Media Falsely Labels O’Hanlon And Pollack ‘Vocal Critics’ Of Bush Administration
Media Falsely Labels O’Hanlon And Pollack ‘Vocal Critics’ Of Bush Administration
In today’s New York Times, Brookings analysts Michael O’Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack praise the Bush administration’s progress in Iraq, writing that “we are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms.” O’Hanlon and Pollack bill themselves “as two analysts who have harshly criticized the Bush administration’s miserable handling of Iraq.”
Today, the media parroted the O’Hanlon and Pollack’s inaccurate self-characterization. Fox News called O’Hanlon a “guy who’s been quite critical of this administration’s handling of the Iraq.” CNN called Pollack a “a vocal critic of the administration’s handling of the war.” Watch it:
The media are ignoring the two men’s records. Pollack authored a pre-war book, which he described as “the case for invading Iraq.” Similarly, prior to the invasion, O’Hanlon predicted “a rapid and decisive” victory.
ThinkProgress has put together a sampling of O’Hanlon and Pollack’s “vocal criticisms” of Bush:
O’Hanlon:
But despite this week’s proof that war is not always easy, the invasion is not going badly. As President Bush said at his news conference yesterday, “Coalition forces are advancing day by day in steady progress against the enemy.” Here’s why things are going well and why they will soon go even better. [New York Times, 3/28/03]
And now we’re talking about a crisis that may require much more rapid response in Iraq, if we decide to go to war. We’ve got to go to war by March, I think, if we’re going to use the good weather. [Fox News, 1/3/03]
But the Iraqis we met were nonetheless grateful for the defeat of Saddam and passionate about their country’s future. Their enthusiasm, and their desire to work together with U.S. and other coalition forces, warmed the heart of this former Peace Corps volunteer. Maybe that is why, on balance, I couldn’t help but leave the country with a real, if guarded and cautious, feeling of optimism. [Brookings, 9/30/03]
The United States and coalition partners would win any future war to overthrow Saddam Hussein in a rapid and decisive fashion. This will not be another Vietnam or another Korea. [O'Hanlon, 9/25/02]
O’REILLY: Mr. O’Hanlon, what do you think? Any doubt about going to war with Saddam?
O’HANLON: Not much doubt. [Fox News's The O'Reilly Factor, 2/28/03]Rather than force a showdown with Mr. Bush this winter and spring, Congress should give his surge strategy a chance — while preparing for the real fight this fall. [Wall Street Journal, 3/1/07]
Pollack:
What should the United States do about Iraq? Hawks are wrong to think the problem is desperately urgent or connected to terrorism, but right to see the prospect of a nuclear-armed Saddam Hussein as so worrisome that it requires drastic action. … The United States has no choice left but to invade Iraq itself and eliminate the current regime. [Foreign Affairs, March/April 2002]
Given Mr. Hussein’s history of catastrophic miscalculations and his faith that nuclear weapons can deter not him but us, there is every reason to believe that the question is not one of war or no war, but rather war now or war later–a war without nuclear weapons or a war with them. [New York Times, 9/26/02]
FOX HOST: What about nuclear? What’s his — how long before he’ll have it?
POLLACK: I think the best estimates are that he probably will take four to six years, unless he can buy fissile material on the black market. If he can get it on the black market, it’s probably a matter of months. [Fox News's On The Record With Greta Van Susteren, 9/30/02]I think it’s very important that the president receive a very clear statement of support by the Congress, by the representatives of the American people. What we’re embarking on is potentially a very big military operation, and what’s more, the military operation itself might be the easiest part of what we’re doing. [NPR, 10/2/02]
Increasingly, the option that makes the most sense is for the United States to launch a full-scale invasion, eradicate Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction, and rebuild Iraq as a prosperous and stable society-for the good of the United States, the Iraqi people, and the entire region. [The Threatening Storm, 2002]
Given Saddam Hussein’s current behavior, his track record, his aspirations and his terrifying beliefs about the utility of nuclear weapons, it would be reckless for us to assume that he can be deterred. Yes, we must weigh the costs of a war with Iraq today, but on the other side of the balance we must place the cost of a war with a nuclear-armed Iraq tomorrow. [New York Times, 2/21/03]
[T]he president’s plan is almost certainly the last chance to stabilize Iraq. It is the last chance to save Iraq would probably be a more accurate way to put it. [Brookings, 1/29/07]
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If they’re not thanking President Bush EVERYDAY, then they are with the enemy.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:14 pmHey, listen to this vocal critic of the Bush Administration. Iraq is one gigantic CLUSTERF#*K. It’s not getting better. It’s not going to get better so long as we stay. It is getting worse. I said this in 2004. Oh, and by the way, I was a year late because in reality, it’s been getting worse since the war began in 2003.
The only surge that is working is the public relations surge. And of course, by surge, I mean escallation. Without it approval for this war would be in the teens.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:18 pmor lower
July 30th, 2007 at 5:18 pmThank you, Media, for telling me everything you want me to know.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:18 pmAnd, remember, almost every time you use Brookings Institution studies in an argument regarding politics or public policy, a conservative rushes to his keyboard to remind us that Brookings is a “liberal” thinktank.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:19 pmyour mistake is in thinking they made a mistake. no, they didn’t. they did exactly what they intended.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:20 pmWhy in the world is anyone even listening to these guys? It’s bad enough that Fox News and CNN are reporting without any fact-checking, but why report them at all? Are these the best Brookings has to offer?
July 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pmCNN, just making it up like usual.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pm“in an argument regarding politics or public policy, a conservative rushes to his keyboard to remind us that Brookings is a “liberal†thinktank.”
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 30, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
Ah — NOW it makes sense. Make these two flip-floppers the poster children of Brookings to discredit the entire institution.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:24 pm“If they’re not thanking President Bush EVERYDAY, then they are with the enemy.
Comment by Mr. NeoCON — July 30, 2007 @ 5:14 pm”
I’m proud to be with the enemy of the worst president in American history. Why would anyone thank him except halliburton stockholders? he hasn’t accomplished a single positive thing in almost 7 years, not one. single. positive. thing. Impeachment is the only solution to the disaster in Iraq, Afghanistan and the USA, all three of which are Bushco’s making. He failed on 9/11. He failed on 9/11 he failed on 9/11. Then he ran and hid, as did Cheney. They ran and hid. Then they allowed the loss of one of our great cities. There’s nothing to thank him for, except the destruction of the Republican party, his only accomplishment that is a positive for America. He will be laughed at and hated around the world for decades.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:26 pmComment by Mr. NeoCON — July 30, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
Absolutely. A-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y.
President George W. Bush only wants what’s best for our country – that being opportunity, safety, Muslimoid derailment, and prosperity.
George W. Bush will go down as the most underrated president of all time. The tally of un-American libecrat morons will also be in the history book at an all-time high.
USA! USA! USA!
July 30th, 2007 at 5:30 pmO’Hanlon and Pollack bill themselves “as two analysts who have harshly criticized the Bush administration’s miserable handling of Iraq.â€
And their billing of themselves is correct. They were, and are now, for the pre-emptive invasion and occupation of Iraq and the ME. They are only critical of how the occupation and democracy building is, and has, been done. They wanted fast success so they could push for the invasion of Iran, because “Real Men Go To Iran.”
