’s doin.
Comment by RUCerious — July 20, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Thanks.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:50 pmThe problem with ever having a discussion on ideas is that people are already sold on a version of absolute truth of one thing or another. In a debate people simply throw out the information they disagree with or that disagrees with their already determined conclusion. Truth is always relative we are always evolving, debating issues like what does fighting terrorism mean today that was different in 2003 or what do we know now that we didn’t know then and the inability to see that is like a Doctor continuing to treat a patient with leaches once more current knowledge is available. Currently their is no discussion about whether is what we know now changes anything people in general don’t change well. I personably see that is a admirable feature to not be threatening to admit a mistake and fix it rather then shift blame. People often start with a conclusion then search for the facts that support their conclusion in an attempt to prove their brillant and do not have to change.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:50 pmPeople, please, let’s not see a repeat of yesterday’s bloodbath.
The Eck has clearly shown that if he’s not m12 or one of the other trolls under a new brand name, he’s clearly their intellectual equal.
Why indulge him?
When it comes to trolls, ignore, ignore, ignore.
Either they’ll someday decide to actually contribute to the discourse or they will content themselves with a dry-hump right-wing circle-jerk.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:50 pmDemocrats control the purse strings. Why haven’t they done anything about it?
Comment by The Eck — July 20, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Republicans controlled them for ten years – why didn’t they?
July 20th, 2007 at 12:51 pmLiberals missed the threat of al qaeda during this period.
Comment by The Eck
“Bin Ladin Determined To Attack In US”
Who could have imagined such a thing?
(Back to irrational, meaningless comments… “liberals missed”… MEANS NOTHING a**hat. ye gods… have ONE meaningful thought, PUL-LEASE!)
July 20th, 2007 at 12:52 pm“Republicans controlled them for ten years – why didn’t they?”
They did. They balanced the budget during the late 90’s.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:53 pmspit take ~ Well stated.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:54 pmWe all know we shouldn’t feed these moronis, let them circle jerk together…
Don’t know what she would have done to be banned but…
Maybe she complained too much about the registration system and TP banned her for that. I still don’t get why TP won’t implement a registration system. Regulars want it and trolls want it.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:57 pm- yesterday was ridiculous
Yes it was, because even regular users started namejacking Mr. President’s name and trashed the threads. I’ve never seen anything like it.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:58 pmwhy do the chimpy leg humpers hate the USA and our troops?
July 20th, 2007 at 1:01 pmwhy did the repugs not want to give our troops a year stateside for a year served in Iraq…per the Webb amendment?
July 20th, 2007 at 1:02 pm“Mendacity” should be the title of the official biography on President Bush.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:03 pmHe is a pathological liar.
why does anyone (at least 19%) have any faith that chimpy and shooter are leading this country in the right direction?
July 20th, 2007 at 1:03 pmFrom: Tripmaster Monkey
To: myspammailbox@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 11:03:39 AM
Subject: Banned
Hey, BnF. I’ve just found myself silenced, and wanted to get the word out on the situation.
On the thinkfast thread this morning, a namejacker stole my name to make the following post:
Shockwave,
It¢s possible that the Raelians did it.
Are they Jews?
If so I can believe it!
The Jews are behind everything.
Muslims never do anything wrong as Islam is a peaceful religion.
(Obviously, this is not me.)
What’s interesting is that the content of this post CHANGED while I was looking at it…the original namejack post was only four lines long, and ended with “I wish Hitler had killed them all!”.
I’ve never seen a post alter in such a fashion. The only way for this to happen is if an admin did it.
When I attempted to declare that I had been namejacked, I found that none of my posts would go through.
