ThinkFast: October 24, 2007
ThinkFast: October 24, 2007
Right-wing pundit Glenn Beck responded to criticism over his suggestion earlier this week that the California wildfires are damaging the homes of “a handful of people who hate America.” Beck yesterday lashed out at “a few liberal bloggers” who, he said, “claim that I’m serious when I’m joking and try to cause trouble.”
“Despite new House travel restrictions, lawmakers accepted free trips worth nearly $1.9 million during the first eight months of this year — more than in all of 2006, records show.” For example, the conservative Club for Growth “spent $32,242 to bring 10 GOP lawmakers to its April convention at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach in Florida that included a four-hour cruise on a 170-foot yacht.”
“The Bush Administration is reportedly considering air strikes, including cruise missiles, against the Kurdish rebel group PKK in northern Iraq. The move would be an attempt to stave off a Turkish invasion of that country to fight the rebels.”
The Iraqi government announced today that it has decided to “formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the war-ravaged country.” A government spokesman said in a statement that the Iraqi cabinet “decided to scrap the article pertaining to security companies operating in Iraq that was issued by the CPA in 2004.”
$2.4 trillion: The potential cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the next decade, “or nearly $8,000 per man, woman and child in the country, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate.” “The number is so big, it boggles the mind,” said Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL).
“President Bush said yesterday that a missile defense system is urgently needed in Europe to guard against a possible attack on U.S. allies by Iran.” Defense Secretary Robert Gates suggested that the United States “could delay activating such a system until there is ‘definitive proof‘ of such a threat.”
“Despite all his recent bravado about being an apostle of small government and budget-slashing,” Bush is the biggest spending president since 1964. According to an analysis by McClatchy, annual growth of discretionary spending (adjusted for inflation) has increased 5.3 percent under Bush’s watch, a number that exceeds the spending of his recent predecessors.
“The government’s terrorist watch list has swelled to more than 755,000 names,” growing by approximately “200,000 names a year since 2004.” The new report by the Government Accountability Office also “raised worries about the list’s effectiveness.”
And finally: A job listing recently appeared on the D.C. government’s public job database allegedly looking for a personal chef for MSNBC pundit Tucker Carlson. The posting named Carlson, who listed his own occuation as “Able Seaman.” The pay was just “$7.50 an hour, with no benefits.” Evidently though, according to Carlson, the posting was a hoax.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
Topic Cloud
Since when, and by what law, does the United States have the right to launch air strikes against any group of people in another country?
October 24th, 2007 at 9:07 am“(Pres.) Bush is the biggest spending president since 1964.”
Is anyone surprised at all? his campaign promise was to “reign in spending”. So, of course, he increased spending.
Typical neo-con flip-flopping.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:10 amLet the dictator pay for his own wars from the war profits he’s making hand over fist right now. His veep, too, thanks to no-bid-contract-Haliburton.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:11 amBeck yesterday lashed out at “a few liberal bloggers†who, he said, “claim that I’m serious when I’m joking and try to cause trouble.â€
I’m quite sure that the 600+ people who lost their homes in those fires didn’t see the “humor” in what he said. Beck is seriously evil. Not to mention the fact that I’m willing to bet that more people lost their homes that support Bush and his causes than otherwise. Those were pretty pricey homes that went up in flames, and many of them were in California’s most conservative area, San Diego.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:11 amceltic cynic sez:
The Law of the Jungle, also known as “Might makes Right”, and “Manifest Destiny”.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:12 am#2 It’s not really flip flopping, although it would be made to appear so.
It’s downright “bold faced lying”, that’s what it is. Whatever he says, believe the opposite, known as plagiarized Orwellian speak.
If his lips are moving, there’s a probability that he’s lying.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:12 amMorning, Trip & Bilbo: As usual, good posts.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:13 amMorning, Veritas. ^_^
October 24th, 2007 at 9:13 amIf anyone watched the documentary on Frontline “Cheney’s Law”, that’s precisely what it is.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:13 am“The Bush Administration is reportedly considering air strikes, including cruise missiles, against the Kurdish rebel group PKK in northern Iraq.
Oh, now that makes perfect sense. The Kurdish area of Iraq is the only part that is fairly stable. So now Bush is going to be bombing there to destabilize that area. How about we start a new tactic, and that would be to MYOB! Let the Kurds and the Turks figure it out for themselves. Taking sides in other people’s fights is never a good idea.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:14 amSo according to Beck the California fires only burn ‘democrat’ houses? How does he explain all those republicans who elected Ahnold? Asshat.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:15 amMorning Veritas - I like it here in the morning since the trolls usually don’t come out from under their bridges this early. I won’t be around as much for the next week or so, I’m in the process of moving. What a pain that is!
October 24th, 2007 at 9:15 ambilbobaggins sez:
Exactly why Chimpy & Co. are looking to stir things up with a few cruise missiles. They can’t afford to have anything resembling order in Iraq.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:17 amThe Iraqi government announced today that it has decided to “formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the war-ravaged country.â€
Not like our government is going to let them get away with that! The Iraqi government is bought and paid for by our US dollars. How dare they do something independent?
I have to laugh every time some troll refers to the Iraq government as a democracy. It is about as far away from being a democracy as our country is becoming.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:17 amI like the way Beck whines “I was just joking!”
Joking about people losing their houses always knocks ‘em dead on the Strip.
And funny… I seem to remember a presidential candidate who was hounded mercilessly for a failed joke… hmmmmm, can we say hypocrisy?
October 24th, 2007 at 9:23 am$2.4 trillion: The potential cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the next decade, “or nearly $8,000 per man, woman and child in the country, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate.â€
That’s what takes the sting out of McConnell’s statement about us running up a 120 billion debt. We are becoming immune to the amount of zeros on a number that is presented to us. What’s a billion here or there?
