ThinkFast: November 16, 2007
ThinkFast: November 16, 2007
“U.S. consumers will pay 11 percent more for the traditional Thanksgiving meal this year, due in part to higher energy costs, the American Farm Bureau Federation said on Thursday.”
Ever since Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, he has been “the most unpopular figure in the country.” But “running a close second” is “his ally: President Bush.” “[W]hy isn’t the U.S. standing up for Pakistan when we need it most?” asked Islamabad resident Parveen Aslam. “We are calling them Busharraf now. They are the same man.”
“A confidential 2003 manual for operating” Guantánamo Bay shows that military officials had a policy of denying detainees access to independent monitors from the International Committee of the Red Cross.” The manual allows “some long-term detainees” to have “no contact of any kind with the I.C.R.C.”
“Some government scientists” charge “that officials at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History” ordered last-minute changes to an exhibit on the Arctic to add “scientific uncertainty” about climate change because of “global-warming skeptics in the Bush administration.”
After Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi “was required by Congress to spend half of its billions in federal grant money to help low-income citizens. … But so far, the state has spent $1.7 billion in federal money on programs that have mostly benefited relatively affluent residents and big businesses.” Just 10 percent of the funds have gone to help poor residents.
Satellite imaging has revealed that “hurricanes Katrina and Rita produced the largest single forestry disaster on record in the nation,” killing or severely damaging about 320 million trees in the area. The die-off “will add significantly to the global greenhouse gas buildup,” researchers say.
“Working until dawn, negotiators on Friday concluded a policy guide for governments on global warming that declares climate change is here and is getting worse.” The report is to be released Saturday by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
And finally: Early in his address at yesterday’s Federalist Society 25th anniversary gathering, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas announced, “You know, it’s really hard to talk up here when this guy in front of me keeps moving.” The Washington Post’s Dana Milbank notes that he “was referring to a television screen on the floor in front of him that was showing his own image — but because nobody but Thomas could see the TV, nobody knew what he was talking about. ‘It’s me! I see myself moving around!’ Thomas explained, then let out a resonant laugh: ‘Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!’”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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Yeah well, trent lott needs his back porch fixed so he and chimpy can
November 16th, 2007 at 9:06 amhave iced tea together.
Great pic of Dumbya apparently looking in a mirror...
November 16th, 2007 at 9:08 amTwo comments:
Poor turkey -- looks like it's very uncomfortable and Bush is ready to strangle it.
At least this turkey is a real one. Last time I remember posing with a turkey it was in Iraq and plastic.
Heckuva job, Dubya!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:08 amHaley Barbour is a chief proponent of "No plutocrat left behind".
-GSD
November 16th, 2007 at 9:09 am#2 -- Dogfather:
That is an insult to the turkey. I demand you retract that statement immediately or I will contact PETA! ;-)
November 16th, 2007 at 9:09 amCaption for Turkey vs. Turkey contest: Which one of us is doomed by bird flu??
"Busharraf" - wonderful and apropos moniker for two men for the price of one. Amazing how we rebuke the dictators we fear most and/or aren't in our pockets, isn't it? Yet a self-proclaimed dictator like Musarraf goes basically unchecked and unadmonished by our faux dictator right here. Utterly amazing!
What a hypocritical monster!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:12 am“[W]hy isn’t the U.S. standing up for Pakistan when we need it most?†asked Islamabad resident Parveen Aslam. “We are calling them Busharraf now. They are the same man.â€
The US isn't standing up for Pakistan because they are correct, we both have a Busharraf as our leader. And ours aspires to be like theirs. I'm quite sure that our Busharraf admires what theirs has done and is hoping to emulate him.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:14 amRe: Smithsonian disinformation by WH - This is the travesty which is tanking this country more than all others - the "dumbing down" of america. Evidently, they fail to realize that there are numerous factors involved in elevating a country to the status we once had achieved and the foremost of them would be the proliferation of education, particulary the sciences. It could also be due to the fact that the international community is calling on all countries to make it a "crime" to ignore the problems associated with global warming.
This country, thanks to the Chimp, has it's head in the sand right now. Anyone remember the movie DUNE? We're beginning to look just like those sand monsters to the rest of the world.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:15 amThe manual allows “some long-term detainees†to have “no contact of any kind with the I.C.R.C.â€
And how many international laws and treaties does this violate? God I hope that these people are held to account for their crimes. If they aren't, the world will suffer.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:16 amHi Bilbo! Yesiree! The pakistanis have correctly labeled the morphing of both men into "Busharraf". They are joined at the hip - two self-proclaimed dictators united in their crimes against humanity.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:16 amBilbo: I hope that some savvy lawyer is keeping track of all of the crimes and each individual who will be charged. The list must be a mile long by now. This goes for congressmen who will be tried for "aiding and abetting" by their vote of support for illegal programs and activities. Maybe this will hold these sycophants accountable for their votes and their actions once and for all?
