ThinkFast: November 14, 2007
ThinkFast: November 14, 2007
Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell said a long-delayed National Intelligence Estimate on Iran will soon be completed, though he said he will not release an unclassified version of the estimate’s key judgments. Asked how he would respond if White House officials misused the NIE, McConnell said, “If it were cherry-picked in an inappropriate way, then for me there’s a professional obligation to object, and I would submit my resignation.”
The Bush administration has “had more turnover than any administration in recent history, going back to the Kennedy administration,” with at least 150 former administration officials now working as lobbyists. “In its early years, the administration was estimated to have hired about 100 lobbyists.”
Black Americans “are more dissatisfied with their progress than at any time in the past 20 years, and less than half say life will get better for them in the future.” The new Pew Research Center poll also finds that “43% say the black-white economic gap has widened; 19% of whites say so.”
The CIA has three video and audio recordings of interrogations of senior al Qaida captives. “The disclosure that the government taped some interrogations of high-value detainees could invite fresh scrutiny of the CIA’s treatment of so-called ‘enemy combatants’ who were held at secret prisons or U.S. bases overseas.”
The deaths of at least 14 of the 17 Iraqis killed by Blackwater guards in a September 16 shootout were “were unjustified and violated deadly-force rules in effect for security contractors in Iraq,” according to portions of the FBI investigation now under review by the Justice Department.
A lawsuit by former book publisher Judith Regan claims that an unnamed News Corp. exec “encouraged her to lie to federal investigators about her past affair with Bernard B. Kerik” in order to “to protect the presidential aspirations of Rudolph W. Giuliani,” Kerik’s former friend and mentor.
“Senate Democrats might force Republicans to wage a filibuster if the GOP wants to block the latest Iraq withdrawal bill, aides and senators said Tuesday.” Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) told The Hill that “a forced filibuster is ‘possible’ and would ‘generate attention.’”
A measure of consumer confidence — the “economic optimism index” — “dropped to a two-year low in November, weighed down by housing market turmoil and surging oil prices, according to a survey released on Tuesday.”
Refugees International reports that the U.S. government has been “unforgivably slow” in resettling Iraqi refugees and has failed to coordinate with its Arab allies to address the suffering of an estimated 4.5 million displaced Iraqis. A UN official underscored the growing problem of “survival sex” among Iraqi women refugees.
And finally: “Stephen Colbert may have abandoned his brief bid for the White House, but he ended up in a three-way tie for a seat on the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District Board.” Colbert and two College of William and Mary students each received three write-in votes. Colbert’s “electoral success will be fleeting, however,” as he is not a registered voter in Williamsburg, VA, and is therefore ineligible to serve.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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Mitch McConnel is a man of his word?? If so, then we will see his resignation soon. I don’t trust that man as far as I can throw him and by his recent sycophantic performance in towing the party line ABOVE ALL ELSE (along with his continuous whimping and simpering), he doesn’t deserve to service in his current position.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:05 amJudith Regan: BRING IT ON!! Pop the popcorn for this juicy tale. This is certain to tank Giuliani into the next century.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:06 amJudith Regan is suing her former employer because she lied? She is a real charmer, all right. Her history with the publishing house, her “imprint” and the revolting trash she specialized in, and her choice to have an affair with IckyMan and despoil the apartment set up for Ground Zero workers, leaves her with as much credibility as a Bush staffer. Or less.
And yet . . . her claim is entirely plausible. It’s just that it’s dirty.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:08 amSo how are we supposed to know if the report has been cherry picked when they are not going to release the entire report? Mitch McConnel is not likely to quit his job, so the answer is going to be that the Bush Admin didn’t “cherry pick” the data. Hopefully there is a whistleblower in the government who will release the truth. I know that if I was a government employee and I had knowledge that they were cooking the books on the intel once again to start another disastrous war, I would blow the whistle on them even if it caused me to lose my job.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:10 amWhy would they need to cherry pick from a report they’ve been revising for almost a year to be sure it suits the purposes they have in mind? The whole things already a giant cherry pie.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:11 amThe deaths of at least 14 of the 17 Iraqis killed by Blackwater guards in a September 16 shootout were “were unjustified and violated deadly-force rules in effect for security contractors in Iraq,â€
What is sick about this report is that they found the other three deaths justified because the white car the people were in rolled forward. Your foot slips off the brake in Iraq and you are justifiably dead. Sick, sick, sick.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:12 amDirector of National Intelligence Mike McConnell said a long-delayed National Intelligence Estimate on Iran will soon be completed, though he said he will not release an unclassified version of the estimate’s key judgments. Asked how he would respond if White House officials misused the NIE, McConnell said, “If it were cherry-picked in an inappropriate way, then for me there’s a professional obligation to object, and I would submit my resignation.â€
I wonder what his definition of “inappropriate” is.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:13 amThe FBI pronouncement seems quite premature. There is no complete way to logically re-create the exact circumstances surrounding the Blackwater incident. We must cut the Blackwater guys some slack. However, if this does come before a jury and the jury finds them guilty, off with their heads!