I fear what we are doing to this country. The debt we are leaving our children is unconscionable.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:24 am“President Bush said yesterday that a missile defense system is urgently needed in Europe to guard against a possible attack on U.S. allies by Iran.â€
Excuse me, but who made us the world’s keepers? I’m fairly sure sure that Europe can stand up for themselves. Besides, the only country that is really under any threat from Iran is Israel and that would be only if Israel strikes first.
This is nothing more than another plan to line the pockets of Bush’s cronies with our tax dollars. Besides, Putin has already told Bush that there is no way they will put up with it.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:26 amI just had a thought. Israel is supposed to be our ally (probably one of the only ones left), and we pretty much make foreign policy according to what Israel wants. So, why is there not an Israeli army in Iraq? I don’t remember them ever being one of the so-called “coalition”. Am I wrong here?
October 24th, 2007 at 9:29 amDemocratic Soldier and Veritas,
The White House will claim that they weren’t lying at all. They will claim that all along, they wanted to ‘reign’ (the way a queen does) in spending, as opposed to ‘rein-in’ (the way a horseback rider would) spending. For six years (plus a bit more actually) the country has suffered from their ‘reign’, but they weren’t LYING, we just heard them wrong.
So, you see, it was actually our fault all along; we got it wrong.
/snark off/
October 24th, 2007 at 9:29 am“President Bush said yesterday that a missile defense system is urgently needed…”
Perhaps he should say a missle defense system that works - the current one has only “passed” tests against missles with known trajectories and with homing devices…and the failures missles to even leave the silos are not counted as failures (http://bobpark.physics.umd.edu/WN05/wn021805.html)
October 24th, 2007 at 9:30 amSure, we can say “hypocrisy†when you defend Kerry for saying a joke that really wasn’t a joke, but then condemn Beck when you misquote a joke that really was a joke (albeit not a very good one).
Comment by TCDon
Only in conservative bizzaro world. Sorry Loon, everyone except for the 24%ers know that what Kerry said was a joke aimed at Bush, not at the troops. And most reasoning, thinking people would fail to see the joke in what Beck said about those people losing their homes. Good try though.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:31 amI don’t fully understand why Turkey invading and fighting Iraq is such a bad thing…???
October 24th, 2007 at 9:32 amThe Iraqi government announced today that it has decided to “formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the war-ravaged country.â€
Why can’t the Iraqi’s get democracy right. Don’t they know big business comes first in a democracy? You don’t see large telecom companies in the US having their possible retroactive immunity rejected by our government. It appears its time to invade Iraq again.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:33 am“The Bush Administration is reportedly considering air strikes”
Yep, because we all know another dose of shock and awe is the best way to fix centuries’ old feuds in the Middle East.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:34 am“Despite all his recent bravado about being an apostle of small government and budget-slashing,†Bush is the biggest spending president since 1964.
This needs to become the Democratic mantra. That way every time Bush whines about spending a little more on education or health care for the poor (because it’s “big spending” when the Democrats do it, but not when he does it) they need to throw this right back in his face. Then there’s always the billions a month we are spending to occupy a country that wants us to get the hell out.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:34 amThe new report by the Government Accountability Office also “raised worries about the list’s effectiveness.â€
No sh*t Sherlock. I find it impossible to believe that there are that many potential terrorists in this country. And the real terrorists (Bush & Company) aren’t even on the list.
But, they do need something to justify spying on Americans. If they can convince us that there are 755,000 potential terrorists hanging around our communities, I guess we won’t mind if our government spies on us.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:36 amWe always should and always will reserve the right to strike anyone we choose, if we assess them to be a threat to national security. Plain and simple. Sounds nasty. But that’s the plain hard reality, if we want to maintain the supremacy of our civilization and our intelligence. A policy diluted from this would lead to nothing but decay through gradual attrition.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:38 amI don’t fully understand why Turkey invading and fighting Iraq is such a bad thing…???
Comment by Ike Skelton — October 24, 2007 @ 9:32 am
The US considers the invading of Iraq to be intellectual property. Turkey invading Iraq is a akin to copyright infringement. If Turkey wants to invade Iraq they need to pay the US royalties.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:42 amLooks to me that fires are an attack on America by Republican anarchists.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:42 amSo, why is there not an Israeli army in Iraq? I don’t remember them ever being one of the so-called “coalitionâ€. Am I wrong here?
-Comment by bilbobaggins
Bilbo, I’ve been asking the same question now for some time. I guess it falls into the ’super secret let’s not ever talk about it’ domain, much like Israel’s ’super secret nukes’.
If fact, Israel would much rather pressure us for billions in support of an agenda we’re not even briefed about. They’re like a juvenile that is nasty & belligerent, but when they strike someone, they can’t be indicted because ‘they’re not of age’.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:48 amHello all, just another hump day in bull shit bush’s par-a-dice….Great posts, trip, bilbo and veritas…..Hope the move goes well bilbo, I hate to move to, seem’s that’s all I did for 35 year’s when i was married, now single get to stay put..
This Beck thing is disgusting, can’t stand the nazi….Watched a couple of his show’s in the past and his pattern is always the same, look at me I’m the person to listen to, I’m an authority…Total wast of air time, much like the telavangelests thumping for money and screaming hate speech..
The bigest debt, doubled with bull shit in office…..The worst pres. in our history, excuse me…..The worst self imposed dictator….When is this night mare going to end and who’s going to light a fire under Palosi to do the right thing and put impeachment back on the table…..The dem’s had better get their shit together or they will loose the 2008 election….People I talk to are saying what the point in voting for any of these guy’s they are all the same…I keep saying Kucenich is the answer but can any one turn this horrible mess around now…Are we to late.?…..Blessing to you all today, I’m off to do some painting and tree hugging…..Extra Blessings go out to all in my home state of California…..
