ThinkFast: September 18, 2007
ThinkFast: September 18, 2007
The White House has “told nearly a dozen Cabinet secretaries to send letters to Capitol Hill” rejecting Congress’s proposed new funds for their agencies. The “carefully scripted letters” warn lawmakers that their moves would harm “agency operations” and the “integrity of the budget process.” Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) responded that he was “disappointed” in their “rhetoric.”
A week after he told U.S. lawmakers about “progress” in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus will be in Britain today, briefing Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO), who previously “has not supported Congress using its ability to stop war payments in order to force President Bush to change direction,” said yesterday that Congress should look at cutting off funds. “If it could be done then I think we ought to take a look at it,” Salazar said.
Thirteen senior House members “have been served with subpoenas from defense attorneys representing Brent Wilkes, the former defense contractor charged with bribing imprisoned ex-Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.). None of the lawmakers will comply with the subpoena.”
The Senate will vote today on a bill to provide the District of Columbia with voting rights. The legislation, which has passed the House, would give D.C. a full voting member of the U.S. House while also providing Utah an additional seat.
A day after Iraqi officials ordered Blackwater USA to leave the country, the government has announced that it will “review the status of all private security firms operating in the country.”
Salon writes that Iraqis who seek redress for the deaths of the civilians at the hands of U.S. contractors in a criminal court are out of luck. Because of an order promulgated by the former Coalition Provisional Authority, “there appears to be almost no chance that the contractors involved would be, or could be, successfully prosecuted in any court in Iraq.”
A new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes “hundreds of millions of people in developing nations will face natural disasters, water shortages and hunger” due to climate change. “Developed regions like the the US and southern Europe are likely to experience more severe summer heatwaves.”
And finally: “Fashionistas all over Capitol Hill hailed Rep. Al Green Monday for rocking his cell phone earpiece during remarks on the House floor. The fashion-forward Texas Democrat may or may not be the first ever lawmaker to sport such a device during remarks on the floor, but he certainly turned heads from C-Span viewers everywhere.” See the photo HERE.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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September 18th, 2007 at 9:14 amso subpoenas are not valid anymore, anywhere? glad to know. Hell, if I ever do something stupid, guess I can claim executive privilege too. Lawlessness might not be so bad after all, eh?
September 18th, 2007 at 9:23 amWatch this and just see if it doesn’t get you out of your chair to the phone.
President’s office U Florida:
1-352-392-1311 or president@ufl.edu
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/26912
September 18th, 2007 at 9:24 amDo people who wear those earpieces seriously not know how completely ridiculous they look?
September 18th, 2007 at 9:25 amRep. Al Green Monday for rocking his cell phone earpiece during remarks on the House floor.
Just in case your wife calls to let you know to pick up eggs and milk on the way home? Answering phone calls, now more important than trying to run a nation.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:27 amCan anyone explain what “rocking a cell phone earpiece” means?
Thnx
September 18th, 2007 at 9:28 amPunchy
Can anyone explain what “rocking a cell phone earpiece†means?
Wearing one. And generally speaking, wearing it darn well.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:30 am“But Bush, who is under pressure from fiscal conservatives, has promised to veto nearly all the new spending.”
Oh really? Where were these fiscal conservatives while Bush ran up the largest deficit in history? Why aren’t they demanding that Bush bring the billion dollar a day spending on the Iraq debacle into our budget system and cut programs to pay for it? That would be the “fiscally responsible” thing to do. But they won’t do that because they know that would end the Iraq occupation very quickly.
Actually, that is what the Democrats should be doing with Bush. They should require him to bring the budget for the Iraq occupation into the budget process and either raise taxes, rescind his tax cuts for the rich or cut government programs to pay for it. That would end the Iraq occupation very quickly, if the American public was told that we have to pay for this occupation now, rather than have our grandchildren pay for it.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:30 am“A day after Iraqi officials ordered Blackwater USA to leave the country, the government has announced that it will “review the status of all private security firms operating in the country.—
This has the potential to bring the shadow armies to the forefront. This needs to stay in news to inform the public on just how many of these private firms are there and how much they are making off the American people.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:30 amWhat’s wrong with Capitalism hellin?
September 18th, 2007 at 9:36 amAs the cashier stands vacantly staring at some point between the ceiling and the exit sign, listening to her boyfriend ask her what she is doing, I’ve had to resist the impulse to snatch the earpiece from her head, throw it to the ground and stomp on it.
“I saved your life! It was trying to get inside your brain!”