No damn wonder they're all leaving congress in droves, beginning with the most criminal ones right now.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:18 am“Some government scientists†charge “that officials at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History†ordered last-minute changes to an exhibit on the Arctic to add “scientific uncertainty†about climate change...
Wait a second here, how does Bush have the power or the right to tell the Smithsonian what to do? And if the Bush Admin did this, why didn't the Smithsonian raise a stink?
November 16th, 2007 at 9:18 amBut so far, the state has spent $1.7 billion in federal money on programs that have mostly benefited relatively affluent residents and big businesses.†Just 10 percent of the funds have gone to help poor residents.
This doesn't surprise me since the same thing has happened in Louisiana. Since Congress appropriated the money, don't they have the power to do something about this?
November 16th, 2007 at 9:19 amThe manual allows “some long-term detainees†to have “no contact of any kind with the I.C.R.C.â€
And how many international laws and treaties does this violate?
Comment by bilbobaggins
I seem to remember the army coming out and stating they had no such policy, that everyone was available to the Red Cross, despite Red Cross statements to the contrary. My question is was that in a press conference or in front of Congress?
November 16th, 2007 at 9:20 am“A confidential 2003 manual for operating†Guantánamo Bay shows that military officials had a policy of denying detainees access to independent monitors from the International Committee of the Red Cross.†The manual allows “some long-term detainees†to have “no contact of any kind with the I.C.R.C.â€
You know, I'll bet that if the American public ever found out what the hell this administration was really up to, they'd be in front of the White House with torches and pitchforks withing the hour.
But they'll never find out...because the corporate-controlled MSM has been tasked with keeping them blissfully unaware.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:20 amAfter reading each morning's Thinkfast, I feel very sad that very little of what we read here is every in the MSM. I am constantly surprised when I talk about things I read on the internet with friends only to find out that they haven't a clue what I am talking about. People who rely on newspapers or, heaven forbid, the TV for their news know very little about what is really going on in the world around them.
All I can say, each morning, is THANK GOD FOR THE INTERNET. Without it we would truly be doomed as a nation.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:23 am#16 & #17 - Great minds think alike!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:24 amTripMaster: That's the "hallmark" of fascism and owning the corporate media is paramount. What we do know has everyone up in arms right now; if we knew the full extent of the truth, people will turn this country upside down.
No doubt some of the criminal activities and controversion of our constitution will come out, thanks to the internet and no thanks to our whoring MSM. People really need to begin turning off their televisions and radios and boycott the MSM. They are complicit with this administration in "obstructing justice" in this country and need to be brought to accountability for their part in this criminal, capricious government.
So many lawsuits/so little time. Maybe a good class action would be to sue the MSM for lying to the public - for their massive and corrupt "disinformation campaign"?? Time is nigh and now is the time to begin reacting to the lies and spin campaign and how the MSM contributed to the demise of this democracy.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:26 amThe US isn’t standing up for Pakistan because they are correct, we both have a Busharraf as our leader. And ours aspires to be like theirs.
Comment by bilbobaggins — November 16, 2007 @ 9:14 am
At least theirs has an actual record of military service.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:26 amCaption: http://www.geocities.com/nullacct/brains.jpg
November 16th, 2007 at 9:27 amI've had the same experience, Bilbo and Trip - when I speak to my friends and colleagues about what's really going on, they look at me as though I am from another planet. They cannot understand why they haven't heard it on the MSM. Thanks to the internet the truth is filtering through slowly but surely.
Anyone with a computer as well as an active brain needs to ditch the MSM and, instead, do their personal research and fact-hunting online.
Damn those internets! They've brought down this administration!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:28 amI seem to remember the army coming out and stating they had no such policy, that everyone was available to the Red Cross, despite Red Cross statements to the contrary. My question is was that in a press conference or in front of Congress?
Comment by Wilco
If it was in front of Congress, I'm willing to bet that they were not under oath. I wonder how many people in Bush's administration have testified before Congress under oath as opposed to not being under oath. And why does Congress allow them to get away with it.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:28 amAfter reading each morning’s Thinkfast, I feel very sad that very little of what we read here is every in the MSM. I am constantly surprised when I talk about things I read on the internet with friends only to find out that they haven’t a clue what I am talking about.
Comment by bilbobaggins — November 16, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Every story linked above is either from the New York Times, the Washington Post, Reuters, or USA Today. Aren't those part of the mainstream media?
November 16th, 2007 at 9:28 am#16 and #17
November 16th, 2007 at 9:30 amAMEN! But guess what. It's gonna get a lot worse. They are figuring out at this very moment how to manipulate the internet to take away that last source of unvarnished stark reality.
The New York Times yesterday ran a pice on how the military is trying to figure out how to do better propaganda without being caught doing propaganda. Honest truth.
