Think Progress

White House To Congress: Confirm Mukasey Now, Ask Questions About Torture Later

During today’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Dana Perino brushed aside lawmakers’ concerns about Michael Mukasey’s views on torture, urging them to quickly confirm him as attorney general. “Once he is confirmed, then the Congress has the capability to ask him to come to Congress and to testify on all sorts of matters, including this one,” she said.

But this technique — confirm now, question later — immediately raised red flags with reporters, who pointed out that if Mukasey becomes attorney general, the Bush administration would likely block him from answering questions in the future as well:

MS. PERINO: While they were saying is — which Judge Mukasey has done, is to say, I will not be able to provide a legal opinion about any particular technique. He is not read into the programs. … And once he is confirmed, then the Congress has the capability to ask him to come to Congress and to testify on all sorts of matters, including this one. [...]

Q: Dana, a follow up on that. The McCain-Graham letter, on the assumption that Judge Mukasey is confirmed and is read into the program, your policy is still not to talk about specific methods, so he is, if he is confirmed, not going to be in a position to speak about waterboarding as being legal or not.

Watch it:

[flv http://video.thinkprogress.org/2007/11/perinomukasey333.320.240.flv]

Perino dodged the reporter’s follow-up, replying that several lawmakers have “been briefed on the legal underpinnings and they have been briefed on the techniques. So Congress — the appropriate members of Congress have all the information that they need about these programs. They are safe, they are effective, they are tough, and they are legal.”

But in reality, the White House refuses to even define torture. In fact, key leaders in the House and Senate, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), say they have never been fully briefed on the administration’s interrogation policies.

The White House would prefer for Congress to confirm Mukasey now and question him later — if at all. But the Bush administration’s long history of secrecy suggests that, should Mukasey be confirmed, the Senate will be able to glean no more from this Attorney General than it could from the previous one.

(HT: Salon’s Tim Grieve)

Digg it!

Transcript:

MS. PERINO: While they were saying is — which Judge Mukasey has done, is to say, I will not be able to provide a legal opinion about any particular technique. He is not read into the programs. He’s right now a private citizen. He is willing to serve his country. The President will say today, he is — the Attorney General is a critical member of the nation’s war on terror team, and that he needs to be confirmed immediately. And once he is confirmed, then the Congress has the capability to ask him to come to Congress and to testify on all sorts of matters, including this one. [...]

Q Dana, a follow up on that. The McCain-Graham letter, on the assumption that Judge Mukasey is confirmed and is read into the program, your policy is still not to talk about specific methods, so he is, if he is confirmed, not going to be in a position to speak about waterboarding as being legal or not.

MS. PERINO: Let me remind you of something. Congress passed a law that this President signed regarding Detainee Treatment Act and also Congress said that the CIA’s program for interrogation is legal. They have been briefed on the legal underpinnings and they have been briefed on the techniques. So Congress — the appropriate members of Congress have all the information that they need about these programs. They are safe, they are effective, they are tough, and they are legal. And Judge Mukasey said that he will review all of the opinions and he will review the information he gets in his classified briefings, and that he will be able to have additional thought after that.

A lot of these discussions are held in closed session, and that’s appropriate because they’re classified for a reason.

Q Understood, but America’s allies in the world, the American people, they will never know whether or not Judge Mukasey is told, so long as the administration –

MS. PERINO: I think that’s a hypothetical that I’m just not prepared to go into right now. I don’t know what Judge Mukasey will or will not say, if confirmed.



186 Responses to “White House To Congress: Confirm Mukasey Now, Ask Questions About Torture Later”

  1. ralph the wonder llama says:

    Dana Perino brushed aside lawmakers’ concerns about Michael Mukasey’s views on torture, urging them to quickly confirm him as attorney general. “Once he is confirmed, then the Congress has the capabilty to ask him to come to Congress and to testify on all sorts of matters, including this one,”

    Yeah, because BushCo officials have been SOOOOO willing to answer questions from Congress so far.

    Damn, she really isn’t very bright, is she? But she IS a sterling example of a Bush Republican — do what you want now, worry about the consequences later. Or better yet, let someone else worry about the consequences later.


  2. nanlichi says:

    Trust me. I promise I have the best interest of America at heart.

    I know it looks like I may be hiding stuff, what with my penchant for absolute secrecy, but you’re just going to have to trust me. I am after all, the POTU, and you’re not.

    I say we don’t torture, so we don’t torture..
    or murder
    or start wars with no evidence
    or lie to you sheeple
    or wipe my ass with the Constitution
    or completely ignore 76% of my subjects

    And after all, what can you 76%ers do about it???

    HAAAAAAHAAAHHHAAAAA

    Eat me America!

    W.


  3. Dave C says:

    I don’t understand why anyone in the Democratic party would confirm this guy. It makes no sense that a Republican would either but why would any Democratic vote to confirm? What’s in it for them? It doesn’t help the country, their party or their constituents.


  4. Chris L says:

    Sorry, but if Mukasey is confirmed I will view it as another failure of the dem congress. We elected them for a reason, and it wasn’t to stay the course.


  5. ProDem says:

    Democrats have got to stick together with a resounding vote of NO and bring Mukasey and the FASCIST REPUBLICAN PARTY DOWN!


  6. tarazan says:

    The torture issue is one of many issues that should be examined before Mukasey get the ‘approval’ stamp.


  7. DennisRaines says:

    I wish I could get a job based on doing an interview later, and saying “just trust me.”


  8. Theresa says:

    Damn, that necklace she’s wearing. Does it light up when she’s lying?Reminds me of an old Star Trek episode.


  9. Badmoodman says:

    Whimpy Mukasey: “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”


  10. judyinnm says:

    And, and, and – Congress is to take its marching orders from Osama bin Laden, instead of the American people – per georgejr at the Heritage Institution….


  11. Leftside Annie says:

    Let’s just drop a bunker buster on the White House and get it over with — because it’s beginning to seem as if there’s no other way to stop this terrorist dictator.


  12. grover nerdkissed says:

    …because Gonzoles was *so forthcoming* AFTER he was confirmed!


  13. bilbobaggins says:

    How dumb does she think we are. That will be locking the barn door after the cow is gone. Sorry Barbie, we’re not that dumb and aren’t going to fall for it.

    Hopefully Diane Feinstein has not totally sold out because she is going to be the deciding vote.


  14. grover nerdkissed says:

    Hopefully Diane Feinstein has not totally sold out because she is going to be the deciding vote.

    Comment by bilbobaggins — November 1, 2007 @ 6:55 pm

    uh oh, kiss hope goodbye.


  15. Badmoodman says:

    #8: “Damn, that necklace she’s wearing. Does it light up when she’s lying?Reminds me of an old Star Trek episode.” – – Look closer, it says “PERINO 571.” Noooooooooooo!!!!!


  16. Badmoodman says:

    I wish I could get a job based on doing an interview later, and saying “just trust me.” — I’ve done it, twice. It worked. Trust me.


  17. Veritas says:

    “Ask questions later??” Who is Airhead Perino kidding with this infamous line?

    I think Congress should let Bush twist in the wind since it was his own appointee who was so corrupt that he was essentially forced from office by his perjury. If we had an honest AG in the first place, we wouldn’t be in this self-inflicted Bush jam that we’re in right now. It’s Bush’s fault for appointing an uneducated buffoon/personal sycophant to a position of this stature. TS Bush – now you wait and twist in the wind.

    The definition of “torture” and the fact that waterboarding IS defined as torture by the Geneva Conventions becomes an very steep precipice from which this country could fall right now if we do not step up and make this man tell us what he believes.

    We are about to enter the great black abyss at this pivotal moment in our history by allowing ourselves to be manipulated, once again, by the Great Pretender, GWB. He’s a known liar and is definitely NOT a man of his word. He cannot be believed and this is far too critical an issue to trust that he will do the right thing.

    He’s demonstrated time and again, that he is dishonest and as corrupt as the day is long. The Chimp’s day of respect from the american people is OVER!


  18. Theresa says:

    #16, Yessss. Harcourt Fenton, a.k.a. Harry Mudd. Thank you!


  19. Veritas says:

    We all know precisely what’s going on here. The moment a Bush appointee agrees that the waterboarding which has been noted and documented by Rummy et al IS torture and illegal, that will be the moment that GWB will be out of office and in new “lockstep” to the nearest jail.


  20. Veritas says:

    What the hell’s the big rush to have an Attorney General anyway?? We didn’t have one for the years Gonzo was in office diddling himself so why do we need one now, for cripe’s sakes??


  21. Veritas says:

    Soon Airhead Perino will have her bosoms out in full view to try to garner some attention. She’s a pea-brained sycophant “token female” – next PR fool, please!


  22. Veritas says:

    They should label these AG hearings as “Bush’s Cover His A$$ hearings” if they really want to be truthful.


  23. texaslady says:

    Boy I wonder how she spews all these lies for the administration everyday and doesn’t get sick. Even the dumbest would surely began to wonder about the garbage they tell her to give out.


  24. Snowball says:

    Here’s the White House strategy:

    1. Have Senators Specter and Graham make a little noise and grab the headlines away from the Democrats. -Done

    2. Have Mukasey make a weak rejection of waterboarding saying it’s offends his conscience but still leave room for legally justifying it. -Done

    3. Have Senators Specter and Graham come out and say they are satisfied with Mukasey’s response and state that he is a man of good conscience. -3/4 Done

    4. Lambaste Democrats for holding up the nomination of this good man who will protect us from terrorists. -Done

    5. Have the lapdog Corporate Media claim that Mukasey has satified the Democrats questions as much as he can and blame Democrats for obstructionism. -In Process

    That’s how it will all go down. The really disturbing part is that lost in this whole debate over waterboarding is Mukasey’s belief in the dictatorial and anti-democratic theory of the Unitary Executive holding the principle that the President is above laws passed by Congress including the ability to spy on American citizens (domestic opposition) and the refusal to cooperate with Congressional subpoenas.