I just take a deep breath instead, realizing it’s to late.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:37 amA day after Iraqi officials ordered Blackwater USA to leave the country,
If this goes further this could have the potential to stretch our forces thinner and remove any “improvements” the “surge” has done. Think Georgie might rethink that “redeployment” he is championing? He’ll just extend some of our forces….to them they are just plastic pieces on a game board anyways.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:38 amA week after he told U.S. lawmakers about “progress†in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus will be in Britain today, briefing Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
And Brown is going to tell Betrayus to stick it in his ear. Gordon Brown seems like he is smart enough to know when he is being lied to. Plus, he has access to enough intel to know what is really going on in the Occupation of Iraq.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:39 amNone of the lawmakers will comply with the subpoena.
Well, if the Bush sycophants don’t have to comply with subpoenas, why should they? What have we done to the rule of law in this country? Will we ever recover?
September 18th, 2007 at 9:40 amWeatherby
What’s wrong with Capitalism hellin?
There’s nothing wrong with capitalism.
The US taxpayer is paying 100k+ to mercs and only 30k to US soldiers. That’s not really a capitalist decision right there.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:41 amfrom VOA:
…
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said Tuesday, the Cabinet has decided to review all local and foreign security companies in accordance with Iraqi law.
He said the Cabinet also supported the Interior Ministry’s decision to withdraw the license of Blackwater USA …
http://voanews.com/english/2007-09-18-voa12.cfm
iraqi law? license? …
September 18th, 2007 at 9:42 am…
“there appears to be almost no chance that the contractors involved would be, or could be, successfully prosecuted in any court in Iraq.â€
This is beyond sick. A license to kill with no repercussions. It’s no wonder the Iraqi government is taking a look at the mercenary companies in Iraq. If they allow any of them to stay, it should be under a provision that they must follow the laws of Iraq and are subject to prosecution if they violate those laws.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:43 amPrivate secutriy guards are considered neither civilians nor military personnel, although they do carry IDs from the US Department of Defense.
Order 17 of the Coalition Provisional Authority gives the guards immunity from Iraqi prosecution, but they have no combat immunity under international law if they engage in hostilities.
Any Iraqi review of their status would therefore only have an effect if the US authorities accept its conclusions, our correspondent says.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:44 amLooks like Foggo and Cunningham will be taking Duncan Hunter out of the Presidential race with his connections to their corruption. And, now we KNOW why Denny Hastert is leaving Congress as well. This scandal combined with the pedophile enabling he’s done and he knows his “gig” is up.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:45 amAbout the DC voting bill…..I’ve read articles about this but the information about the additional Rep for Utah is lacking. Does anyone know if this is actually because of an increase in population or is it some deal? I imagine it has to be a population increase but there is no mention of that fact.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:46 amhttp://www.gainesvillesun.com/article/20070917/NEWS/70917016/1002/NEWS
Where is TP’s outrage over this? If it were a Bush event, it would be breaking news.
You people don’t report news. You report partisan propoganda and HATE or you would have covered this story.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:46 ambilbobaggins: This is the MO of the Bush Administration to subvert our laws. They “outsource” torture, murder, and mass genocide of Iraqis with their “nazi death squads” aka Blackwater. This way they can say ad nauseum “we don’t torture” – “we don’t murder”.
Since when is the solicitor of the “hit” not equally as guilty under the laws of this country?
It’s time to now allow the Bush Cabal to be “above the law” in this outsourcing of murder.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:47 amAmerica flaunts international law so its no suprise it ignores Iraqi law, times will be changing soon though
especially Dec the 15 when the UN mandate on iraq runs out
Iraqs Cabinate will take the vote in the next couple months and preliminary votes indicate they will ask Americans to leave
September 18th, 2007 at 9:47 amWhat’s wrong with Capitalism hellin?
Comment by Weatherby
No-bid contracts have nothing to do with capitalism. And this is NOT capitalism, it is war profiteering. It doesn’t bother you that Blackwater thugs who can kill in Iraq without facing any consequences are paid $100,000 a year and our military, who will face consequences if they kill indiscriminately, make $25,000 a year? Is that capitalism? And if that doesn’t bother you, then you are one seriously sick human being.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:48 amBecause of an order promulgated by the former Coalition Provisional Authority, “there appears to be almost no chance that the contractors involved would be, or could be, successfully prosecuted in any court in Iraq.â€
it sure took long enough for this to get noticed…
i’ve heard randi b!tch about it for years…
these guys move around with no regard to civility,
like there’s no consequences to negative actions, and there aren’t…
…
it never made sense to me to downsize the military “to save money”
September 18th, 2007 at 9:49 amand then pay 10x for private contractors to do the same jobs…
it just begs for abuse…
…
Rebuilding to start small, Blakely says
September 18th, 2007 at 9:50 amN.O. recovery chief holds off on details of target-zone plans
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
By Michelle Krupa
The Times-Picayune
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1190095594259130.xml&coll=1
New Orleans Recovery Director Ed Blakely commented for the first time Monday on an extensive rebuilding plan that his office has been quietly drafting for months, saying the program will focus on small-scale projects as long as financing remains sparse.