It had to do with Democratic legislater Tauscher who went to Iraq only to find out that a leaflet had been disseminated amongst the troops distorting her record and smearing her in advance. Gen Betrayus promised to never do anything like it again...until they figure out how to do it better without getting caught doing it.
And, we know that Bush and his whores in congress have suggested shutting down the internet more than once! Thank god they didn't succeed!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:30 am#16, 17, & 18: You are all so correct. The internet is now my primary source for news. I check out a number of news stories and don't rely on any one, in and of itself, to be accurate unless and until I am able to verify it with at least 3 other independent sources.
I believe that the power of the internet has added much to the overall discontent and disillusionment of the American people with its "selected" leadership. I can't help but think this is one of the primary reasons why some political leaders for net non-neutrality.
At this point, they are still unable to control it thus they are unable to control our access to independent news sources which tell another side of the story while they want us to believe and hear only THEIR side.
Man -- I hate these oppressive tyrants.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:31 amGood Morning, TMM, Veritas and bilbo,.....Good post's this morning as alway's. You all are spot on every time...About a class action suit, would be a good idea if some one could get it off the ground..Need to include cable companies along with the net work's.....They selectivly pick for the areas what's to be shown and their fees now are extremely high, they get away with this because of the monopoly's....All this crap need's to stop....Blessings ......Caption question."Are we related"
November 16th, 2007 at 9:33 amEvery story linked above is either from the New York Times, the Washington Post, Reuters, or USA Today. Aren’t those part of the mainstream media?
Comment by toasterhead — November 16, 2007 @ 9:28 am
Perzactly! Maybe it doesn't count unless it's on the tv. But yes, absolutely, this is the mainstream media at its maintreamiest -- at least the print side.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:39 am#16, 17, & 18: You are all so correct. The internet is now my primary source for news. I check out a number of news stories and don’t rely on any one, in and of itself, to be accurate unless and until I am able to verify it with at least 3 other independent sources.
Comment by Helen Rainier — November 16, 2007 @ 9:31 am
NPR is still my #1 source of news, but the Internet is #2. My concern is that for most U.S. Internet news outlets, the stories all come from the same clump of sources - AP, Reuters, AFP, UPI, New York Times, and LA Times-Washington Post. A lot of Internet news is just repackaging of the same reporting. It's really important to check the foreign news sources and get a true other perspective.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:42 amPerzactly! Maybe it doesn’t count unless it’s on the tv. But yes, absolutely, this is the mainstream media at its maintreamiest — at least the print side.
Comment by gummitch — November 16, 2007 @ 9:39 am
Ah, right - I wasn't even thinking TV. I don't consider TV news to be "news." I consider it "edutainment" at best.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:43 amIn other news:
Sander Hicks, a Brooklyn reporter asked Giuliani how he gained his foreknowledge of the WTC collapse. Instead of receiving an answer, he found himself immediately dragged off by two police officers in a “submission holdâ€.
http://tpzoo.wordpress.com/2007/11/16/brooklyn-reporter-forcibly-ejected-from-giulianis-presence-after-asking-911-related-question/
November 16th, 2007 at 9:44 amAfter Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi “was required by Congress to spend half of its billions in federal grant money to help low-income citizens. … But so far, the state has spent $1.7 billion in federal money on programs that have mostly benefited relatively affluent residents and big businesses.†Just 10 percent of the funds have gone to help poor residents.
Haley Barbour was re-elected for shoveling reconstruction pork to those who needed it least. Another example of the scam that's called "fiscal conservatism."
November 16th, 2007 at 9:44 amcaption contest:
"You sure are lucky, Mr. Tom Turkey. I was gonna veto your reprive and feed you live to my boss Dick, you know, that's how I stay relevant and stuff 'cause I'm the deciderer and you're a turkey, like those crazy turkeys in Congress, heh heh. But my handlers said this photo-op shows off my sensitive side so I told the secret service to throw a coupla extra live puppies into Dick's office this morning so he'd be full and promise not to tear your head off and "gobble" you down. See I'm a compassionate conservative. After we're done here, you go up the hill and tell Pat Leahy about how kind I am and stuff. Then ask him where's the 50 bil. I told him to give me. I'm not done sending Americans off to be killed yet and if they don't give me the money then they don't support the troops, you see?
November 16th, 2007 at 9:46 amGuys,
You missed Rick's amazing piece today:
Senior military commanders here now portray the intransigence of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government as the key threat facing the U.S. effort in Iraq, rather than al-Qaeda terrorists, Sunni insurgents or Iranian-backed militias.
In more than a dozen interviews, U.S. military officials expressed growing concern over the Iraqi government's failure to capitalize on sharp declines in attacks against U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians. A window of opportunity has opened for the government to reach out to its former foes, said Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the commander of day-to-day U.S. military operations in Iraq, but "it's unclear how long that window is going to be open."