  25. plunger says:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterboarding

    Waterboarding
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    Waterboarding is a form of torture that consists of immobilizing an individual on his or her back, with the head inclined downward, and pouring water over the face to force the inhalation of water and induce the sensation of drowning. Waterboarding has been used to obtain information, coerce confessions, punish, and intimidate. In contrast to merely submerging the head, waterboarding elicits the gag reflex, and can make the subject believe death is imminent while leaving no physical damage.

    The practice garnered renewed attention and notoriety in September 2006, when further reports charged that the Bush administration had authorized the use of waterboarding on extrajudicial prisoners of the United States, often referred to as “detainees” in the U.S. war on terror. ABC News reported that current and former CIA officers stated that “there is a presidential finding, signed in 2002, by President Bush, Condoleezza Rice and then-Attorney General John Ashcroft approving the ‘enhanced’ interrogation techniques, including water boarding.” According to Republican United States Senator John McCain, who was tortured as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, waterboarding is “torture”, “no different than holding a pistol to his head and firing a blank” and can damage the subject’s psyche “in ways that may never heal.”


  26. kasinca says:

    Reject the bootlicking, asskisser. It is time to take the government back and the first step is to get an AG who will appoint a special counsel to go after the thugs in the crime family.


  27. plunger says:

    http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/511928.html

    Creeping Fascism

    The voices of the past, on Recognizing the Unrecognizable…

    “You will understand me when I say that my Middle High German was my life. It was all I cared about. I was a scholar, a specialist. Then, suddenly, I was plunged into all the new activity, as the university was drawn into the new situation; meetings, conferences, interviews, ceremonies, and, above all, papers to be filled out, reports, bibliographies, lists, questionnaires. And on top of that were the demands in the community, the things in which one had to, was ‘expected to’ participate that had not been there or had not been important before. It was all rigmarole, of course, but it consumed all one’s energies, coming on top of the work one really wanted to do. You can see how easy it was, then, not to think about fundamental things. One had no time.”

    “Those,” I said, “are the words of my friend the baker. ‘One had no time to think. There was so much going on.’”

    “Your friend the baker was right,” said my colleague. “The dictatorship, and the whole process of its coming into being, was above all diverting. It provided an excuse not to think for people who did not want to think anyway. I do not speak of your ‘little men,’ your baker and so on; I speak of my colleagues and myself, learned men, mind you. Most of us did not want to think about fundamental things and never had. There was no need to. Nazism gave us some dreadful, fundamental things to think about—we were decent people—and kept us so busy with continuous changes and ‘crises’ and so fascinated, yes, fascinated, by the machinations of the ‘national enemies,’ without and within, that we had no time to think about these dreadful things that were growing, little by little, all around us. Unconsciously, I suppose, we were grateful. Who wants to think?

    “To live in this process is absolutely not to be able to notice it—please try to believe me—unless one has a much greater degree of political awareness, acuity, than most of us had ever had occasion to develop. Each step was so small, so inconsequential, so well explained or, on occasion, ‘regretted,’ that, unless one were detached from the whole process from the beginning, unless one understood what the whole thing was in principle, what all these ‘little measures’ that no ‘patriotic German’ could resent must some day lead to, one no more saw it developing from day to day than a farmer in his field sees the corn growing. One day it is over his head.

    “And one day, too late, your principles, if you were ever sensible of them, all rush in upon you. The burden of self-deception has grown too heavy, and some minor incident, in my case my little boy, hardly more than a baby, saying ‘Jewish swine,’ collapses it all at once, and you see that everything, everything, has changed and changed completely under your nose. The world you live in—your nation, your people—is not the world you were born in at all. The forms are all there, all untouched, all reassuring, the houses, the shops, the jobs, the mealtimes, the visits, the concerts, the cinema, the holidays. But the spirit, which you never noticed because you made the lifelong mistake of identifying it with the forms, is changed. Now you live in a world of hate and fear, and the people who hate and fear do not even know it themselves; when everyone is transformed, no one is transformed. Now you live in a system which rules without responsibility even to God. The system itself could not have intended this in the beginning, but in order to sustain itself it was compelled to go all the way.

    “Once the war began, the government could do anything ‘necessary’ to win it; so it was with the ‘final solution of the Jewish problem,’ which the Nazis always talked about but never dared undertake, not even the Nazis, until war and its ‘necessities’ gave them the knowledge that they could get away with it. The people abroad who thought that war against Hitler would help the Jews were wrong. And the people in Germany who, once the war had begun, still thought of complaining, protesting, resisting, were betting on Germany’s losing the war. It was a long bet. Not many made it.”

    How ironic then that the persecuted have become the persecutors, using the tactics of their former oppressors to destroy those they wish to control and/or exterminate. 9/11 was their Reichstag Fire (a near-perfect False Flag Operation – but for the “Dancing Israelis”), the pretext to launch their plan – rooted in revenge and greed. But they have taken it one step farther, compelling others to do the job on their behalf.


  28. Veritas says:

    One thing that’s certain: If anyone is a “bush appointee”, they clearly have their mouth muzzled under threat of their life. To imagine that this old crony would be any more forthcoming than Gonzo who gave us absolutely nothing in the way of truth, is like winning the lottery – about a gazillion to one ratio.

    Give Bush nothing – he deserves absolutely nothing but loathing from the american people whom he sold down the river for his pot of gold.


  29. plunger says:

    ASK QUESTIONS LATER?

    WE ARE!

    “For years, law enforcement used so-called roving wire taps to investigate organized crime. You see, what that meant is if you got a wire tap by court order — and, by the way, everything you hear about requires court order, requires there to be permission from a FISA court, for example.”

    – President Bush, April 19, 2004, remarks on USA Patriot Act

    “(T)here are such things as roving wiretaps. Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires — a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we’re talking about chasing down terrorists, we’re talking about getting a court order before we do so. It’s important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution.

    – President Bush, April 20, 2004, remarks on USA Patriot Act

    “First of all, any action that takes place by law enforcement requires a court order. In other words, the government can’t move on wiretaps or roving wiretaps without getting a court order.”

    – President Bush, July 14, 2004, remarks on USA Patriot Act


  30. ralph the wonder llama says:

    Someone help me out here… how does the saying go?

    Something first, ask questions later”… I know this one, it’s on the tip of my tongue…

    Anyone help me out?


  31. eve says:

    Is she really this stupid?


  32. plunger says:

    “As Nuremberg showed, differences of race, religion or ideology cannot be tolerated as valid grounds for destroying those who happen to be different. It is NOT permissible ’self-defense’ to slaughter ‘the other’—it is the crime of murder. Aggression, according to the Nuremberg judges and other precedents, is ‘the supreme international crime’ since it includes all the other crimes. There can be no war without atrocities, and unauthorized warfare in violation of the UN Charter is the biggest atrocity of all.”


  33. texaslady says:

    All in all does it really matter ? Mukasy will do whatever he is told to do exactly like Gonzalez. This confirmation is a big waste of time so the Dems can look like they are doing something. The real deal would be to bring back independence to the DOJ. Of course that would take work.


  34. Snowball says:

    Ooops, look who’s back. plunger must be off his meds again.


  35. grover nerdkissed says:

    im glad ya’ll are finally seeing her for what she really is, & i dont have to wade thru a bunch of “shes hot! id do her!” comments.


  36. wijg says:

    ralph the wonder llama, “Shoot first, ask questions later”…

    Isn’t this how we got ourselves in trouble in Iraq?


  37. Veritas says:

    The drumbeat of americans’ anger is rising – not one media outlet reported on the huge anti-war protests in California this past weekend which means that these neoconartists are getting worried – and well they should be. It’s time for americans to take to the streets and stand up for what they believe. The corruption in Washington is so flagrant and rampant that there will need to be a “clean out” of the entire government in 08. None of these representatives are doing their job in representing the average american at this point. Fascism has crept into every aspect of our lives. It’s up to each of us right now to take our personal stand against the tyranny and subjugation right now in our midst. Once the tide of emotion and anger begins to move, it will sweep through Washington and this administration like a tsunami. They underestimate the will of the american people. They underestimate the fact that we will protect our democracy from our now-known “enemy within”. They underestimate the fact that they are our “public servants” and, as such, we who pay their salaries will hold the cards and pull the strings. It’s over for the criminals within – the people of this country know who they are and will search them out to bring them to the justice they deserve.

    And as for the paltry group of spineless presidential candidates, I say to every american: Is this the best we can do?? If it is, then we’re in jeopardy right now. There is no one on the political radar (supposed frontrunners – which may be nothing more than an Orwellian “finger pull” by the whoring media who believe it’s up to them to decide who the candidates will be – guess again on that one, too!).

    The ONLY CARD left in our deck right now is the ‘INDEPENDENT CARD’. The number of registered Indy’s is rising proportionate to the the degree of ongoing satisfaction among the populace. It’s only through numbers that the people will gain power. Registering Indy doesn’t mean that you have to vote for an Indy candidate; in fact, it only means that you are not beholden by party affiliation to either party and, as such, have the power to force the candidates to speak our language and listen to our needs. Right now no candidate is dealing with the critical issues – they’re all so afraid to be honest (we saw what happened to Hillary in the debate) that they hedge and dodge like it’s a big game of dodgeball.

    Only by the sheer power of numbers will the american people begin to dialogue seriously with any presidential candidate. Only by the threat of a vote or non vote will we ever force them to acknowledge our existence.

    We saw what occurred during the midterms – the Dems screwed us royally by okaying more money for the Iraq war as their first action in Congress.

    Don’t be duped ever again – reserve the right to affiliate with the party which truly represents you – Register Independent today!


  38. Veritas says:

    Besides, isn’t Mukasy a bit “over the hill” to be even considered for a demanding post such as this? He looks 100!


  39. kasinca says:

    The administration has committed the crime of torture with waterboarding…and they have instructed this little man to defend their criminial asses.