Two solid neocon enablers if not devout believers.
And the MSM marches in lockstep with them. I wonder what line the “liberal” MSM will parrot when the Democrats sweep in 2008.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:31 pmWhen I was out of a job, I watched daytime cable news….
July 30th, 2007 at 5:31 pmOoohh Ooohh!! Lookie there! Some libs at a think tank says we’re makin’ progress!! Now you lefties gotta shut yer mouths ! No more criticizin’ , cuz these two guys speak for all liberals in America.
…Not that I really care what you little americans think anywho…
July 30th, 2007 at 5:33 pmCT Scantonocity=closet nazi
July 30th, 2007 at 5:36 pmCloset Nazi=Frightened Coward.
George Bush will go down as the most unAmerican president in American history, CT.
Opportunity? For what, outsourcing all the good jobs to india? Safety? Where, the WTC on 9/11, or NOLA during Katrina? muslimoid derailment, as in creating thousands of new terrorists to kill the young American targets sent to the ME? Prosperity for a handful of already rich, spoiled creeps who enrich the banks of Europe and the Cayman islands? Calling you delusional and out-of-touch is a compliment, you deranged, mindless nazi.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:37 pm#13 Comment by bush jr. — July 30, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
…Not that I really care what you little americans think anywho…
Then STFU.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:38 pmThey’ve been described as being “vocal critics of the administration’s handling of the war.” That doesn’t mean they couldn’t have initially supported the invasion, but later criticized its handling. I don’t see any comments after the spring of 2003 that would indicate that they have not been critical of the administration’s handling of the war. Looks like Think Progress isn’t giving us the entire story either…
July 30th, 2007 at 5:39 pmNo more criticizin’ , cuz these two guys speak for all liberals in America.
Comment by bush jr. — July 30, 2007 @ 5:33 pm
Funny I thought it was some unknown extremist ex-college professor in Colorado who spoke for all libs, guess you missed that talking point.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:39 pmLooks like Think Progress isn’t giving us the entire story either…
Comment by Chris — July 30, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
There’s a detailed peice by Glenn Greenwald about these two on Salon.com today.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/07/30/brookings/index.html
July 30th, 2007 at 5:45 pmComment by Krazny — July 30, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
That was yesterday’s talkin’ point. Our guys put out the new talkin’ points today. Now it’s up to our guys in the media to repeat em, and you silly little americans to eat em up.
Now gets to eatin’.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:48 pmSo let me get this straight…..
A couple of yahoos get on the air and say that the war and the surge is doing wonders, that we are ‘finally getting somewhere’.
They pass themselves (or are passed off) as lefty Bush criticizers. This makes it look like the ‘Left’ is in agreement that the surge is working….blah, blah, blah. When in reality they are Bush blowers.?
Brilliant, really. Too bad they couldn’t get away with it for more than 30 seconds or o.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:48 pmThey sold the soul.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:49 pmTwo moles.
Just who will their source be?
Comment by Merlin — July 30, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
Yeah, advocating for your country always yields the “Nazi” callings from you lefties.
Why, Merlin, do you hate America?
Oh, and please don’t embarass yourself with the “blippity blap blippity blap” schtick.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:50 pmWhen I was out of a job, I watched daytime cable news….
Comment by ForTruth
I noticed there are a lot of unemployed liberals here at TP. It has nothing to do with your low intelligence, I’m sure.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:51 pmI just saw O’Hanlon on MSNBC saying how much better things are going in Iraq.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:51 pmMy recollection of him was that he was actually more of a supporter for the war if not an advocate for the war in 2002-2003, just as TP notes.
“A couple of yahoos get on the air and say that the war and the surge is doing wonders, that we are ‘finally getting somewhere’.”
The surge is working. There’s been a dramatic cut in violence.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:52 pmMy recollection of him was that he was actually more of a supporter for the war if not an advocate for the war in 2002-2003, just as TP notes.
Comment by Marie
Your recollection is quite faulty.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:52 pmI noticed there are a lot of unemployed liberals here at TP. It has nothing to do with your low intelligence, I’m sure.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Apparently more than a few unemployed CONs too! I’m also sure it has nothing to do w/ YOUR low intelligence either.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:53 pmIf O’Hanlon and Pollock are “critics”, ahem, does that make me an arch supporter?
By this logic, when the admin says an attack on Iran is off the table for this year, that must mean the bombing begins in 30 minutes!
July 30th, 2007 at 5:54 pmApparently more than a few unemployed CONs too! I’m also sure it has nothing to do w/ YOUR low intelligence either.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
Every conservative here has a job. No wonder you guys think the economy is so bad. You’re too stupid to get a job.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:54 pmBrassmask: “It has nothing to do with your low intelligence, I’m sure.”
I’m one of the employed ones, I’ve read some of your posts, and you haven’t shown me a thing, poindexter.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:55 pmI noticed there are a lot of unemployed liberals here at TP. It has nothing to do with your low intelligence, I’m sure.
Comment by Brassmask
Brassmask is gonna join me at CRYING and go to Iraq, right?
Show them Iraqis how intelligent us unemployed neo-liberal college partyers are.
Please Join Brassmask.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:55 pmYour recollection is quite faulty.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
Her recollection is totally accurate and you’re a fraud.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:55 pmThis guy from Brookings has been a major critic of the war.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:56 pmBrassmask: “The surge is working. There’s been a dramatic cut in violence.”
Yeah, yeah… yawn. Like I said, you haven’t shown me a thing.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pmDamn right Brass!! you’ve mastered the “I know you are, but what am I? ” argument better than me!!
July 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pm#16 Comment by Chris — July 30, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Looks like Think Progress isn’t giving us the entire story either…
I believe you miss TPs point. That is to show how the MSM can create a false impression by implication. The IMPLICATION is that these men are “liberals” BECAUSE they are critical of the HANDLING of the invasion and occupation.
They are NOT liberal even though they criticize Bush’s handling of it. Read my post at #11
“Liberals” are not pro invasion and occupation, and both of these men are.
“Liberals” reject pre-emptive strikes, these men promote pre-emption.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pmI’m one of the employed ones, I’ve read some of your posts, and you haven’t shown me a thing, poindexter.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
What KFC do you work at Col.?
July 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pmHer recollection is totally accurate and you’re a fraud.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
Her recollection is like an old man with alzheimers.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:58 pmThe surge is working. There’s been a dramatic cut in violence.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS
well WOO Fu(kin’ HOO!
And after the ’surge’? What then? No, no allow me. Troops pull back, and the ‘void’ is filled by whoever the fu(k gets there first. Shia…Sunni…AQI…insurgents….go ahead, take your pick. And then we’re in the same boat again. Remember Falluhjah? Guess what? We owned it, then we didn’t own it, then we owned it… same with B’dad.
How many times are we gonna ‘take a village’ only to hand it right back over? Sure the troops morale is high, their on the upper crest of this wave….wait 3-6 months and hen ask ‘em, “So troop, how’ morale?”
July 30th, 2007 at 5:58 pmBrassmask is gonna join me at CRYING and go to Iraq, right?
