ThinkFast: September 4, 2007
ThinkFast: September 4, 2007
Bush’s arrival in Sydney was marked by protests. “An established anti-war group called the Stop Bush Coalition called a small ‘unwelcoming ceremony’ in Sydney to kick off a series of protests culminating in a march by up to 20,000 people on Saturday.” Authorities have locked down the city in the biggest security operation in Australian history.
“President Bush’s success rating in the Democratic-controlled House has fallen this year to a half-century low, and he prevailed on only 14 percent of the 76 roll call votes on which he took a clear position. The previous low for any president was in 1995, when Bill Clinton won just 26 percent of the time during the first year after Republicans took control of the House.”
An exchange of letters from 2003, released yesterday by former Iraq envoy Paul Bremer, reveal that Bush was told in advance of a plan to “dissolve Saddam’s military and intelligence structures.” The letters contradict claims by Bush “that American policy had been ‘to keep the army intact’ but that it ‘didn’t happen.’”
“A warm summer has produced a record melt of the polar ice cap, leaving the Northwest Passage clear enough for a sailboat to pass and prompting nations of the far north to assert claims over the Arctic Ocean seabed.” “This melt is unprecedented, and it’s speeding up,” said Trudy Wohlleben, senior ice forecaster with the Canadian Ice Service.
Just before leaving for its August recess, the House of Representatives approved a little-noticed amendment to its energy bill “that would allow members of Congress to lease only environmentally friendly cars.” The House energy bill would require all federal agencies to buy only low greenhouse-gas emitting vehicles for their fleets.
North Korea’s foreign ministry said yesterday that the Bush administration had decided to remove the country from its list of states sponsoring terrorism. But Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said today, “No, they haven’t been taken off the terrorism list.”
“Newly released documents regarding crimes committed by United States soldiers against civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan detail a pattern of troops failing to understand and follow the rules that govern interrogations and deadly actions.” The documents, which were obtained by the ACLU, “show repeated examples of troops believing they were within the law when they killed local citizens.”
“World Bank President Robert Zoellick is an improvement over his predecessor Paul Wolfowitz, said Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs, a prominent advocate for aid to developing countries.” Sachs said he’s waiting to hear Zoellick’s agenda. “The main thing is, less ideology, more practical, measurable results,” he said.
And finally: A Capitol Hill aide politely declined to make his boss available for an interview for the “Better Know a District” segment on the Colbert Report. Roll Call reports, “The Colbert producer made a valiant effort to persuade [the aide] to change his mind. ‘We’re gonna get all 355 of you,’ the producer countered. ‘Um,’ the aide said. ‘I think you’re going to be about 80 short.’”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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America's been Bushwhacked again.
He never left the confines of the Air Base, but tells us he went over to see the success first hand.
Right.
He would have scrapped the trip if he hadn't had a 'surprise' visit.
Yep. Things are going great.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:09 amHe never left the confines of the Air Base, but tells us he went over to see the success first hand.
Right.
He flew over Anbar to get to the base - isn't that enough to gauge the situation on the ground? It was good enough for New Orleans...
September 4th, 2007 at 9:14 amFrom the "Bush's arrival in Sydney" article:
Looks like Australia is talking a page from America's Big Golden Book of Political Suppression...claim that your "intelligence" tells you something, and then use that spurious claim to do whatever you want, such as:
Hey, Australian government. Here's some free advice:
If you persist in treating your citizenry as the enemy, they're going to start thinking of themselves as the enemy...and then they're going to start acting like the enemy, and then they will bring your house of cards down around your ears.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:15 amSachs said he’s waiting to hear Zoellick’s agenda. “The main thing is, less ideology, more practical, measurable results,†he said.
Practical, measurable results? Ha! Good luck with that, Professor Sachs. This is still the same World Bank you worked for...
September 4th, 2007 at 9:17 amIf you persist in treating your citizenry as the enemy, they’re going to start thinking of themselves as the enemy…and then they’re going to start acting like the enemy, and then they will bring your house of cards down around your ears.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — September 4, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Unless you're the United States, where you can spy on your citizens, take away their rights to habeas corpus and due process, arrest citizens for wearing an anti-Bush t-shirt to a campaign event, and call them unpatriotic for daring to question the government, and the house of cards will remain reasonably intact.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:21 amList of things where Bush didn't get the memo*:
Bin Laden determined to strike America
Take reference to Niger uranium out the SOTU
CPA ready to demob Iraqi Army
Pat Tillman fragged
Torture at Abu Ghraib
Katrina about to strike NOLA
Walter Reed falling apart
I'm sure there's more...