November 14th, 2007 at 9:15 amSenate Democrats might force Republicans to wage a filibuster
Key word: “might” Reality: another cave, when push comes to shove.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:15 amSenate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) told The Hill that “a forced filibuster is ‘possible’ and would ‘generate attention.’â€
Is it possible that the Democrats are going to stop “playing nice” and take some cues from the Republicans playbook? It’s about time and I certainly hope they follow through. If they don’t, the Democratic party will be in serious trouble. I don’t think the Democrats could stand being let down by their leaders once again.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:15 amN.I.E. = COOKING THE BOOKS
CHERRY-PICKING….AGAIN!!!
November 14th, 2007 at 9:17 am“If it were cherry-picked in an inappropriate way, then for me there’s a professional obligation to object, and I would submit my resignation.â€
I wonder what his definition of “inappropriate†is.
Comment by Menehune
Good catch. It sounds like he’s leaving himself a lot of wiggle room. I have no idea what an appropriate way to cherry pick intelligence is, though.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:17 am“However, if this does come before a jury and the jury finds them guilty, off with their heads!”
Comment by hits
How barbaric! And how ironic, if they’re judged by their Iraqi peers and sentenced to death, although hanging is the accepted method now. But it would send the message that the days of contractor lawlessness are over.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:22 amgummitch: Dirty IS as dirty DOES and Regan can be judged by the company she keeps and the workd she produces; however, having said that, there is nothing worse than a gangster’s moll turning on him so we’re sure to see some fireworks here. And, when the smoke clears, Rudy Giuliani et al will be left without their pants on. This will be wonderful to see.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:23 amHits hits a new low. Now the FBI is an unqualified radical lefty organization that doesn’t know how to investigate.
Funny stuff.
Perhaps we should outsource the investigation to Blackwater, right Hits.
-GSD
November 14th, 2007 at 9:23 am#12…these days, you have to parse everything that anyone in Washington says. You can usually find in any statement a ‘magic word’ that will allow the statement to be pivoted anywhere from 90 to a full 360 degree spin.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:24 amMcConnell is essentially saying there is a proper way to cherry-pick the intellegence, i.e., he doesn’t have to resign.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:25 am“wiggle room” is an understatment for Mike McConnell. Once we get into semantics and the nebulous area of personal judgments, we can be assured that it’s something which McConnell already knows is problematic. He’s already deviated into that territory with this comment instead of sticking to what is appropriate “within the framework of the existing laws” and setting himself up as judge and jury.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:26 am>The deaths of at least 14 of the 17 Iraqis killed by Blackwater guards in a >September 16 shootout were “were unjustified and violated deadly-force >rules
Note to Blackwater humping trolls like Kilotwat who love to misread statements….this is not saying the other 3 iraqi deaths were attackers.
Hmm, heres some of this accountabilty Kilo was claiming blackwater has. Oh, except their employees are currently immune from any criminal prosecution of thier wrongdoing while on the job. Oh wait, Blackwater issued a statement saying they would “support accountablity”, if one of thier employees did something wrong. Too bad that accoutability doesnt have any consequences..
November 14th, 2007 at 9:26 amI don’t give a lot of credibility to Judith Regan, but NYC mafioso Kerik & Fruity Rudy need some exposure. Now.
News Corp is the shadow figure behind Rudy. Do we really need Rupert Murdoch actually ‘owning’ a President? It’s bad enough to have Fux News polluting the air waves with hysterics & lies, but they don’t own Bush.