The lack of political progress calls into question the core rationale behind the troop buildup President Bush announced in January, which was premised on the notion that improved security would create space for Iraqis to arrive at new power-sharing arrangements. And what if there is no such breakthrough by next summer? "If that doesn't happen," Odierno said, "we're going to have to review our strategy."
....
Indeed, all the U.S. military officials interviewed said their most pressing concern is that Sunnis will sour if the Iraqi government doesn't begin to reciprocate their peace overtures. "The Sunnis have shown great patience," said Campbell. "You don't want the Sunnis that are working with you . . . to go back to the dark side."
The Army officer who requested anonymity said that if the Iraqi government doesn't reach out, then for former Sunni insurgents "it's game on -- they're back to attacking again."
The year-long progress in fighting al-Qaeda in Iraq could carry a downside. Maj. Mark Brady, who works on reconciliation issues, noted that a Sunni leader told him: "As soon as we finish with al-Qaeda, we start with the Shiite extremists." Talk like that is sharply discouraged, Brady noted as he walked across the dusty ground of Camp Liberty, on the western fringes of Baghdad.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/14/AR2007111402524_pf.html
November 16th, 2007 at 9:48 amIn other news:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/11/15/wounded.marine/index.html
November 16th, 2007 at 9:51 am“Some government scientists†charge “that officials at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History†ordered last-minute changes to an exhibit on the Arctic to add “scientific uncertainty†about climate change because of “global-warming skeptics in the Bush administration.â€
I suspect that this "fair and balanced" approach could be taken to include the views of everyone. The Flat Earth Society could insist that "scientific uncertainty" be added regarding the shape of our planet, creationists could insist that "scientific uncertainty" be added to any fossils or relics more than 6,000 years old (not to mention primitive humans pre-homosapiens).
Science will eventually become like everything else. Instead of a peer-review process respected and accepted by the scientific community, all "science" will be treated like any political issues -- with "pro" and "con" voices. Ordinary citizens will be polled as to whether they support the findings of scientists (despite having no science background whatsoever), and instead of a headline trumpeting the results of a scientific study, we will be treated to "ozone layer erosion gaining ground in polls" or "support for mesozoic age falling, polls show."
November 16th, 2007 at 9:53 amThe Flat Earth Society could insist that “scientific uncertainty†be added regarding the shape of our planet
Comment by missmolly — November 16, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Ugh. We don't need any more bloviating from Thomas Friedman. Thanks.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:55 amBusharraf. LOL!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:57 amAnyone with a computer as well as an active brain needs to ditch the MSM and, instead, do their personal research and fact-hunting online.
Damn those internets! They’ve brought down this administration!
Comment by Veritas
I think part of the problem is that it takes time and effort to go to the internet and become informed. It's so much easier to glance through the morning paper or sit down after work and watch a half hour of the MSM news on the TV.
And regarding your question about when is the MSM going to start reporting the news, the answer is when a Democratic president breaks up the conglomerate ownership of the MSM that has occurred during the Bush reign of terror. Or when they start losing advertisers because they no longer have an audience, whichever comes first.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:58 amOne bird brain to another!
November 16th, 2007 at 9:58 amAnd regarding your question about when is the MSM going to start reporting the news, the answer is when a Democratic president breaks up the conglomerate ownership of the MSM that has occurred during the Bush reign of terror. Or when they start losing advertisers because they no longer have an audience, whichever comes first.
Comment by bilbobaggins — November 16, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Don't forget - the Democrats rely on the same corporatocracy. We don't just need Democrats, we need people of both parties with the cojones to stand up to the GEs and Viacoms.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:02 amMarine Sgt. Ty Ziegel was attacked by a suicide bomber in Iraq. He lost part of his skull, his face was badly scarred and a portion of his brain was damaged. But when he returned home, the VA rejected his brain damage claim….
All I can think of when I read things like this is "my god, what has happened to this country...what have we become".
Heck of a job Bush.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:03 amLittlefoot sez:
If you have evidence that Sander Hicks is "mentally unbalanced", do share with the class.
I'm betting you don't, however, and are just talking out your ass as usual.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:06 amIt is I--ha, ha, ha, ha!
November 16th, 2007 at 10:09 amBush is showing what he does best, choke the chicken.
At least those soft little hands are good for something.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:11 amPlease ignore Onan and all his fellow trolls.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:13 amCaption:
November 16th, 2007 at 10:17 amAs one turkey to another.
Clarence Thomas is such a sad little man. Imagine being one of the dozen most powerful people in the country and still ranting about your confirmation hearing 17 years later. Pathetic.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:25 amUnfortunately the majority of voters get their news from television. And that medium boils news down to sound bites (bytes?).
November 16th, 2007 at 10:25 amThey are fond of putting person A up against person B, having them go at it, and call it reporting.
When the media began to consider news for profit instead of a public service, so began this path to prostitution; slaves to the advertisers, pimps for the owners.