*Actually he did get the memo.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:22 amHe flew over Anbar to get to the base - isn’t that enough to gauge the situation on the ground? It was good enough for New Orleans…
-Comment by toasterhead
Yeah, I suppose he did get a 'flyover' look.
I wonder if he saw the ceremony of the British pulling out of Basra and handing it back over to local tribal rule?
September 4th, 2007 at 9:25 am"North Korea’s foreign ministry said yesterday that the Bush administration had decided to remove the country from its list of states sponsoring terrorism. But Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said today, “No, they haven’t been taken off the terrorism list.â€"
It seems that the WMD's of Kim Jong Il aren't enough to support military action.
Saddam Hussein used WMD's he bought from the US to kill his own citizens, and that was worthy of a multi-billion dollar war and distracting the US from that "War on terra".
Kim Jong-Il made his own WMD's and has WMD's that can reach US soil, but doesn't rate a war.
Hypocrisy, anyone?
September 4th, 2007 at 9:27 am'“A warm summer has produced a record melt of the polar ice cap..."
I am terrified that this government isn't going to recognize the threat of global warming until after New York City is under 20 feet of water.
Come on election 2008. We are running out of time.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:29 amI wonder if he saw the ceremony of the British pulling out of Basra and handing it back over to local tribal rule?
Comment by Zimzone — September 4, 2007 @ 9:25 am
The one where ordinary Iraqis peacefully celebrated the withdrawal of an occupying army?
No, Bush definitely missed that.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:31 am"[Dora Market] is General Petraeus's baby," said Staff Sgt. Josh Campbell, 24, of Winfield, Kan., as he set out on a patrol near the market on a hot evening in mid-August.
...
"Personally, I think it's a false representation," Campbell said, referring to the portrayal of the Dora market as an emblem of the surge's success. "But what can I say? I'm just doing my job and don't ask questions."
...
Hours before Campbell spoke, a delegation led by an American general, with several reporters in tow, filed through Combat Outpost Gator. Scores of Iraqis were milling inside the fortified market, where shopkeepers were selling clothing, shoes, and other consumer goods. In December, the market was a war zone, but roadside bombings and other attacks there have dropped significantly.
WaPo
September 4th, 2007 at 9:31 am“But what can I say? I’m just doing my job and don’t ask questions.â€
These guys can't see the forest through all the trees - good old bunker mentality gets you NOWHERE.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:38 amIf you persist in treating your citizenry as the enemy, they’re going to start thinking of themselves as the enemy…and then they’re going to start acting like the enemy, and then they will bring your house of cards down around your ears.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — September 4, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Unless you’re the United States, where you can spy on your citizens, take away their rights to habeas corpus and due process, arrest citizens for wearing an anti-Bush t-shirt to a campaign event, and call them unpatriotic for daring to question the government, and the house of cards will remain reasonably intact.
Comment by toasterhead — September 4, 2007 @ 9:21 am
Tripmaster Monkey's words qualify as a truism as important as anything quoted from FDR, Churchill, JFK, or any other historical figure.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:40 amJust give it time, toasterhead and they will come true in the U.S. as well. It's already happening.
The RNC announced today that it has found a new job for outgoing Senator Larry Craig...
He'll be the restroom janitor at RNC headquarters.
Mr. Craig stated he was 'very excited' about his new job, and is looking forward to meeting new people.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:40 amI think that's a pretty smart aide. Colbert manages to make most of his Congressional visitors look dumb (because many of them are), regardless of party. If the aide is working for one of the real dopes, he's doing the dope a good service.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:41 amoutgoing Senator Larry Craig…
The new poster-boy for Republican hypocrisy?
September 4th, 2007 at 9:42 am“But what can I say? I’m just doing my job and don’t ask questions.â€
These guys can’t see the forest through all the trees - good old bunker mentality gets you NOWHERE.
Comment by RepublicansAreFascists
I'm sorry, but I don't blame them. They are smart enough to know that if they ask questions or start pointing out the lies that they are being told, there is a good chance that they will be fragged like Tillman was. Or, at least they will be punished by being given the most dangerous duty there is.
It's too bad that freedom of speech doesn't apply to the people who are supposedly fighting for our freedoms.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:45 amWith Russia shooting missiles during exercises over the Arctic, it seems now to be only a matter of time before some kind of "Arctic Wars" develop for energy resources made available by global warming.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:46 amI am terrified that this government isn’t going to recognize the threat of global warming until after New York City is under 20 feet of water.
