ThinkFast: December 5, 2007
ThinkFast: December 5, 2007
The faulty 2005 NIE that said Iran was racing to develop nuclear weapons was “written by some of the same team that had produced key parts of the flawed Iraq estimate.” The “starkly different view of Iran’s nuclear program that emerged from U.S. spy agencies this week” drew lessons from the “intelligence debacle over supposed Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.”
“Confidential Arkansas state government records, including letters from these women, obtained by the Huffington Post,” reveal that, as governor, Mike Huckabee pushed for the release of convicted rapist Wayne Dumond despite being warned that the convict would strike again. After being released, Dumond raped and murdered Carol Sue Shields.
The “ex-chief of staff to former Republican Rep. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania was charged Tuesday with allegedly using his wife” to accept $19,000 in kickbacks to “help a consulting firm get federal funding.”
A new campaign ad from Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) claims that immigrants coming into the United States are “pushing drugs, raping kids, and destroying lives.” He adds that these “tactics of vicious Central American gangs” are coming into the United States because of “gutless politicians.”
Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker “have agreed on the details governing the operations of Blackwater and other private security contractors” in Iraq. Though the agreement improves oversight of the contractors, it does not address “the legal framework to prosecute any State Department contractors who violate the law.”
Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said President Bush’s claim of not having previously learned of the NIE’s findings is “unbelievable.” “I refuse to believe that,” he added. “If that’s true, he has the most incompetent staff in modern American history, and he’s one of the most incompetent presidents in modern American history.”
President Bush has announced he will make the first visit to Israel of his presidency in January. Some Israeli leaders have expressed doubts about the new NIE, arguing that it is incorrect and will hurt diplomatic efforts against Iran.
“Black Americans are 10 times more likely to be imprisoned for illegal drug offenses than whites, even though both groups use and sell drugs at the same rate, according to a study released” by the Justice Policy Institute on Tuesday.
The Iraqi government yesterday “urged some refugees not to go back to their homes yet, saying the country was unprepared to accommodate their return.” “The reality is that we cannot handle a huge influx of people,” said Abdul Samad al-Sultan, the minister of displacement and migration.
And finally: Missing from Monday’s “black-tie White House holiday ball for all three branches of government” was Vice President Cheney, who skipped the gala for “his favorite pastime: hunting.” Supreme Court Justice and former Cheney hunting partner Antonin Scalia did attend the party, and reportedly “regaled some partygoers with stories of his hunting exploits.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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A new campaign ad from Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) claims that immigrants coming into the United States are “pushing drugs, raping kids, and destroying lives.â€
Sounds like a pretty good description of the GOOP these days.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:01 amSupreme Court Justice and former Cheney hunting partner Antonin Scalia did attend the party, and reportedly “regaled some partygoers with stories of his hunting exploits.â€
“So Dick shoots Harry right smack in the face, ‘n sez, “Care to say that about Lynn again, Harry?”
December 5th, 2007 at 9:03 amThe details governing the operations of Blackwater:
December 5th, 2007 at 9:03 amWe pay them buttloads of money and they drive around and around
Minister of Displacement?
Please, please, DON’T give the Brusch Admin any more bad ideas…
December 5th, 2007 at 9:04 amThe Iraqi government yesterday “urged some refugees not to go back to their homes yet, saying the country was unprepared to accommodate their return.†“The reality is that we cannot handle a huge influx of people,†said Abdul Samad al-Sultan, the minister of displacement and migration.
In other words, violence is down because there are no targets. All potential targets stay away!
December 5th, 2007 at 9:05 amSome Israeli leaders have expressed doubts about the new NIE, arguing that it is incorrect and will hurt diplomatic efforts against Iran.
Will hurt diplomatic efforts against Iran? WTF???
Ya mean, make it harder to justify blowin’ the bejeesus outta ‘em as fast as possible?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:06 amOn Wednesday, the US Supreme Court takes up two potential landmark cases examining the legality of America’s treatment of terror suspects at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, prison camp.