Show them Iraqis how intelligent us unemployed neo-liberal college partyers are.
Please Join Brassmask.
Comment by Mr President
Yes, I will.
July 30th, 2007 at 5:58 pmEvery conservative here has a job. No wonder you guys think the economy is so bad. You’re too stupid to get a job.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS
Well, I wouldn’t call working for Karl a job. Besides I notice you spend alot of time on the internet Brassmask. I bet your boss wouldn’t be so thrilled to see you ‘working’ so hard.
Cmon lets go to Iraq and show these leftie that we educated air conditioned office types can kick muslim ass in Iraq.
You aren’t scared to leave your job are you Brassmask? Lets use our superior brains and show these lefties how to free some terrorists!
July 30th, 2007 at 5:59 pmHa, ha, ha, ha, hey, that’s a good one. Say I don’t want to buzzkill your master debating, but do you have any thoughts on faulty predictions by administration apologists posing as liberals? Do you have any facts to back up your assertion that the “surge is working!” You know, I think they’re called “arguments.”
July 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pmYeah, yeah… yawn. Like I said, you haven’t shown me a thing.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
I’m giving you the finger right now.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pmI just heard Sean Hannity refer to the article, and refer to the Brookings Institution as a “liberal thinktank”.
Most of his listeners will just believe it without checking the facts.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pmPresident George W. Bush only wants what’s best for our country – that being opportunity, safety, Muslimoid derailment, and prosperity.
Comment by CT Scantonocity — July 30, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
Is that why we are selling high tech arms to Saudi Arabia? I get it; we arm the people who create most of the terrorists. I feel better now.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pmBrassmask is gonna join me at CRYING and go to Iraq, right?
Comment by Mr President
Yes, I will.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS
Great! Then you can come back and tell us how morale is your dam selves. So uh….when’s Basic?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:01 pmHer recollection is like an old man with alzheimers.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
hey be nice to Ronnie, lousy president, but a nice guy.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:01 pmPlease Join Brassmask.
Comment by Mr President
What’s the matter Mr. P?
Too scared to go alone?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:02 pmI will go to Iraq with you Mr President.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:03 pm“Liberals†reject pre-emptive strikes, these men promote pre-emption.
Comment by Merlin
Liberals sit on their ass and write about war like you sit around and talk about it.
Educated intellgent Republicans, like me and you, are gonna go fight it right?
I’ll be looking forward to seeing more young educated Republicans at the recruitment office soon. We have plenty of KFC workers.
What you say boys?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:03 pmSGT Higgins (H2O Expert),
if we cut and run from Iraq, we’re just going to have to go back in at a later time.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:04 pmEvery conservative here has a job.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS
Damn right! I’m still employed. Ain’t no lefty libs gonna impeach this deciderer.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:04 pmComment by Mr President — July 30, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
Let me know when you leave…I might even send you a care package.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:05 pmAssmask: “I’m giving you the finger right now.”
OK, we’ve got the finger, we’ve got a snarky little remark about KFC, a snarky little remark about alzhiemer’s disease (sweet!) and a few other irrelevant observations, but still no arguments. Assmask, do you understand why I say you haven’t shown me anything? Get it? There are no arguments; no ideas; no challenges to ponder; no interesting perspective; no nothing.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:05 pmthe Brookings Institution as a “liberal thinktankâ€.
Comment by Art
It is a liberal thinktank.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:05 pmI’m a vocal critic of his hairpiece
July 30th, 2007 at 6:05 pmComment by CT Scantonocity — July 30, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
Oh, and please don’t embarass yourself with the “blippity blap blippity blap†schtick.
Are you afraid to enter the gym, Nazi coward? And its blappity, blappity, blippity, blap, you punching bag. Can’t you get anything straight?
Hey, Little Green Footfungus, come and drag this useless Nazi coward back under the bridge. He can’t stand the punishment. All he does whine about being hit, and begging us not to do it to him anymore.
Send us some new reich wing trolls. This batch is defective.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:06 pmSo uh….when’s Basic?
Comment by SGT Higgins (H2O Expert)
I’m enlisting in the Army very soon.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:06 pmYou just wait Mrs Wiggins.
We are gonna show you McDonalds rejects a thing or two when us College Republicans flood the recruitment offices around the country!
I bet the media is already making their way to the recruitment office to get this on film.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:06 pmhey be nice to Ronnie, lousy president, but a nice guy.
Comment by Krazny
Reagan was the greatest president of the 20th century.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:07 pmif we cut and run from Iraq, we’re just going to have to go back in at a later time.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS
Why? You mean something will happen? You know something? Might wanna fill in DHS, Brass.
Or just be proactive….join with Mr. Pee and go on over, deal with the problem up close and personal like.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:07 pmThey are just a couple of flip floppers.
There! That ought to be enough to turn the republicans against them.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:07 pmRet. Col. Jack Ripper, KFC is calling they want their uniform back.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:09 pmI was a soldier once. The war was sorta bad, but I fought bravely for america and are freedums. I got to fly planes and stuff, it was uh…whats the word…. uhh..neat.
Only a democrat would say I didn’t fight in Vietnam with fellow heros Cheeny and Rummyboy.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:09 pmThey are just a couple of flip floppers.
There! That ought to be enough to turn the republicans against them.
Comment by Art
The dam is about to burst. CNN is on record calling the surge a success. The NYT will be next.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:10 pmI’m enlisting in the Army very soon.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
Define ‘very soon.’ I’m not impressed with your false bravado. Why not go right now? Call your recruiter, they’ll stay late. What’s the hold up? You want to serve your country right?
College Republicans flood the recruitment offices around the country! — Yeah, I saw that video, too. Not gonna hold my breath.
I bet the media is already making their way to the recruitment office to get this on film. —- Well then you better hurry, Mr. P. You wouldn’t wanna miss ‘em now would you?
Comment by Mr President
July 30th, 2007 at 6:10 pmYou scumbags are so deeply invested in a US defeat that any word of even the slightest success scares the crap out of you.
“Defeat at all costs!” should be the Democratic Party motto for 2008.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:11 pmArguments can be made about the decision to Invade Iraq…but I know of no one who has defended Bush’s “Handling of the War”. McCain criticizes Bush’s handling of the war. Read Cobra II and Fiasco to see how totally incompetent the war planners were. Their strategy was to hope for the best…plan for the best..and if that didn’t work…deny reality. Rumsfeld departure and Petraeus and Gates now calling the shots have reversed this somewhat…about 4 years too late!
July 30th, 2007 at 6:12 pm“Define ‘very soon.’”
Within the next 3 to 6 months.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:12 pmif we cut and run from Iraq, we’re just going to have to go back in at a later time.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS
We? You’re sitting over here on your @ss, typing silly comments into a Think Progress post. The reality check is free, Brassmask. No need to thank…
July 30th, 2007 at 6:12 pmReagan will never be as great as me. I’m the best president of the world the world has ever seen. God Bless America only.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:13 pmWe? You’re sitting over here on your @ss, typing silly comments into a Think Progress post. The reality check is free, Brassmask. No need to thank…
Comment by ifthethunderdontgety™³²®©
As soon as you deploy to Afghanistan, you can lecture me.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:13 pmBrassmask: “Reagan was the greatest president of the 20th century.”