Come on election 2008. We are running out of time.
Comment by bilbogaggins — September 4, 2007 @ 9:29 am
This is a long-term Rove strategy. A rise in ocean level is going to mainly impact democratic states along the coast.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:47 amIslam sucks!
September 4th, 2007 at 9:48 amBush sucks.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:52 amHe's making the Ice Caps melt!
Tripmaster Monkey’s words qualify as a truism as important as anything quoted from FDR, Churchill, JFK, or any other historical figure.
Just give it time, toasterhead and they will come true in the U.S. as well. It’s already happening.
Comment by Proud American Liberal — September 4, 2007 @ 9:40 am
I hope so. I really do. But I also fear that we are a far more complacent and less-informed people than we were in the days of FDR or Churchill or JFK.
I hope I'm wrong about that.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:58 amBush and Cheney must face war crimes charges if the International Criminal Court and United Nations are to have any real meaning for peoples of the world.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:09 amAre these organisations only for American enemies?
20,000 aussies marching against The Chimp?? I'd call that pretty dissing if you ask me.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:12 amWe all knew General Betay-us was Bush's "fall guy" and was virtually a bad joke.
Pretty telling that Bush didn't feel safe enough to leave the military base, isn't it? That action TELLS IT ALL.
Bush and his puppet need say nothing; his visit to Iraq said more than anything else - this is a clear case of "actions speaking louder than words". His inability to go off the military base spoke volumes about how "safe" Iraq is.
Does the smirking chimp really think that people are buying his brand of bullshit any longer?
September 4th, 2007 at 10:14 amHey Tobey: Yes, someone leaked the American Red Cross' findings yesterday along with the ACLU's investigation and it appears that a war crimes tribunal is planning a trial of the Bush Cabal - Nuremberg style. Did you get the link yesterday? If not, I'll find it for you again.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:15 amTobey: Here it is again:http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0735,hentoff,77643,6.html
This chronicles the investigations into war crimes for which the Bush Cabal will be held accountable. It's coming.......fast and furious! Why do you think a seasoned veteran (actor) like John Warner is jumping ship in advance of his tenure's end? It's because people like him who enabled these crimes continually in the last Congress will ALSO be put on trial internationally. He'll probably kick the bucket before he can serve prison time though.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:20 amSorry Tobey. Here it is again.
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0735,hentoff,77643,6.html
September 4th, 2007 at 10:21 amIs that zooey holding the sign in the pic? Jeebus, you have enough time to protest but obviously not enough time to wash your hair or at least run a comb through it. Yaga!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:21 amLOL once Bush is out of office, he won't be able to travel any where. Not that it matters. Dude won't leave Texas much, except for the occasional trip home to Maine.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:24 amThere is no trial planned, get a clue, its just more wishful thinking from a gaggle of lefties who cry rivers over the demise of terrorists and dictators.
Didnt Castro recently endorse Hillary?
September 4th, 2007 at 10:26 amLet's plaster the picture of "concerned, pi$$ed off Aussies" everywhere. The entrenched Dem establishment have learned nothing in almost 30 years. (TP is an excellent example of Dem pols complaining about EVERYTHING - and failing to put forth positive change.) In short, unkempt, pi$$ed off people are not campaign assets. The wins of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton gave voters the opportunity to SUPPORT a STRONG agenda - not continually selling their collective hand wringing and angst.....
September 4th, 2007 at 10:26 amHey, Australian government. Here’s some free advice:
If you persist in treating your citizenry as the enemy, they’re going to start thinking of themselves as the enemy…and then they’re going to start acting like the enemy, and then they will bring your house of cards down around your ears.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — September 4, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Wow, you really are ticked that the protestors were prevented from disrupting the visit. ;)
September 4th, 2007 at 10:28 amTP - you've done an excellent job reporting Pres. Bush's "disapproval" ratings. How are the approval numbers stacking up for the Dem Congress??? Hmmmm...........
September 4th, 2007 at 10:28 am20,000 aussies marching against The Chimp?? I’d call that pretty dissing if you ask me.
It said that 20k may show up, not that they would; more inflation by those who seek to prop up their own dismal following.