Blakely, however, refused yet again to publicly release a copy of the plan, which identifies more than 160 projects designed to spark a wave of rebuilding in 17 target zones.
The Times-Picayune obtained a copy last week after it had been released to the City Council and City Planning Commission and published a story detailing the projects. At the time, Blakely declined to make public the report or comment for the story. He again refused to release the report to the media on Monday, but promised his office will post it on the city’s Web site by next Monday.
As for the projects, Blakely said at a news conference that the city will finance smaller projects first, such as neighborhood markets, greengrocers and small-business loan programs.
They’re providing a service for a fee.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:51 amDec the 15th when the UN Occupation mandate on Iraq runs out
Iraqs Cabinate will take the vote in the next couple months ( instead of just Maliki ) and preliminary votes indicate they will ask Americans to leave
WASHINGTON – Democrats are poised to delay money for the Iraq war by several weeks, giving them time to calculate their next move and see if Republican support for President Bush’s policies deteriorate.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:52 amThey’re providing a service for a fee.
Comment by Weatherby
So do hookers, drug dealers and human trafficers. Your point?
September 18th, 2007 at 9:53 amOn June 3, 2007, the Iraqi Parliament voted 85 to 59 to require the Iraqi government to consult with Parliament before requesting additional extensions of the UN Security Council Mandate for Coalition operations in Iraq.[10] The current UN mandate expires in December 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_force_in_Iraq
September 18th, 2007 at 9:54 amYou people don’t report news. You report partisan propoganda and HATE or you would have covered this story.
Comment by TP
So, tell me, how many times are incidents like this, when people are protesting Bush, posted on redstate.com. Have they ever been? I doubt it. I guess you don’t get it. This is a progressive website. If you want the conservative viewpoint then go to redstate.com or any of the other conservative blog sites that don’t allow a dissenting opinion to be posted.
And, why is that. Why are there no conservative websites that allow a dissenting view? Because if there are any, I don’t know where they are. I posted to redstate.com and was banned within two hours for posting a dissenting opinion.
At least you are allowed to post to this website and to most other progressive websites. If you don’t like what they post, fell free to leave. And don’t let the door hit you on the backside on your way out.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:55 ami saw the clip of the tazered student this morning on TODAY…
seemed to me the cops over reacted… the kid was being obnoxious also… a know attention getter…
and, f.y.i., TP is not a “news site”… it is a political commentary site…
September 18th, 2007 at 9:55 am…
Do people who wear those earpieces seriously not know how completely ridiculous they look?
Comment by toasterhead — September 18, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Indeed. Remember years ago when we used to kid people who stayed on the phone all the time that the phone must have gotten attached to their ear? We’ve now reached that point.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:56 amYou people don’t report news. You report partisan propoganda and HATE or you would have covered this story.
Comment by TP = Al Qaeda’s Girlfriend — September 18, 2007 @ 9:46 am
Hey, Admin, Mr P’s here!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:57 ambilbogaggins
So, tell me, how many times are incidents like this, when people are protesting Bush
And not just protesting Bush, but protesting Bush for not doing enough, not starting more wars, not trashing more of the constitution.
After all, the link he posted was about a lefty complaining about Kerry not protesting the election more, and not starting impeachment against Bush, so he must want more articles of people protesting Bush for not being more stupid/evil? Maybe protesting for Bush not drinking blended puppies or something along those lines.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:58 amNo offense all. But when police officers demand you to stop what you are doing, and they are holding Tasers….You best STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:59 amNow we know why Denny Hastert chose to leave Congress and won’t run for re-election. Can you run for election from a prison cell?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:00 amRe: Taser incident – again, expanded powers of the police thanks to our Patriot Act! As for his act of protest, it’s going to take our young people, once again, to show us the way. There should be mass protests on college campuses today against this vulgar war for oil.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:01 amSen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) responded that he was “disappointed†in their “rhetoric.â€
Byrd seems sorta happy in the picture, sorta like a ‘6 more years’ kind of pose, for being ‘disappointed’ in ‘rhetoric’
September 18th, 2007 at 10:01 amit just begs for abuse…
…
Comment by katy — September 18, 2007 @ 9:49 am
It’s been a dishonest equation all along. Talk about something that will hurt the troops’ morale. It also goes to show ya how much BuschCo has been lying about the situation in iraq. The WH keeps claiming “the surge” is working, and the increase in the number of troops is both necessary and effective. In truth, between the soldiers and mercs, they’ve apparently got over 300,000 people on the ground and STILL can’t control the country.