October 24th, 2007 at 9:50 amWhen is this night mare going to end and who’s going to light a fire under Palosi to do the right thing and put impeachment back on the table…
Ms. Pelosi seems to think that the best chance the Democrats have for taking over the government is in not impeaching the Chimp to keep him front and center until the election. The sad fact she seems to be missing is that by that time we may no longer have a functioning government and if the Chimp gets his way, there won’t even be an election.
I write her every morning and tell her this. I don’t think she is listening though.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:56 am…a missile defense system is urgently needed in Europe…
says WHO??? …besides the neoCONS…
and the missile defense system people…
the EUROPEANS? … are THEY?
October 24th, 2007 at 9:58 am…
I’m sure your correct, bilbo…I write her all the time also, but my tone has changed a lot since I found out she knew in 2001, long before 9/11, about the wire tapping and has done nothing about it…Of late I beliee she is part of the problem, not part of the solution…Blessings
October 24th, 2007 at 10:00 am#35 error, sorry should be believe…..Not enough coffee.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:02 am“it boggles the mind”
Shut it Rahm. You DLC folk are enablers because you don’t want to look partisan before the ‘08 elections. Spineless cowards.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:07 amjoking?
October 24th, 2007 at 10:07 amOnly Repugnicans are allowed to make jokes. Only Repugnicans “mis-speak.”
October 24th, 2007 at 10:15 amIt is the evil and Nazi-Democrats who must not joke, nor must they ever utter a word of phrase in error. This, according to Glenn Beck — the neo-Nazi of CNN.
I see that Glenn Beck is resorting to the Ann Coulter defense — when reasonable people complain that your usual inflammatory rhetoric crosses a line, just claim it was a joke!
Sorry — not funny. Just as Ann’s “jokes” aren’t.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:15 amThe boy-king is planning air strikes in Kurdish-Iraq? Does anyone in the White House have a functioning brain or are they all simply death and destruction robots?
October 24th, 2007 at 10:18 amOf course the Bush Administration isn’t mature enough to consider DIPLOMACY with the PKK and DIPLOMACY with Turkey to “stave off a Turkish invasion.” Instead of Turkey bombing northern Iraq, Bush will sign up to use American forces and American money to bomb the most stable area of Iraq. What’s the difference? Same result. Will the PKK and most certainly the civilian women and children that die care who dropped the bombs? I guess their surviving family members will care. So we’d rather the Kurds come to hate America more than Turkey? Bush and company are insane.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:22 amwulp… too late, dubby… the turks got there first…
Turkish army shells Kurdish rebels
October 24th, 2007 at 10:23 amCNN International - 3 hours ago
(CNN) — Turkish artillery units have shelled Kurdish separatist positions within northern Iraq, a Turkish government official said on Wednesday, amid continuing diplomatic efforts to avert a major cross-border incursion by Turkish military forces.
Iranians Gain From Crisis Over PKK Attacks on Turkey (Update1) Bloomberg
Turkey shells Kurdish targets in Iraq Times Online
-google news page
.
For example, the conservative Club for Growth “spent $32,242 to bring 10 GOP lawmakers to its April convention at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach in Florida that included a four-hour cruise on a 170-foot yacht.â€
—————————————
ooooooooooo — I wanna be a GOP lawmaker and get all these goodies! Where do I sign up?
October 24th, 2007 at 10:24 amBeck yesterday lashed out at “a few liberal bloggers†who, he said, “claim that I’m serious when I’m joking and try to cause trouble.â€
———————————–
Are there ANY wingnut talking heads out there who will take responsibility for the idiotic things they say? Or is there some rule that says they must blame liberals for their stupidity?
Oh, and Glenn — if people aren’t laughing at your “jokes”, that’s a clue you should get out of the comedy biz. Either that, or make sure you clearly identify your “jokes” as such.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:27 amand this is rich:
Bush to Warn Cuba on Plan for Transition
October 24th, 2007 at 10:30 amNew York Times - 5 hours ago
Cristobal Herrera/AP A transfer of power from Fidel Castro, left, to his brother Raúl, without democratic reforms, is unacceptable, Mr. [bush]
Castro: Bush pushing world to war CNN
Bush Touting Cuban Life After Castro The Associated Press
…
The Iraqi government announced today that it has decided to “formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the war-ravaged country.â€
——————————–
I’m kind of impressed that it’s taken this long for Iraq to run out of patience. How long would it have taken us to run out of patience if we were the occupied country and foreign private security companies were operating without accountability here? Not long, I bet.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:30 amEither that, or make sure you clearly identify your “jokes†as such.
Comment by missmolly — October 24, 2007 @ 10:27 am
Everyone knew it was a joke. But that doesn’t change anything. You can’t say hateful things about people suffering and then say it was a joke & expect that that somehow changes the inappropriateness of what you said. If Beck’s mother died in some horrible accident and another TV personality made some rude joke about her could he then absolve himself by saying it was just a joke? Sick humor is hardly a defense for statements like Beck made.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:31 am“President Bush said yesterday that a missile defense system is urgently needed in Europe to guard against a possible attack on U.S. allies by Iran.†Defense Secretary Robert Gates suggested that the United States “could delay activating such a system until there is ‘definitive proof‘ of such a threat.â€
——————————–
Not to worry, I’m sure the “definite proof” of a threat is being worked on right now.
This administration wants more than anything to bomb Iran. But they need justification to sell this (why, I don’t know — it’s not like they care about what Americans or the rest of the world thinks). I’m sure they are working on a way to “draw them offside” — find a way to provoke Iran into some kind of move of aggression. Then we will bomb Iran with a claim that it’s necessary to contain this horribly aggressive monster.
Claiming that a missile defense system is needed is just more propaganda to grow the Iran boogeyman.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:36 am“The government’s terrorist watch list has swelled to more than 755,000 names,†growing by approximately “200,000 names a year since 2004.â€
Whatever will the airlines do when EVERYBODY is on the “no-fly” list?