They own Rudy.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:27 amUncle HO: By deciding what form of “cherry picking” is legitimate, McConnell has his out and an out for the State Department etc. This is the Rethug “way” of skewing the details as well as hijacking the conversation.
When we go to point B where we accept that certain forms of cherry picking (aka lying) are what McConnell deems “acceptable”, the discussion has taken off into a new direction – the approval of “certain types of lying”. This is the forte of this criminal cabal and the GOP.
Congress needs to remind McConnell that cherry picking is a form of manipulating the facts into something which supports the premise desired to be spun. It’s actually lying – but in a more creative form.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:28 am“Senate Democrats might force Republicans to wage a filibuster if the GOP wants to block the latest Iraq withdrawal bill, aides and senators said Tuesday.†Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) told The Hill that “a forced filibuster is ‘possible’ and would ‘generate attention.’â€
I would assume the D’s will just cave on it like all the previous posturings.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:30 amYou can’t bake a good ole American apple pie with hand picked cherries.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:30 amNote to Blackwater humping trolls like Kilotwat who love to misread statements….this is not saying the other 3 iraqi deaths were attackers.
No, it’s saying that because the car moved, the Blackwater employees were justified in killing the people in the car. As I said earlier, in Iraq if you foot slips off the brake, you are justifiably dead. Sick, sick, sick!
November 14th, 2007 at 9:31 amJust like every corrupt issue of this administration – they hijack the conversation into an acceptance state (i.e. torture, illegal spying, cherry picking) so they have the people in the palm of their hand and already into the thought processes of acceptability of these issues in some form or other. What congress and the people need to do is to remind everyone, once again, that we have existing laws on our books and treaties which we’ve signed and that it’s high time we uphold the intent and letter of the laws which already exist.
To fall victim to even discussion of the subtleties or nuances which can always be presented vis-a-vis existing laws is a conversation which should NEVER happen.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:31 am>The FBI pronouncement seems quite premature.
By americas own definition , blackwater are illegal combatantants. Since when are people like you ok with allowing alleged illegal combatants.
>There is no complete way to logically re-create the exact circumstances >surrounding the Blackwater incident.
I’m sorry I wasnt aware that “logically re-creating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident” was a requirement for determining whether someone is guilty of something. Do you know something I don’t?
>We must cut the Blackwater guys some slack.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:32 amWhy, because if we don’t, we might have to pay american servicement 10 percent of what they receive, to do their jobs and do it with accoutability?
I should think that some savvy constitutional attorneys would be realizing that, right now, a class action can easily be brought against members of this congress (like McConnell etc.) who are suggesting violation of existing laws and otherwise obstructing justice. Where are they? I hope that they’re marshalling their resources, witnesses, and whistle blowers as we type this morning. If this democracy cares about it’s demise at the hands of these corrupt thugs in congress and this administration, then the lawsuits and charges should be forthcoming.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:33 amPerhaps instead of the traditional meal consisting of pumpkin pie, the symbol of this administration for this Thanksgiving will now be “cherry pie”.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:34 amZimzone: Just like Chimpy, corporate america along with the mafia own Rudy Giuliani. If elected, he would be Czar Rudy. And we thought GWB was bad?? We “ain’t seen nothin’ yet” should Rudy become the next Emperor.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:36 ambarfly,
Maybe I should clarify – if found guilty by an American judge and jury.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:36 amGSD,
Investigating oneself usually doesn’t work out, unless you are willing to credit Blackwater with a high degree of intelligence.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:37 amMaybe I should clarify – if found guilty by an American judge and jury.
Hits
Comment by hits
Why? Isn’t their brand of democracy now acceptable to the Right? I thought it was now Washington-on-the-Tigris over there. So what’s the problem?
November 14th, 2007 at 9:38 amWe “ain’t seen nothin’ yet†should Rudy become the next Emperor.