So there you have it. I’ve been vilified and silenced. I’d appreciate it if you would inform the rest of the posters at TP of the situation.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:03 pmBush beats the Dems over the head with their own club on national TV. What do the Dems do? They write a letter “urging” the president to reconsider his veto. How nice. Bush not only knows the Dem leadership are sheep, he’s banking on it.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:04 pmIt’s time to turn up the pressure up to 11. 11 = impeachment of course. 10 = not a heck of a lot, other than late night pizza parties, and Nancy and Harry gettin’ it on in the backrooms of congress.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:05 pmBnF
July 20th, 2007 at 1:05 pmHow many more of us are going to get poleaxed by the TP gods before we just say fu(k it and leave the site to the trolls.??
yesterday was ridiculous
Yes it was, because even regular users started namejacking Mr. President’s name and trashed the threads. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Comment by Boudin Bob — July 20, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
I know you guys would prefer we not use your tactics against you, and just give you carte blanche to trash the place without retaliating, but we’re not congressional Democrats. We fight back.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:06 pmAwesome point, Kane!
July 20th, 2007 at 1:06 pmwhy did the repugs not want to give our troops a year stateside for a year served in Iraq…per the Webb amendment?
Comment by Pat
Let’s ask Eck that one. here’s a good question for you…
July 20th, 2007 at 1:07 pmComment by Briseadh na Faire — July 20, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
The Joker continues to be allowed to comment after all the vile shit he’s posted, but TMM is banned.
I think Faiz needs to hear how we feel about that:
FShakir@americanprogress.org
July 20th, 2007 at 1:07 pmhttp://rawstory.com/news/2007/Olbermann_slams_Bush_after_Hillary_blamed_0719.html
July 20th, 2007 at 1:08 pmGood to see you Zooey! Some of us were getting a little worried.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:08 pmThey did. They balanced the budget during the late 90’s.
Comment by The Eck
Actually, Clinton did that. The Repukes, under Herr Bru$ch, have run up the biggest deficit in this country’s history. But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good fantasy rant.
And if the Repukes did do it w/ Clinton as Pres, what’s up w/ Chimpy’s nonsense?
July 20th, 2007 at 1:09 pmI suspect “The Eck” is the same person posting as “Rick Sutcliffe” yesterday. (ex baseball players, ya’ll!!)
July 20th, 2007 at 1:11 pmComment by Zooey — July 20, 2007 @ 1:07 pm
willyloman e-mailed me earlier…he’s banned.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:13 pmI suspect that ace is banned
And TripMaster Monkey has been banned.
That’s nothing.
You want real hypocrisy? Try:
President Bush yesterday rejected entreaties by his Republican allies to renew a popular program that provides health coverage to poor children, saying that expanding the program would enlarge the role of the federal government.
That’s funny and tragic all by itself.
Then add.
President Bush, enlarging the role of the federal government, creates a Cabinet-level panel to do the job of the FDA. Mike Leavitt to head the panel.
And you add up to the worst president ever.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:14 pmGood to see you Zooey! Some of us were getting a little worried.
Comment by spit take
Sorry to worry you, ST. Just a bit of a slow start this morning. :)
July 20th, 2007 at 1:15 pmwillyloman e-mailed me earlier…he’s banned.
I suspect that ace is banned
And TripMaster Monkey has been banned.
Comment by SGT Higgins — July 20, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
But don’t worry. Mr. P is still safe.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:16 pmTRoS, I like a good round of Whack-A-Trollâ„¢ as much as the next guy, but it seems to me that indulging the nonsense of The Eck is just as pointless as indulging the nonsense of Mr Pee or CTV1 or Jake.
It’s empty calories that will only make these threads fat and unappealing. And you can’t talk sense into their heads; they’re not listening. They don’t care about making a reasonable argument. All they care about is tweaking “libtards”. We’ve made them fat and happy with all the attention we’ve been paying them.
Leave ‘em alone, please. Make them go on a diet. When they’re hungry again, THEN we can whack ‘em a bit.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:16 pmnot want to give our troops a year stateside for a year served in Iraq…per the Webb amendment?
Comment by Pat
Let’s ask Eck that one. here’s a good question for you…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
Allow me Eck.