OK, now that qualifies as an argument, and it’s worth replying to. In some ways, I guess you could make that argument. He was responsible for:
The greatest tax increase on the working classes in history – doubling the Social Security tax in 1983.
The greatest example of cutting and running in the age of terrorism – quickly cuts and runs after getting 243 Marines killed in a “show of force.”
The greatest deficit and debt in history – quickly amassing more debt than all previous presidents put together.
The greatest number of administration members indicted and/or convicted of various crimes 132, a record which still stands tall.
The greatest amount of public money spent to bail out a given industry – the Savings & Loan disaster, a product of Reagan’s de-regulating the industry.
The greatest example of an American government dealing, bargaining and trading with terrorist organizations – The Iran-Contra Scandal.
Yeah, Brassmask, Reagan was just great!
July 30th, 2007 at 6:14 pmDefine “success”.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:15 pm“CNN called Pollack a “a vocal critic of the administration’s handling of the war.—
Dead on accurate. CNN is on board calling the surge a success. The other media is not far behind.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:15 pmAs soon as you deploy to Afghanistan, you can lecture me.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
You can do whatever you want.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:16 pmRet. Col. Jack Ripper, be fair and balanced. Now post the great things Reagan achieved, or I will have to dismiss you as a partisan.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:16 pmIn six months you libs will be asking how we can export our democracy to other nations that need fixin’ like Iran and China.
Just six more months. And if that ain’t ’nuff, 6 more months after that should be ’nuff. Just you watch! 6 more months! And if that ain’t ’nuff I don’t care, cuz I’ll be outta here, and the Dems can take all the blame.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:16 pmIf “Think Progress” wants to prove that they haven’t criticized the administration’s handling of the war…then why don’t they provide some quotes from these two AFTER the Spring of 2003? Awfully convenient that there’s a four year gap with no comments from either of these two…
I want our troops out of there right now, but since that’s impossible, I’m not trying to discredit any positive things going on over there, and I won’t abandon all hope that some good can emerge. It just seems that some people get angry at the possibility of any good news coming from Iraq, because it make poke a hole in their agenda…
July 30th, 2007 at 6:16 pm“Arguments can be made about the decision to Invade Iraq…but I know of no one who has defended Bush’s “Handling of the Warâ€.”
He’s done a good job. Better than Kerry or Dean would have done, that is for sure.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:16 pmRet. Col. Jack Ripper, be fair and balanced. Now post the great things Reagan achieved, or I will have to dismiss you as a partisan.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Parody trolls…just as welcome as mimes.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:18 pmOnly I get to make poke holes in my agenda Chris! It’s been decided.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:18 pm#44 Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:00 pm
I’m giving you the finger right now.
…says the the best debater the republics have to offer.
Oooooh, like tremble, tremble, tremble.
Just another troll who is severly frontal lobe challanged. But, folks, he is really good at playing “Switch”. You know that’s where you put one finger in your mouth and another in your a**, and real quick, you “switch.”
Scuttlebutt has it, that it’s a major pastime under the bridge, by conservative republic trolls.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:19 pmRingo: “You scumbags are so deeply invested in a US defeat that any word of even the slightest success scares the crap out of you.
“Defeat at all costs!†should be the Democratic Party motto for 2008.”
Ringo, this argument for war was first made in classical Greek literature, but probably dates to much earlier than that in the history of our civilization.
Angry warmongers wishing to defer blame for their expensive blunders have been using it since the beginning of time. One way to deal with it is the “rule of holes.” If you’re digging a hole and you’ve got it so deep that it’s going to be tough to get out, stop digging.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:19 pmHistory will rank Bush as a top ten President.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:19 pmIt’s against Chris’s agenda to read Glenn Greenwald’s column today.
Read:
July 30th, 2007 at 6:20 pmhttp://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/07/30/brookings/index.html
Can anyone here read tea leaves?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:20 pm“…says the the best debater the republics have to offer.”
Why would I waste my time debating trolls like you. You are impervious to logic and facts.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:20 pmThe reason why the Media is continually stating false information is because this is a COUP attempt. I was in a family for more than 26 years who joined a Crime system that supports this current COUP attempt. I was told about the COUP during the 90’s
This COUP is similar to the one that happened in 1933 along with many of the same groups only this time, it’s much larger. The COUP is being paid for by huge Drug shipments coming into the US and elsewhere. Drummond and Chiquita are involved and recent news only shows them to be involved in Gun Running, but there is a lot more! The family was laundering money for bother the Gun Running and Drug part for those involved.
What’s happening is more than serious and has been in the works for decades.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:21 pmI don’t usually read TP closely. Is trolling always a problem here? The level of commentary is particularly inane today.
Ringo, in less time than Bush has taken to screw the pooch in Iraq, a liberal Democratic President won WWII. Of course, he didn’t have to lie to start a war, he made sure the right people were running things, and he asked every American to pitch in and help. Bush has always viewed war as a spectator sport, going back to his days in the Alabama National Guard. It’s something to rally the mouthbreathers.
What really puzzles me about the latest barrage of media inanity is who exactly is driving this bus. Some people say that, given a choice between incompetence and malevolence, one should always choose incompetence as the preferred explanation for human behavior. But I think that any serious look at how the media has behaved for the last 10-15 years would lead to the conclusion that much more than incompetence is at work here. There are some seriously bad people in positions of power in the US.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:21 pmGlenn Greenwald posts comments at his own blog using different names to back up his posts. This is called a sockpuppet.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:22 pm#49 Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
I will go to Iraq with you Mr President.
Talk is cheap, coward. Write your next post from Iraq.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:22 pm“The reason why the Media is continually stating false information is because this is a COUP attempt.”
Actually, the media like CNN, MSNBC and CBS are starting to get that the surge is working. I’m so sorry there is good news coming out of Iraq. It must hurt your defeatist feelings.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:23 pmBrassmask: “Ret. Col. Jack Ripper, be fair and balanced. Now post the great things Reagan achieved, or I will have to dismiss you as a partisan.”
I can’t think of anything Regan’s administration did which I would call good for the country. And, newsflash: I AM a partisan. I’m a liberal. It’s your job to come up with something Reagan did right. I didn’t like Reagan. I think he and his philosophy was bad for America. When he took over in 1981, we were the world’s greatest creditor country. Now, after 27 years of his kind of thinking, we’re the world’s biggest debtor. I don’t buy all this phony Reagan mythology. Never did.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:23 pmTalk is cheap. Write your next post from Iraq.
Comment by Merlin
I’m joining the Army in 3 to 6 months.
When are you going to deploy to Afghanistan, wimp?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:24 pmDoes anyone know if there are any factual errors in Glenn Greenwald’s Salon article today?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:25 pmI can’t think of anything Regan’s administration did which I would call good for the country.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
Dismissed.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:25 pmI would like to know how many of the left wingers who are claiming that Iraq is a huge failure have actually been there in recent days, months, years, etc.
How many of the pathetic morons, idiots, fools, imbeciles that blog and run TP have actually been to Iraq?