The stakes are enormously high, not just for the detainees but for the Bush administration as well. If constitutional and other legal rights extend to the 305 enemy combatants currently being detained at the naval base, administration officials, military officers, interrogators, and others could be forced by federal judges to appear in open court to reveal every detail of how detainees were captured and treated – including harsh interrogation methods and alleged torture. If the administration refuses to comply, the remedy under habeas corpus is immediate release from custody.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:07 amGood morning, campers.
What an opportunity! Wayne Dumond is Mike Huckabee’s Willie Horton. As the marines used to say, payback is a motherf**ker.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:07 amThe faulty 2005 NIE that said Iran was racing to develop nuclear weapons was “written by some of the same team that had produced key parts of the flawed Iraq estimate.â€
The trouble with second novels is that they so often rehash the themes of the first.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:07 am“…the “intelligence debacle over supposed Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.â€
Geez, wouldn’t that be more like the UNINTELLIGENCE debacle?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:08 am“… rehash the themes of the first.”
Comment by Menehune — December 5, 2007 @ 9:07 am
And sequels are rarely, if ever, as good as the originals.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:09 am“Black Americans are 10 times more likely to be imprisoned for illegal drug offenses than whites, even though both groups use and sell drugs at the same rate, according to a study released†by the Justice Policy Institute on Tuesday.
Does anyone market dark rolling papers for the A.A. market? Apparently the old-fashioned white ones are way easier for the Police to spot against darker skin.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:10 amUN nuclear officials on Friday completed five days of inspections of the first consignment of Russian fuel for Iran’s nuclear power plant at Bushehr, a statement from the fuel factory said.
Russian officials sealed the containers of nuclear fuel in the presence of a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, said a statement from the TVEL defence factory in Novossibirsk.
“IAEA inspectors, representatives of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency and the Iranian clients… witnessed the preparation of the nuclear fuel,” it said. No date was given for the delivery of the fuel.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:11 amIf the administration refuses to comply, the remedy under habeas corpus is immediate release from custody.
Comment by Bush Cover Ups — December 5, 2007 @ 9:07 am
I am simply astonished the Brusch Admin would be trying some of what they have here… secret trials, secret witnesses and evidence that the defendats aren’t even allowed to see? WTF??? This is positively medieval.
What’s next? The rack? Thumb screws? The Iron Maiden (no, not the bad heavy metal band…)????
The Inquisition… it’s here to stay!
December 5th, 2007 at 9:12 amPresident Bush has announced he will make the first visit to Israel of his presidency in January. Some Israeli leaders have expressed doubts about the new NIE, arguing that it is incorrect and will hurt diplomatic efforts against Iran.
I guess this is akin to David Hasselhof playing concerts in Germany. The last refuge of a has-been is that one market that inexplicably still adores him.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:15 amWhat did you miss? The fact that Senator Clinton gets some heat about her Iran stance, now that the NIE has hit the headlines. Her democratic opponents revel in taking her on. That’s what you get if you’re as hawkish as the next Republican.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16843353
Her campaign is in trouble.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:16 amTom Tancredo needs to be deported.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:17 amIf the administration refuses to comply, the remedy under habeas corpus is immediate release from custody.
Comment by Bush Cover Ups — December 5, 2007 @ 9:07 am
When will Bush be playing at “Sleepy Joe’s bar and Grill” in Crawford?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:17 amThe “starkly different view of Iran’s nuclear program that emerged from U.S. spy agencies this week†drew lessons from the “intelligence debacle over supposed Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.â€
I also suspect that there are people in the intelligence agencies who recognize the gravity of the situation and are no longer willing to lie for this administration. They have seen for the last 5 years how much damage their previous lies for the administration has done. I also suspect that Bush no longer has the bully pulpit for these people.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:18 amThat was supposed to be this…
The last refuge of a has-been is that one market that inexplicably still adores him.
Comment by Menehune — December 5, 2007 @ 9:15 am
When will Bush be playing at “Sleepy Joe’s bar and Grill†in Crawford?
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — December 5, 2007 @ 9:17 am
December 5th, 2007 at 9:20 am“Black Americans are 10 times more likely to be imprisoned for illegal drug offenses than whites, even though both groups use and sell drugs at the same rate, according to a study released†by the Justice Policy Institute on Tuesday.