I join with many here who gets news from various sources and often find myself in the company of others who have no idea what I am talking about.
People are busy - they should pay more attention, but they don't. They are ripe fruit for the demagogues and propsgandists, censors and marketers.
Probably a good move, since Hicks is obviously mentally unbalanced.
Presidential candidates attracts all sorts of nutcases who could be threats to their personal safety.
Kudos to the police officers who did their job superbly.
Comment by O. Bigfoot — November 16, 2007 @ 9:49 am
I agree that when a presidential candidate is confronted by someone who could pose a safety threat, security must take action.
But on what basis are you alleging that Hicks is "obviously mentally unbalanced"? He's a reporter who asked a question. I pulled from the article the exact question he asked:
“Mr. Giuliani, six years ago you told Peter Jennings that ‘we were told that the World Trade Center was going to collapse,’†Hicks said, quoting a remark from the former New York City mayor made during an interview with ABC News. “Where did you get your foreknowledge that the World Trade Center was going to collapse?â€
This is a legitimate question. Where's the mental imbalance here?
I suspect that we aren't being given the entire picture, because this story as it stands is pretty absurd, even on the Giuliani scale. I realize that conjecture tends to fill a vacuum, but let's not brand Hicks "unbalanced" because he asked a question Giuliani didn't want to answer.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:29 amWhen the media began to consider news for profit instead of a public service, so began this path to prostitution; slaves to the advertisers, pimps for the owners.
Comment by Marie — November 16, 2007 @ 10:25 am
The whole idea of "objective journalism" also came from a profit motive, too. Newspapers in the early 19th century realized that they could double their circulation by covering both sides of an issue.
Of course, this in and of itself has become a bias in that it reduces extremely complex economic and social sciences with many players and perspectives into a coin flip - for or against, black or white.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:37 amI love to see a roll reversal depicting the turkey strangling the so called commander. I just know the turkey would be gushing with laughter.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:41 amBush is never happier than when he has his hands around someone's throat...
I heard this turkey's name is Harry Reid. There's a distinct familial similarity.
Heh, heh...
November 16th, 2007 at 10:56 ambigfoot just likes to show up occasionally and show how crazed the rightwing actually is. He's really a lefty in disguise, and never means what he says. It's been difficult to ascertain that, because the real wingnuts are no less insane than the stuff bigfoot makes up, but, again, he's not for real.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:57 amTo a Republican anyone who questions the authority or honesty of another Republican is clearly unbalanced. No other evidence is required or considered. It's koolaid or nothing.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:08 amComment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:11 am
So our resident racist has weighed in with his usual racist blather. No surprise here, lowest common denominator stuff, as usual.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:14 amPicture Caption:
To demonstrate the unfairness of the Universe... only one of these turkeys will be eaten
November 16th, 2007 at 11:20 amSMITHSONIAN:
Our tax dollars are being used to project the oil industry's propaganda for their bottom line. Science? We know better.
Wrote an email to Dr. Cristin Samper cristins@si.edu the one knuckling under to our government/oil forces. Their front man.
Note that the previous Smithsonian director, a republican banker named Small, was dismissed for something similar not long ago.
But then the top 2 names on the Smithsonian board of regents are:
John Roberts our corporate Supreme Court Justice
and....ta da!
Good ol' Mr. Haliburton oil himself, dick Cheney
This is so disgusting.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:22 amfor all the worryin' and bitchin' about the MSM, aka the SCLM,
it botheries ME how little the latest FCC shinanigans are being covered by,
and commented on, ThinkProgress and fellow TP commenters...
actually, except for a few of my own posts, i don't recall any other
mention of the problem... even with repeated urging of TP...
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wants his agency to make crucial decisions about media ownership rules behind closed doors and without public input. That’s what happened in 2003, until Congress and the courts stepped in. We shouldn’t let history repeat itself.
Contact your Representative today, and let them know that if the FCC won’t listen to the public, Congress can and should exercise its sight power.
...
Tell the FCC: No More Media Consolidation!
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is once again considering relaxing media ownership limits.
[...]
Send your message today. The FCC must hear from citizens about how media consolidation affects their lives and their communities.
...
Kevin Martin - the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - has indicated that he wants to vote to loosen media ownership limits as soon as December 18.
that's not much time...
November 16th, 2007 at 11:23 am.
Quit using “Thanksgiving†and “traditionalâ€, those words mean oppression and death.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander
Nahhh, those indians always wanted to live in reservations.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:23 amNahhh, those indians always wanted to live in reservations.
Comment by Juan C. — November 16, 2007 @ 11:23 am
those REMAINING Indians...
November 16th, 2007 at 11:28 amI just flagged RSC for his nasty racist comment above.
Please, FLAG this cretin. If enough of you do, admin will get around to BANNING its *ss one of these days.