  40. Zooey says:

    Anyone help me out?
    Comment by ralph the wonder llama — November 1, 2007 @ 7:18 pm

    Shoot, it’s not coming to me… ;)


  41. kasinca says:

    This ding bat says what the thugs in the crime family tell her to say…she hasn’t the sense to get out of the rain. Any female neo-conservative is a sick woman.


  42. texaslady says:

    Bartlebee who would Bush pick that wouldn’t do his bidding ? Remember loyalty is the pre requisite for Bush not competence. I really think we are out of luck with this little dictator.


  43. plunger says:

    Bartlebee:

    I’m clearly a right wing what?

    When you post 6 messages in rapid succession, it’s not spamming?

    Interesting.

    If you have anything to refute the accuracy of the CONTENT I post, feel free to share your contrary EVIDENCE.

    If you’re merely opposed to the style with which I share accurate and attributed information – just say that.

    Don’t even begin to imply that I represent the right wing of anything unless you have proof to back up your assertions.


  44. plunger says:

    MANUFACTURED REALITY:

    ‘Link Iraq to Iran,’ Rumsfeld argued before proof
    Nick Juliano
    Published: Thursday November 1, 2007

    Ten months before the US aired formal proof of Iranian involvement in funding Iraqi insurgents, then-Secretary of Defense warned in secret Pentagon memos that Iran should be the “concern of the American people” and he issued explicit instructions to the military.

    “Link Iraq to Iran,” Rumsfeld wrote in one of thousands of “snowflakes” — short memos distributed throughout the Pentagon during his tenure.

    http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Memos_reveal_Rumsfelds_concern_with_marketing_1101.html


  45. plunger says:

    You wanna comment? Fine.

    Then comment.

    You wanna post endless articles that you found on the web then start a BBS.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 7:51 pm

    SO SAYS THE TP BLOG POLICE.

    YOU OWN THIS JOINT?


  46. gummitch says:

    He’s clearly a right wing troll pretending to be a nutty liberal who is oblivious of his own SPAM’ing of the blog. He ignores the endless pleas of other bloggers to post links to his never ending pages of someone elses writing and goes right on burying the real comments and making the thread hard to read.

    Which is why its clear that he’s a troll.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 7:30 pm

    Bartlebee, I’ve been involved with people on the Left since the 60s and, trust me, we have our share of obsessive, self-involved nutcases that refuse any suggestion that they’re out of line. Plunger aka Ace ignores any suggestion that he limit the size of his comments or even keep them on-topic. But I believe he’s sincere and believes every word he posts; I absolutely disagree that he’s a right wing troll masquerading as an irritating Leftist.

    He’s just an irritating Leftist.


  47. texaslady says:

    Bartlebee, I agree with you but certainly wish there was an honorable person to put in place. I think Clinton went through several prior to Janice was it ? Got to admit after Waco she took the heat for the screw up. Honor in Washington is a scarce commodity.


  48. gummitch says:

    And now today the President has threatened to not name anyone if they won’t confirm this guy!

    Imagine, the President is standing there telling Congress AND the American People, that if Congress won’t nominate the candidate he picks for Attorney General, then America will not GET an Attorney General.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 7:40 pm

    He neglected to mention that he will hold his breath until he turns blue AND he’s taking his ball and going home.


  49. plunger says:

    WAR ON TERROR – SOLD TO AMERICANS – LIKE SOAP OR USED CARS?

    “Make the American people realize they are surrounded in the world by violent extremists,” Rumsfeld wrote in April of 2006 after retired generals began calling for his resignation. He suggested that people would “rally” to sacrifice. “They are looking for leadership. Sacrifice = Victory.”

    Rumsfeld suggested that the when the Pentagon responded to war criticism aides should “push people back, rather than just defending” Iraq policy, and he acknowledged privately that no “terminal event” would signal an end to the fight against terrorism. Eighteen months ago, Rumsfeld also urged military aides to begin connecting the war in Iraq to threats from Iran — a strategy that has since become de rigueur within the Bush administration.

    “Iran is the concern of the American people, and if we fail in Iraq, it will advantage Iran,” he wrote in April 2006.

    Rumsfeld also displayed concern with how the “war on terror” was being sold to the American people, and he suggested redefining the campaign as a “worldwide insurgency,” according to the Post, and he even proposed focus grouping the proposed name change.

    http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Memos_reveal_Rumsfelds_concern_with_marketing_1101.html


  50. gummitch says:

    SO SAYS THE TP BLOG POLICE.

    YOU OWN THIS JOINT?

    Comment by plunger — November 1, 2007 @ 7:53 pm

    He’s not alone. A number of us, at various times, have asked you for the same consideration but you refuse. It’s more than a little irritating.


  51. kasinca says:

    Poor Dubya, it is tough being born with a silver spoon up the ass.


  52. Buckie Boy says:

    JUST SAY NO !!!! To hell with these criminals, don’t do it, it is just another lie.

    Old saying – Don’t invite the Vampire into your house.

    Buck Fush


  53. Snowball says:

    Don’t even bother responding to plunger. He’s attempting to hijack the thread into debating his conspiracy theories. His posts are intended to annoy, incite and divide. I’ve seen him singlehandedly ruin open commenting policies at many a left leaning blog. It’s been going on for several years now.

    In the 60s, the government pursued a strategic policy against left wing political and anti-war activists. It’s called Triple D: Distract, Divide and Discredit. The tactic goes like this: Have an agent provocateur infiltrate an activist organization, float untenable and objectionable conspiracy theories designed to distract attention away from the real issues, make the group seem extreme and easy to dismiss and divide the group. plunger may be a modern version of this tactic. It seems odd that no matter how many times he is banned from a site he always seems to worm his way back. This of course, is just a theory, but I challenge plunger to discredit it with facts.


  54. plunger says:

    Snowball postulates an outrageous conspiracy theory – with no prospect of proving or disproving it to his satisfaction.

    He encourages others to ignore me, while challenging me to respond only to him.

    Who’s the troll?


  55. celtic cynic says:

    Perino’s nose grows longer and longer every week.

    Shame on her.


  56. Snowball says:

    Back on topic:

    Mukasey’s nomination is probably unstoppable. Democrats and left wing blogs have once again fallen for the Specter/Graham feint left, run right routine and they have grabbed the headlines and distracted attention away from another Bush regime scheme to insulate itself from accountability and institutionalize the theory of the Unitary Executive.


  57. Snowball says:

    #Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007

    Cheney and Bush are right about one thing.

    America does not torture.

    But they do.

    Yes, that’s one assumption that has bothered me throughout the whole debate on waterboarding. It’s as if the whole history of US foreign policy has been wiped clean by the assertion that the US does not torture. Tell it to the El Salvadorans, the Guatemalans, the Chileans, the Vietnamese. What about the notorious School of the Americas (now renamed something innocuous and obscure)?


  58. Brain From Planet Arous says:

    Damn, that necklace she’s wearing. Does it light up when she’s lying?Reminds me of an old Star Trek episode.

    Comment by Theresa — November 1, 2007 @ 6:49 pm

    She reminds me of The M-113 creature (also known as the salt vampire) that hypnotized their prey that they were beautiful, and then sucked all the sodium chloride out of them.


  59. katy says:

    here’s a question to top them all… one I sure am more concerned with at this particular time, and encompasses the torture subject:

    mr. mukasey – do you believe that the president should
    follow the rule of the land?

    eh?


  60. Snowball says:

    here’s a question to top them all… one I sure am more concerned with at this particular time, and encompasses the torture subject:

    mr. mukasey – do you believe that the president should
    follow the rule of the land?

    eh?

    Comment by katy

    They did ask him that and in a classic legalese parsing way said no.


  61. gummitch says:

    mr. mukasey – do you believe that the president should
    follow the rule of the land?

    eh?

    Comment by katy — November 1, 2007 @ 8:22 pm

    Silly rabbit, the President IS the rule of the land.


  62. barfly says:

    It doesn’t? Explain?

    Comment by michael

    Why?


  63. williamf says:

    Somebody tell his majesty George that the congress runs confirmations not him. Bush has been pulling his dictatorial crap for so many years he really believes he’ s in charge of the other branches. He’ll keep believing this until the demos start a real fist fight with him and he gets the fact that he is not king.


  64. pete says:

    One point that keeps getting ignored is; the simple act of tying a captured enemy combatant to a board, or ANY other mistreatment, is in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions. No water is needed to violate international law. As a signatory, the U.S. has accepted this standard. Yet, our government is ordering this illegal act.

    Oh yeah, If you want to play the “no uniform card”, here’s the problem. That exception exists so that guerrillas, saboteurs and spies can face “special prosecution and punishment’. It, in no way, implies that such prisoners may be tortured, degraded or abused in any way. And it doesn’t allow for punishment without trial. We can hang ‘em, after trial, but we can’t abuse them. Those are the rules whether the neocons accept them or not. What price, I wonder, will Americans, combatants and noncombatants, pay for the crimes of Bushco?


  65. MetroNetIQ says:

    ” Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee John D. Rockefeller (D-WV)”

    Great post, but needs a little editing…you meant “Jay Rockefeller” didn’t you?


  66. chimpeach says:

    Right, Dana. Get him in there quick so he can start obstructing investigations right away and bolstering Bush’s claims of executive privilege and unitary executive. And let’s not forget: dragging his feet and stonewalling whenever Congress tries to get a straight answer out of him.

    You know Dana, if your boss, that immature jackass who’s now throwing his public tantrums on a daily basis, had not put an incompetent lying crony in the AG seat in the first place, that seat wouldn’t be empty right now. If your dim-witted idol hadn’t let Karl Rove use Gonzales and the DoJ to help him rig elections, maybe you wouldn’t be struggling to find another incompetent patsy to fill that slot. That’s right, Ms. Mannequin. You can point that finger right back at your beloved smirking chimp.


  67. Shayne says:

    It doesn’t? Explain?

    Comment by michael — November 1, 2007 @ 8:19 pm

    Explain what?