Shit, folks, we don’t even know what the Blackwaters are doing over there. ZERO accountability. WHAT A LOAD OF HORSE SH*T!!!!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:03 amNot having learned the lesson of Vietnam and, essentially, repeating it again, we will need to be reprimanded by our own children. “We” became “Them” and abused our power “because we could”. Now it’s time to suck it up and admit that we’ve been wrong….desperately wrong and do the next right thing by bringing our soldiers home immediately.
Cut the purse strings once and for all, Congress. This and IMPEACHMENT are the only two powers you hold right now. USE THEM!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:03 amThe kid that got tasered was definately uncivil and resisting. He could have asked the question and waited for answers but he became agitated and unruly. On the other for the cops to taser him when they have him on the ground and there are five of them is absolutely unnecessary, dangerous and abusive and in my mind illegal use of force. Just because you have a taser doesn’t mean you have to use it.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:04 amNow we know why Denny Hastert chose to leave Congress and won’t run for re-election. Can you run for election from a prison cell?
Comment by satirev — September 18, 2007 @ 10:00 am
That nasty little bit o’ bidness w/ de Turks might have sumpin’ ta do wit it too!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:05 am#40 THE SURGE IS DEFINITELY “NOT” WORKING. If it were working, Bush wouldn’t have to be out there doing his sick dog and pony show and blitzing the media with propagandized PR. It’s clear from the PR blitz that they need to provide the illusion that it’s working….just like his bogus speech about reducing the troops. Hell, he never intended to reduce the troops any more than what was already planned months ago to bring some relief to our overextended military. He did it simply for the HEADLINE – HE’S TAKING HIS MO RIGHT OUT OF ORWELL’S 1984.
What we have had here is a “stolen election” resulting in a “faux presidency” therefore, we’re dealing with a puppet president who, mentally, is not there.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:06 amdlet: This is illustrative of the level of anger our children have toward what we, the adults, are doing to their world, their future, and the rest of the world. Expect that there will be student demonstrations and riots now that the Patriot act has been abused. We always get what we ask for, don’t we?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:07 amWe have blown it in the eyes of our children. We will be held accountable and responsible by them – something which this administration of smoke & mirrors still refuses to accept. We will be shown the way by the children and the mothers in the world. It’s not about separation & hate; it’s about peace & harmony – that is, unless we intend to obliterate humanity from the face of the earth.
If human obliteration is the “goal” of this generation of people, then we’re on the right course right now with Bush at the helm.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:09 amRomeo’s Delight sez:
“No offense”, but you’re a piss-poor example of an American.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:10 amwhen i saw that clip of the student shouting at kerry, i wondered why kerry didn’t yell at the cops to back off – i do think he should have…
September 18th, 2007 at 10:11 ambut this kid is a known provocatuer, so maybe the cops were waiting for the chance… they over reacted in many instances…
…
Prostitution, drug dealing, and human trafficking is illegal. This is not only legal, it is supported by the government.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:14 amComment by satirev — September 18, 2007 @ 10:07 am
I agree that there should be protests and more demonstrations. I don’t think the police had the right to manhandle him inthe first place but the he could have handled himself in a better manner at the mic. He acted very agitated which gives the police the reason to move in.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:15 amProstitution, drug dealing, and human trafficking is illegal. This is not only legal, it is supported by the government.
Comment by Weatherby
You should look up war profiteering. Hint: it’s illegal. Our government spies on citizens without warrants, trades guns to countries illegally, backs up puppet governments through drug trafficing, etc. So tell me again why if the government is doing it doesn’t make it illegal.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:18 amYou have the right to free
Speech as long as you’re not
Dumb enough to actually try it.
- The Clash, ‘Know Your Rights’ from ‘Combat Rock’
September 18th, 2007 at 10:21 amWell regardless, they’re making good money for a job most people wouldn’t want to do. Is it immoral? Maybe, but then again, so is war.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:21 amHillary stabs Michael Moore in the back on Single Payer Healthcare
Tuesday 18th of September 2007
by Jay Randal
The United States has shoddy healthcare, because the insurance industry and HMO providers run the system for high profits, hence those who need medical needs the most are denied good care or get limited coverage.