FLAG it, over and over again.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:30 amIn other news:
Marine Sgt. Ty Ziegel was attacked by a suicide bomber in Iraq. He lost part of his skull, his face was badly scarred and a portion of his brain was damaged. But when he returned home, the VA rejected his brain damage claim….
http://www.cnn.com/ 2007/ HEALTH/ 11/ 15/ wounded.marine/ index.html
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — November 16, 2007 @ 9:51 am
I saw this young man on tv a couple of days ago (CNN I think). Only 25 years old...one year older than my own son. It's heartbreaking. And it's a travesty, because there was NO REASON to go into Iraq. If there IS a hell, I hope Bush, et.al. are confronted with the pictures of the severly wounded and dead -- both our troops and Iraqi citizens -- for eternity.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:32 am“We are calling them Busharraf now. They are the same man.â€
Very perceptive Pakistani.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:33 amAnyhoo, I feel that blaming modern day Americans for events that happened hundreds of years ago is perfectly normal.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander
It is funny how the people approach these issues. I blamed nobody of these actual times, I prefer responsibility for wrong doings in the past.
Maybe those indians should all convert to Judaism, so we would feel a little more remorse.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:36 amAll I can say, each morning, is THANK GOD FOR THE INTERNET. Without it we would truly be doomed as a nation.
Comment by bilbobaggins — November 16, 2007 @ 9:23 am
And this is why net neutrality is so important.
Saaayyy... didn't the DoJ recently issue a statement that said net neutrality is bad for the country? Huh... wonder what THAT was about...
November 16th, 2007 at 11:36 amMaybe those indians should all convert to Judaism, so we would feel a little more remorse.
Comment by Juan C. — November 16, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Geez, Juan, mebbe they should all become GOOPers. I mean, is there that much difference between loin clothes and diapers? They're 1/2 way there.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:38 amVery perceptive Pakistani.
Comment by RUCerious — November 16, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Kinda like "Bennifer"??? Ewwwww... my breakfast is voting on withdrawal from my stomach as we speak.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:39 amAnyhoo, I feel that blaming modern day Americans for events that happened hundreds of years ago is perfectly normal.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:32 am
Only subhuman puke like you would rather celebrate ethnic cleansing and genocide, even though you're sitting comfortably behind your keyboard while others do that work for you. Racist, and a chickenhawk, nice combination.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:39 amLovely photograph of Evil twin George throttling his twin brother. The family resemblance is astounding - the same gray head, the same beady eyes, the same beak - but the brain? My vote goes to the Turkey.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:41 ami don't understant why ThinkProgress and TP commenters
are not more worried about THIS... you'd better be...
and there's not much time...
Media Consolidation
Kevin Martin - the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - has indicated that he wants to vote to loosen media ownership limits as soon as December 18. But he's not saying exactly what the new rules would be. He wants his agency to make this crucial decision behind closed doors, without public input.
[...]
If you want to learn more about the impact of media consolidation, check out these fact sheets:
• Facts On Media In America: Did You Know?
• Media Ownership Rules Explained
• Notable Quotes Against Media Consolidation
• Money in Broadcast Politics
• Timeline of Media Mega Mergers
http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=192086
November 16th, 2007 at 11:42 am...
After Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi “was required by Congress to spend half of its billions in federal grant money to help low-income citizens. … But so far, the state has spent $1.7 billion in federal money on programs that have mostly benefited relatively affluent residents and big businesses.†Just 10 percent of the funds have gone to help poor residents.
And this surprises who? The plan is working out very well, for some.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:43 amomment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:42 am
racism has been rejected, even by your party. why do you cling to it?
November 16th, 2007 at 11:45 am“Traditional Thanksgiving� You must not have gotten the memo from the race pimps: Thanksgiving is a time to mourn the demise of native Americans at the hands of Big Whitey beginning 500 years ago.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:11 am
You are confusing Thanksgiving with Columbus Day, or maybe your "memo" just has some typos. Columbus "discovered" this half of the world 515 years ago (in 1492), and the Mayflower landed here only 387 years ago (in 1620). Furthermore, the pilgrims on the Mayflower weren't the first to invade -- other European colonies had sprung up beforehand, most notably Jamestown in Virginia in 1607.
The time to observe the exploitation, subjugation, and eventual erosion of Native Americans at the hands of white people is Columbus Day. And while you're at it, contemplate on why we say Columbus "discovered" this land in the first place. Both North and South America were populated by people, but the implication is that neither the people nor the land masses existed until a white guy found them.
By expunging all of your bitterness in October, you can then truly enjoy Thanksgiving. Have another helping of green bean casserole, and sit back and enjoy the football games. You'll feel better.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:46 amRSC, you linked to a rightwing collection of insanity and lies, with nothing to support your racist, murderous claims. You're really lame.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:48 amSorry, RSC has NOTHING of value to add to this thread.