  68. chimpeach says:

    #88

    Now all you and the rest of the geniuses need to do is figure out what Americans did to create terrorists.

    When people get good and fed up with the Americans who are occupying their country, shooting up their families, letting their infrastructure rot so that they have barely any electricity and the only drinking water they have makes them sick, they sometimes feel that their only hope is to turn to violence. I think if a bunch of Blackwater thugs tore up my loved ones with machine gun fire, just because they couldn’t get out of the way fast enough, I’d definitely be thinking payback. How about you? Would you just take it?


  69. Zooey says:

    Now all you and the rest of the geniuses need to do is figure out what Americans did to create terrorists.
    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 9:26 pm

    Not much into history, dingleberry?


  70. chimpeach says:

    #90

    Meanwhile all you caring souls have declared that dropping a Koran on the floor or putting too much pepper on a prisoner’s chicken should be considered torture.

    And which strawman said that? Do you have names for them?


  71. Shayne says:

    Beware of flying spittle.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007

    List Mongoloid Pinhead, we’re not here to give you history lessons. Obviously you know nothing about anything that happened before today. Why don’t you just stick your head back up your ass so we don’t have to listen to you babble.


  72. chimpeach says:

    #93

    Well, you enjoy being lied to and pretending that your moronic president isn’t screwing you just as much as he is the rest of the country. Some of us don’t feel like putting up with it. Great reply, though.


  73. Zooey says:

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 9:37 pm

    What was your previous troll name, coward?


  74. chimpeach says:

    #97

    Now justify the USS Cole, the Khobar Towers, the Lebanon Marine Barracks, Robert Stetham, Daniel Pearl, Leon Klinghoffer, the first WTC attack etc. etc.

    The people I described, the ones who turn to terrorism because of the oppressive conditions in their occupied country, because they want to hit back at the mindless cruelty that’s torn up their lives, had nothing to do with the Cole, Khobar Towers, etc. The original statement that you replied to was about how to “stop creating new terrorists.” And we’ve got a whole lot of new ones running around all over the world since Bush invaded Iraq.


  75. MapleStreet says:

    #84 Pete – you get close to a question I have: If Blackwater personnel are captured by some group in Iraq (whether it be Shia, Sunni, Insurgent, United Ice Cream Makers, whatever) – they aren’t a governmental body, they don’t have full uniform.

    Would not the group be fully justified under the established rule of international law in executing them?


  76. chimpeach says:

    #100

    Why is the left always, always, always just a hair away from rage? You guys get a little English lab-monkey blood in ya or something?

    Ignorance is bliss. That’s your side of the coin. We’re neither ignorant nor blissful about what’s being done to our country. But, don’t worry about us. be happy. Lay down and take it. The Constitution and freedom and all that junk is really overrated anyway, right?


  77. Zooey says:

    I’m, like, way into history, just as long as it’s the real thing and not the revisionist crapola which has the left blaming everything bad that ever happened on American and/or Bush.
    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 9:47 pm

    I’d like to see you prove that anyone here ever said bad things only ever happened under Bush, or because of America.

    Even a moron like you can’t deny that a lot bad has happened under Bush, and has been caused by this country.

    Get a life, idiot.


  78. pete says:

    Would not the group be fully justified under the established rule of international law in executing them?

    Comment by MapleStreet — November 1, 2007 @ 9:44 pm

    Yes and no. These varied groups are not signatories of the Geneva Conventions. And their legitimacy is questionable at best. However, the U.S., at least, pays lip service to international law as it applies to prisoners.

    A foreign Nation would be justified, under international law, in executing Blackwater personnel but not abuse them or punish them without trial. In the case of a private entity, terrorist or otherwise, the only protection prisoners have is our humane treatment of prisoners.

    This doesn’t carry the, arguable, weight of law but it’s the best they’ve got. I can’t help but think of the many stories of, prisoners of war, which comment on the humane treatment from guards due to our reputation for humane treatment. I have read hundreds of anecdotes of prisoners who have been treated well by guards who were “repaying the kindness” received during their own captivity. And just as many of abuse driven by “the bastards shot my brother”.

    The whole point? The one sure way to ensure barbaric behavior is to behave barbarically ourselves.


  79. pete says:

    Sorry folks. I didn’t realize it was a hopeless troll. Mingolic Gibberish is an idiot.


  80. Shayne says:

    As compared to…uh…a fake idiot?

    Comment by Mengolick Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:06 pm

    Gee, I don’t know.

    :|

    Are you saying you’re just faking being an idiot?

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 10:14 pm

    He’s way too convincing to be a fake idiot. I believe he’s the real thing.


  81. Shayne says:

    What did America do to cause the death of Leon Klinghoffer?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:17 pm

    You must be hearing things, nobody said America caused the death of Leon Klinghoffer. Who’s talking to you, Jesus?


  82. Shayne says:

    I don’t think they cover recent US history in homeschooling, do they?

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 10:21 pm

    That’s the problem with homeschooling. If your mother doesn’t know anything about history, neither will you. And then people will think you’re an idiot.


  83. Zooey says:

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:32 pm

    What’s your previous troll name?

    Are you too afraid to answer my question?


  84. Shayne says:

    Now all I am asking for is what caused the hatred? What did America do that made the terrorists kill poor Leon or smash the WTC towers not once but twice.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:28 pm

    Well with your pompous attitude and ignorance of the fact that even nonAmericans are human, if I wasn’t American I’d hate Americans. You are everything encompassed by the phrase “Ugly American”.


  85. Zooey says:

    Mingolic Pandracob has been banned from TP, but shows up again to fling his piss-soaked sheets. What a pitiful little authoritarian.


  86. Shayne says:

    Next time, try reading before asking your dumbass questions.

    Then you won’t look so stupid.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 10:36 pm

    Oh I’m pretty sure mongoloid pinhead will always look stupid.


  87. Shayne says:

    The difference ‘tween you and I is that I don’t believe that America created the hate, at least not with anything more than than the fact that we exist.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:36 pm

    See, and this is WHY you’re the idiot.


  88. Shayne says:

    Also how’s those talks with Vagisil coming?

    :|

    I heard they asked for you by name.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 10:39 pm

    That’s not his name, that’s what he is.


  89. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    What must America do to “stop creating terrorists”?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:43 pm

    Is this human colostomy bag serious? has he ever been out of his mom’s basement (which is actualy the crawl space underneath the doublewide…).

    Stop killing Iraqis wholesale?


  90. Shayne says:

    Time to add an extra wing to Cheney’s Top Secret Torture Headquarters™.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:49 pm

    And then the idiot asks why they hate us. The stupidity is staggering.


  91. zenster666 says:

    Yup. Let’s read him into the “program” so he knows what lies to tell. Dana makes fascism look pretty and very ‘tea party like’ in its etiquette. Where’s the Mad Hatter and March Hare?

    Transmission from bizarro world out.


  92. Shayne says:

    has he ever been out of his mom’s basement (which is actualy the crawl space underneath the doublewide…).

    Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — November 1, 2007 @ 10:56 pm

    I hope not, don’t we have enough enemies.


  93. Shayne says:

    Wow…yet another cogent response. And this is an example of thinking progressively?

    Time to change the site name.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 10:58 pm

    The problem with you people is you’re not willing to make any sacrifice either. That’s why it’s impossible for you to understand why people would make the ultimate sacrifice for something they believe in. Mostly they believe you’re an idiot.


  94. Shayne says:

    Gee ming I believe I said earlier that we’re not here to teach you history lessons. Bartlebee was even considerate enough to tell you where you could go to find the answers. Did your mommy spoon feed you every lesson in homeschool. Too bad she’s such an idiot otherwise you might already know something about the Middle East.


  95. Shayne says:

    Unfortunately the progress is yet another tired comparison between the suicide bomber who intends to slaughter as many as possible and the American soldier who doesn’t – Mingo

    How about the Blackwater mercenaries who kill 17 innocent people for no good reason. Is that comparison easier for you to understand. No it isn’t because to you people killing brown people doesn’t count as long as you’re safe in your double wide.


  96. Shayne says:

    Here’s a start, why don’t you go look up our history of imprisoning Muslims. Maybe that will give you some hints.


  97. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    The problem with you people is you’re not willing to make any sacrifice either. That’s why it’s impossible for you to understand why people would make the ultimate sacrifice for something they believe in. Mostly they believe you’re an idiot.

    Comment by Shayne — November 1, 2007 @ 11:01 pm

    Aren’t the diplomats complaining like crazy about having to go over there? Guess it’s pretty easy to send smoeother person’s kid to die for your sense of “honor”.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20071101/us-iraq-embassy/

    Rice Answers Anger Over Iraq Assignments

    WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is trying to quell a revolt among U.S. diplomats angry over attempts to force foreign service officers to work in Iraq or face dismissal.

    Rice plans to send a cable to all U.S. embassies and missions abroad explaining the decision to launch the largest diplomatic call-up since Vietnam, following a contentious town hall meeting on Wednesday where angry diplomats raised deep concern about the “potential death sentence” of being ordered to work in Iraq, the State Department said.


  98. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Can you?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:09 pm

    This probably didn’t help…

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States-Iran_relations#The_1950s_and_the_politics_of_oil.2C_a_turning_point

    The United States and Britain, through a now-admitted covert operation of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) called Operation Ajax, conducted from the US Embassy in Tehran, helped organize protests to overthrow Moussadeq and return the Shah to Iran. The operation failed and the Shah fled to Italy. After a second successful operation he returned from his brief exile. Iran’s fledgling attempts at democracy quickly descended into dictatorship, as the Shah dismantled the constitutional limitations on his office and began to rule as an absolute monarch.

    During his reign, the Shah received significant American support, frequently making state visits to the White House and earning praise from numerous American Presidents. The Shah’s close ties to Washington and his bold agenda of rapidly Westernizing Iran soon began to infuriate certain segments of the Iranian population, especially the hardline Islamic conservatives. Because of their eventual ascension to power during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Operation Ajax is considered as one of the worst CIA “blowbacks” ever.