Isn’t great that you poor left wing fools are so easily manipulated by the constant propaganda that our media shows. Day in and day out all you hear from news media big shots that sit behind a desk all day long is that Iraq is a failure. If you don’t hear it from them, you hear it from cowardly reporters that hide in the Green Zone in Iraq.
So easy to manipulate the left in America, all you have to do is make sure that they receive one type of “news” all day long and they without questions will believe it. I don’t know if I should cry or laugh at the left in America.
and it is even more amazing that if you left wingers smell a wiff of success in Iraq, you sure do your darnest to prove that it is all wrong and that Iraq is a failure no matter who says what.
how pathetic of the left wing lunatics in America.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:25 pmre: 91
July 30th, 2007 at 6:25 pmThat’s called an evidence-free smear.
Can anyone here read tea leaves?
Comment by Egreggious
If there are words written on them, yes. Yes I can.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:27 pmAt least three differenct commentors on Greenwald’s blog came from his IP address. He was using different names to back up his own posts in the comment sections. This is called being a sockpuppet. It’s frowned upon in the blog community.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:27 pmComment by Wilco — July 30, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
Thank you, Wilco.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:28 pmbrassmonkey is just a silly troll. Smears are all he’s concerned with, don’t think for a second that he has anything substantial to say.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:28 pmBrassmask: “Dismissed.”
See now, that’s not really an argument is it. If you think Reagan did something good for the country, by all means, enlighten us! Let’s hear it!
July 30th, 2007 at 6:28 pmHe’s done a good job. Better than Kerry or Dean would have done, that is for sure.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Bush got elected (maybe) in 2000 with No Foreign Policy Experience, on the premise that he had Colin Powell to advise him. He then proceeded to ignore every caution Powell had learned from getting shot at in Viet Nam. Bush listened to Rumsfeld and the neocons….and Invaded Iraq without enough troops, no world support, and a plan based on wishfull thinking. This war effort has been an unmittigated distaster….the American people are NOT Wrong about this.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:28 pmComment by Wilco — July 30, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
Thank you, Wilco.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:28 pmI’m joining the Army in 3 to 6 months.
When are you going to deploy to Afghanistan, wimp?
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
July 30th, 2007 at 6:29 pmThey need your college republican @ss now…and would pay you $20K to sign up sooner. Which makes me doubt your 3 to 6 months story, brassmask. You type like a chickenhawk, too.
Brassmask: “Ret. Col. Jack Ripper, be fair and balanced. Now post the great things Reagan achieved, or I will have to dismiss you as a partisan.â€
I can’t think of anything Regan’s administration did which I would call good for the country. And, newsflash: I AM a partisan. I’m a liberal. It’s your job to come up with something Reagan did right. I didn’t like Reagan. I think he and his philosophy was bad for America. When he took over in 1981, we were the world’s greatest creditor country. Now, after 27 years of his kind of thinking, we’re the world’s biggest debtor. I don’t buy all this phony Reagan mythology. Never did.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 30, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
are you kidding me!!! when Reagan took office he inherited a failed economy from Jimmy Carter, a failed foreign policy from Jimmy Carter.
Under Carter the American people lost hope and lost the sense of America being the greatest nation in the world.
Despite what the left wing lunatics say about Bush’s economy, which is now one of the greatest, the Jimmy Carter economy is about second to last worsts economy that this nation ever endured!!!!!
and its foreign policy was a joke. Jimmy Carter embolden the Soviet Union, and embolden terrorists around the world.
and that is the problem with partisan fools like Capt. Jack, they are too blinded by their hatred of the other side that they can’t be honest and give the dues where they are do.
how truly sad. Reagan wasn’t perfect, but my goodness he was a heck of a lot better than Clinton and defently better than the joke Jimmy Carter was.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:29 pmDoes anyone here think that someone who defends Mark Foley’s behavior has any credibility?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:29 pmYou’re welcome?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:30 pm“He then proceeded to ignore every caution Powell had learned”
That’s a big fat lie.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:30 pm“If you think Reagan did something good for the country, by all means, enlighten us!”
He won the Cold War.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:31 pmDoes anyone here think that someone who defends Mark Foley’s behavior has any credibility?
Comment by Egreggious
Credibility regarding the sexiness of minors, yes.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:31 pmDoes anyone here think that the Bush Administration and its supporters have much credibility when predicting the future?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:31 pmComment by Wilco — July 30, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
Thank you, Wilco.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:32 pmAt least three different commentors on Glen Greenwald’s blog came from his IP address. He was using different names to back up his own posts in the comment sections. This is called being a sockpuppet. It’s frowned upon in the blog community.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:33 pmComment by Egreggious — July 30, 2007
Thank you, Egreggious.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:33 pmIs a vital national security interest threatened?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:34 pmDo we have a clear attainable objective?
Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analyzed?
Have all other non-violent policy means been fully exhausted?
Is there a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement?
Have the consequences of our action been fully considered?
Is the action supported by the American people?
Do we have genuine broad international support?
Does anyone here think that saying something is a big fat lie actually makes it a big fat lie?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:34 pmDoes anyone here think that someone who defends Mark Foley’s behavior has any credibility?
Comment by Egreggious — July 30, 2007 @ 6:29 pm
Brassmask was defending Mark Foley with me not that long ago. Me and Brassy became good friends when we found out we both like little boys.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:34 pmDoes anyone here care if they are frowned upon in the blog community?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:35 pmBrassmask: “He’s done a good job. Better than Kerry or Dean would have done, that is for sure.”
Let’s see. He’s increased the number of al Qaeda terrorists in the world, destabilized the entire middle east, presided over a monitary policy which has made the dollar historically weak and in danger of collapsing, created the biggest negative trade in balance in history, committed the military to what is arguably the biggest strategic blunder in 50 years with Iraq, presided over declining standard of living for the vast majority of Americans, allowed a major city to be wiped out without significant help from the Federal government, presided over an energy policy which gives us historically high gas and oil prices, broken federal laws regarding wiretapping, warrantless searches, the Geneva Convention, The Hatch Act and allowed, on his watch, the worst terrorist attack in the nation’s history.
Yep, he’s done a great job!
July 30th, 2007 at 6:35 pmComment by Jake — July 30, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
Thank you, Jake.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:36 pmDoes anyone here think that saying something is a big fat lie actually makes it a big fat lie?
Comment by Egreggious
If I say so, then it necessarily must be. And in advance, you are welcome.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:36 pmComment by Wilco — July 30, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
Thank you, Wilco.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:37 pmYou posted that thank you to Wilco too fast. Let the post simmer a little before thanking it.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:38 pmDoes anyone here think that it is appropriate to look into my bedroom without being invited to do so?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:38 pm“He then proceeded to ignore every caution Powell had learnedâ€
That’s a big fat lie.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
Is a vital national security interest threatened?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:39 pmDo we have a clear attainable objective?
Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analyzed?
Have all other non-violent policy means been fully exhausted?
Is there a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement?
Have the consequences of our action been fully considered?
Is the action supported by the American people?
Do we have genuine broad international support?
People are so polite on this thread!