Comment by Veritas
You are entirely correct and that is a very terrifying thought.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:38 amChocolate Jesus,
These are people protecting our National security. I would impose a very high bar for any actions against them.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:38 ambarfly,
Iraq has never known true democracy, and probably never will. In fact, democracy may not even be suited for that country.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:39 amgummitch: Dirty IS as dirty DOES and Regan can be judged by the company she keeps and the workd she produces; however, having said that, there is nothing worse than a gangster’s moll turning on him so we’re sure to see some fireworks here. And, when the smoke clears, Rudy Giuliani et al will be left without their pants on. This will be wonderful to see.
Comment by Veritas — November 14, 2007 @ 9:23 am
The Right and their propagandists already threw her under the bus in order to provide cover for Murdoch over the OJ book. What little attention her story will get outside this NY Times article will be an intense effort to thoroughly discredit her as “lying”, “self-promoting” “anti-Semite”. None of her assertions about Rudy & Co will get any real attention at all, and Rudy will emerge with pants intact. Betcha a buck.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:41 amComment by barfly — November 14, 2007 @ 9:38 am
Psst. DNFTT
November 14th, 2007 at 9:42 amSide note on the Judith Regan story – Fox News website has it filed under “entertainment”.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,311557,00.html
And no mention on the front page of the website at the moment.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:42 amIt would seem that this charade of democracy has just been admitted to by Hits: he doesn’t believe the Iraqi courts can render a fair decision, showing that conservatives also don’t buy into the Iraq democracy fantasy, they just don’t want to discuss this failure of theirs.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:43 amPsst. DNFTT
Comment by gummitch
Yeah, like you guys did yesterday, on the “liberal” thread.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:44 ambarfly,
You miss my point. Whether Iraqi courts can render fair decisions is irrelevant to our National security. In fact, I believe that any attempt to “impose” our brand of Democracy in Iraq is misguided. That’s what the Bush administration is engaged in these days, and they are dead wrong on that.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:45 amPlease ignore (s)hits. He’s just here to derail another thread. Don’t give him the victory he so dearly craves.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:49 am“You miss my point. Whether Iraqi courts can render fair decisions is irrelevant to our National security.”
So the conservative talking points have now changed and all previous propaganda is no longer operative? That’s moving the goalposts – into the next state! The “mission” was supposed to be installation of a government that adheres to the rule of law – a pretty universally-understood concept – except now it isn’t good enough for American contractors. Your tacit admission says you believe the whole experiment has failed, because there is no justice in Iraq. An honest intellect might consider admitting past mistakes, even the big ones.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:51 amYou miss my point. Whether Iraqi courts can render fair decisions is irrelevant to our National security.
Comment by hits — November 14, 2007 @ 9:45 am
What about Iraqi national security? Doesn’t the government of Iraq have the right to protect its citizens against foreign mercenaries?
November 14th, 2007 at 9:52 ambilbobaggins
At this point I have to disagree. hits seems to be more in debate mode than usual and, therefore, has not earned ignore status. Today, yet.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:54 amWhat did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
Here’s a doozy:
November 14th, 2007 at 9:54 am
barfly,
You make assumptions so easily. First, you make the false assumption that I am a Conservative, and then your argumemts tumble downhill. In my opinion, there is never a sacrosanct “mission”. I decide the rules of the game when it pertains to my security. An honest intellect would realize that.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:55 amNone of her assertions about Rudy & Co will get any real attention at all, and Rudy will emerge with pants intact. Betcha a buck.
-Comment by gummitch
I’m not a betting man, gummitch, but I don’t disagree, either. Rudy has quietly garnered the ‘important supports’ for his campaign, that being corporate interests. They know he will do anything to win, even if it’s selling his soul to Murdoch & Co. This became apparent when Pat Robertson endorsed him.
The Kerik scandal is not good news for Rudy. As Judith Regan now knows, corporate interests do not want this as headline news. Yes, she’s a loser herself, but pay attention to the big dogs; they’re busy making their nests as we keyboard & lament.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:55 am“Please ignore (s)hits. He’s just here to derail another thread. Don’t give him the victory he so dearly craves.”
Comment by bilbobaggins
And yesterday, when I posted about Turkey invading Iraq I was ignored, so that commenters could discuss liberalism with hits. Been there, done that.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:55 amtoasterhead,
Yes, the Iraqi Govt. has its duties. I am not the Iraqi Govt., and so, need not optimize my actions on their behalf. See my point?