    Overthrowing a democratically elected leader and installing a brutal dictator probably had something to do w/ it.

    Just pointing it out for ya… (you can read, can’t you?)


  99. Bush is a TRAITOR says:

    NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO,
    NO fu(king way , No…Did I say NO?


  100. Eargy Earp says:

    “Grant me the Chancellorship and the Prime Ministership and then it’ll work out.

    Trust me.”

    This country will be wrapped up in international court for decades.


  101. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Like most government apparatchiks, the state lifers don’t mind sucking on the public teat as long as said teat resides in the fashionable west-end.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:19 pm

    EXCUSSSEEEE ME, but WTF does this gibberish mean?

    One gives Pinhead a specific example of why MEers might hate the US, and he assumes he can cleverly tapdance around it w/ meaningless, snide doubletalk. Alas, poor Pinhead only proves that the use of the phrase “pinhead” is not an insult, but rather an accurate description.

    BTW, the US’s backing of Saddam, including giving him chemical WMD that were used against Iranians just might have something to do w/ it too, huh?

    Let the snide, meaningless tap dancing begin!!!


  102. pete says:

    I know this is a wasted effort but here goes.

    Why do “the terrorists” hate us?

    Here’s the short version. Since “the West” decided that oil was necessary to our industrial expansion, back in the early 20th century, we have treated the oil under their land as our own. In order to ensure our supply we have installed numerous regimes, of our choosing, and maintained a continuous military presence. This, among other things, has brought two World Wars to the region. Not to mention our installing, and supporting, a colony of foreigners.

    Mid-Easterners (is that a word?) are a tribal/clan oriented culture that, while not technically xenophobic, doesn’t like interference in internal affairs. Furthermore, they have a strict code of honor that is very different from our own.

    We (various European nations and America) have continually interfered in their internal affairs, scorned and belittled their traditions, occupied their territory, brought war and refused to leave when asked to leave. This has been going on for, at least, a hundred years.

    That is why they used to hate us.

    Now? We, the United States of America is engaged in the occupation of two Sovereign Mideastern Nations. We, in response to a criminal act not directly attributable to any government, overthrew said governments and refuse to leave. Plus, we have, demonstrably, engaged in actions which violate their beliefs and international law.

    This is, hardly, the whole list. And none of these reasons has any baring on the treatment of individual prisoners. That is where our code of honor comes in. Our government claims, “we don’t torture” yet we, demonstrably, do torture. What’s worse? Our “glorious leaders” refuse to acknowledge, or condemn, that torture. That puts our citizens in increased danger. Specifically the danger of being tortured out of revenge.

    Satisfied?


  103. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    f you think the muslim terrorist’s need to slaughter Americans derives from the existence of Gitmo, then close the place down and prepare to explain yourself when the next American ex-pat in Saudi Arabia gets his head blown off by some guy screeching “Alahu Ackbar!”

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:30 pm

    Excuse me, Mr Pinhead? So, when other folk, like me, for example, present you w/ factual information that answers your question, you assume by ignoring said information, you’ve somehow “proven you’re right”???

    BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA… yer a comic, right?

    Tryin’ out new material for the Half Hr News Hr, right?

    Ooops… too late… it’s already off the air…


  104. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    If anyone’s hugging Bin Laden, its you guys.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 11:29 pm

    W/out bin Ladin to trot out of the closet on regulary scheduled intervals, the GOOPers are SOL, if ya know what I mean.

    Holy Shi-ite!!! Someone tell Bush and Bin ladin to get a room!


  105. pete says:

    It’s an upper-middle-class twit (Python Monty TM). “No sort of sensory apparatus whatsoever”!


  106. Shayne says:

    TRoS and pete great concise explanations for the pinhead. As you can see now he has ignored you and by now has run off with his tail between his legs like the coward he is. When you’re homeschooled by a dolt it’s hard not to get overwhelmed with an indepth lesson.


  107. Shayne says:

    Like an idiot.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 11:35 pm

    Not like an idiot Bart, because he is an idiot.


  108. pete says:

    “Diplomacy first” is HARD, with trolls!

    OFF TOPIC: I was reading about Turkey imposing sanctions on the Kurds. How long will it be before Condi, Dana, or one of the other lil’ shrubs, announces, “Sanctions are counterproductive”?


  109. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    This doesn’t look good for the lefties who will now need to embrace Bush for NOT killing Bin Laden.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:38 pm

    “Gawd, yer a staggering intellectual fraud.

    In layman’s term, it means yer a stone idiot from Hell.


  110. Shayne says:

    Ok then. No more ranting about Bush not getting OBL, agreed?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:38 pm

    Right now it’s progressives that didn’t want Bush to get Bin Laden. We’re the people who told him to forget about him and go to Iraq. Nice try dumbass but you have failed. At least you’re used to failure so you should be comfortable.


  111. pete says:

    The biggest idiot I’ve ever seen Shayne.

    He’s denser than most.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 11:41 pm

    I think that prize still belongs to Mr. Pus. At least this one doesn’t seem to start pounding his keyboard in a senseless rage. Of course, that just makes it more dangerous.


  112. Shayne says:

    The biggest idiot I’ve ever seen Shayne.

    He’s denser than most.

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 1, 2007 @ 11:41 pm

    And among his peer group, that’s really says something.


  113. Zooey says:

    Mingolic Pandracob is simply a piss-soaked troll, here to engage in mental masturbation — which he likes to accomplish while spinning in circles.


  114. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Geez, Bartles, this guy is both stupid and desperate.

    Could be Mr P, but almost has more the tone of michael.

    Jaw-dropping pathetic in the end, though.


  115. pete says:

    You seem to be having trouble formulating a cogent response beyond the usual familial jabs which are such a staple of liberals here at TP; if you need more time I will grant it to you.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:48 pm

    I’m not BB but I took it upon myself to answer your, irrelevant, question at #184.


  116. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    I’m not BB but I took it upon myself to answer your, irrelevant, question at #184.

    Comment by pete — November 1, 2007 @ 11:51 pm

    I did too, pete, but pinhead seems to be of the opinion that if he refuses to acknowledge the answer, it doesn’t exist for his sake.

    Kind of like an ostrich w/ its head stuck up its own …


  117. Lefty Patriot says:

    Ok ok, I suppose we will have to make an exception for him, but him ONLY. We will just have to accept the hits we take from the terrorists we created by orchestrating Bin Laden’s death.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:54 pm

    So your position is that Bush is saving American lives by letting his BFF Osama run around making campaign videos for Republicans? You’re amazingly ill-informed, even for a Bush-fellator. So why didn’t Bush stop the 9/11 attacks? Was it treason or incompetence? Was 9 months in office not enough time to learn how to read a PDB? Or was Condi too busy shopping and playing the piano to do her job, which is keeping the Deserter-In-Chief apprised of national security developments? “Who coiuld have imagined…”
    And if you don’t know why Middle easterners hate the USA, then you don’t know why slaves hated their masters, or why prisoners hate their jailers. You just don’t know very much.


  118. Lefty Patriot says:

    Would this be a good time to cease the hunt for Binny or is he a special category?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:03 am

    Adtually, it might be a good time to start the hunt for Bush’s buddy Osama. and don’t worry, Bushco cares not if it endangers more American lives. The rate they’re killing American soldiers by not protecting them or allowing them enough rest to do their jobs isn’t going to change that much if a few more Arabs are pissed off.


  119. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    I finally figured this clown out.

    He’s addicted to c*rcle jerking and this is how he gets people to join in.

    I’d suggest you all back off. He’ll be spinning in circles for hrs here.

    Talk about pathetic.


  120. pete says:

    So if you may, would you give me your opinion if you think islamic-based terrorist attacks against America would cease if the conditions under which the current muslim grievances are covered were rectified? Short of absolving any relationship with Israel, of course.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 1, 2007 @ 11:59 pm

    Perhaps, in a couple hundred years. However, there is no hope if we keep exacerbating the situation. So long as we are there we keep encouraging the recruitment of more terrorists.

    I’m not a Believer but one of the most true statements in the Bible is, “hate begets hate, violence begets violence”. That is a universal truth. Wars may continue if one side quits, but they can not end until one side disengages. Often that means “taking your lumps” and withdrawing while still in a position of strength.


  121. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Just flag this creep over and over again, until TP boots his butt for good.


  122. Lefty Patriot says:

    Often that means “taking your lumps” and withdrawing while still in a position of strength.

    Comment by pete — November 2, 2007 @ 12:09 am

    Too late.


  123. pete says:

    Would this be a good time to cease the hunt for Binny or is he a special category?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:03 am

    No and No. We should use every resource to find OBL. Then, when he’s captured, he should have a very public trial. Then, if proven guilty of his alleged crimes (lets face it, we have not been presented with a clear, legal, chain of evidence), he should be sentenced in proportion to his crimes.

    Would this stop the cycle? No. But, it wouldn’t make him a martyr to the hundreds of millions of sane Muslims in the world. Simply whacking him, if he’s is still alive, would, likely, make things worse. Especially if we continue to occupy Iraq.


  124. pete says:

    Often that means “taking your lumps” and withdrawing while still in a position of strength.

    Comment by pete — November 2, 2007 @ 12:09 am

    Too late.

    Comment by Lefty Patriot — November 2, 2007 @ 12:10 am

    True. I should have said, “withdrawing before our forces have been defeated in detail or damaged our position, in the world community, more than we already have”. It’s still a stronger position than what it could be.


  125. Lefty Patriot says:

    And if you believe that all of the savages who would gladly murder you would do it only because of some grievance defined as “assault on arab nations” by the United States, then you are naive beyond the pale. America is no more culpable than any other nation in having a negative effect on the middle-east.

    Those same muslim savages are busy killing people all over the globe, non-muslim and muslim alike. Oh sure, the media-savvy groups throw out a wide net with the words “American Crusader” on it, but that doesn’t exactly sell in places like Malaysia or Thailand where beheadings and assaults are becoming commonplace.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:11 am

    there’s less truth in this screed than in a Bush presser. Pretty damn creative, to be so entirely wrong about everything! Who’s killed more people, Bush or Islamofascists? Take a guess, moron.