The article also states that the police had intel that said the protests would be violent. Well that makes sense, lefties decrying violence by acting violently. The left around the world has become a self-perpetuating circus.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:30 amScores of Iraqis were milling inside the fortified market, where shopkeepers were selling clothing, shoes, and other consumer goods. In December, the market was a war zone, but roadside bombings and other attacks there have dropped significantly.
WaPo
Comment by Geoff — September 4, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Is this supposed to be one of the "good news" stories from Iraq? The market where we pay vendors $2,500 to open a stall and search all customers at checkpoints as they enter?
I hear Dora Market is soon to be renamed the Potemkin Market. Or maybe Botemkin Market - they don't have a P in Arabic.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:30 amBush sucks.
He’s making the Ice Caps melt!
Comment by Donald Duck
While I may agree with the former I disagree with the latter. The melt has been so great as for nations to start dropping their flags on the seabed in a race to claimr resources, Shipping companies are looking for new shorter routes, and the oil companies at drilling sites.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:30 amHow are the approval numbers stacking up for the Dem Congress??? Hmmmm………..
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Congressional approval numbers are always low. Which doesn't matter since people don't vote for Congress.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:33 amTP - you’ve done an excellent job reporting Pres. Bush’s “disapproval†ratings. How are the approval numbers stacking up for the Dem Congress??? Hmmmm………..Comment by mighty aphrodite
Wassup Haglodyte! Well of course we know those numbers, its all the trolls, such as resident troll Mr P, post.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:36 amToast - I am shocked that pre-election Dems crowed about getting out of Iraq but have failed to mobilize any meaningful opposition. You'd think that with the American people squarely behind Progs and Dems (TP keeps telling us this is the case!) Dems would be leading the surrender of Iraq.....
September 4th, 2007 at 10:37 amNo more gas guzzlers for Congress?
What a piece of joke legislation. The language was specifically written to be unenforceable. They don't list acceptable models or standards it has to meet. Just simply Low greenhouse gases.
It's just smoke and mirrors because they can make a hummer fit into that category somehow.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:38 amI am confused, I thought republicans felt you shouldn't run a country on polls? Why is the low approval rating of congress so important? Oh wait, is it because that is all they have in the train wreck of republican control?
Well Cluster Bomb sounds like if we want to establish a secure Iraq, all we need to do, is load about 500,000+ troops to secure the area. You ready to sign up?
September 4th, 2007 at 10:39 amCongressional approval numbers are always low. Which doesn’t matter since people don’t vote for Congress.
Comment by toasterhead — September 4, 2007 @ 10:33 am
BLINK, BLINK, *Scratches Head*, BLINK
September 4th, 2007 at 10:40 amDems would be leading the surrender of Iraq…..
Comment by mighty aphrodite
Interesting choice of words. Tell me, how do you surrender a country to the citizens of that country? Unless of course you think the US is intending to make Iraq the 51st State.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:42 amTundra
People vote for their representatives in Congress. They don't vote for congress as a whole - so the real meaningful figure is how many people approve of their congressional representative.
MA:
Congressional numbers are so low because Dems and Reps both disaprove of Congress. They would get much higher ratings if they didn't keep on caving to the president.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:42 amAs the Arctic melts, vast deposits of oil and gas may be opened up for ... freeing up formerly inaccessible potential drilling sites and new routes for ...
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2007/02/18/northern_exposure/
It’s just smoke and mirrors because they can make a hummer fit into that category somehow. Comment by Tundra
Sure, if it was natural gas or propane powered. But I doubt that a rental company would go thru that trouble.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:43 amToast - I am shocked that pre-election Dems crowed about getting out of Iraq but have failed to mobilize any meaningful opposition. You’d think that with the American people squarely behind Progs and Dems (TP keeps telling us this is the case!) Dems would be leading the surrender of Iraq…..
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 10:37 am
There's another Iraq appropriation coming up in the next term, after Congress receives the Petraeus/Crocker report. Maybe this time, with confirmation that the surge has had little measurable effect, the majority will have momentum to begin pushing for withdrawal. We can only hope!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:44 amI am confused, I thought republicans felt you shouldn’t run a country on polls? Why is the low approval rating of congress so important? Oh wait, is it because that is all they have in the train wreck of republican control?
Comment by Krazny — September 4, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Nope, just trying to keep libs from falling into the trap of only posting polls that support their positions and appearing to be hypocritical. ;)
September 4th, 2007 at 10:44 amPeople vote for their representatives in Congress. They don’t vote for congress as a whole - so the real meaningful figure is how many people approve of their congressional representative.