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:56 amYes, the Iraqi Govt. has its duties. I am not the Iraqi Govt., and so, need not optimize my actions on their behalf. See my point?
Comment by hits — November 14, 2007 @ 9:56 am
You don’t have any actions to optimize, racist.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:58 amAt this point I have to disagree. hits seems to be more in debate mode than usual and, therefore, has not earned ignore status. Today, yet.
Comment by PatrioticLiberalChristian — November 14, 2007 @ 9:54 am
It’s just a ploy. The more you feed it by engaging it, the more it reverts to its true nature. This particular troll has never demonstrated any interest in an actual debate, especially if you pay attention to its flexible, shifting “points.” By the time you’ve decided it has “earned ignore status” it’s too late and the troll has derailed the thread completely.
Kind of like this.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:58 ambarfly,
The medium we debate in has its limitations. bilbobaggins is referring to his own personal bias, and he is free to follow them. Also, I did read your post on Turkey.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 9:58 am“First, you make the false assumption that I am a Conservative, and then your argumemts tumble downhill.”
Well forgive ME! You sound suspiciously like a con, so you must be another newly-minted libertarian, who’s embarrassed for his past support of conservative ideals. If it walks and quacks like a duck…
November 14th, 2007 at 9:59 amGood post’s gummitch & Veritas, …On the pie thing may I suggest what we use to call funeral pie….Made with raisens and served at funeral’s..We need to send many to our representatives and tell them they will need them if they continue to fold……Blessings
November 14th, 2007 at 9:59 amPatrioticLiberalChristian sez:
In the words of the great Admiral Ackbar:
Seriously, PLC, “hits” has nothing to offer. Engaging him in his ridiculous attempts at sophistry is just putting speed bumps in the thread.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:00 amFYI, Mitch McConnell and Mike McConnell are not the same person–the latter is the Director of National Intelligence, the former is the Senate Minority Leader (in charge of blocking all progressive legislation).
November 14th, 2007 at 10:01 am“In my opinion, there is never a sacrosanct “missionâ€. I decide the rules of the game when it pertains to my security. An honest intellect would realize that.”
Hits
Comment by hits
Goalposts… so far away… I think I see the tips of them, way, way off in the distance…
November 14th, 2007 at 10:02 amtoasterhead,
Incorrect assumption and poor reasoning.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:02 amBlackwater killers should be investigated by the Iraqi Police and prosecuted by the Iraqi Government. If we commit a crime in China don’t we get prosecuted under China’s Government? Why should Blackwater be any different?
November 14th, 2007 at 10:03 amAnd they seem to be moving … again!
November 14th, 2007 at 10:04 ambarfly,
I freely admit. There are no goal posts in this situation. You are free to have your goal posts and stick to them while you get in trouble.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:05 amErik ‘Cousin to the King’ Prince should immediately be arrested & charged for lying to congress.
So should Gonzales.
Send them both to Cuba for a little R&R.
Final destination; Iraq. Iraqis need some entertainment. Let’s begin with letting them decide these two treasonists’ fate.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:07 am“You are free to have your goal posts and stick to them while you get in trouble.”
Those were erected at great cost to America in blood and money. If you do not respect the goalposts you don’t really believe in the concept of democracy, or the rule of law. Exactly what DO you believe in?
November 14th, 2007 at 10:10 ambarfly,
The goal posts you were referring to were erected for the right reasons at the right time. Your generalizations don’t cut much ice here. I believe in ensuring my survival and my intelligence and optimizing accordingly.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:16 amIncorrect assumption and poor reasoning.
Comment by hits — November 14, 2007 @ 10:02 am
Just a statement of fact, based on your posting record. You’re a racist, as any fool can plainly see.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:19 amI decide the rules of the game when it pertains to my security. An honest intellect would realize that.
Hits
Who exactly is threatening your actual physical safety? The black helicopters or the “Islamic looking” guy at the local convenience store don’t count. Seriously, how is your physical security really threatened. You gave a better chance of being stuck by lightning than being killed by a terrorist.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:19 amWhere do you live? I live in NYC and work a block off of Wall Street. Do I let the possibility of another attack, and NYC is target #1 along with DC, affect me like it does you? No, I’m not paranoid and like most New Yorkers we realize this war of choice actually makes us less safe. So, I ask you, why do you want to see New York attacked again?