—————————————–
If they ever equalize the penalties for crack and powder cocaine, this could change.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:20 amThough the agreement improves oversight of the contractors, it does not address “the legal framework to prosecute any State Department contractors who violate the law.â€
In other words, they are still above the law. That means that nothing has really changed. Unless they are put under circumstances where they are held accountable for their actions, nothing has changed.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:22 amCan we just send bush to crawford for the next year and a half? please? Tell him that they goofed for the last 7 years and he was supposed to get spring breaks so now he has to take them all at once.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:22 am#20…the handwriting on the wall is six feet tall! Everyone in Washington is scrambling to unhitch their wagon from this sinker before they get pulled under.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:22 amThe actual report was written about a year ago.
Is is just me, or isn’t that about the same time they started ratcheting up the hype over Iran’s nuclear capability?
I have a sneaking suspicion that they were hoping to provoke military action against Iran before the report came out.
It should also be noted, that while they are now defending their statements on the grounds “no one knew for sure yet”, that is an argument for NOT hyping the threat they way they did. Instead, they spoke with MORE certainty when they KNEW the report they were suppressing said otherwise.
I’ll let you divine their motives.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:23 amIf they ever equalize the penalties for crack and powder cocaine, this could change.
Comment by missmolly — December 5, 2007 @ 9:20 am
But but but how are they going to suppress the black vote if they don’t disproportionately incarcerate them??
December 5th, 2007 at 9:24 amr.o.s–I don’t think they will even want him in Crawford when the enormity of the damage is finally revealed! How about Pepe’s Cantina in Paraguay?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:24 am“If that’s true, he has the most incompetent staff in modern American history, and he’s one of the most incompetent presidents in modern American history.â€
Both of those are givens. But it is still unbelievable that they didn’t know what was in the NIE. I heard on the news last night that the report has been essentially completed since June, when McConnell first told Bush about it. I’m willing to bet the farm that both Bush and Chaney knew exactly what was in the report and have been trying to bully the people who wrote the NIE, since June., to change it. Since when does any report from any agency in the Bush Administration make it out to the public without their meddling?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:25 am#20…the handwriting on the wall is six feet tall! Everyone in Washington is scrambling to unhitch their wagon from this sinker before they get pulled under.
Comment by Menehune
Except those too stupid to stop listening to Karl Rove:
December 5th, 2007 at 9:25 amhttp://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/12/04/roves-warning-for-gop-hopefuls/
3885
another 3 soldiers killed today
Iraq is now a “Non- Story†and quickly becoming irrelevant to the presidential campaign.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:26 amThe lastest NIE I am sure is getting under Death Cheney’s skin as I write this. He’s probably been burning the midnight oil in the bowels of his bunker — percolating over the next Provocative Act involving Iran.
I feel like we are being governed by The Sopranos.
And I tell you I smell desperation.
These thugs need another 9/11 badly. They are trying to pull off another one. So, we can go to war with Iran.
There go more Civil Liberties. Out the window.
Thomas Paine is rolling around in his grave right now.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:27 amHow about Pepe’s Cantina in Paraguay?
Comment by Menehune — December 5, 2007 @ 9:24 am
Dad probably already owns the place. It’d smack of nepotism. Only the staff would show up, and they’d be afraid to not applaud.
Clap… clap.. clap…
December 5th, 2007 at 9:28 amSome Israeli leaders have expressed doubts about the new NIE, arguing that it is incorrect and will hurt diplomatic efforts against Iran.
Israeli leaders are just like Bush. If they don’t like what something says they throw a temper tantrum and claim that whatever it is they don’t like is incorrect. Unfortunately they are never able to come up with proof for what they think, it’s all just rhetoric.
Also, did anyone besides me catch the “diplomatic efforts against Iran”?
I do believe it would be diplomatic efforts “with” Iran and “sanctions” or some other punitive word “against” Iran. But, then, Bush and the Israeli leaders think that sanctions is a diplomatic effort.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:29 am“… and he was supposed to get spring breaks so now he has to take them all at once.”