October 24th, 2007 at 10:38 amNo veto for Russia on missile shield: US official
October 24th, 2007 at 10:40 amReuters - 1 hour ago
BERLIN (Reuters) - A senior US official said on Wednesday Washington’s offer to delay activation of its missile defense shield in Europe in exchange for cooperation from Russia did not imply Moscow had a veto.
Administration Diverges on Missile Defense Washington Post
US may delay activating missile shield Los Angeles Times
…
Only in conservative bizzaro world. Sorry Loon, everyone except for the 24%ers know that what Kerry said was a joke aimed at Bush, not at the troops. And most reasoning, thinking people would fail to see the joke in what Beck said about those people losing their homes. Good try though.
Comment by bilbobaggins — October 24, 2007 @ 9:31 am
It’s absolutely amazing the lengths libs will go to not to admit their own hypocrisy. Both comments appear to be poorly thought out jokes. To defend one and condemn the other is hypocrisy no matter where you stand. One just seems more offensive than the other depending on your political perspective. Hypocrisy abounds in many, if not most, discussions of politics. Why do you have so much trouble admitting it. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 10:44 amTCDon sez:
First of all, where is your evidence that Kerry’s joke wasn’t really a joke, while Beck’s was? Cite your sources, please.
Second, If you’re going to condemn one, then you have to condemn both. What’s it going to be?
October 24th, 2007 at 10:48 amWhy do you have so much trouble admitting it. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 10:44 am
I don’t have much time this morning, so I’ll just cut to the chase,
Yer full of Cheney, *assh*t.
(It’s just a joke, “bud”… ;-D!!!)
October 24th, 2007 at 10:49 amRight after 9/11 Iran’s reformers reached out to the US , helped a lot in Afgahnastan and even stopped all people from saying Death to america . and condemned the terroist attacks . But said they didnt have Osma’s brother in their country . Next step Iran is the Axis of Evil (re: Bush) Reformers with the Mullahs permission reach out again viva letter from Swiss embassy . Reformers are made to look like fools by Bush because they never responded to a myrid list of things they were willing to do to reestablish a relationship with the West .
October 24th, 2007 at 10:49 amOk maybe everything wasnt on the table but it could have been a serious statring point for negotiations ,
But NO Bush and Cheney WANT WAR.
I BELIEVE THEY WANT INSTALBILITY IN THAT REGION IT KEEPS OIL PRICE HIGH FOR THEM AND THEIR BUDDIES
uptight left sez:
You might want to discuss your viewpoint with TCDon, as he seems to be doing exactly what constitutes hypocrisy in your book:
Hash it out amongst yourselves. We’ll wait.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:49 amSo, why is there not an Israeli army in Iraq? I don’t remember them ever being one of the so-called “coalitionâ€. Am I wrong here?
-Comment by bilbobaggins
“Bilbo, I’ve been asking the same question now for some time. I guess it falls into the ’super secret let’s not ever talk about it’ domain…”
Comment by Zimzone — October 24, 2007 @ 9:48 am
I assume this is not a serious statement, since you couldn’t possibly want to place our troops in the middle of something like that. Seems like a good way to speed up the start of WWIII. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 10:55 amRead the comments for that Glenn Beck topic on Media Matters http://mediamatters.org/items/200710240001 . They put the lie to Beck’s “it was just a joke” and his lengthy response trying to pass the whole thing off. And they’re really entertaining to boot!
October 24th, 2007 at 10:57 am“We always should and always will reserve the right to strike anyone we choose, if we assess them to be a threat to national security. Plain and simple. Sounds nasty. But that’s the plain hard reality, if we want to maintain the supremacy of our civilization and our intelligence. A policy diluted from this would lead to nothing but decay through gradual attrition.”
And lead to further isolation in the world community, which will further negatively affect our intelligence-gathering activities…
You sound like a rookie who’s never played this game before.
October 24th, 2007 at 10:58 amHash it out amongst yourselves. We’ll wait.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — October 24, 2007 @ 10:49 am
Did I not just acknowledge there is hypocrisy on the part of conservatives? I’m just looking for one lib, just one, to admit the hypocrisy goes both ways. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 10:59 am“a handful of people who hate America.†Beck
“claim that I’m serious when I’m joking and try to cause trouble.â€
We weren’t laughing, a$$hole.
Buck Fush
October 24th, 2007 at 11:00 am“I assume this is not a serious statement, since you couldn’t possibly want to place our troops in the middle of something like that. ”
Hello? Forgotten already where our troops are NOW, and how they got there? You’re joking, right?
October 24th, 2007 at 11:01 amdecided to “formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies
You mean they can’t murder civilians at a whim anymore, what’s a mercenary to do.
Buck Fush
October 24th, 2007 at 11:02 amWhy do you have so much trouble admitting it. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 10:44 am
I don’t have much time this morning, so I’ll just cut to the chase,
Yer full of Cheney, *assh*t.
(It’s just a joke, “budâ€â€¦ ;-D!!!)
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — October 24, 2007 @ 10:49 am
Hey stupid, how are ya this fine morning? That’s a gem of a response there, bud! Must be because you are in a hurry. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:04 am“I assume this is not a serious statement, since you couldn’t possibly want to place our troops in the middle of something like that. â€
Hello? Forgotten already where our troops are NOW, and how they got there? You’re joking, right?
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:01 am
And you don’t think they’d be in a worse position by putting Isreali troops in Iraq? Don’t you think muslims around the world might have just the tiniest little problem with that? ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:07 amAnd you don’t think they’d be in a worse position by putting Isreali troops in Iraq? Don’t you think muslims around the world might have just the tiniest little problem with that? ;)
Comment by upright left
I knew I’d get a hit with that bait… It works every time.