“I believe in ensuring my survival and my intelligence and optimizing accordingly”
How flip.
Those goal posts represent America’s ideals, and your blithe denial of them puts you outside the boundaries of what one could consider american. Your above statement, implies that there is no higher “mission” or reason for existence other that to insure that existence – a most un-democratic and un-american sentiment. Are you even an American? Is so, try describing what an “American” believes.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:21 amHow about you, Hits?
I’ll even start you out:
I would give my life to ensure the survival of the constitution, and the American people, in that order.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:24 amtoasterhead,
Indeed, fools would conclude exactly that.
Thank you
November 14th, 2007 at 10:30 amHits
Blue Stater,
Have you heard of the concept of modeling and of extrapolation?
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:31 ambarfly,
You take recourse in second order concepts such as “American sentiments”. Do you even understand what an “American sentiment” is? What’s the test for a sentiment to become “American”? Does it have to pass a referendum? Or does your merely stating so make the cut.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:33 amYou can’t bake a good ole American apple pie with hand picked cherries.-comment by PatrioticLiberalChristian @ 9:30 am
Can too! Can too!
The run-up to the Iraq war is proof. Remember all those WMDs around Tikrit, smoking guns in the form of mushroom clouds, mobile-bioweapons labs in trucks, aluminum tubes suitable only for processing weapons-grade uranium, yellow-cake from Niger,………
November 14th, 2007 at 10:35 ambarfly,
I will aid and support the Constitution and the institutions as long as it supports my life. If and when they come into conflict, I reserve the right to alter the rules. That’s the honest truth. Our founding fathers allowed for this through the concept of Amendments.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:35 amBlue Stater,
Have you heard of the concept of modeling and of extrapolation?
Hits
What does that even mean, seriously?
November 14th, 2007 at 10:42 am74.
Right on Hits…
Hence the true meaning of the 2nd amendment
November 14th, 2007 at 10:43 amBlue Stater,
It means that when you interpret my post, do not read it too literally. You need to look at the larger picture to glean the full import.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:49 amwill aid and support the Constitution and the institutions as long as it supports my life. If and when they come into conflict, I reserve the right to alter the rules. That’s the honest truth. Our founding fathers allowed for this through the concept of Amendments.
Hits
Comment by hits — November 14, 2007 @ 10:35 am
And therefore, nothing to do with you, whatsoever. More lies and parsing from a traitor; it’s all you have, and all you do. We’ve already determined you’re a racist and have no interest in America or Americans, so piss off. amendments are not a concept, you idiot.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:50 amLefty Patriot,
You do not even understand what “concepts” mean. I genuinely sympathize.
Hits
November 14th, 2007 at 10:54 am78…
That was deep man… I don’t see anything racist in what HITS said
November 14th, 2007 at 10:56 amThat was deep man… I don’t see anything racist in what HITS said
Comment by Joneser
Here are two example from yesterday:
the income gap has grown because it is tied to the intelligence gap and the gap that defines the desire to be successful. Why do we act surprised when we see Black crime rates soar through the roof, or when we see dilapidated Black communities. In many ways, it’s a grand proof of Darwinian realities
November 14th, 2007 at 11:09 amComment by hits — November 13, 2007 @ 9:22 am
racial profiling could be a very effective way to augment national security.
Comment by hits — November 13, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Blue Stater,
Have you heard of the concept of modeling and of extrapolation?
Hits
What does that even mean, seriously?
Comment by Blue Stater — November 14, 2007 @ 10:42 am
You’ll have to forgive “hits” — he found the word “extrapolate” somewhere (probably on his word-a-day calendar), liked the sound of it, and now works it into as many posts as he can.
As far as his meaning of “modeling and extrapolation” — I think he means “I have no real evidence to support my paranoia, so I’m using my imagination — and my imagination says our way of life is being attacked and so I must defend myself.” Of course, he may not have a paranoia disorder — he may just have bought into the propaganda spewed by our leaders (”they’re coming to get you! be very afraid!”).