July 30th, 2007 at 6:39 pmIt’s like a hippie convention without the stink of pachouly (sp?)!
Does anyone here think that it is appropriate to look into my bedroom without being invited to do so?
Comment by Egreggious
If it’s to prove your hypocrisy, yes.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:40 pmPeople are so polite on this thread!
It’s like a hippie convention without the stink of pachouly (sp?)!
Comment by Wilco — July 30, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
We want everyone to feel welcome.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:40 pmPeople are so polite on this thread!
It’s like a hippie convention without the stink of pachouly (sp?)!
Comment by Wilco
Egreggious has never thanked me for any of my answers.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:40 pmWe want everyone to feel welcome.
Comment by Egreggious
Thank you, Egreggious
July 30th, 2007 at 6:40 pmI do indeed
Does anyone think they can prove my hypocrisy by looking into my bedroom?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:41 pmMy shift is ending. I have to clock out. Good day, all.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:42 pmEgreggious never thanked me for my answer in post # 127.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:44 pmDoes anyone think they can prove my hypocrisy by looking into my bedroom?
Comment by Egreggious — July 30, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
I can’t believe some of the things I write.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:44 pmDoes anyone think they can prove my hypocrisy by looking into my bedroom?
Comment by Egreggious
Now that’s just creepy
July 30th, 2007 at 6:44 pmBear with me, folks.
I’m still working on improving this technique.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:46 pmDoes anyone here think Egreggious is working on improving this technique?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:49 pmWho is this brassmask fool joining us today?
July 30th, 2007 at 6:50 pmIf he thinks we are so stupid, why does he reduce himself to post here?
He is apparently on assignment from the RNC to see how well he does with his non-sequitur comments, ad hominem attacks and otherwise lame attempts to derail the thread.
Don’t reply to him — then he won’t have anything to report back to the RNC and they will have to fire his ass, cutting off his only means of support.
Marie, my guess is that the HS in his name is for High School
July 30th, 2007 at 6:52 pmDoes anyone here think Egreggious is working on improving this technique?
Comment by Wilco — July 30, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
Wicked.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:53 pmthen he won’t have anything to report back to the RNC and they will have to fire his ass, cutting off his only means of support.
Comment by Marie — July 30, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Nah his mom will still take care of him, and allow him to stay in the basement.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:55 pmSome constructive feedback, your argument might be stronger if you include quotes from 2003-2006. For both writers there is a gap in what you quote in that time period.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:00 pm#90 Comment by Whispers — July 30, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
I don’t usually read TP closely. Is trolling always a problem here? The level of commentary is particularly inane today.
I agree with your post. Well said.
Unfortunately, it seems to be a problem. (Ringo is an idiot troll, BTW.) Sometimes there is nothing better to do than use trolls for punching bags. Puts a bit of humor in the day. They are here. Sh*t happens.
Of course this particular topic isn’t very scintilating either. The point is a no brainer in my view, (see my comment #36,) and doesn’t lead to much interesting discussion.
What really puzzles me about the latest barrage of media inanity is who exactly is driving this bus.
It is my belief that the 5 or so corporations that control the MSM are the force driving the bus. (Along with other huge money corporations like energy and big pharma.) Look at Murdoch! A classic case!
The neocons, with Bush as their front sock puppet, (as he pursues his evangelical Good vs Evil megalomaniac fantasies) do the dirty work.
Its good to see this whole corrupt empire driven cabal coming apart at the seams.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:13 pm#94 Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
Glenn Greenwald posts comments at his own blog using different names to back up his posts. This is called a sockpuppet.
HaaaaaHaaaaaHaaaaa
LG Footfungus…Save this babbling troll. He needs serious help. He is incoherent! He thinks he is a stand up comic.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:17 pmSo where are the quotes from 2004, 2005 and 2006? Because in the early part of 2003, during the initial invasion, the war actually WAS proceeding well.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:19 pm#98 Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
When are you going to deploy to Afghanistan, wimp?
Listen little boy, I did my 5 and one half years in the service before you were a twinkle in your fathers eye. That was 1958-1963. I’ll respect you when I know are serving, not when you flap your useless gums. Now STFU until you get to Iraq.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:22 pmI’ll respect you when I know are serving, not when you flap your useless gums. Now STFU until you get to Iraq.
Comment by Merlin — July 30, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
Soldiers are treated well here by everyone but the trolls, even when they present opinions we may not share (but do let us know that you’re a Soldier or we’ll trash you).
July 30th, 2007 at 7:31 pmIf you want to know how deeply a conservative respects the troops, direct them to the site of Afganistan and Iraq Veterans of America (IAVA) and then see what they have to say about these veterans. I’ve never heard nastier things said about veterans than from conservatives who don’t agree with the IAVA.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:36 pmWhy would I waste my time debating trolls like you. You are impervious to logic and facts.
Comment by Brassmask from 3DHS — July 30, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
You have never used either, so you are unfamiliar with logic and facts. A born liar, thus, a conservative. Even worse, lower than low, the filthiest term in our culture, you’re a Republican. You leave a trail of slime behind you, which Jake eagerly sucks up. real Americans have no use for chickenhawk cowards like you fearful, wimpy repukes. Good riddance to you and your party; you’re done for in ‘08, and not a second too soon.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:50 pmSo where are the quotes from 2004, 2005 and 2006? Because in the early part of 2003, during the initial invasion, the war actually WAS proceeding well.
Comment by Adrian — July 30, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
what war? this was an illegal, immoral, bully-boy invasion against a country that Bushco thought would be a pushover. Remember “Mission Accomplished”? bushco couldn’t defeat a troop of our finest panty-waist trolls; the incompetence and cowardice has stunk up the entire world. How embarrassing to be an American these days, and how sick Bush’s supporters (jockstraps, actually) must be to cling to that little snot-nosed, drunken deserter. At least Reagan had Alzheimer’s to blame for his failed presidency and treason to the Iran hostages, not to mention losing 243 marines in Beirut, after which he did the famous Republican “cut and run”. Ratwingers have cheap, sleazy actors as heroes, fake Texans, fake cowboys, fake patriots.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:54 pmThe media are ignoring the two men’s records. Pollack authored a pre-war book, which he described as “the case for invading Iraq.†Similarly, prior to the invasion, O’Hanlon predicted “a rapid and decisive†victory.
So the media is ignoring their records in the same way they are ignoring Hillary’s. Arch neo-con that she is.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:56 pmKatie Couric just gave the same story on the CBS evening news, with the same spin.
I wonder if this has anything to do with that recent Bush order on seizing the assets of people and businesses working against the war in Iraq?
July 30th, 2007 at 8:01 pmO’Hanlon predicted “a rapid and decisive†victory.
We did have “a rapid and decisive ” victory. Followed by a poorly planned, incompetently led, inadequately manned and funded, corruption riddled OCCUPATION.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:02 pmKatie Couric just gave the same story on the CBS evening news, with the same spin.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 30, 2007 @ 8:01 pm
But the trolls said that Katie was on our side!
July 30th, 2007 at 8:08 pmI read Pollaack’s book The Persian Puzzle about Iran. Not until 450 pages into it do you find out that a) he’s never been to Iran and b) he doesn’t speak any foreign languages, much less Farsi.