Michael Moore in his documentary Sicko exposes the shady underbelly of healthcare, in the US, thus shows why it must be changed drastically and “Single Payer” Universal Healthcare system like in Europe enacted.
Health insurance industry cannot be reformed enough to fully benefit the US citizenry, so must be abolished from denying proper medical care to those who need it the most, thus halted from deciding who lives or dies.
“Single Payer” system enables everyone to get medical care when needed, plus sets-up clinics for preventive medicine to give out vitamins, flu shots, antibiotics and meds, so helps foster healthier population in general.
Note: Sen. Hillary Clinton receives PAC-funds from health insurance and pharmaceutical industries who desire “Single Payer” plan to be dashed.
(Jay Randal, political activist and writer in Georgia, USA.)
PS: So far only Rep. Dennis Kucinich has fully embraced Moore’s call for “Single Payer” system in US, but Edwards and Obama might do it too.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:24 amwhen i saw that clip of the student shouting at kerry, i wondered why kerry didn’t yell at the cops to back off – i do think he should have…
but this kid is a known provocatuer, so maybe the cops were waiting for the chance… they over reacted in many instances…
…
Comment by katy — September 18, 2007 @ 10:11 am
Per CNN.com and AOL.com, Kerry did tell the security guys to let the kid finish his questions and offered to answer. IMO, Kerry needs to intervene since he apparently didn’t feel threatened, yet I don’t yet see anything in the news that indicates he will.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:28 amWhat we have had here is a “stolen election†resulting in a “faux presidency†therefore, we’re dealing with a puppet president who, mentally, is not there.
Odd how the libs ALWAYS blame their electoral losses on Republican cheating, yet when they win its the will of the American people.
10,000 dem lawyers waiting for the results of the ‘06 elections and…Christmas Miracle!…there was only one lawsuit brought forward (dem loss in Florida) when the dems won pretty much across the board.
How DID the libs manage to keep Diebold and the CIA from hacking into the voting machines?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:28 amMaybe, but then again, so is war.
Comment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:21 am
Sorry, but you’re not making a point worth making.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:29 amPS: So far only Rep. Dennis Kucinich has fully embraced Moore’s call for “Single Payer†system in US, but Edwards and Obama might do it too.
Leave it to JR to reference a dem who is crazier than Charles Manson; birds of a feather and all that.
Idiot.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:31 amYou people don’t report news. You report partisan propoganda and HATE or you would have covered this story.
Comment by TP
How do you know it won’t be posted later today? Besides, you did see the message “What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section,” right?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:31 amwrong stupid. My point is valid, you’re too ignorant to listen to it though. Bunch of communists around here?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:32 amBunch of communists around here?
Comment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:32 am
Still living in the ’50’s, *sswipe?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:35 amPer CNN.com and AOL.com, Kerry did tell the security guys to let the kid finish his questions and offered to answer. IMO, Kerry needs to intervene since he apparently didn’t feel threatened, yet I don’t yet see anything in the news that indicates he will.
Comment by WC — September 18, 2007 @ 10:28 am
i didn’t catch that… it’s good to know…
September 18th, 2007 at 10:39 ami agree – he needs to make a statement, at the least…
…
Pillboxian Gravelite sez:
That’s only because there was ample evidence of massive election fraud in the 2000 and 2004 Presidential elections. Odd, how reality has a liberal bias…
So, let me get this straight…you’re making the case that the Democratic sweep in the 2006 election is proof that election fraud in the 2000 and 2004 elections didn’t happen, despite all the evidence to the contrary?
It must be fun to live in a world where logic is so malleable. No wonder most weak thinkers are Republican.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:39 amIdiot.
Comment by Micro Macro — September 18, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Apparently talking to himself about himself. Go figure!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:40 amBunch of communists around here?
Comment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:32 am
Hold on, I’ll answer that after I’ve finished collectivizing this farm over here….
September 18th, 2007 at 10:40 amwhoa, name calling? Is that all you got?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:41 amComment by TripMaster Monkey — September 18, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Frankly, it was clear to me that Karl Rove’s finger was on the scales in 2006 too. The thing is, even he didn’t understand the depth of the disgust with him and his sock puppet.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:42 amMicro Macro > Rep. Kucinich is a highly intelligent member of Congress, unlike the average GOPer dunce there.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:43 amBunch of communists around here?
Comment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:32 am
whoa, name calling? Is that all you got?