PLEASE FLAG THIS VILE CRETIN OVER AND OVER UNTIL ADMIN BANS ITS *SS FOR GOOD.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:48 ammissmolly, you handle the gay nazi RSC so well. beautifully done.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:49 am"... but the implication is that neither the people nor the land masses existed until a white guy found them."
Comment by missmolly — November 16, 2007 @ 11:46 am
It's called "eurocentric" and is far too complicated a concept for a base simpleton like RSC to understand.
JUST FLAG ITS COMMENTS OVER AND OVER.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:50 ami don’t understant why ThinkProgress and TP commenters
are not more worried about THIS… you’d better be…
and there’s not much time…
Media Consolidation
Kevin Martin - the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - has indicated that he wants to vote to loosen media ownership limits as soon as December 18. But he’s not saying exactly what the new rules would be. He wants his agency to make this crucial decision behind closed doors, without public input.
…
Comment by katy — November 16, 2007 @ 11:42 am
I am worried about it.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:51 amDamn... just came across RSC's most recent racist screed and my hand instinctly hit the "Report Abuse" tab. ya know, if enough of us FLAG IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, I suspect TP would ban this cretin.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:53 ammissmolly, you handle the gay nazi RSC so well. beautifully done.
Comment by Lefty Patriot — November 16, 2007 @ 11:49 am
Thanks! I've worked with children before, and that experience helps.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:53 amKudos to the police officers who did their job superbly.
Comment by O. Bigfoot — November 16, 2007 @ 9:49 am
Police officers hauling off a reporter for asking questions is a good idea to you people. If you rethugs are so excited about living in a police state maybe you should move somewhere that's better suited to YOUR tastes instead of destroying this country.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:54 amQuit using “Thanksgiving†and “traditionalâ€, those words mean oppression and death.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:11 am
How cute, Mr. P is getting philogophical again.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:58 amIt would appear that RSC is refuting his own opinion here. Not surprising, seeing the level of cognitive dissonance the nitwit lives w/ all the time.
"The... voices... the... voices in... my head... make... them... stop."
November 16th, 2007 at 12:00 pmThe race pimps? Wow, you sink to new levels of low each time you take another hit of meth.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:03 pmFollow the link if you want, or google “seattle schools on thanksgiving†and get all sorts of links from all sorts of sources.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
How odd. It keeps claiming it has some valid point to make, yet just keeps repeating the same half-baked gibberish over and over. Notice how it never actually disproves the "point" it claims it's rebutting?
November 16th, 2007 at 12:04 pm“Myth #11: Thanksgiving is a happy time
Fact: For many Indian people, “Thanksgiving†is a time of mourning, of remembering how a gift of generosity was rewarded by theft of land and seed corn, extermination of many from disease and gun, and near total destruction of many more from forced assimilation. As currently celebrated in this country, “Thanksgiving†is a bitter reminder of 500 years of betrayal returned for friendship.â€
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:55 am
So whose myth is it? And why isn't Thanksgiving a day of mourning for many native Americans?
November 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pm"Quit using “Thanksgiving†and “traditionalâ€, those words mean oppression and death."
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander
As does "shock and awe." Iraqis will have their own celebration of "oppression and death," ironically called Thanksneocon.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pmOr you could just get a tin bucket, put it over your head, and listen to your own voice since it seems that its the only thing you want to hear.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
First-hand information, everybody. Finally.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pmDamn… just came across RSC’s most recent racist screed and my hand instinctly hit the “Report Abuse†tab. ya know, if enough of us FLAG IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, I suspect TP would ban this cretin.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — November 16, 2007 @ 11:53 am
It helps to "Contact" the administrators and tell them what's going on too.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:06 pmI'm led to wonder whether RSC has "command" of all the gay nazis in his region, and if they all have fancy little tuff-guy nyms to hide behind. Or is he alone, and using TP for the only attention he can get?
November 16th, 2007 at 12:08 pmAs does “shock and awe.†Iraqis will have their own celebration of “oppression and death,†ironically called Thanksneocon.
Comment by barfly — November 16, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
"Shock and Awe"... "Blitzkreig"... hmmm...
Fox reports... you decide.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:10 pmI would bother to explain this to RSC, but this rigid little cretin is so embedded in its mindset, true communication is impossible.