At least the Israelis wouldn’t have played favorites, which is what has greatly hampered our efforts.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:09 amThe Israelis would have been just as brutal - they just wouldn’t have dressed it all up with flowery rhetoric, making them seem two-faced, like we did.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:13 am“Despite new House travel restrictions, lawmakers accepted free trips worth nearly $1.9 million during the first eight months of this year — more than in all of 2006, records show.†For example, the conservative Club for Growth “spent $32,242 to bring 10 GOP lawmakers to its April convention at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach in Florida that included a four-hour cruise on a 170-foot yacht.â€
To be fair, it should be noted that Republicans aren’t the only ones skirting the law. Our elected representatives taking advantage of their positions for personal gain. Imagine that. ;)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2007/ 10/ 13/ AR2007101301275.html?sub=new
October 24th, 2007 at 11:13 amI knew I’d get a hit with that bait… It works every time.
At least the Israelis wouldn’t have played favorites, which is what has greatly hampered our efforts.
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:09 am
And why do you suppose it works everytime, fly? Do you really expect anyone to actually discuss Isreali troops as liberators in a Muslim country? Are you seriously that easily amused or foolish enough to expect such a discussion. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:19 amThe Israelis would have been just as brutal - they just wouldn’t have dressed it all up with flowery rhetoric, making them seem two-faced, like we did.
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:13 am
I hope this wasn’t a blanket condemnation of our troops. You really ought to be a little more careful with such remarks given the liberal history in regard to slamming the troops. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:21 am“Our elected representatives taking advantage of their positions for personal gain. Imagine that. ;)”
It’s not the same story in the business world?
Or the “religious world?”
Or the “medical world?”
Or in the “legal world?”
They are just like everyone else?
Imagine that
October 24th, 2007 at 11:22 amAnd why do you suppose it works everytime, fly? Do you really expect anyone to actually discuss Isreali troops as liberators in a Muslim country? Are you seriously that easily amused or foolish enough to expect such a discussion. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Liberators? Bwahahahahaha! You’re such an ass.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:22 am“You really ought to be a little more careful with such remarks given the liberal history in regard to slamming the troops. ;)”
A little early to be batting away at strawmen, so I’ll leave yours alone.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:23 amI hope this wasn’t a blanket condemnation of our troops. You really ought to be a little more careful with such remarks given the liberal history in regard to slamming the troops. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 11:21 am
as opposed to the conservative tradition of killing the troops with cheap equipment, bad food and illegal wars? You’re sinking fast!
October 24th, 2007 at 11:23 am“Do you really expect anyone to actually discuss Isreali troops as liberators in a Muslim country? ”
How about debating the US as liberators, given the bloody past your party has with them? Why do you think it’s worse to be discussing Israelis possible involvement, given the hubristic way your guys previously (and still) use Iraq as a geo-political pawn?
October 24th, 2007 at 11:29 am“Our elected representatives taking advantage of their positions for personal gain. Imagine that. ;)â€
It’s not the same story in the business world?
Or the “religious world?â€
Or the “medical world?â€
Or in the “legal world?â€
They are just like everyone else?
Imagine that
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Have you missed the lofty rhetoric politicians use to get themselves elected? You know, how they are all selfless and there for the good of the people? Some of what they are doing is illegal and some of it is wrong because they are willfully skirting the laws they passed, but not technically illegal. Is it ok for them to break the law since other people do it? I don’t think so. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:30 am“You really ought to be a little more careful with such remarks given the liberal history in regard to slamming the troops. ;)â€
A little early to be batting away at strawmen, so I’ll leave yours alone.
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:23 am
You do know that use of the term strawman isn’t intended to be a way to avoid responsibility for your statements, right? ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:32 amNo Joke: Colbert’s Campaign May Run Afoul of Law
ABC News - 4 hours ago
Stephen Colbert says his presidential campaign is serious business and the Federal Election Commission may find that’s no joke.
abc won’t let me copynpaste from the site…
check it out on the google news page
October 24th, 2007 at 11:32 am.
“Have you missed the lofty rhetoric politicians use to get themselves elected?
Or businessmen, to sell a (sometimes defective) product?
Or Clergy, to sell a Crusade?
Or lawyers, to win a case, and increase their prestige?
Come on.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:33 amYou do know that use of the term strawman isn’t intended to be a way to avoid responsibility for your statements, right? ;)
Comment by upright left
I do know when someone’s attempting a false assertion…
October 24th, 2007 at 11:34 am“The Bush Administration is reportedly considering air strikes, including cruise missiles, against the Kurdish rebel group PKK in northern Iraq. The move would be an attempt to stave off a Turkish invasion of that country to fight the rebels.â€
Talibani has flatly stated that they will NOT turn over PKK rebels to Turkey…not even a kurdish CAT would be turned over to them. I sincerely doubt that they will cheer U.S. airstrikes of any kind against Kurds. PKK or not. In addition, there’s little to nothing about the PKK which attacks across the Iranian border. But of course, we have no interest in controlling those, because they are “our” terrorists against “our” enemy.
“The Iraqi government announced today that it has decided to “formally revoke the immunity from prosecution granted to private security companies operating in the war-ravaged country.†A government spokesman said in a statement that the Iraqi cabinet “decided to scrap the article pertaining to security companies operating in Iraq that was issued by the CPA in 2004.â€
About time. Next step is to tell the U.S. to get out of THEIR country.
“Right-wing pundit Glenn Beck responded to criticism over his suggestion earlier this week that the California wildfires are damaging the homes of “a handful of people who hate America.†Beck yesterday lashed out at “a few liberal bloggers†who, he said, “claim that I’m serious when I’m joking and try to cause trouble.â€
Even if Beck was actually joking….completely sick and inappropriate. It’s way past time for this guy to get fired.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:41 amAnd why do you suppose it works everytime, fly? Do you really expect anyone to actually discuss Isreali troops as liberators in a Muslim country? Are you seriously that easily amused or foolish enough to expect such a discussion. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Liberators? Bwahahahahaha! You’re such an ass.