  126. Lefty Patriot says:

    Keeping that presence away from our streets is the trick and those methods have gone far beyond sending out a squadron of float-planes to look for the enemy fleet.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:23 am

    Ever hear of 9/11? You sure are uninformed, besides being a liar.


  127. Lefty Patriot says:

    And if the other side doesn’t accept your disengagement and decides to follow you home, wouldn’t that start the war anew?
    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:23 am

    Only a desperate sociopath would do “if”. If wishes were ponies, beggars would ride. If we don’t kill all the conservatives when we win the majority, won’t they just try to rape the country again?

    See how ridiculous you sound? How demented your process is? You’re one sick F(ck.


  128. Lefty Patriot says:

    Would your average Arab Muslim even accept a verdict short of not guilty, given their propensity for conspiracy theories?

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:32 am

    Where do you get such foolish bullsh!t? do you make it up, or do you download it from UFOs? could you be any more stupid and irrational? These are serious questions, by the way, based on the idiocy you have just posted. How do you know that Arab Muslims have a propensity for conspiracy theories? The propensity for conspiracy theories is focussed on the white House, where WMD, Saddam and terrorists, atomic centrifuges and the like were the order of the day in cuckoo-land while trying to convince the mouth-breathers like you to allow Bushco to murder Iraqis and kill American troops for no good reason. And all the rest of your points are similarly weak, flawed and fanciful. I’m glad I’m not you. I’d starve to death forgetting where the food goes.


  129. Lefty Patriot says:

    You lock the front door of your pad because you want to make it as hard as possible for someone to get in “IF” they decide they want to kill you or rape you or take your stuff, even “IF” that guy may be someone you thought you could trust.

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:38 am

    Excellent. I haven’t locked the front door of my “pad’ in ten years. what other brilliantly stupid observations will you now grace us with, you coward?


  130. pete says:

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:23 am

    …9, 10.

    A unilateral “cease fire” does not ensure the other side will put down it’s arms. That’s the chance you take. However, IMO a rested, fully equipped, military dedicated to protecting our shores strikes me as being a wiser path than engaging in a war of attrition. And it surely results in less blood on our hands.

    The thing to keep in mind is, the “insurgents” don’t have anywhere to go. We are on their home turf and have the option of leaving.

    In the case of the foreign terrorists, who have gone to Iraq specifically to kill Americans, I have seen no compelling information that leads me to believe they will “follow us home”. It’s the occupation of Muslim lands that drives the vast majority of the current crop.

    Here’s the thing. It’s easy to enter Iraq. I’m sure that many of them walk. It’s hard to enter the U.S. and a strong military, not pinned down by a handful of fanatics, could make our borders more secure.

    Nothing guarantees security. But, our continued occupation of Iraq, virtually, guarantees less security. History tells us this. Every, violent, clash of cultures has followed a similar course. It’s not, entirely, avoidable but it is, absolutely, predictable.


  131. chimpeach says:

    #186

    Now all you have to do is explain what caused the hatred which culminated in the 911 attacks.

    Nobody has to explain the hatred that culminated in the 911 attacks. There doesn’t necessarily have to be a rational explanation for it. Those were the original enemies. We went after them. Good.

    Now count to ten before continuing to the next part. We need to keep some separation here.

    The part where Bush and Cheney and you and the rest of the 24-percenters part ways with rational people is where Bush stopped trying to catch the people who attacked us on 9/11 and decided to invade Iraq, and then tried to make up reasons for doing it that were supposed to have some kind of connection to fighting terrorists but really didn’t.

    So we have:

    1) Terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 – Go get ‘em. Those are the bad guys. We want them captured and prevented from killing more innocent people. But, Bush lost interest in them and Republicans don’t care. They’re safe in Pakistan now and, since Pakistan is our friend, the Pakistanis can build nukes and harbor terrorists to their hearts’ content.

    2) Terrorists in Iraq – What Bush calls terrorists are not necessarily terrorists. The ones who are killing U.S. troops might be more accurately described as insurgents. They want the U.S. out of their country. If the U.S. left, the insurgents would lose their target. The ones who are really committing acts of terrorism are more likely the Sunnis and Shias who are fighting each other for control and blowing up each other’s neighborhoods, killing lots of innocent people. We’re not going to make a dent in that. They’ll keep fighting until they’ve each got complete control of their own state.


  132. pete says:

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 12:38 am

    …88, 89…

    You just made my argument for me. To protect YOUR house you lock YOUR door. The police station across town, or a squad two streets over, is, at best, a poor substitute. And knocking down the nearest tenement will, simply, put more potential criminals on the street.

    …94…

    We are well within our rights to seek out OBL or anyone accused of such dire crimes. A trial, before the whole world, may convince Muslims OBL is not a saint or martyr. Assassination, assuming he’s still alive, will almost definitely convince them he is.

    …99, 100!

    Whew! I done it. Now it’s time for a stiff drink and off to bed. G’night humans. You too trolls.


  133. pete says:

    Dumb and Dumber! I should have shut the effing machine off when I had the chance. While it has nothing to do with the topic of this thread I’ll take one quick shot at this one.

    Germany had invaded all of Western Europe and we were begged to enter the fray. Iraq, Afghanistan and AQ had invaded no one and no one asked us to invade their country.

    Jeepers! You could at least try to think before you screech.


  134. rockyroad says:

    Last night on this site, Plunger basically called me a weenie for mentioning the fact that a climber risks pulmonary embolism when climbing 14ers in Colorado.

    What you ask does that have to do with the Bush Admin. Well this. Every time the great dub’ya interferes in the justice system or the international arena, the country risks pulmonary edema.

    While the peaks here may seem quaint, weather, winds and altitude demand respect. First, anyone hoping to bag peaks must be fit. Second, peak baggers must be well informed and well equipped. Third, peak baggers must respect nature and the fact that unforseen circumstances can and will dramatically change the landscape. Nature does not tolerate recklessness.

    Dub’ya, the cluck, has brazenly, in your face, defied nature in his approach to Iraq. First, this country needs to be able to stand on all fours. We must have a solid domestic agricultural, energy, immigration, health care and defense policy. We must have a solid, stable middle class. . . . a self-sustaining economy that can withstand the enormous blow that a war will inevitably entail.

    Second, we must have the foresight and wearwithall to sustain the displacement of thousands of troops leaving their families behind and returning damaged. Primarily to insure that casualties are minimized and precautions are taken to insure a healthy return. For climbers, this requires first aid training, space blankets, water purification systems, communication systems (walkie talkies), extra clothing and food, compasses and headlights (of course, it’s critical to be able to read a map, know where you’re heading, and a light to shine the way.)

    Third, equipped with a solid foundation and the materials to face known dangers, climbers must be prepared to face the unknown and the unknowable. Those factors would include bad weather, injury and animal attacks. Essentially, climbers must understand the terrain, weather systems and the nature of the unknown.

    Our troops have been sent into a war zone with sketchy grounding. They have no idea whether their families are secure, whether their mortgages will be foreclosed or their health is adequately insured. They have been sent to patrol in areas rife with IEDs with little to no body armor, in vehicles that are absolutely not equipped. They have no compass or headlight . . . what exactly is the nature of the mission? Who is the enemy? They get held up at gun point by Blackwater thugs . . . just what is the mission? Who is the enemy?

    I have seen the enemy . . . it is a shrub.

    Oh yeah, Plunger, I saw a man die of pulmonary edema on Mount Elbert this summer. Colorado’s 14ers may appear benign, but they aren’t. Bush’s little “war on terror” may appear benign when McCain is shopping for rugs in the Green Zone . . . but it isn’t.


  135. pete says:

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 2, 2007 @ 1:12 am

    Yeah. But, I’m done giving history lessons. I just figured I would provide one example of the troll’s lack of logic. I’m really going to bed now. G’night.


  136. Vanthomas says:

    Mr.Bush, You are not my president.I wish ill will upon you every single day.
    The day you die,are assassinated,or murdered,I will rejoice.You are a traitor and I hope with all my being you end up like one.


  137. Vanthomas says:

    I say stockpile weapons now as well as food and plot out places in your neighborhood where you can snipe the Bush mercenaries when and if they come.Laugh all you want,10 years ago the thought that something like this was even possible was funny.I for one plan to murder as many of the traitors as I can.


  138. rockyroad says:

    Bush’s exit strategy is to dig a hole so deep that any president who inherits his legacy is screwed. He’s hoping that it will be a dem.

    That unlucky president will inherit the war in Iraq, the largest embassy the world has ever seen (read: HUGE White Elephant), an enormous debt, and a fed that has been printing money as if in a fire sale of the American economy, embedded GOP operatives that will be difficult to identify, much less to extricate, from all federal agencies.

    It’s Machavellian . . . or just reeks of Carl Rove.

    Who ever is going to face the momentous task of unravelling the evil . . . meanwhile, the shrub will be snickering in Paraguay.

    Maybe, in an ironic act of rendition, he’ll be kidnapped at midnight and waterboarded by a gang of disgruntaled illegals.


  139. Vanthomas says:

    #283,I am not anti gun whatsoever. And when and if the shit flies I will have no problem killing each and every one of you traitors and your families. Think what you may about libs,that is why you will never see me coming.Some of us are so sick and tired of you repugs that we use contribution donation look-ups to find you in our neighborhoods so if hell breaks loose we can get to you quickly.
    Just kidding.


  140. Vanthomas says:

    Your right,we know nothing about guns or explosives….silly me.


  141. Vanthomas says:

    #288….The fat,stupid intern was female correct? Of course no republican would be caught like that.They enjoy sucking c&ck behind their lesbian wives backs. When you are right your right.


  142. pete says:

    Hey BARTLEBEE. How does it feel to be among the last remaining humans in the room? Did you know that Germany declared war on us after Japan struck Pearl Harbor? Of course you do.