Ladies and Gents:
Allowing our troops to have what you call ‘proper rest’ will only embolden the enemy and weaken our Military. Our men and women in uniform can rest in Qatar! But if they come back to the Fath—-I mean Homeland, then the terrorists will follow them, find out where we live….and well, I think you can figure out the rest.
Or some such crap as that. That about right, Eck?
July 20th, 2007 at 1:17 pmwillyloman e-mailed me earlier…he’s banned.
I suspect that ace is banned
And TripMaster Monkey has been banned.
Comment by SGT Higgins
I posted Faiz’ email address above.
I guess I risk being banned for this, but here goes:
Anyone who has questions about why our regular commenters get banned, but vile trolls are allowed free reign, should please write Faiz and ask him. If no response, write again….and so on.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:19 pmI’ll E-mail ‘im later. Thanks.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:21 pm#105 Zooey -
Is there something I don’t understand here, like who is really in control at TP? Why would any of this be happening unless there are some ulterior motives? Do the trolls pay a “posting tax” that goes into TP’s coffers?
Just asking……
July 20th, 2007 at 1:26 pmToo bad, because you are also conspiracy nutters. I don’t hijack people’s names, so when you fight back, don’t be suprised if you get banned and I don’t!!!
Comment by Mr. President â€
Your sense of entitlement and incessant whining are tiresome. This blog has definitely suffered since your arrival.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:32 pmI don’t hijack people’s names, so when you fight back, don’t be suprised if you get banned and I don’t!!!
Comment by Mr. President †— July 20, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
YOU ARE A LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT’S BEEN PROVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 20th, 2007 at 1:33 pmIs there something I don’t understand here, like who is really in control at TP? Why would any of this be happening unless there are some ulterior motives? Do the trolls pay a “posting tax†that goes into TP’s coffers?
Just asking……
Comment by upside00
As far as I can tell, TP has no moderator. I think they have a filter system that catches certain words and deletes certain comments. I call it the f*ck filter. But that doesn’t explain why decent and intelligent commenters are banned outright for no apparent reason, and truly horrifying and offensive trollshit remains forever — even when they are emailed asking for it to be removed.
I started commenting here two years ago because of the open registration and the free back and forth of ideas, and arguing in an intelligent manner. That came to a screeching halt about the time of the 9/11 movie last year, when the insane and useless trolls arrived. They have nothing to offer, even though some of them are certainly capable — Mr President. They call it “dissent,” I call it throwing spitballs. Useless.
Write Faiz — often.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:38 pmMr. President has certainly lowered the avg. IQ on this site.
I’ve always enjoyed this site for it’s more firebrand posters on all sides. Losing that will lessen this site.
who said something to this “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
July 20th, 2007 at 1:39 pmI’ve always enjoyed this site for it’s more firebrand posters on all sides. Losing that will lessen this site.
who said something to this “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.â€
Comment by hellinabucket — July 20, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
I agree, hellinabucket. The free-wheeling nature of discussion here has been entertaining.
But when the trolls started really getting bad, and Mr. Pee is among the worst, they just took advantage of the open forum structure to amuse themselves, not to particpate in a community.
They’re trashing the joint. But hey, that’s what Republicans do. They take a situation, use it for what they want and leave it behind for other people to clean up.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:47 pmAnyone who has questions about why our regular commenters get banned, but vile trolls are allowed free reign, should please write Faiz and ask him. If no response, write again….and so on.
Comment by Zooey
Think I will just go, C&L keeps the trolls under control pretty well, as does DailyKos. This blog has definately gone to crap, letting the trolls disrupt every thread, mocking fallen Soldiers and veterans, etc.
I gave it another chance, and came back, but Mr. Pee ( and other trolls ) is/are still here posting nonsense and idiocy after multiple infractions of the terms.
No more chances from me, TP.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:48 pmSo long.
Zooey,
Thanks for the insight. I also came here for the open discourse and debates, about a year ago and it really seems that the past several months it has gotten much worse.