November 14th, 2007 at 11:32 amBlack Americans “are more dissatisfied with their progress than at any time in the past 20 years, and less than half say life will get better for them in the future.†The new Pew Research Center poll also finds that “43% say the black-white economic gap has widened; 19% of whites say so.â€
Once again the Black community is tuned into reality while the rest of us continue to close our eyes and pretend we are American Dreaming.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:38 amMcConnell – “trust me”. if they didn’t intend to cherry pick the NIE, why won’t they release it? The others were released…
hits – Protecting your life is NOT the stated purpose of the Constitution. And, Congress CANNOT amend the Constitution; they can only propose amendments. You probably haven’t actually read that document, have you?
November 14th, 2007 at 11:39 amIf you really want to understand the american public who votes for a conservative, or people like hits, then simply read what they are posting. Not too long ago I held my nose and went over to some conservative blogs to see what they were saying. Over and over again the overwhelming theme of all joe conservatives is that they live in a constant state of fear. If you peer between the politics of their discourse, you will find a very powerful and non-partisan sense of fear. Every post has to do with how the terrorists or boogeymen are going to get them and they feel it is their patriotic duty to do whatever it takes to stop this imminent doom.
Ofcourse BushCo is to blame for this. I think as dems/libs/progressives, we must focus on alleviating their fears and trying to get them to take the pole out of their ass to relax just a little bit.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:02 pmInspector General Krongard has a brother who is on the board of Blackwater. Advisory Board or Board of Director’s is not clear – but this is a huge conflict of interest for Krongard.
On May 2, 2005, Howard J. Krongard was sworn in as the Inspector General of the Department of State … As an independent reviewer and evaluator of their operations and activities, he oversees audits, inspections, and investigations domestically and abroad, including 260 diplomatic missions in 163 countries and international broadcasting operations in 61 languages that reach an audience of more than 100 million people around the world.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:05 pmMaybe if we can get them out of the constant state of fear, they will start to understand all of the horrible ramifications that this fear based policy has incurred on the American people.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:06 pm81 & 83
Well being an BLACK American and engaged to an immigrant, i can honestly bring this to you…. Her parents came to the US during the Pinochet days as political refugees…. they learned english in 6 months, they scratched and clawed to make it and have many things to show for it today.
Darwinian… well i think there are fringes there but not based on the color of skin… which i don’t beleive HITS was getting at…. But the lack of structure can be seen as a Darwinian concept.
Profiling…. as one of you all wrote in your quick judgments… if it quacks, and walks like one, and it walked out of the pond… its only in our nature to make judgments or be more leary of certain things… and say hey there is a duck, let me see if it is. Hell Darwin did so in formulating his theories… generalities… based on OBSERVATION…
The day i observe a rash of grannies with glasses and Lucy, her shitzu, by her side blowing up themselves in markets, robbing convience stores in black neighborhoods with 22’s wearing baggy jeans and a white t-s… all in the name of the AARP and social security…. I will start profiling them….
There is an entire other side Blacks the media doesn’t see versus what they hype up everyday…. We are constanly deemed as victims of society… that we don’t know any better… how PATRONIZING…. Responsibiilty is what lacks in minority of black communities that have been over shadowed by the media who doens’t like to pass judgements… why? cause responsibility and success in doesn’t get ratings… its irresponsibility and victimhood…. translate that into this….. or ehmmm EXTRAPOLATE….
What do i see everyday as ayoung black male in the media and walking down my street
Blacks watch more crap on TV than any other ethnicity… i.e. we open the door to be dumbed down with simplistic/ insant gratification crap….
Hip Hop culture/ MTV = Baby Mommas/ 22’s/ baggy clothes/ anti-social behavior …. that’s just a start….
Go to the west side of Chicago and take a good look…. there are evils far worse than what Priest does…
Darfur has nothing on some of the crap that goes on in our own inner cities… do they shine light on it? No, why not? 1) no money in it 2) Jesse Jackson might come at them at the idea they are racist to present IRRESPONSIBILITY in the black culture.
If you want an idea of how self destructive the mainstream media hyped – “this is how to be black in America” culture is…. Ask an African immigrant who comes to this country what they are doing to make it from the day they get off the plane to ten years later. I’ve seen it from my HATIAN step-father.
Darwinian? Yes, in essence of culture. The culture is an extension of a mentality that needs to go the way of the DODO in the greatest country on the face of the planet.