Comment by Lefty Patriot — October 24, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Yeah, you remember how happy most Iraqi’s were when Saddam was gone? Remember all the dancing in the streets, most of them were happy to see our troops? Remember all that? The fact that the Bush team screwed everything up after that doesn’t change the good that our troops did for the Iraqi people. ;)
——
as opposed to the conservative tradition of killing the troops with cheap equipment, bad food and illegal wars? You’re sinking fast!
Comment by Lefty Patriot — October 24, 2007 @ 11:23 am
Check the votes, lefty. Both conservatives and loons bear responsibility for our troops being ill equipped. You know, like both conservatives and loons are both guilty of hypocrisy? Thanks for the concern, but I’m holding my own just fine, bud. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:41 amI just had a thought. Israel is supposed to be our ally (probably one of the only ones left), and we pretty much make foreign policy according to what Israel wants. So, why is there not an Israeli army in Iraq? I don’t remember them ever being one of the so-called “coalitionâ€. Am I wrong here?
Comment by bilbobaggins — October 24, 2007 @ 9:29 am
No, you definitely are not wrong. And while Israel is consistently spoken of as our “ally,” we have absolutely NO formal mutual defense treaty with them. Never have and I’ve never heard it discussed.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:45 am“Have you missed the lofty rhetoric politicians use to get themselves elected?
Or businessmen, to sell a (sometimes defective) product?
Or Clergy, to sell a Crusade?
Or lawyers, to win a case, and increase their prestige?
Come on.
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:33 am
I see you ignored the question of whether the dishonesty of others makes it ok for politicans to be dishonest. But if that’s the best defense you can produce:
Business people are hardly considered bastions of morality. Most people will never have a business person campaign to get their votes, making promises, and pretending to hold themselves to a higher standard.
I’m unaware of any crusades going on these days. But if you get away from the TV preachers and focus on the preacher in the pulpit, I believe you’ll find, on average, they are more honest that the average politician. Notice that I said average so you won’t feel the need to get off the subject by pointing out that there have been scandals involving members of the clergy as well as politicians. Of course, I don’t have statistics to prove that. Do you have statistics to disprove it?
Lawyers? Is this one really even necessary? Of course this group includes many politicians, so maybe they get a double dose of dishonesty. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 11:57 amYou do know that use of the term strawman isn’t intended to be a way to avoid responsibility for your statements, right? ;)
Comment by upright left
I do know when someone’s attempting a false assertion…
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 11:34 am
See, that’s all you had to say. I did seek clarification of the comment. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 12:00 pm“A four hour cruise…”
Why, oh why, couldn’t that of been “a three hour tour, a three hour tour.”
:)
October 24th, 2007 at 12:09 pmTo be fair, it should be noted that Republicans aren’t the only ones skirting the law. Our elected representatives taking advantage of their positions for personal gain. Imagine that. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 11:13 am
You’re right, of course. Even though a conservative group was mentioned in the article, BOTH parties piggy up to the special interest troughs. And this happens no matter which party is in power.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:15 pmMaybe Israel should _pay_ for part of the Iraqi war. Don’t send the israeli soldiers, just send some Egyptian soldiers with support ($$$) from Israel.
That is, if they really do care about Iraq at all.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:27 pmBeck yesterday lashed out at “a few liberal bloggers†who, he said, “claim that I’m serious when I’m joking and try to cause trouble.â€
Ha-ha-ha-HA-HA-ha-haa-heee-…-heh. He’s fuhhhh-neeee!!! Just as funny as that other comedian, Rush Limbaugh….
Perhaps he ought to take a peek at TDS and that late, great Fox ‘comedy news’ show for some enlightenment. Not only is TDS far funnier than anything the RW foamers come up with (and that includes the sad spectacle of the late Dennis Miller), it’s also a far better news show….
Cheers.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:40 pmMaybe Israel should _pay_ for part of the Iraqi war. Don’t send the israeli soldiers, just send some Egyptian soldiers with support ($$$) from Israel.
That is, if they really do care about Iraq at all.
Comment by Luis M — October 24, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
Luis, have you forgotten that Egypt is predominantly Muslim and Muslims tend not to like Jews? Some Muslims regularly call for doing harm to Jews and Israel. It’s been in the news some over the last several decades. Don’t you think that might push the bounds of peace between Egypt and Israel? Muslims might have a problem being paid by a country/people that they dislike rather intensely to go kill Muslims, even ones with whom they may disagree but do not hate. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 12:47 pmso, stark appologized…
damn it all…
October 24th, 2007 at 1:09 pm.
just heard on ed shultz:
guy from portland schools, about the distribution of birth control in the schools there… he stated that many students were not given parental permission to be in the sex-ed classes…
huh…
follows that it’s doubtful those students would get parental
permission to be on birth-control…
imagine that…
Benjamin Meiklejohn, Portland Maine School Committee member joins the show to discuss his plan to give parents the power to keep their children from a controversial plan to make birth control available to students.
October 24th, 2007 at 1:23 pmhttp://wegoted.com/
.
Luis, have you forgotten that Egypt is predominantly Muslim and Muslims tend not to like Jews? Some Muslims regularly call for doing harm to Jews and Israel. It’s been in the news some over the last several decades. Don’t you think that might push the bounds of peace between Egypt and Israel? Muslims might have a problem being paid by a country/people that they dislike rather intensely to go kill Muslims, even ones with whom they may disagree but do not hate. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
Some Jews regularly call for doing harm to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. Are you gonna listen to them, or to the ones seeking peace and diplomacy?
Call me naive, but I still believe that there should be some way for Israel to live along it’s surrounding neighbors without being forever at war with them, and without the destruction of either side.