Wipe my cor&hole with your words Pollack. Thanks for aiding anf abetting mass murder.
These guys must just LIVE on Hash and Lunests. Oh, and cheap Afghan opium. How else could they sleep?
July 30th, 2007 at 8:24 pmFWIW Pollack was on Talk Of The Nation and a very well-informed caller got on the air and lambasted Pollack and his credibility.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:36 pmPollack was born in 1966 so he would have been 25 in 1991 Just the right age for the Gulf War. His bio at Wiki shows no prior service record. Anybody know if he served, or is he another proponent of war while never having served his country.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:46 pmHere’s a drinking game they play at AA: every time a pundit asks “vocal critics” Pollack and O’Hanlon about their past “criticisms” of the war, knock back a shot.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:50 pmhas anyone asked michael ware of cnn about ANY of this, or has he been blacked out?
who am i likely to believe, ken pollack or michael ware?
July 30th, 2007 at 9:45 pm“Here’s a drinking game they play at AA: every time a pundit asks “vocal critics†Pollack and O’Hanlon about their past “criticisms†of the war, knock back a shot.”
LOL, yeah, that is a recipe for sobriety.
July 30th, 2007 at 9:48 pmDid someone say Michael Ware?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3L_gFPD1fU
Oh, nice job TP in quote mining. Shall I dig up similar quotes from your future POTUS candidate? The fact is that these guys have been critical of what’s happening in Iraq but now they see hope because of recent developments.
Are you guys familiar with what John Burns [NYT] is saying and writing about Iraq these days?
It’s so sad that you want us to lose so badly.
July 30th, 2007 at 10:26 pmWhat a way to slow a very lucrative career selling war and being puppets for Bush/Cheney. Too many of us are wise to the grand deception that these two men helped disseminate. They should be held accountable for their lies.
July 30th, 2007 at 10:41 pmBilly Joe Toliver. You lose without saying a word, you incestuous little b!tch.
July 30th, 2007 at 10:59 pmI’m sure the good folks at TP made an honest mistake in only printing quotes from the time right after the war began and after the “surge” began. Oddly enough, if you google either man’s name and Iraq, you find opposition to Bush on the first page. Just an honest mistake! Bush blew the war, TP is blowing its reputation. ;)
Iraq Without a Plan
By Michael E. O’Hanlon
“The post-invasion phase of the Iraq mission has been the least well-planned American military mission since Somalia in 1993, if not Lebanon in 1983, and its consequences for the nation have been far worse than any set of military mistakes since Vietnam. The U.S. armed forces simply were not prepared for the core task that the United States needed to perform when it destroyed Iraq’s existing government — to provide security, always the first responsibility of any sovereign government or occupier.”
http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/3432146.html
The Seven Deadly Sins of Failure in Iraq: A Retrospective Analysis of the Reconstruction
Kenneth M. Pollack, Director of Research, Saban Center for Middle East Policy
“…If Iraq does slide into all-out civil war, the Bush Administration will have only itself to blame. It disregarded the advice of experts on Iraq, on nation-building, and on military operations….”
July 30th, 2007 at 11:11 pmhttp://www.brookings.edu/views/articles/pollack/20061214.htm
Good stuff JPark. You really put so much thought into that rubbish.
Have you read what John Burns has written? Have you read transcripts of his recent interviews?
Why bother with being as objective as possible about recent developments in Iraq ["Anbar awakening", Diyala follows suit] when you want us [Bush to you] to lose.
I’ll say it again for good measure: Guys like you want us to lose.
July 30th, 2007 at 11:19 pmTucker got his job because of his father. Like the Bush boys Tucker has his Daddy take care of him. When the Media is released from the White House hold Tucker will be going to Fox News as all the other Bush workers go. Novak knew he was finished for lying so the White House got him a job at their station. Tony Snow will go to Fox News to keep his medical insurance going. Maybe Tucker and Matthews will team up on Fox to attack the new President. Ralph Reed just can’t wait to get back to stealing. Hopefully Bush will give a blanket pardon to all Republicans and Bush supporters who have helped with the crimes during his two terms. Jackie Abramoff would love to get back to stealing money from Indians and anyone else he can trick. Karl Rove is looking to do a book series that beats Harry Potter. Watch out JK Rowlings, Karl’s got his own Voldemort aka Dick Cheney.
July 30th, 2007 at 11:33 pmJackie Abramoff would love to get back to stealing money from Indians and anyone else he can trick.
Comment by Jackie — July 30, 2007 @ 11:33 pm
And Reid is still around to help him out again. ;)
July 30th, 2007 at 11:36 pmToliver, no, not much thought to it but it doesn’t matter with you trolls. I don’t waste my thoughts and logic on you because you are impervious.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:03 amI have just nominated Tucker Carlson for Media Putz of the Week at: http://www.mediaputz.com/nominate.html
My nominating statement:
Jon Stewart has had Carlson’s “number” (ZERO!) for quite some time now. Monday, July 30, 2007, Carlson expressed sympathy for Brookings analyst Kenneth Pollack, who has been “slammed by the left†all day.
“It’s worth pointing out that you were not an apologist for the administration,†Carlson said.
Pollack, HAS BEEN, IN FACT, an APOLOGIST for the current, corrupt administration, in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq, through most of the occupation and destruction of that civil war-torn country. He has begun to be mildly critical, recently.
As usual, Carlson lied for one of his fellow NeoCons. PUTZ!
July 31st, 2007 at 12:19 amThey are talking again after doctors removed their lips from bushs colon two weeks ago..
It took that long for the reattached lips to heal, I am sure we will hear plenty from these two Kissinger associates.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:35 amJPark,
You might want to consider looking up the definition of an internet “troll”.
I’ve posted specific facts that you have yet to address. Mike Ware and John Burns seem to have interesting opinions that are worth talking about, but you seem to be impervious to logical thought. Too bad.
Google John burns my friends. Google “Anbar Awakening”. Read the Milblogs for the real deal.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:03 amTP libs are clearly concerned about positive reports from Iraq. Now they have to resort to smearing one of their own sources..Mr O’Hanlon.
As further evidence that libs are the party of defeat, House Majority Whip James Clyburn said that postive reports from Petraeus would be “a real big problem for us.”
The liberal smear tank, think progress, has invested so heavily in defeat they are getting desperate.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:43 am#170 toliver.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:57 amlose what?? the occupation? – are you afraid of giving iraq back to the iraqis
?
Sour grapes….