Cosby, McWhorter, Sowell, Steele to blacks who see the soft bigotry of low expectations, they all have been saying, the media doens’t want to listen… and you all become victims as well by letting some of this get a “pass”
Katrina… shows what happens when you rely on your government to save the day… and you guys want them to run healthcare? Thank God Blanco is out.
Hillary doesn’t care: she wants my vote in a promise to make them “pay” in taxes and give us all free healthcare… “let them eat cake”
Obama: His wife said we’ll “wake up” and vote for him… hmm cause he’s black? PSHHH
Edwards: I odn’t even want to get arthritis this morning
Kicinich: He’s still campaigning against Bush
To all of them we are a means to an end…. I’d like to thank P’Diddy and Paris for bringing so much attention… remember VOTE OR DIE
November 14th, 2007 at 12:18 pm84 Judyinnm
Protecting your life is NOT the stated purpose of the Constitution. And, Congress CANNOT amend the Constitution; they can only propose amendments. You probably haven’t actually read that document, have you?
You are right, that’s what judges are for :) Oh wait that isn’t in the constitution either… but then again it is living and breathing… let just say that it “evolved” to be that way.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:21 pmto comment #85
I find one way to alleviate my fears has always been to raise my taxes and limit my choices, and beleive that only government can save the day.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:26 pm“What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.”
TIME Magazine
Joe Klein
“The reduction of violence is real. The defeat of Al Qaeda in Iraq–sneezed at by some antiwar commentators–is nothing to sneeze at. The bottom-up efforts to reconcile Sunnis and Shi’ites across the scarred Anbar/Karbala provincial border, which I wrote about a few weeks ago, quite possibly reflect an Iraqi exhaustion with violence that has to be taken seriously as well. There is no question that the performance of the US military has improved markedly under the smarter, more flexible and creative leadership provided this year by General Petraeus. And the withdrawal of U.S. troops is beginning. The refusal of the antiwar movement–or some sections of it–to recognize these developments isn’t helping its credibility….
Also obvious: There are fewer votes now in Congress–and less cause–to cut off funding for the war than there were last Spring. A renewed campaign on the part of the hapless Democratic leadership to cut off the supplemental funds will only increase the public sense of Democratic futility. It will also play into the very real, and growing, public perception that Democrats are too busy wasting time on symbolic measures (like trying to cut off funds for the war) and shoveling pork (the water projects bill) to pass anything substantive for the public good.”
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2007/11/are_we_winning_in_iraq.html
November 14th, 2007 at 12:56 pm#90 – I’m tired of those plain arguments about the Left.
1. The Left is WAAAY more fiscally responsible than the right – do I really need to link to the plethora of studies to show this? Or is your idea of being fiscally responsible to borrow $1.5T from China?
2. Limit my choices??? What choices???
3. Government is the only institution that has the ability to stand up to corporate greed. Something has to happen to narrow the gap between rich and poor.
BTW- in response to your blatant sarcasm, your grammar sucks and belies your intelligence
November 14th, 2007 at 12:57 pmthanks jaypoke42….
I appreciate your Progressive “openminded” non predjudicial judgement based on a mere visual examination… profiling much?… i didn’t realize such eloquence was required to parallel with the brilliant TP lexicon such as “repugs” and “trolls”.
Is that better, I took my time now that it is lunch time.
But more to the substance…
1) I am not speaking to parties i am speaking to prinicipals. Nevermind at least they aren’t directly taking my money and blowing it on pet projects… Never mind there is a difference if i had a debt of $5000 dollars and i was making $30,000 versus $300,000
2) I take it you are for school voucher? Healthcare? opting out of Social Security? Eminate Domain?
3) If that is your only example, then clearly there is nothing to disagree about… cause i want the government out of my business as much as possible… your example is one a maybe 5 things i can think of the government should be charged in securing… after that MOVE out of my way.
November 14th, 2007 at 1:13 pmI bet my bottom dollar that the final report findings includes: IRAN HAS STOCKPILES OF WMD, THAT THEY SOMEHOW ARE INTERESTED IN DESTROYING “OUR WAY OF LIFE” IN A MUSHROOM CLOUD, AND THAT THE USA IN GOING TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY THERE TOO!
November 14th, 2007 at 1:38 pm