FLAG IT, UNTIL IT IS GONE.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:11 pmSimplifying the progressive "mindset" to the low level of that of the rightard "mindset" (Bush is a god, white people are superior to everyone else on earth, America can do no wrong, ever, even when led by a sociopathic mob) is only natural for such a one-dimensional loser as yourself, gay nazi. Simple-mindedness is another of your character traits.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:11 pmSure, whatever they decide but that has no bearing on our celebration of a terrible series of events which started centuries ago.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander —
Is this supposed to be funny? As a part-native American, I fail to see the humor, white man.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:12 pmComment by Billy Hill — November 16, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
shouldn't use all your meth at once, billy. it makes you stupid. or more stupid.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:13 pmBush is the devil, Big Whitey is responsible for everything bad that happens, and America is the root of all evil since time immemorial.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander
When somebody resorts to moral and even religious definitions to describe social and political events, it is better just to let go. Nothing will be learned from a person like that.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:15 pmNot all, you are the lone hold-out. Actually you are the only one to choose from but that is just splitting hairs.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
Heh, that's it? Jesus, you're lamer than billy. nice gay nazi name you chose, though, very fitting. Do you do your chores with a Pilgrim hat on and nothing else, like billy? Is he under your "command"? Can you be any more ridiculous? Thanks for the laugh.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:15 pmThis turkey came from GUANTANAMO!!!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:16 pmSure, suuuuuuuure.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
You're really pathetic now.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:17 pmYou did notice that the letter was from the Seattle Public Schools admin, complete with the names of school officials who authored it, did you not?
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:55 am
Yes, I saw the letter. And I would say the same thing to the writers of that letter as I said to you. Their numbers were erroneous as well (and if you're as smart as you claim to be, you should have known that yourself before you passed the accusation along).
What has been done to the indigenous peoples of this continent by European settlers is shameful, and I don't think anyone disputes that. I just think the proper time for the outrage is Columbus Day, not Thanksgiving -- a holiday that evolved from harvest festivals that both cultures celebrated in some form.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:17 pm"Ya sure, classic response. “I know better I’m just not willing to tell youâ€. Sure, suuuuuuuure."
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander
Fail reading comp.? The statement simply acknowledges that your inability to think clearly would hamper any attempt at wising you up, little one.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:18 pmTake her advice, Billy, personal experience of hers and all that.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
That didn't even bother me in the second grade. that's all you have? besides your racism? you gay nazis had better hide behind your cute little names.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:18 pmmissmolly, I have a sincere question:
Did Native Americans celebrate or do they now celebrate Thanksgiving?
November 16th, 2007 at 12:22 pmIt is scientific fact that democrats love turkey more than republicans.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:30 pmmissmolly, I have a sincere question:
Did Native Americans celebrate or do they now celebrate Thanksgiving?
Comment by Juan C. — November 16, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
I honestly don't know the answer to that question. There are some Native Americans I have known over the years (friends, co-workers, etc.) that I have either celebrated Thanksgiving with or have discussed Thanksgiving celebrations with. Based on this small sample, I could assume that they celebrate Thanksgiving the same way I do -- take the day off work, spend the morning in the kitchen cooking, gather at the table with family and everybody gives a short speech about what they are thankful for, eat until buttons seams are popping, and then flop into a recliner to watch football while perusing the shopping ads for Black Friday. In other words, no difference (and you'll notice that my celebration of Thanksgiving makes very little reference to the Mayflower, the Plymouth Colony, or indiginous Americans).
Now, about Native Americans who have not completely assimilated into the mostly white American melting pot? I don't know. It would be interesting to find out, though.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:16 pmUh, Mr. Dumbya, that's not a chicken you're choking...
November 16th, 2007 at 2:08 pmMIssmolly, thanks.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:32 pmAll of the Indians I know celebrate EVERY national holiday by selling fireworks that the rest of us cant own or be caught with off of the reservation. Thanksgiving nowadays is celebrated with brunch at the Casino.
Comment by Billy Hill — November 16, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Those are native americans, indians are from india you 'tarded conservative moron.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:46 pm“Traditional Thanksgiving� You must not have gotten the memo from the race pimps: Thanksgiving is a time to mourn the demise of native Americans at the hands of Big Whitey beginning 500 years ago.
Comment by Rovian Stormtrooper Commander — November 16, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Actually, thanksgiving is a symbol of the kindness that the natives gave the europeans - and it should be a reminder to us all to not betray the trust of others. Unfortunately the Europeans did betray their trust, just like the GOP and YOU betray the trust of Americans to be honest, competent and constitutionally constrained in your behavior. Guess we know that some of those early settlers definitely had those good GOP values! Too bad you LEARNED NOTHING from it - 'tard!
November 16th, 2007 at 2:49 pmRHF ~ Well stated, bravo.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:54 pmFINALLY, someone W can talk with on his own level. Turkey turkey turkey, funny turkey.
November 16th, 2007 at 3:06 pmI can hear that Turkey say: "...alright Chimp : I know I look a lot like you and your fat ugly plucked hen mom Barbara! We all have the same disgusting bird nose! So now please get your filthy criminal blood stained stinky hands off my neck! You should wash your hands after you play with yourself you greed-assed freak!"
November 16th, 2007 at 3:24 pmKevin Martin - the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - has indicated that he wants to vote to loosen media ownership limits as soon as December 18.
that’s not much time…
Comment by katy — November 16, 2007 @ 11:23 am
...
hey, thank you for posting that, TP... i'd given up @73...
November 16th, 2007 at 6:09 pmhave been gone all day, and haven't noticed till now...
...