    I bet you also know that, following the invasion of Poland, Congress passed the Lend-lease act because, virtually, the entire world called upon us to help stop German aggression. The rest of the world, except Italy and Japan, begged us to help stop Japanese imperialism. Of course, this is common knowledge to anyone who made it past grammar school.

    Now here’s something that most people don’t know. Germany had started sinking U.S. merchant ships, which were NOT carrying war material, BEFORE Lend-lease. And FDR concealed the information why? To prevent direct conflict with Germany!

    Why would FDR wish to avoid direct conflict? It’s simple. He knew that war was inevitable and we were not ready to fight. So, largely through Lend-lease (which also went to China), FDR helped gear our industry to war production. It worked pretty well. Barely.

    Even with all his “plotting” it was, nearly, two years after pearl harbor before we could take the fight to the Germans in a meaningful way. And that would have been impossible if FDR, Winston, and the gang, had been as stupid as Bush. You see, they avoided the trap of invading before they had overwhelming force and impeccable intelligence. Normandy could not have happened if a “handful of fanatics”, the “Underground” weren’t pinning down German forces and providing us with intelligence. Plus, the Soviets were starting to butcher the German forces.

    Meanwhile in the Pacific; we needed a small miracle. In spite of our overwhelming industrial, and manpower, advantage we needed a monumental stroke of luck, at Midway, to gain the momentum. Even then, we would have had a much harder time without one other thing going our way.

    What’s that you ask? I’ll tell ya. Japan was engaged in a war of attrition in China, Manchuria and the South Pacific. Most of their first line troops were “pinned down by a handful of fanatics”. Just like we are in Iraq.

    Ain’t it amazing what one can learn when one doesn’t depend on White Supremacists, “Psyco-Christians”, talk radio, and other Nazi wannabes for information? I came up with that in about two minutes. And that’s after my bed time drink. Ain’t it wonderful to possess the power of reason?


  143. rockyroad says:

    Mingolic’

    You’ve got a crush on Bartlebee . . . just can’t get enough. Hee!


  144. rockyroad says:

    Mingolic . . . “sweetheart” . . . feel the love . . .


  145. pete says:

    Let me make this simple.

    Germany engaged in an undeclared maritime war against us BEFORE lend-lease. It’s not a difficult fact to check.

    Europe, China, The Soviet Union and virtually every other nation on earth BEGGED us to intervene. Pleas for succor are one of the accepted justifications for war.

    No one invited us to Afghanistan or Iraq. We (Bushco. Though we all share the blame.) initiated war (NOTE: Declarations of war by non-governments are not justification for invasion.) based on, ADMITTEDLY: inaccurate, incomplete, and inconclusive evidence. If the claims of fabricated “intelligence” are true, it’s even worse.

    Get it?


  146. rockyroad says:

    Mingolic . . . “sweetheart” . . . it’s about being LIKED.

    Mingolic honey,

    If you just want to be liked . . . time to leave Bartlebee alone . . . playing hard to get might be a better ploy . . .

    (Granted, Bartlebee will probably make himself scarce. . . you’re kind of pathetic so therapy might be in order)

    Then again, if you’re all about the righteousness of the Japanese in WWII . . . finding friends will be a challenge (again, therapy). FDR was a pretty likable, smart guy.

    Luck, despite character, is probably your best hope.


  147. pete says:

    I keep my insults light-hearted and impersonal. I don’t spew filth. I don’t change the words of others. I don’t “name jack”. And I try to stay topical while allowing myself to indulge in “side discussions” and a little friendly troll baiting. One of my favorite debating ploys is to make my opponent make my points for me. It amuses me.

    And guess what. I’ve never been banned from this, or any other, site or needed to change my moniker. Go figure.

    What amuses me more is when a “troll” makes up assumptions about me, or condemns: “Dumocrats”, “leftists” or “lib-tards”. To tell you the truth, I can’t name one prominent American Leftist, nor do I recall anyone espousing any “leftist” ideals.

    These constant assaults on “leftists” serve only to reveal your average troll’s ignorance and paranoia. Your exceptional troll’s, however, are “bat-scat crazy” on the subject.

    It makes for an interesting study. Heck, even when it’s the same garbage that’s been spread around endlessly, it’s still more interesting than dissecting a cadaver. Cadavers are all, equally, dead. But the nuances, of a troll’s insanity, are endless.


  148. rockyroad says:

    Mingolic,

    Here you are, hittin’ (unsuccessfully) on Bart and have the self-absorbed ego to pontificate on who respresents the “voice of the average American.” Well you silly yahoo, I am an average American by all measures of the same. As a self-designated spokesperson for the average American, I can say that you are an ass.

    Int he history of America, no leader has ever demonstrated the blind recklessness of the shrub. Washington lead his troops to battle in a war for freedom . . . freedom from tyranny, from spying, torture and emperialism . . . Lincoln suffered greatly while trying to save this country from being a country divided by itself . . . he ended generations of slavery . . . JFK, in an ill-conceived move, attempted a pre-emptive strike on Cuba, Nixon and co. led a misbegotten war in Viet Nam, Eisenhower warned about the emergence of the military industrial complex. What did the shrub learn? Nada. Subsidize the military industrial complex to wage pre-emptive wars of convenience (really not convenience but of retribution). Who dies? Not Bush. Not Bush’s family. Those who die would be “average Americans.” You wouldn’t know, you are too busy trying to distinguish yourself from the “populace.” Dirty folks.


  149. pete says:

    Still can’t see the difference francie? Or (I kid) would Vichy Francie be more appropriate?

    Are you completely incapable of considering the notion that invading Iraq damaged our national security? Is it impossible that the rest of the world may believe the “insurgents”, and our other enemies, are justified in fighting us? Is it possible that you can’t understand that no nation, even the Good ol’ U.S.A. can exist without the goodwill of other nations?

    These are the questions that haunt me. To be perfectly honest domestic policy is becoming, IMO, irrelevant. What concerns me is that Iraq/Afghanistan will destroy us as surly as the Soviet Union was destroyed by trying to occupy the same ground. As surely as our adventure in Vietnam almost destroyed us long ago.

    It may surprise you to learn that I have no idea who I want our next Prez to be. I have eliminated more Dems than Reps from my list, in fact. But, whoever our next Prez is, one thing is certain; our great nation will be paying for the Bush administration long after we are dead. His policies have resulted in the possibility that we will be considered a “criminal nation”. That is unforgivable.


  150. pete says:

    “Ain’t it amazing what one can learn when one doesn’t depend on White Supremacists, “Psyco-Christians”, talk radio, and other Nazi wannabes for information?
    Comment by pete — November 2, 2007 @ 2:02 am”

    All those things are real. American “lefists” don’t exist.


  151. plunger says:

    Bartlebee:

    I’ve just tried to read through this thread from about midnight forward and after the umpteenth “you’re an idiot” and other flames thrown by you, in a never ending run-on argument that amounts to nothing but personal attacks – in violation of message board protocol, I’m left to ask, how can you possible chastise others for (in your opinion) wasting real estate on these threads by posting copius facts, while you sit in here all night long having a continuous food fight?

    Up to 361 comments of non-stop food fight?

    You have some nerve presuming to know what’s best for this community – and which posting styles are acceptable vs. unacceptable.

    Yes, your one liners are brief. So are those on Fox News. They just don’t always ad anything of value – and when you post upward of 200 of them in a single thread…who’s the thread hog now?

    Who hijacked this thread tonight?


  152. rockyroad says:

    “Bush’s intelligence” . . . now, there’s an oximoron! . . . Wow, fun.

    “. . . and Perino’s cleavage.” Now, there’s an example of the perverted GOP mind. Show me on this post where anyone but you was getting off on Perino’s bust line. . . .apparently, her chest is your wet dream . . . not mine.

    Please “feel free to refute and retort.”

    Apparently you have a problem with the fact that “average Americans” are intelligent Americans with college educations, who are articulate and can bust the chops of a bigot. Perhaps, you would prefer the standard be lowered to a “poor white man livin’ in a shotgun slum in N.O. that was so full of juice that he survived an inconvenient flood by clinging to his bottle of hooch.” Sorry dude. I’m tough, I’m smart and I do represent the “average American” that’s going to boot your cronies out of office.

    Don’t go sliming me by challenging my patriotism or Christianity. Whether or not I’m Christian, I am a loyal American . . . which is why, for my faith and my country, I know that the shrub and all of his policies and cronies must go.


  153. pete says:

    Ah! The force is strong in this one Bart. Dark but strong.

    Now it, disingenuously, professes respect for the President of a nation of, as I recall, “Muslim savages”. (If I misquoted, please accept my apology.) I may be biased but I believe that the term “Muslim savage” serves to dehumanize all followers of a legitimate religion which would include the President of Iran. I don’t think dismissing him as a “savage” is showing due respect. JMHO.


  154. plunger says:

    Or maybe Plunger never left. Maybe Plunger was here using the name of someone who just left….oh….say “Francine” maybe?

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 2, 2007 @ 3:20 am

    Who’s the conspiracy theorist now?


  155. plunger says:

    Personal attacks are in violation of nearly all message board terms of service.


  156. plunger says:

    Enjoy your “conversation” with yourself.

    This entire thread is saved as the best example of thread-hogging I’ve ever seen.


  157. pete says:

    But it’s not paranoid or ignorant to refer to talk radio as “nazi wanna-bes?”

    Comment by Mingolic Pandracob — November 2, 2007 @ 3:15 am

    Not at all. Many of the people on local, and national, talk radio fit the description to a tee. Just this morning I listened to an hour of “NUKE IRAN” hysteria. Plus, I didn’t single out talk radio as “Nazi wannabes” though I did include them in a group with White Supremacists and “Psyco-Christians”.

    NOTE: Psyco-Chrisian is specific to the type of wacko that bombs abortion clinics, or pickets military funerals, “in the name of God and Jesus.