Comment by Bruce Gorton — September 4, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Exactly! While voters might have a "throw the bums out" attitude about Congress as a whole, they tend to like the bum in their own district.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:47 amComment by Bruce Gorton — September 4, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Point noted and accepted, Bruce
September 4th, 2007 at 10:47 amFrom Krazny -
"I am confused," Of that, I'm certain!
I thought republicans felt you shouldn’t run a country on polls? We don't - BUT Dems do. That's why I'm surprised Dem voters believe anything their congressional reps tell them.
Why is the low approval rating of congress so important?
September 4th, 2007 at 10:48 amI don't know....appropriation bills maybe? (Dems must find it difficult to talk out of both sides of their mouth, balance the java and steer the Prius at the same time....whew!)
Bush lies again? Pretending that he didn't authorize the dismantling of Iraq's military which is contradicted by Paul Bremer's written commications with him?
Bush never admits fault or takes responsibility. If at least he had the courage to stand up and admit his mistakes once-in-awhile and let the buck stop at his desk regarding his terrible decisions, I might have maybe a sliver of respect for the man. But he never does, so I don't.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:48 am...lease enviromentally friendly cars. You mean like a Lexus LS600h hybrid. Low emissions and high performance in a semi-gas guzzlin' hybrid.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:49 amCongress' low approval ratings may be precisely because they've done nothing to stop the murderous idiocy in Iraq.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:50 am"Exactly! While voters might have a “throw the bums out†attitude about Congress as a whole, they tend to like the bum in their own district."
Comment by toasterhead
I'm sure earmarks have nothing to do with hometown fervor!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:51 am[sarc off]
oast - I am shocked that pre-election Dems crowed about getting out of Iraq but have failed to mobilize any meaningful opposition. You’d think that with the American people squarely behind Progs and Dems (TP keeps telling us this is the case!) Dems would be leading the surrender of Iraq….. Comment by mighty aphrodite
Well MA, if you recall the Dems and the Pubs both gave Bush the authority to use miilitary force in Iraq. Thats why Maliki has benchmarks today. Besides they aren't talking surrender but a withdrawal over a period of a year +
Besides MA how can you LOSE a freedom operation? This was never declared a war.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:51 amLOL if that is the best you can do MA, I can see why republican control is slipping. Oh well not going to worry about it. Bush, and his group have done far more to damage republican credibility, then the Dems could ever hope for.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:52 amKim Jong-Il made his own WMD’s and has WMD’s that can reach US soil, but doesn’t rate a war.
Hypocrisy, anyone?
Comment by Democrat Soldier
While I agree with your general sentiment, I don't agree that North Korea has missiles capable of reaching US soil. The media has sensationalized this to the point where many Americans simply assume it's true. It's not true. North Korea has no known operational missiles than can reach Alaska, Hawaii, or any U.S. territory. There is a lot of conjecture and extrapolation and guessing about the capability of possible missiles that are maybe on the drawing board or maybe in development. The missiles that North Korea has tried to test launch have generally proven to be piss poor, just like their alleged nuclear bomb test.
And when the horrific day comes, the nuclear weapon that terrorists use to strike the U.S. will likely come to us in a small motor boat or maybe a semi-trailer truck.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:54 am(Dems must find it difficult to talk out of both sides of their mouth, balance the java and steer the Prius at the same time….whew!) Comment by mighty aphrodite
Compared to Cunninham with prostitutes in his lap it would be easy!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:55 ammighty aphrodite
Alaska.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:56 amThe media has sensationalized this to the point where many Americans simply assume it’s true. It’s not true
But But the GOP said they had flying camels that would drop anthrax laden sheep from the skies!!!!!!!!!!!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:57 amIck - So which is it? Contrite, Dem hand-wringers searching for the towel to throw? With the collective support of the people they vowed to end the war......(I think that "promise" began to fade on Nov 6th....)
September 4th, 2007 at 10:57 amCZ-1
The thing is, they don't need nukes that can reach the US. They just need to reach Japan.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:57 am’m sure earmarks have nothing to do with hometown fervor!
[sarc off] Comment by mighty aphrodite
Say how is that bridge to nowhere going? I hear that Repubs can drive on that, with a hummer, and a java, and talk out both sides their mouth while going absolutley nowhere!!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:59 amTell me, how do you surrender a country to the citizens of that country? Unless of course you think the US is intending to make Iraq the 51st State.