October 24th, 2007 at 1:52 pmLawyers? Is this one really even necessary? Of course this group includes many politicians, so maybe they get a double dose of dishonesty. ;)
Comment by upright left
How silly. My point was that ethical/moral corruption isn’t new, or limited to politicians. They are merely a reflection of their culture.
October 24th, 2007 at 3:31 pmSome Jews regularly call for doing harm to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. Are you gonna listen to them, or to the ones seeking peace and diplomacy?
Call me naive, but I still believe that there should be some way for Israel to live along it’s surrounding neighbors without being forever at war with them, and without the destruction of either side.
Comment by Luis M — October 24, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Until the animosity between Jews and Muslims lessens significantly, I’d refrain from suggesting that they have any joint military action whether involving Israel to pay for Muslim troops to fight or actually sending Israeli troops into a Muslim nation. That’s rather like throwing gasoline on a fire. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 3:41 pmHow silly. My point was that ethical/moral corruption isn’t new, or limited to politicians. They are merely a reflection of their culture.
Comment by barfly — October 24, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
So you have no expectation of a higher standard for those who hold public office, the public trust and all that? ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 3:47 pmUntil the animosity between Jews and Muslims lessens significantly, I’d refrain from suggesting that they have any joint military action whether involving Israel to pay for Muslim troops to fight or actually sending Israeli troops into a Muslim nation. That’s rather like throwing gasoline on a fire. ;) Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
You don’t think everyone has already thrown gasoline on the fire? You’re NUTS!
So you have no expectation of a higher standard for those who hold public office, the public trust and all that? ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
Higher standard? You GOP wingnuts don’t live up to BASIC standards! That’s why the majority of Americans KNOW you’re HYPOCRITES!
October 24th, 2007 at 5:26 pm“You don’t think everyone has already thrown gasoline on the fire? You’re NUTS!”
So you’re saying if the situation is already bad, it doesn’t matter what do from then on? Just take any action that occurs to you, inflammatory or not? Or is it that you didn’t bother to read the thread before putting in your two cents?
——
So you have no expectation of a higher standard for those who hold public office, the public trust and all that? ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
Higher standard? You GOP wingnuts don’t live up to BASIC standards! That’s why the majority of Americans KNOW you’re HYPOCRITES!
Comment by republicans hate facts — October 24, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
I hate to bore you with FACTS, but had you read the thread, you would know that it was pointed out that both Republicans and Dems are skirting the new laws regulating gifts to members of congress. A lib responded to that FACT by saying, basically, “everyone’s doing it.” So you see, bud, members of both parties fail to live up to basic standards. And it was established earlier in this thread that both libs and conservatives are guilty of hypocrisy. ;)
October 24th, 2007 at 6:18 pmI hate to bore you with FACTS, Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Bore me with FACTS, that’s RICH! You wouldn’t know a FACT if it bit you on your fat GOP Bathroom Sex *ss!
but had you read the thread, you would know that it was pointed out that both Republicans and Dems are skirting the new laws regulating gifts to members of congress. Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
And you’d have realized that only the Dems CREATED NEW LAWS to regulate, as they will continue to do so! That’s the FACTS!
A lib responded to that FACT by saying, basically, “everyone’s doing it.†So you see, bud, members of both parties fail to live up to basic standards. And it was established earlier in this thread that both libs and conservatives are guilty of hypocrisy. ;)
Comment by upright left — October 24, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Ah, but only the Democrats are willing to create legislation to stop it. Sorry, but the WINGNUTS like you are the only ones that CLAIM to be values based, but are unwilling to create legislation to regulate it! At least the DEMOCRATS as a PARTY are willing to CREATE STANDARDS! So no, that’s not Hypocrisy - ignorant dum bass! And we’re sure they’ll continue to close the gaps, something we’re sure you GOP WINGNUTS won’t do! That’s the TRUE HYPOCRISY - LOSER!
October 24th, 2007 at 8:30 pm>We always should and always will reserve the right to strike anyone we >choose, if we assess them to be a threat to national security.- hit
Mr Hit does every country get to use that same logic or just us?
> >Check the votes, lefty. Both conservatives and loons bear
> responsibility for our troops being ill equipped.
please post proof. do they have equal repsonsibility for the troops not getting as much time off as they do on duty as well?
>Don’t you think muslims around the world might have just the tiniest little >problem with that? ;)
Since when have people like you given a d@mn about what muslims think?
October 24th, 2007 at 11:59 pm“And you’d have realized that only the Dems CREATED NEW LAWS to regulate, as they will continue to do so! That’s the FACTS!”
Comment by republicans hate facts — October 24, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
It’s too bad your grasp of facts is so inferior to your grasp of filthy language, bud. You’d be a genius instead of… nevermind. Wouldn’t be Christian to say it. If, as in your fantasy world, Dems alone created the legislation, why are they violating it? If Dems alone could pass legislation, why is it we still have troops in Iraq, SCHIP didn’t pass, etc. See there, bud, you’re wrong again. Try to calm yourself a little and I’m sure you’ll be able to form a coherent thought. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 12:21 am“So you have no expectation of a higher standard for those who hold public office, the public trust and all that? ;)”
Comment by upright left
Those little winky/smiles at the end of ALL your posts is soooo Jr. high.
Like some teen putting smiley faces on all her punctuation. You seem to think it adds something of value to your posts.
It doesn’t.
Now, to deal with the quoted posting: my point, which you seem to have missed yet again, is that they are no better or worse that your average citizen. If you are asking if I have a low opinion of my fellow citizens, well, total spending on the war will be 12.3/1.7 trillion. Even some sucker in a casino knows when to cut his losses.
Republicans seem to think throwing good money after bad is somehow virtuous. I guess it’s OK, if it’s OPM, eh?
October 25th, 2007 at 12:30 am“If you are asking if I have a low opinion of my fellow citizens, well, total spending on the war will be 12.3/1.7 trillion.”
Oops, sorry. Happy hour fatigue.