    All of these groups are real and are, IMO, more dangerous than every “terrorist” in history. Why do I feel this way? Because they attack our spirit. They divide us and spread “ill-will towards Man”.

    So,, they exist and present a clear threat and I have studied many of them (more than I would like) at length.

    So, I am neither ignorant, nor paranoid, on this particular subject.


  158. pete says:

    The thing is, plunger, no one has asked us to return to the original topic or complained about the length of posts. We are engaging in a, relatively, interesting discourse. That’’s a, relatively, rare thing on ANY thread.


  159. pete says:

    This time I mean it. I must retire. G’night.


  160. plunger says:

    This entire thread is saved as the best example of thread-hogging I’ve ever seen.

    Comment by plunger — November 2, 2007 @ 3:29 am

    And it just bothered you so much that you just happened to stroll in at 3:30 in the morning and decided to engage the thread-hogger…. right?

    Comment by BARTLEBEE — November 2, 2007 @ 3:32 am

    Yes, it’s wild-ass conspiracy that I actually go to bed at 9:30 in order to get up at 3 or 4 each morning to begin my work day.

    And another wild-ass conspiracy that I bothered to take a look at what it was the could possibly have led to over 350 postings on this thread while I slept…

    Only to find that the vast majority were by you – and that in the grand scheme of things, little new ground was uncovered.

    The ONLY reason I even mentioned your behavior on this thread (and others) is because you always find it essential to ridicule by approach to sharing information in these threads – and you do so in the form of personal attack, in direct violation of the terms of use.


  161. plunger says:

    The thing is, plunger, no one has asked us to return to the original topic or complained about the length of posts. We are engaging in a, relatively, interesting discourse. That’’s a, relatively, rare thing on ANY thread.

    Comment by pete — November 2, 2007 @ 3:37 am

    As a disinterested outsider dropping in to the midst of your “conversation” – I didn’t personally learn anything new.

    I do not fault you for having whatever type of conversation you wish, all night long. I’m just pointing out that those who live in glass houses should not be the one throwing stones, and you have to admit that Bartlebee has been guilty of overposting in this thread by a massive margin relative to other posters.

    I would not have bothered to say a word, but for his constant badgering of the styles and content of the postings of others.

    PS: I don’t know who francine is.


  162. rockyroad says:

    Oh Mingolic . . .

    I forgot that a theocracy of tyranny hates intelligence. Consider Pol Pot, who’s Khmer Rouge operated a genocidal regime in Cambodia from 1975 – 1979, murdering all educated citizens.

    If only the GOP could rid America of intelligence, you would be employable.

    Too bad. Sucks that here in the USA, we put a premium on education. So far as imparting wisdom, you’re right, taking a bunch of courses won’t impart that . . . only experience yields wisdom. I’m not going to go into that. Of course I know people who are wiser than I am, I appreciate that knowledge. Those same sages have taught me to recognize an ass when I encounter one.

    Ass . . .


  163. plunger says:

    Bartlebee appears to be addicted to the “Post – I agree” button.


  164. plunger says:

    The topic of this thread was Dana Perino, Judge Mukaskey and torture.

    What percentage of your postings in this thread have been “on topic?”

    How many times have you demanded of me to remain “on-topic” as a requirement of my participation?

    Pot, meet kettle.


  165. rockyroad says:

    Plunger,

    It was Mount Elbert. Pulmonary edema happens in Colorado . . . watched a man die this past spring.

    You’re a bit smug but I didn’t take you for a troll.

    What’s up?


  166. plunger says:

    Plunger,

    It was Mount Elbert. Pulmonary edema happens in Colorado . . . watched a man die this past spring.

    You’re a bit smug but I didn’t take you for a troll.

    What’s up?

    Comment by rockyroad — November 2, 2007 @ 3:53 am

    Are you climbing Elbert today?


  167. plunger says:

    The topic of this thread was Dana Perino, Judge Mukaskey and torture.

    What percentage of your postings in this thread have been “on topic?”


  168. rockyroad says:

    Mingolic . . you flatter me (blush) ;-)

    Can I getta a frame-worthy sheep skin attesting to my juvenile self-indulgence.

    . . . So, so special . . .

    Do ya really think that I (little me) can usher in a new age of untold American magnificence?

    I’m even more excited than you must be every time Perino’s bust pops up on the tube!


  169. plunger says:

    Bartlebee:

    You’ve never seen me accuse anyone of straying off-topic. Unlike you, I don’t demand of others that which I am unwilling to do myself.

    I personally feel that the “topic” is always the restoration of our constitution, and I make efforts in as many ways as possible to display all that is broken, and lend context in order to help others identify how seemingly unrelated events, are in fact related. Only by connecting the dots can Americans be made aware of how they are being manipulated. You constant demand for brevity over factuality and context serves the purposes of the government psyops officers.

    I am merely pointing out that you do not practice that which you so rudely demand of others.


  170. plunger says:

    Compulsions are defined by:

    1. Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.


  171. plunger says:

    Compulsions are defined by:

    1. Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.


  172. plunger says:

  173. rockyroad says:

    Humm . . . I just got diverted from this site after posting a post that wasn’t posted.

    Repeat:

    Back on point . . .

    Waterboarding is not re-hydration. As a newly minted Juvenile Grad (thank you Mingolic) I’m feeling fluffy and much wiser.

    A dear friend just was called to serve in Iraq. Of course I’m concerned. Waterboarding our enemies is a bad plan. If we leave it as an option, why wouldn’t our enemies employ the same tactics and worse?

    Bush has trashed the Geneva Convention. In doing so, he’s put ourmen and women, not only in harm’s way, but in jeopardy of unfathomable horrors.

    Please, say a prayer. Torture is not the American way.


  174. rockyroad says:

    Mingolic,

    My obsession with the horror that is waterboarding . . . is kind of like your wet dream . . Perino’s bustline on the tube.

    Mine just isn’t gross.


  175. rockyroad says:

    Bartlebee,

    Nice chatting along with you. The problem is not just waterborading, it’s the utter disfunction of our government. . . waterboarding is symptomatic, like telecom spying and Blackwater.

    You hold your own.

    Good night.


  176. The Shadow says:

    Dana, you dumb blonde. This chic is so dumb I could sell her dirt and tell her it’s gold.


  177. rockyroad says:

    Kilo,

    You’ve posted nonsense. Tomorrow is another day. Take a nap.

    Just read the last post by “The Shadow.” Complete nut job . . . don’t go down that road.

    Kilo, you seem like a decent person, see you here tomorrow.


  178. Peter C says:

    It is maddening to think how stupid “Little Miss Information” thinks we all are.

    I wonder that even the 24%ers are not insulted.


  179. Pete Bogs says:

    ask questions after he’s confirmed and not easily removed? great idea… for me to POOP ON! (thanks, Triumph)


  180. bhayden90 says:

    The Democrats have made this easier for Bush and the GOP to spin by keeping the focus on torture techniques. The crucial piece of information that came out of the hearings is Mukasey’s comments placing the President above the law. While it is certainly disgusting that Mukasey will not rule out torture techniques, the broader and thus more important issue is claiming that the President can disregard statutes (such as a statute outlawing torture) if the nation’s security so dictates. It is easy for the President and commentators to appeal to the public on the torture issue by scaring them. It is at least slightly more difficult for them to spin the “President is above the law” issue. Focusing on this issue would also force the President to either keep his mouth shut or comment on how he is above the law and try to explain that to the people. Now we have given him an invitation to talk about how to handle a terrorist who has knowledge of an impending attack. Viewers of “24″ will easily buy into that. But I believe that there are many out there who are not quite as open to a president, especially this President, acting like a war time dictator.


  181. hellinabucket says:

    Comment by bhayden90 — November 2, 2007 @ 9:34 am

    Great point. I doubt it will get much attention but it should.


  182. Snarfeh says:

    Waterboard Mukasey now. Right in front of the committee. On TV, even.

    If he doesn’t consider it torture, fine, at least he’s taken a stand. If he does consider it torture, fine, at least he’s taken a stand. If he still can’t decide, however, then he’s dumber than dirt and should not be Attorney General anyway.

    And while we’re at it, waterboard Bush, Cheney and anyone else who is not sure whether it’s torture. Since they don’t consider it torture or don’t know if it’s torture, we should be able to get that cleared up by waterboarding anyone who is not sure.

    Hell, I don’t even know if it’s torture. I just keep reading that it is and that it isn’t and that it might or might not be. Therefore, I’d love to see it done on TV to Mukasey, Bush and Cheney.

    Then I’ll decide.


  183. Snarfeh says:

    Oh, and waterboard Dana Perino. And Tony Snow. The more, the merrier, eh?

    And crap, while we’re at it, waterboard every member of Congress, every aide, intern and staff person and all members of state government in every state.

    Surely, once that’s done, we could all agree on it?


  184. Bluestocking says:

    But in reality, the White House refuses to even define torture.

    ***********************

    Well, DUH! That’s because they want to give themselves as much leeway and as many options as they possibly can. In short…(fill in the blank) is torture when other people do it, but not when we do it. After all, we’re the good guys — remember? Good guys could never possibly be capable, let alone guilty, of torture…right?

    That would, after all, quite easily be another way to interpret Bush’s statements that “the United States does not torture” — especially considering the fact that Bush and Co. very clearly perceives the world in terms of extremes and absolutes, black and white with very few (if indeed any) shades of gray. Perhaps all he really means is that the United States refuses to define or perceive anything that it might choose to do as being torture even if we would perceive and define it as torture when other people do it. However, as Cheney himself once said, “you can put lipstick on a pig — but it’s still a pig.”


  185. rockyroad says:

    Dems are once again caving . . . Mulkasey’s nomination is looking good . . . How can this be?


  186. rockyroad says:

    Kilo,

    “According to the hysterically funny terms of posting here . . . ”

    There is nothing “hysterical” nor “funny” about posting here.

    Honestly, take a nap and lay off the coke.

    We kinda love you in a wierd lib way. Just take care.



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