Comment by dlet — September 4, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Besides MA how can you LOSE a freedom operation? This was never declared a war.
Comment by Ichthus — September 4, 2007 @ 10:51 am
MA. Inquiring minds would like to know how you come to these conclusions.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:59 amHonestly I think Kim Jong-il is like the preening princess at a party. He wants everyone to pay attention to him. I know he is a complete fruitcake, but I think even he knows that if he used a nuke, the punishment for North Korea would be swift and severe. Mostly he wants people to pay attention to him, to give him stuff, and to act like he is important.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:02 amIck - So which is it? Contrite, Dem hand-wringers searching for the towel to throw? With the collective support of the people they vowed to end the war……(I think that “promise†began to fade on Nov 6th….)
Comment by mighty aphrodite
Dem hand wringers aside, these things dont stop overnite, it would be dense to think so, the fact is the Iraq Freedom Operation is upopular with a majority of the nation, and as with Vietnam, it takes a some time.
Bush has already signaled, if you have read, that we could reduce troops.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:02 amIck - Crooked Cunningham was my Congressman - our standards are higher and our candidates know it. If they violate those standards, we don't re-elect them....unlike Dems. Dems are convinced that a plethora of crooks and freaks expands their diversity....
September 4th, 2007 at 11:04 amThe Repubs promised you a smaller government MA, but it got bigger!
Oohhh, so when did that promise fade MA? Like in 2001?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:05 amKrazny, for a minute there I thought you were talking about bush..LOL...Same bio.....Blessings
September 4th, 2007 at 11:06 amdlet - Since Viet Nam, Dems are convinced it is immoral to win a war once engaged. They relish defeat so they can identify with losers more easily...
September 4th, 2007 at 11:06 amBush promised to balance the budget MA, hows that going?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:07 amI’m sure earmarks have nothing to do with hometown fervor!
[sarc off]
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Of course they do. Earmarks, pork, constituent services, and just basic name recognition all make it very difficult to unseat a House incumbent. Which is why approval numbers for Congress as a whole are irrelevant.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:08 amdlet - Since Viet Nam, Dems are convinced it is immoral to win a war once engaged. They relish defeat so they can identify with losers more easily…
Comment by mighty aphrodite
Oh tell the truth MA it was Nixon that pulled out troops in 1969 and part of his plan.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:10 amSince Viet Nam, Dems are convinced it is immoral to win a war once engaged. They relish defeat so they can identify with losers more easily…
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:06 am
This is because wars fought for empire, such as Vietnam and Iraq, are immoral to begin with.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:10 amComment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:06 am
I like how you skipped over the part of starting immoral wars. But that would blow your mindset out of the water so I understand.....keep those blinders on.....stay the course...thousand points of light...a new world order...
September 4th, 2007 at 11:11 amBush promised not to use our military for nation building or police actions MA, how is that going?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:11 amDidn't Nixon (R-Hell) run, and win on a promise to end US involvement in Vietnam?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:12 am"Bush promised to balance the budget MA, hows that going?"
Comment by Ichthus
I guess Osama didn't get the memo. Of course, Dems are not strong candidates on National Defense so no fear of them defending the US.
With the increased tax revenue from the largest group of taxpayers, the "evil" rich, the deficit has shrunk significantly...not that you'd ever know it....
September 4th, 2007 at 11:13 amThe thing is, they don’t need nukes that can reach the US. They just need to reach Japan.
Comment by Bruce Gorton
I haven't heard Bush/Cheney try to scare us with that possibility---it's probably not a vote getter as very few Americans would die. Do the North Koreans have a beef with the Japanese? Has Japan invaded any friends of North Korea (lately)? It seems that Japan has been trying to normalize relations with North Korea for fifteen years through diplomacy. Why would North Korea nuke Japan (with wimpy nukes on wimpy missiles)? That would be suicidal for them.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:16 amNote to MA-there was no deficit when Bush took office. I think they called it a "surplus". Just like when jimmy Carter left office.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:17 am"This is because wars fought for empire, such as Vietnam and Iraq, are immoral to begin with."
Comment by toasterhead
Oh, you mean like the "Euro-Empire of America" and the "Japan-pire of the US?" You're such a thorough "useful-idiot"....
September 4th, 2007 at 11:18 amthe deficit has shrunk significantly…not that you’d ever know it….
Comment by mighty aphrodite
Really? I must say this is news to me. The deficit has shrunk you say. Please link this information.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:18 amWith the increased tax revenue from the largest group of taxpayers, the “evil†rich, the deficit has shrunk significantly…not that you’d ever know it….