Comment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:41 am
After me everyone, 1,2,3: “Oh, the irony”
September 18th, 2007 at 10:43 amMan, there seems to be a lot of anger here. Can we refrain from name calling? Or is that required?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:43 amweatherby – do you not understand that those contractors
are doing the jobs the military USED to do, since forever?
that the contractors are costing YOU more MONEY to do so?
your kind b!thch about illegal immigrants coming to this country
for jobs which drive down real wages, but it’s ok for war profiteers
to take jobs away and make MORE money that the military…
“free market” bullshite.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:43 am…
It must be fun to live in a world where logic is so malleable.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — September 18, 2007 @ 10:39 am
You’re forgetting, TMM… GOOPers ‘create’ their own reality!
Strange reality they’ve chosen to create for themselves these days, huh?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:45 amYeah, who cares if Congress actually would harm “agency operations†and the “integrity of the budget process.â€
September 18th, 2007 at 10:46 am“The Senate will vote today on a bill to provide the District of Columbia with voting rights. The legislation, which has passed the House, would give D.C. a full voting member of the U.S. House while also providing Utah an additional seat.”
US SENATE Floor (earlier today)
Sam Brownback of Kansas first asserted his authority on DC issues by pointing out his chairmanship of a subcommittee of Congress on DC issues. He then went on to explain why he would NOT be supporting the DC voting rights, citing different aspects of the US CONSTITUTION which limits such glory only to “states”.
He further asserts that passing such a bill would malign the intention of the signors of the US CONSTITUTION, offering he would back a constitutional amendment instead. Maybe DC residents should clue in the honorable senator from the dear state of Kansas how long they have been fighting for such an amendment to no avail
One wonders why Sam Brownback of Kansas did not come to the floor to make the same argument when the ill that most of the recent security instruments viz: Patriot Act and etc brought upon the Fourth Amendment and other parts of the US CONSTITUTION came to light before those bills were passed.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:47 amHow DID the libs manage to keep Diebold and the CIA from hacking into the voting machines?
Comment by Pillboxian Gravelite — September 18, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Did you ever consider that perhaps after the voting irregularities in 2004 with the electronic machines (see Ohio and all the machines that selected Bush when a voter selected Kerry, for examples), the Repubs decided it wasn’t worth drawing even more attention?
As well, it wasn’t for a lack of trying considering the New Hampshire Republican Party’s executive director pleaded guilty to jamming the phone lines of Democratic get-out-the-vote offices in 2002. Apparently there were 22 phone calls between New Hampshire Republican officials and the White House Office of Political Affairs on election night and early the next morning. But our wonderful DOJ isn’t interested in finding out what happened as it appears they are blocking any investigations.
Besides, the Repubs got the results they wanted in the 2000 and 2004 elections — Bush in the WH; the Congressional elections in those years and in 2002 were just bonuses.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:50 amJake D. brings up a good point:
failure to support the president’s reduced spending proposals would delay the bills,harming agency operations and the “integrity of the budget process.”
Is that what you want?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:50 amHopefully, President Bush would veto any bill which would provide the District of Columbia with a full voting seat.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:51 amYeah, who cares if Congress actually would harm “agency operations†and the “integrity of the budget process.â€
Comment by Jake D. — September 18, 2007 @ 10:46 am
ya mean, harm “operations” worse than the Bush appointees already have?
Is that what ya meant to say, Jerk D?
September 18th, 2007 at 10:54 amI didn’t call anyone a communist.. I asked. There is a difference. Had I said, “you guys are a bunch of communists” then I would have been name calling. It’s funny that ‘communist’ is a dirty word to you.
Also.. My kind katy? What is my kind? I’ve never once complained about illegal immigrants. They’re not going to take my job, and I sure as hell don’t want to do their jobs. Good for them trying to make themselves live better.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:54 amBut Jake D., it would also give heavily Republican Utah an extra seat in the House
September 18th, 2007 at 10:55 amMaybe Weatherby can inform us where it’s written in the AUMF that the private guns for hire can be allowed. It clearly talks of “Military” forces but nowhere have I found private security forces can be used.
More importantly, it’s the Iraq govt. that is taking a stand against these private security firms. Bush would be shooting himself in the foot if he were to allow the contractors to make a stink of this.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:58 amFrankly, it was clear to me that Karl Rove’s finger was on the scales in 2006 too. The thing is, even he didn’t understand the depth of the disgust with him and his sock puppet.