That should be 1.7 to 2.4 billion through 2017.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:34 amCheck the votes, lefty. Both conservatives and loons bear
> responsibility for our troops being ill equipped.
“please post proof. do they have equal repsonsibility for the troops not getting as much time off as they do on duty as well?”
You have the same access to search as I do. You can easily find information on past votes regarding military spending. I’m sure you’ll understand when I choose not to do all the work for you. The time off failure was the fault of Republicans. However, according to the loon who “hates facts,” Dems can pass legislation on their own. So maybe it’s their fault after all for not doing it in this case like they did with the lobby reforms that they are now violating. ;)
——
>Don’t you think muslims around the world might have just the tiniest little >problem with that? ;)
Since when have people like you given a d@mn about what muslims think?
Comment by Chocolate Jesus — October 24, 2007 @
11:59 pm
In most cases, I don’t care what they think. But when someone foolishly suggests putting Israeli troops in Iran to fight with our troops, I care what Muslims think. In that case, what Muslims think would get our people killed and I care about that. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 12:38 amtrillion!
OK, now I’M cutting me off!
Anyway, Paul Ryan (r) Wisconsin just (I’m watching re-runs from this morning) said that spending costs for the war aren’t out of line with other, past military actions. What baloney. We didn’t do off-budget spending during Vietnam, did we? Or during Desert Storm? Or Kosovo?
October 25th, 2007 at 12:42 am“Those little winky/smiles at the end of ALL your posts is soooo Jr. high.
Like some teen putting smiley faces on all her punctuation. You seem to think it adds something of value to your posts.
It doesn’t.”
But, oddly enough, it irritates lefties no end. You’ll notice, though, that I refrain from obscenities. ;)
——
“If you are asking if I have a low opinion of my fellow citizens, well, total spending on the war will be 12.3/1.7 trillion.â€
Oops, sorry. Happy hour fatigue.
That should be 1.7 to 2.4 billion through 2017.
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 12:34 am
Now that is scary. Explains the username, though. After you sober up, you’ll see that I didn’t ask about your opinion of your fellow citizens. I just asked whether you think elected officials should be held to a higher standard. You’ve unwittingly answered that. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 12:52 am“I just asked whether you think elected officials should be held to a higher standard. You’ve unwittingly answered that. ;)”
Comment by upright left
In a perfect world, perhaps. In this world, I know that power corrupts, and not just political power. The best we can hope for is limiting their ability to enrich themselves at our expence. With bomb-throwing, spend-thrift conservatives in power, we’ll never see ethical government.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:05 amWith bomb-throwing, spend-thrift conservatives in power, we’ll never see ethical government.
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 1:05 am
Dems are skirting the law too. Lack of ethics is evident in both parties. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 1:09 amLike some teen putting smiley faces on all her punctuation. You seem to think it adds something of value to your posts.
It doesn’t.â€
But, oddly enough, it irritates lefties no end. You’ll notice, though, that I refrain from obscenities. ;)
As do I. But I think I’ll call you Heather; or maybe Tiffany, from now on. That suits your whole Jr. high motif - and it isn’t obscene.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:12 am“Dems are skirting the law too. Lack of ethics is evident in both parties. ;)”
Comment by upright left
Wow. Did that come to you via lightning bolt through the basement window?
Astounding grasp of the obvious.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:14 am“Dems are skirting the law too. Lack of ethics is evident in both parties. ;)â€
What other wisdom was imparted to you on the mount?
The sky is blue?
October 25th, 2007 at 1:18 amAs do I. But I think I’ll call you Heather; or maybe Tiffany, from now on. That suits your whole Jr. high motif - and it isn’t obscene.
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 1:12 am
Whatever makes you happy, bud! ;)
——-
“Dems are skirting the law too. Lack of ethics is evident in both parties. ;)â€
Comment by upright left
Wow. Did that come to you via lightning bolt through the basement window?
Astounding grasp of the obvious.
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 1:14 am
Well you certainly took the long way around to that acknowledgement. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 1:20 amC’mon, St. Tiffany of the Baked Epiphany!
Where’s that old spark o’crazy you’re known for?
October 25th, 2007 at 1:24 amWell you certainly took the long way around to that acknowledgement. ;)
Comment by upright left
I got lost, and finally gave up and asked your mom to show me to the basement stairway.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:26 amAh well, Tiff.
My poor ol’ liver’s gotta heavy load to handle tonight, so I’ll cut it short.
To paraphrase Winny Churchill, tomorrow I will be sober - and you’ll still be bat-shit crazy…
See ya’ tomorrow, yer saintliness…
October 25th, 2007 at 1:33 amC’mon, St. Tiffany of the Baked Epiphany!
Where’s that old spark o’crazy you’re known for?
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 1:24 am
Ever so sorry, there, bud. Was I supposed to get mad at ya? Can’t oblige. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 1:37 amWell you certainly took the long way around to that acknowledgement. ;)
Comment by upright left
I got lost, and finally gave up and asked your mom to show me to the basement stairway.
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 1:26 am
Well, dang, I went and ticked off the barfly. So we’ve gotten the basement reference out of the way. What’s next, the trailer trash slam or the gay bash? ;)
——-
Ah well, Tiff.
My poor ol’ liver’s gotta heavy load to handle tonight, so I’ll cut it short.
To paraphrase Winny Churchill, tomorrow I will be sober - and you’ll still be bat-shit crazy…
See ya’ tomorrow, yer saintliness…
Comment by barfly — October 25, 2007 @ 1:33 am
Heh, heh, heh, drunks are always good for a laugh, bud. ;)
October 25th, 2007 at 1:41 amOutrageous! We need that 2.4 trillion back here in the U.S. on the domestic front. If we add that to the $4 trillion bill Congress just composed, that would be nearly 5 trillion dollars. Think of all the good programs we could fun with that!
October 25th, 2007 at 5:59 pm