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:13 am
I am nominating this for most head in the sand comment. I guess the trillions in debt don't count, because they aren't part of the budget. The expansion of Homeland security, hey well we need protection after all. I guess in your hatred you have to overlook the massive elephant in the room.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:18 amDidn’t Nixon (R-Hell) run, and win on a promise to end US involvement in Vietnam? Comment by Krazny
He did, Nixon kept the troops in during his first term and started pulling them out in the fifth year after inheriting it from Johnson
September 4th, 2007 at 11:19 amWith the increased tax revenue from the largest group of taxpayers, the “evil†rich, the deficit has shrunk significantly…not that you’d ever know it…. Comment by mighty aphrodite
What? Bush decreased the tax on the 'evil rich' as you say. And no the deficit hasn't dropped. Did you know that China is now Americas largest creditor? And that this Iraq operation has been pretty much off the books and paid for thru emergency supplementals?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:22 amOh, you mean like the “Euro-Empire of America†and the “Japan-pire of the US?†You’re such a thorough “useful-idiotâ€â€¦.
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:18 am
Thanks! It's much nicer than being a useless-idiot such as yourself. What was the point you were trying to make here, exactly?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:22 am#
Oh, you mean like the “Euro-Empire of America†and the “Japan-pire of the US?†You’re such a thorough “useful-idiotâ€â€¦.
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:18 am
I guess history was not a strong subject for you, along with English, and reading comprehension. Exactly what did you excel in, besides being completely psycho?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:23 amOh, you mean like the “Euro-Empire of America†and the “Japan-pire of the US?†You’re such a thorough “useful-idiotâ€â€¦.
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:18 am
MA-I think you made his point. Just check with Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:25 amOh, you mean like the “Euro-Empire of America†and the “Japan-pire of the US?†You’re such a thorough “useful-idiotâ€â€¦.-MA
Come now MA, you know damn good and well the neo-cons sought global hegemony, the clash of the civilizations! And all that might is right rot. We are an Empire now they clamored giddily.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:25 amExactly what did you [MA] excel in, besides being completely psycho?
Comment by Krazny
MA excels in projectionism, just look at all the baseless and patently wrong attacks in every post.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:27 amCZ-1
There is a long history of bad blood between NK and Japan (Not to mention the really bad blood between Japan and China, particularly in view of the current PM claiming that the Japanese didn't engage in sex slavery in WWII.)
Plus, as one of America's closest allies, Japan would work as a substitute for hitting America.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:28 amI guess Osama didn’t get the memo. Of course, Dems are not strong candidates on National Defense so no fear of them defending the US.
With the increased tax revenue from the largest group of taxpayers, the “evil†rich, the deficit has shrunk significantly…not that you’d ever know it….
Comment by mighty methaphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:13 am
"Wow! You're mouth is purtier than a $20 dollar whore"
September 4th, 2007 at 11:29 am(stolen from Slim Pickens character in Blazin' Saddles)
"Really? I must say this is news to me. The deficit has shrunk you say. Please link this information."
Comment by dlet
dlet - Happily - - They have an EASY to READ chart just for you!!
Krazny - I have a suggestion to get rid of the national debt - let's confiscate every asset of the nebulous, vapid wealthy (anybody making over $80K - nobody neeeds that much $$$. Let's learn to make do with less - like the shopping cart pushers.)....Of course, New Deal and Great Society social welfare spending had NOTHING to do with our bulging debt....so let's NOT cut spending.)
September 4th, 2007 at 11:30 amWhen Krazny and Ickthus can not argue a single fact - they fall back on the best the Left can offer.....4 year old name calling....
Toodles....til later
September 4th, 2007 at 11:33 amPlus, as one of America’s closest allies, Japan would work as a substitute for hitting America.
Okay, I agree this is likely so. But that's a detour from where I started. Just wanted to correct the impression that North Korea could strike U.S. territory with their ballistic missiles. They cannot, as far as anyone knows right now.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:34 am“Wow! You’re mouth is purtier than a $20 dollar whoreâ€
(stolen from Slim Pickens character in Blazin’ Saddles)
Comment by DRxJ
$20 whore? You sound like you have lots of experience with whores....
Tooodles............