Comment by TerrytheTurtle — September 18, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Ahhh…you are speaking of The Math, eh? Kos had good coverage of the races and the trends leading up to election day, and pretty much nailed it. Too bad that “the other side” pretty much dismissed it.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:01 amI trust the Cabinet officials to determine what would, or would not. harm operations. As for D.C. (and Utah) getting a full voting seat, the larger you make a legislature, the less nimble and more opaque it becomes. And, what’s going to happen in the U.S. Senate? The purpose of the Senate is to provide smaller rural STATES (not the District of Columbia) more of an equalizing voice. If you are going to make the Senate proportional like the House, we might was well go to a unicameral system. IMO, the District of Columbia should be added to Maryland and given representation therein.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 amso, Jake D., I take it you feel that people of D.C. should not have a voice?
September 18th, 2007 at 11:05 amWhat part of “the District of Columbia should be added to Maryland and given representation therein” do you not understand?
September 18th, 2007 at 11:06 amRomeo’sDelight:
You also didn’t answer my question: “what’s going to happen in the U.S. Senate?”
September 18th, 2007 at 11:07 amAbout Maryland, I don’t agree. They should be representative of their selves, not a bordering state.
I think the Senate should govern a small rural area like D.C., as well as the House picking up another conservative vote :-)
September 18th, 2007 at 11:10 amNot gonna happen while Bush holds the veto pen.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:13 amComment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:54 am
Ahhhhh…But the insinuation is there.
Insinuation
- noun
Covert or artful suggestion or hinting, as of something implied. (Dictionary.com)
Just as if I said to you, “What are you, an idiot?” The suggestion is that you are an idiot.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:17 amSorry for the double post, folks. My first post had disappeared and I thought it was pulled for language. I toned it down and made the second post, and then the first one reappeared. Looks like TP is up to its posting tricks again.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:19 amNot gonna happen while Bush holds the veto pen.
Comment by Jake D. — September 18, 2007 @ 11:13 am
I wonder if he knows which end to hold….
September 18th, 2007 at 11:20 amOK…the first post is gone again. Sheesh.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:20 amAnd now it’s back.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:21 amWeatherby sez:
Say, that reminds me. Weatherby, is you mother a whore?
What? I’m not saying she’s a whore. I’m just wondering out loud if she is a whore.
(H.T. to the esteemed Jon Stewart.)
It’s clearly a dirty word to you, which is what matters.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:22 amI trust the Cabinet officials to determine what would, or would not. harm operations. As for D.C. (and Utah) getting a full voting seat, the larger you make a legislature, the less nimble and more opaque it becomes.
Comment by Jake D. — September 18, 2007 @ 11:03 am
This is an exceptionally silly argument. Legislatures are not supposed to be nimble. They’re supposed to be slow and deliberative. This is not a good argument for denying people their constitutional rights.
Rolling DC into Maryland is also a bad idea that’s never going to happen. Maryland can’t afford another major city. As the seat of the federal government, DC should remain separate, and its people should have a vote.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:26 amQuotes by people who wonder aloud about stuff:
Ann Coulter – “”We need somebody to put rat poisoning in Justice Stevens’ creme brulee,” and “That’s a joke”
Weatherby: “bunch of communists around here?”
Henry II: “Won’t someone rid me of this turbulent priest”
(and guess what? 4 hours later, St Thomas A Becket’s head was in two pieces on the floor of Canterbury Cathedral)
September 18th, 2007 at 11:27 amAlso.. My kind katy? [...]
Comment by Weatherby — September 18, 2007 @ 10:54 am
yea, sorry about that broad brush thing…
September 18th, 2007 at 11:33 ambut you knew what i meant…
…
I trust the Cabinet officials to determine what would, or would not. harm operations.
Comment by Jake D. — September 18, 2007 @ 11:03 am
Would that include all the Cabinet officials, or just the ones that haven’t resigned, been indicted, or convicted? Jes’ askin’???
September 18th, 2007 at 11:34 amgasp! his HEAD was in 2 pieces???
September 18th, 2007 at 11:35 ambad aiming…
For the record, more officials had resigned, been indicted, and/ or convicted at this point in the Clinton Adminstration (of course, the Big One got away).
September 18th, 2007 at 11:39 amAlthough I more than likely agree with Jake D. on this one, I do request to actually see the data comparing the two administrations, please.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:43 am#100…Post them all, name and date please…..Maybe some one else would be so kind and post all of bush’s…..If you do not post we will assume you are up to the usual.?
September 18th, 2007 at 11:48 amFor the record, more officials had resigned, been indicted, and/ or convicted at this point in the Clinton Adminstration (of course, the Big One got away).