July 31st, 2007 at 4:28 amFox News called O’Hanlon a “guy who’s been quite critical of this administration’s handling of the Iraq.†CNN called Pollack a “a vocal critic of the administration’s handling of the war.â€
Yeah right. These clowns have been so consistently pro-war they make Joe Lieberman look like Cindy Sheehan.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:18 amI’d advise everyone who’s interested and even those who aren’t particularly, to research who Ken Pollack is. By my nearest estimation he’s an agent of Israel (He’s on record as bragging to an Israeli newpaper that he did assist in providing Israel with United States secrets but felt he did nothing wrong or illegal) who’s been allowed to thrive in this country although he doesnt believe in or practice any of the precepts and premises of the ideals america is supposed to stand for. To Ken Pollack it is a perfectly natural development that United States should become a mechanized financial and military function of Tel Aviv, the likes of which can be conjured through viewing a movie such as Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. For some reason the citizens of this country are supposed to genuflect before the elevated status of the neo-con and absorb through psychologic osmosis the emotional batterings of the last 6 years in the form of caring exclusively on a daily basis for varying middle eastern countrie’s states of mayhem and security, while sacrificing any concern for our country tis of thee. It would seem there will never be an end of, or a resolve to the warring impulse because once a “enemy” real or imagined is neutralized they seek out another as through fighting has become such an entrenched tradition that to continue without bloodshed removes a vital element of their existence. Paranoia and murder is our assigment when we turn our backs on our culture and become a cat’s paw for the dissatisfaction of those who dont believe in America and who live with a tradition of ancient europe and the middle east and the caste systems they employ in their culture. This is The United States of America … Land of the free an home of the brave where citizens will not suffer religious persecution and government will not become involved and interfere with the right and administration of equal opportunity and equal protections. Being involved in the slaughter of remote cities and cultures is not in our job descriptioin and sets us up for the same fall that other empire builders have ultimately encountered, namely human blood sacrifice for economies and lavish enrichment of the elite that lead to confusing and bizarre consequences. We can choose to refuse this and care for our nation and it’s development in realizing our ideals or we can become consumed into the same clap-trap ruination of former civilizations that self-destructed for what is now viewed as a curious patronage by societies that worshipped bloody murder. Brookings, … Saban, they are distribution hubs of enslavement for this country where the deceptions and misinformations are developed, packaged, and broadcast from like thistle seed. Ken Pollack isnt a critic of the “war”, his hope is to prolong it just a little longer and after that little longer a little bit more, then more. I wish the people of this country when approached with a knock at the door and a salesman’s offerings could decline if what they have to sell is war and murder. I know I could do without even if it means doing for myself instead of the long way around by making Wall Street perk for someone else.
July 31st, 2007 at 8:07 amI went to the RedState website and posted a question as to how any red blooded american could support a president who would authorise the seizure of property by anyone who voices a dissenting opinion about the war and all I got in return were insults. No one redstater would even come close to answering that question. When I asked one more about what if Hillary would become president and do the same thing, they all started braying about how a sniper bullet would easily take her out. That is all you get when you try to confront these people with any intellectual debate…..insults and terrorist threats!
July 31st, 2007 at 8:36 amCNN claims Pollack is “a vocal critic of the administration’s handling of the war.”? Wow, does the mainstream media do any research beyond the text of the op-ed itself? One second of googling would have shown he was in lockstep with Bush and Cheney the entire time.
To anyone who says that CNN is liberal biased, this is clear proof that their true bias is laziness.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:42 pmYou are not refuting their main point: they are critics of how Bush has handled the war, not the initial invasion.
This point “Bush has botched the occupation but…”, is itself a cop-out and allows politicos to distance themselves just enough to sound like they are objective.
Thinkprogress is muddling the claim — which only piles more layers of disinformation to this whole stinking heap.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:04 pmListen, I’d love to bash these two hacks more than anyone, but even that Salon article doesn’t show these two writing a hagiography past early 2004. Seeing as how thorough GG usually is, I’ve got to say the lack of Iraq War love from O’Hanlon and Pollack past that date should abstain the duo from this particular sort of discredit. As for the veracity of their surge claims, however, I really can’t say I agree with them.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:27 pmWith 160,000 American troops and over 200,000 Iraqi troops battling a thousand or so members of Al Qaida, I would hope that we are able to achieve some military success.
It was a phony war in March 2003 and it is a phony war now. I will believe that the politicians are serious about the global war on terror when they do somehting about our southern border and reinstate the draft. We are now offering re-inlistment bonuses of 20,000 to 40,000 to avoid bringing back the draft.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:14 pmvictor darst
“Think Progress” had to go all the way back to 2002 and 2003 to find these statements.. I guess O’Hanlon and Pollack took a 5 year vacation only to re-appear July 30, 2007 and hump Mr Bush’s leg.
You may disagree with the articles assessment that the war in Iraq is improving – May I ask, when did you last visit Iraq?
These journalists have visited on numerous occasions, they’ve seen Iraq as it was, they’ve seen Iraq as it is. Who are you to dispute what they’ve seen?
You sit on your arse reading articles and watching news, believing you’ve got the great plan ( not unlike those who represent you in congress ) you may think you’re more qualified to comment than those feeling a sweltering heat of Iraq, breathing Iraqi air – you know – those people actually standing on Iraqi soil. But, you’re not.
July 31st, 2007 at 8:22 pmOne second of googling would have shown he was in lockstep with Bush and Cheney the entire time.
Comment by Brett — July 31, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Whoa! Buddy, you’ll never be a politician. You have to learn to soften your lies a little bit. ;)
August 1st, 2007 at 12:10 amI went to the RedState website and posted a question as to how any red blooded american could support a president who would authorise the seizure of property by anyone who voices a dissenting opinion about the war and all I got in return were insults.
Comment by Thor — July 31, 2007 @ 8:36 am
That’s probably because you were wasting their time with that question. Nothing will be siezed simply for voicing dissent. Now supporting terrorists in any way is a different matter. Like the laws that allow seizure of property gained or used in drug crimes. But, you probably oppose those laws as well. ;)
August 1st, 2007 at 12:15 amMan, what a shit hole the USA has become!
August 1st, 2007 at 4:17 amDon’t let good news go unpunished. Our party has too much invested in a loss in Iraq.
Priorties, comrades!
August 1st, 2007 at 6:27 amGodamn Irackis, why wont they just lay down and accept their fate to live under a bunch of murdeous extremists? Do we have to surrender for them also just like the mighty left did on behalf of South Vietnam? I blame Bush.
August 1st, 2007 at 1:01 pmO’Hanlon and Pollack are funded by Haim Saban of Saban Capital. Go here: saban.com. Many investments in Israel media groups. Just following the money.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:06 pmPure partisan spinmongering. For a comprehensive debunking of this silly attempt at misdirection and ideological witchunting see this article http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/08/03/153834.php
Dave
August 4th, 2007 at 4:39 amtest
August 16th, 2007 at 8:39 pmZero has it. Zero in on the money.
August 17th, 2007 at 12:26 amThere has been much propoganda in the media, it has affected every person who is in contact with it. trying to tell us what we should believe, who are the good guys and what they are fighting for is freedom. the USA is not the good guys on their new war. this is not something against the peple of the Country but the gov. The reason they are fighting in Iraq etc is because they must eliminate Islam and those who wish to spread the word. by making others think that the teachings of Islam are old and barbaric it moulds a persons thoughts. a war on terror? wake up! we must realise that we aren’t in a dream world and people are dying because they are fighting for a glimmer of hope and so USA and other ’superpowers’ will let them live free. the war must end. learn about what’s really going on from sources not toxicated by propganda. a new pres in USA will bring no more good than Bush. why do you think there’s so little news about afghanistan? America are catchin a hiding… let’s unite against evil and build a better world
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:33 pm