September 4th, 2007 at 11:36 am#68 - "Dems are convinced that a plethora of crooks and freaks expands their diversity…." Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:04 am
While Rep's are convinced that as long as they hide their plethora of crooks and freaks that nobody will question their motives. Should any of the plethora of Rep crooks and freaks be found out, the rest of the party has "plausable deniability" and claims "I never woulda guessed they could !!!!" When it comes to investigating them, the Reps will dither and fumble about and never get anything done and blame their inaction on "politics as usual".
And when it all comes down to how history views the Reps, the shining example will be Congressman Gingirch impeaching Pres. Clinton while he was sleeping with his own staffer while planning on his divorce from his 2nd wife.
Ahh! Right-whiner, neo-con hypocrisy! What a wonderfully entrenched value!
September 4th, 2007 at 11:39 amGee Aphrodite, I don't really know what to say. The budget Bush has suggested while pretending to reduce the deficit doesn't. It is sort of like making a household budget, but leaving out rent. I guess you can argue, that spending is under control, but so far the US government has spent billions on the wars in Iraq, and Afghanistan. And those expenses are never placed into the official budget. As for your suggestion. I don't think the wealthy would like everything they owned confiscated, but thanks for the projection.
As for not arguing a single fact. Since you presented nothing to argue, there is no point. When you can present a cognitive, reasonable argument, I will debate with you. But playing keep up with the twisting troll isn't worth my time.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:40 ammighty aphrodite
2004 was the worst inflation adjusted deficit America has posted since WWII. It was also the third worst inflation adjusted deficit in America's history (Only two of the WWII years beat it, 1943, and 1945.)
Further, the current deficit figures are no where near as bad as they should be, because up until recently the Iraq war wasn't included on the figures.
Further, Congress went Democrat in 2006.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:41 amComment by CZ-1 — September 4, 2007 @ 11:34 am
They might be able to hit the very southern and western parts of the Alutien islands.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:43 amComment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2007 @ 11:30 am
Yes MA. That is a nice graph and easy to read. I guess that's why you stopped there and didn't think anymore. Please add the appropriations for the war(s). Nice projections for the future by the way. Did you look at those? So Bush basically sold out the country for short term gains in good looking graphs.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:48 amFurther, Congress went Democrat in 2006.
Comment by Bruce Gorton
Bruce....Way to re-state the obvious....
dlet - The CBO isn't exactly an arm of the Repubs.
Demrat Sold - I despise the immorality of Newt....that's why he doesn't have a chance of being the Repub nominee. Now maybe if he was for gay "marriage" and was caught in a men's room stall with a cross dresser, he could be the Dem nominee.
Later, boys and girls....
September 4th, 2007 at 11:54 amdlet - The CBO isn’t exactly an arm of the Repubs.
Comment by mighty aphrodite
I never said they were. Watch those delusions, MA. I am saying that the graph you point to doesn't account for all the money spent by the government. CBO isn't the problem. You are.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:57 ammighty aphrodite
Sorry MA, but we Dems? We probably wouldn't vote for Rudy Guliani's boyfriend.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:06 pmYou may be thinking of the Taepodong-2 missile, which failed shortly after launch---some say a part fell off it immediately after launch (http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060707/3/2mty8.html ). This is not an operational missile. It does not have a proven range reaching any part of Alaska. Stephen J. Hadley, President Bush's national security adviser, said, "The Taepodong is a failure. That tells you something about capabilities."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/04/AR2006070400649.html
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, July 5, 2006; Page A01
North Korea test-fired at least six missiles yesterday, including its long-range Taepodong-2, senior U.S. officials said, defying strong warnings from the United States and regional powers in Asia.
The controversial long-range missile failed less than a minute after launch, falling into the Sea of Japan, along with the other, less-sophisticated missiles.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:07 pmMan, the trolls heads won't stop spinnin' for weeks from this:
(AP) -- Newly released documents regarding crimes committed by U.S. troops against civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan detail a pattern of troops failing to understand and follow the rules that govern interrogations and deadly actions.
Maybe because we sent the "army" to do the work of a "police" force?
September 4th, 2007 at 12:10 pmThe Dems. Have a bit of a headache.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:11 pmwe sent the “army†to do the work of a “police†force
You know, the same reason Shrub was reluctant to send the National Guard to New Orleans?
What a Dumbya.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:12 pmWho are those homeless people in the photo?
September 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pmhttp://rudepundit.blogspot.com/
September 4th, 2007 at 12:29 pmWOW! Australia has the balls to do what America can't do. Come out and protest what a shitty thing this country is doing.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:29 pm