Comment by Jake D. — September 18, 2007 @ 11:39 am
Strawman. We’re not comparing the 2 admns. We’re talking about Bush and why the Cabinets are “rejecting’ the budget proposals. Jerk said he’d trust the Cabinet officials. I say they’ve proven to be incompetent.
September 18th, 2007 at 11:52 amFeel free to look it up at the Clinton Library (it’s all on-line).
September 18th, 2007 at 11:54 amLOL….The post was stated, no link’s, no name’s and dates…Hummmm and we are suposto look it up?…..Troll’s are alway’s like that….Not holding my breath on anything black hearted little boy troll’s write….
September 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pmSad to say, that Jake has to bring up such a silly argument, when you consider that Bush ran on bringing honesty and integrity back to the white house.
Also consider, that so far the Bush administration has refused to answer subpeonas. I think once admin officials start testifying under oath, Clinton’s record will be broken quickly.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:01 pmFor the record, until Clinton’s “record” is broken, then Bush did indeed restore honesty and integrity back to the White House. Anyone NOT on the “Ignore List” who has a hard time looking up the word “resigned” at the Clinton Library ( http://www.clintonlibrary.gov/research.html ), let me know.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pmthen Bush did indeed restore honesty and integrity back to the White House.
Comment by Jake D. — September 18, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
I wish I had blinders like Jake’s. Life must be much easier when you are able to ignore facts for a dream world.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:09 pmYep!, Krazny…..It’s alway’s the same in the troll world….Poor troll’s, they have to drop their little piles of stink and then scurry back into the darkness..Light realy doe’s affect them…..Blessings
September 18th, 2007 at 12:16 pmCREW RELEASES THIRD ANNUAL MOST CORRUPT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS REPORT
September 18th, 2007 at 12:18 pm18 Sep 2007 // Washington, DC – Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released its third annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress entitled Beyond DeLay: The 22 Most Corrupt Members of Congress (and two to watch).
[...]
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/30131
…
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
What about that poor University of Florida student questioning Kerry that was tazered.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:18 pmAnyone NOT on the “Ignore List†who has a hard time looking up the word “resigned†at the Clinton Library
Joke has a hard time winning these debates – even with himself as the only person not on the ‘ignore list’. Where’s Uncle John? He’s not on the list….
September 18th, 2007 at 12:41 pmHeh. From The Progressive Review, updated in 2000 (Google it…for some reason TP doesn’t like it when I post links.)
Using a far looser standard that included resignations, David R. Simon and D. Stanley Eitzen in Elite Deviance, say that 138 appointees of the Reagan administration either resigned under an ethical cloud or were criminally indicted. Curiously Haynes Johnson uses the same figure but with a different standard in “Sleep-Walking Through History: America in the Reagan Years: “By the end of his term, 138 administration officials had been convicted, had been indicted, or had been the subject of official investigations for official misconduct and/or criminal violations. In terms of number of officials involved, the record of his administration was the worst ever.”
September 18th, 2007 at 12:46 pmAnd on a final note… The Minneapolis airport is erecting a sign to commemorate its restroom that says “Senator Larry Craig shlepped here – 2007″
September 18th, 2007 at 1:29 pmRomeo’sDelight:
Did you have any problems with the Clinton Libary link I provided?
September 18th, 2007 at 1:47 pmJake D,
September 18th, 2007 at 2:02 pmNo I did not.
Thank you for your time and effort.
You’re welcome.
For anyone else NOT on the “Ignore List” it should read “Library” not “Libary” above, but please let me know if you have a hard time looking up those words as well.
September 18th, 2007 at 2:15 pm[...]
For his part, Kerry was apparently trying to diffuse the situation, trying to answer the student’s questions and asking everyone to stay calm. Today, the senator responded to the incident.
ABC News’ Rick Klein Reports: Sen. John Kerry on Tuesday condemned the arrest of a University of Florida student at one of his speeches, saying that he was engaged in a “good healthy discussion†with 21-year-old Andrew Meyer when he was Tasered and taken into custody.
“In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way,†Kerry said in a statement. “I believe I could have handled the situation without interruption, but I do not know what warnings or other exchanges transpired between the young man and the police prior to his barging to the front of the line and their intervention. I asked the police to allow me to answer the question and was in the process of responding when he was taken into custody.â€
“I was not aware that a taser was used until after I left the building,†he continued. “I hope that neither the student nor any of the police were injured. I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted.â€
September 18th, 2007 at 2:23 pm[...]
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/12921.html