I wonder if the megaphone software and the RNC troll boot camps have had some impact? It can’t be for the trolls’ group intelligence, which would amount to less than double digits…. for all of them combined. And let’s not forget the drug-induced rantings of those who still haven’t made it our of mom’s basement nor off the psycho-pharmacology prescriptions.
How sad their mom’s lives must be!!
July 20th, 2007 at 1:49 pmGO Cheney yourself, mister pee. Why don’t you go namejack another veteran and p*ss on his memory?
July 20th, 2007 at 2:01 pmThanks spit take. I also agree with Zooey and I am putting together an email to Faiz and TP.
I find it fun that our resident Mr. President is as dumb and childish as he is. His moniker says it all.
Every time I respond to Mr. President it’s affirmation of what an a$$ the Mr. President is.
The trolls don’t usually add much other than smoke to cover up the truth.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:08 pmthe trolls here have several things in common: very low IQs, a bundle of lies, and hatred for America. they have no concept of logic, no love for freedom or democracy. they’re racist, misogynistic, homophobic losers, with no social life except to disrupt patriotic threads such as this one. Eck is a typical example of a tiny-dicked liar with no imagination and not a thought in her empty head. One can’t say it any better than to call them the foulest of names: Republicans.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:21 pmWayne,
You’ll be missed. Maybe I’ll see you on C&L.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:22 pmFor all the talk about how unpopular Congress is, Dems are still quite popular and Republicans aren’t.
CNN poll, June 29, 2007.
The Republican Party
Favorable 36%, Unfavorable 53%, Never Heard of 1%, No Opinion 9%
The Democratic Party
Favorable 51%, Unfavorable 38%, Never Heard of 1%, No Opinion 9%
http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2007/images/06/29/rel7e.pdf
Also shown in today’s New York Times poll:
In general, is your opinion of the Republican Party favorable or not favorable?
Favorable 38%, Unfavorable 56%, Don’t Know 5%
In general, is your opinion of the Democratic party favorable or not favorable?
Favorable 52%, Unfavorable 41%, Don’t Know 7%
http://graphics.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/20070718_poll_results.pdf
(I think I fixed the links)
July 20th, 2007 at 2:24 pmThanks for the links RCG. So over 50% of those surveyed frown upon republican’s in office. Sounds like a mandate to me.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:28 pmAll you need to know about the intelligence of the usual muppet troll is that he thought you only need 51% of an undetermined house (he didn’t say which) to Impeach. Which of course, is not the case. He’s just being an ignorant asshat, so treat him with the same attitude; ignorance.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:28 pmwrong.
when a Republican barely wins an election, that’s called a ‘mandate’.
when a Democrat crushes a Republican in an election, that is called a ’suggestion’.
July 20th, 2007 at 2:49 pmTo Everyone,
It is dispicable that this administration still uses the “support the troops” montra when there is a mountain of evidence that shows that they do otherwise. They cut funding for veteran benefits while coming up with more money for Haliburton, not giving the proper equipment, withholding lifesaving vehicles, increasing tour lengths…etc…I can go on and on, but that is not the issue either. The increase in pay is not the issue.
The bill is ready for a vote but the Republicans in Congress have blocked it. The President is now bashing Congress (the subtext being Democrats) for not passing the bill. The Republicans are going to hold out until they get the Webb-Amendment and Levin-Reid ammendment (and probably a few others) out of the bill. The Webb Amendment gives the troops rest and the LR amendment puts some deadlines on the Presidents open-ended war. The majority of Americans want out of Iraq (or at least an exit strategy). This is exactly the same tactic he used in April and May. He uses the troops as a grand stand to get the things he doesn’t like out of a bill, then wipes them off of his boot. They don’t want the Webb amendment passed because the military will not be able to sustain its current force without a draft – and a draft would probably have this war ended sooner than legislation, and they don’t want the LR amendment because it would more directly end the war. The funding is being blocked because the President and the Republicans DO NOT WANT TO END THE WAR.
THIS PART IS FOR ALL OF YOU! Do YOU support the troops? They do not need you to have a sticker on your car – here is how you do it. If you support this occupation, you write your congressmen and demand that they institute a draft to help OUR TROOPS get the necessary rest they need – AND – you march off to the nearest recruiting station and join the military to pick up the slack for the troops that have paid IN BLOOD more than their share! I will respect your decision even though I believe you are ignoring critical facts. To do otherwise means one of three things:
1. You are too proud to admit your mistake and are willing to let our troops die for you to save face OR
2. You agree that it is vital to this country, but don’t think this country is worth fighting for OR
3. YOU ARE A COWARD who is not willing to fight or sacrifice for a cause that you truly believe in and think is detrimental to this country.
IN ALL CASES YOU ARE NOT SUPPORTING THE TROOPS!/strong> and I beg you to truthfully eva
I believe this occupation of Iraq is wrong. I had hoped we could repair our mistake but it is taking our country down with it, so I am now working to end it. If you agree with me, then you should be voicing your opinion, calling your senators, and discussing it with reasonable people that may not have all the facts yet so we can turn this country around before there is nothing left of the foundation this country was built on.
I have asked over and over again why the supporters of this occupation (many of which are of military age) have not signed up to fight and have not gotten an answer. I am sure many of you will think of a reason why your blood is more important than mine, my friends, and those bravely fighting in our country’s name – but then you haven’t been truthful with yourself and I can’t help you. I just hope the rest of us are strong enough to pull your weight and get us through this mess.
I deplore you to be HONEST!
July 20th, 2007 at 2:57 pmAnd I should be surprised because…?
July 20th, 2007 at 3:24 pmBush is such a moron – and if you dont believe me check out his latest embarassment when trying to answer a question at a town hall meeting -
VIDEO
July 20th, 2007 at 3:32 pmhttp://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=55115748-99de-48f8-859e-530e3f9d3e65
DanCaveman, I agree. If this is the war of our times and a greater threat than we have ever seen then this administration needs to bring the entire country into this fight. We need a draft, we need to eliminate tax cuts, we need to initiate rationing.
None of that will happen because this administration knows they don’t have the backing of the american people. They also know they couldn’t justify the sacrifice.
They’ll just continue to use smoke and mirrors and fear and lies to keep themselves in power and those that benifit from them being in power.
I still call for the draft. I also call for the justification.
July 20th, 2007 at 4:12 pmThis guy is mentally ill. That can be the only answer for such doubletalk and hypocrisy.
July 20th, 2007 at 4:25 pmFlippity, Floppity.
Who in the MSM will call him on it?
That’s right, boys and girls! No one.
July 20th, 2007 at 5:26 pmWhat happened to Bush’s war czar. All mention of him seems to have vanished.
July 20th, 2007 at 9:05 pmUPDATE: Reid’s statement responding to Bush is here.
As is the yet to be mentioned fact that the only reason a pay rise is in this bill is that Bush requested it.
Something you have managed to avoid mentioning despite several stories dedicated to this topic alone.
You might want to choose a different source to link to. Those damn democrats in the senate aren’t spinning this anywhere near enough for TP’s needs.
July 20th, 2007 at 11:17 pmCongress -both houses- should freeze all funding for the Executive Branch & DOJ. Or perhaps just shut down the entire Gov’t. Then have the power!
July 21st, 2007 at 2:20 pmFossetti,
Normally I would agree with the desperate action of shutting down govmt. its just that we have American military in harms way.
Bush is extremely making mad attempts at ultimate unitary presidential powers and such. These actions by Bush should escalate and solidify impeaching procedures for removal from office.
I do not believe the Dems are that whooped to let this go unaccounted for. Unless the Dems are looking for that power for the next president of the U.S..
We have to put and keep pressure on the Republicans in the House and Senate that we have enough votes for such impeaching…
You can see in the Senate how the Repubs are using filibuster to obstruct.
July 22nd, 2007 at 2:31 am