Comment by Bobwurst — December 5, 2007 @ 9:22 am
This smacks of the old “paint the tunnel on the big rock” routine from Road Runner cartoons, but, heck, it’s worth a try.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:30 amSen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, expressed incredulity that Bush, “who gets briefed every morning, who is fixated on Iran,” had not sought details of the new assessment after learning of it in August.
“I can’t believe that,” he said in a phone call with reporters. ‘
December 5th, 2007 at 9:30 amWhat an opportunity! Wayne Dumond is Mike Huckabee’s Willie Horton. As the marines used to say, payback is a motherf**ker.
Comment by Uncle Ho — December 5, 2007 @ 9:07 am
An situation like this is so tempting that even Mother Theresa might have fleetingly thought of bending the Golden Rule to “do unto them as they did unto my guy.”
But do we really want to stoop to the level of the likes of Lee Atwater and Karl Rove? Especially since we condemned their dirty tricks?
The parallel between Huckabee’s and Dukakis’ situation is so obvious that if Huckabee ever gets to be an actual threat for the R nomination, the media will pick it up and run with it, augmented by Republican competitors who will happily jump on it if Huckabee starts gaining too many poll points. The Dems shouldn’t take the bait and make it their message. Let’s not put ourselves in the position of saying “Daddy Bush did it too”.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:31 amBut, then, Bush and the Israeli leaders think that sanctions is a diplomatic effort.
Comment by bilbobaggins — December 5, 2007 @ 9:29 am
No, Bush and the Israeli leaders think that “bombing the sh*t out of them” counts as a diplomatic effort.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:31 amIsreal have been hijacked by neocons also
December 5th, 2007 at 9:31 amLet’s not put ourselves in the position of saying “Daddy Bush did it tooâ€.
Comment by missmolly — December 5, 2007 @ 9:31 am
We don’t have to. That pack of jackels that is fighting over the Repub nom will do it, gratis. We just have to sit back w/ some popcorn and place bets.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:33 amI heard something really funny on Keith Olbermann last night. It turns out that Lou Dobbs pays his daughters fees for an exclusive horse jumping club. This club uses mainly undocumented workers for cleaning up after the horses. So, Lou Dobbs, the famous bigoted anti immigrant, is subsidizing undocumented workers. Where is his outrage at his daughter’s club for using undocumented workers?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:33 amThe Bush administration is back at the Supreme Court to defend its indefinite detentions of foreign suspects at Guantanamo Bay Prison.
Lawyers for the suspects will argue in the US Supreme Court on Wednesday that the prisoners’ detention is unconstitutional, focusing attention on the United States’ tarnished human rights record.
“It will be six years without anyone at Guantanamo having a fair hearing before a fair court,” said Michael Ratner, President of the Center for Constitutional Rights, a New York advocacy group.
The case is being watched by governments and activists around the world, who say President George W. Bush has overreached his powers and violated human rights in the ‘war on terrorism’ he launched after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
http://www.presstv.ir
One of the best news channels is PressTV in Iran
December 5th, 2007 at 9:34 am#33…enough tequila and rum and anything will sound good. On second thought, give the tequila and rum to GWB. As a drunk, his damage was at least contained to a local level.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:35 amCaption : The Sopranos go to Washington!
December 5th, 2007 at 9:36 amOn Wednesday, the US Supreme Court takes up two potential landmark cases examining the legality of America’s treatment of terror suspects at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, prison camp.
We can only hope and pray that the judges do the right thing. But, I’m not holding my breath. Talk about activist judges. Bush has appointed three activist judges who all judge from ideology and religious beliefs and not from the law.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:36 amBush has appointed three activist judges who all judge from ideology and religious beliefs and not from the law.
Comment by bilbobaggins — December 5, 2007 @ 9:36 am
Sounds suspiciously like an ME theocracy to me…
December 5th, 2007 at 9:38 amThe striking thing to me was how consistent the rhetoric was, even though it was wrong. In their individual pressers, both Hadley and Bush used the same “biggest pole in the tent” argument, regarding Iran’s ability to produce an actual working weapon. They both also used the “carrot-and-stick” analogy incorrectly, which gave away the fact that they were parroting the same nonsensical line. Both used “carrots and sticks” like the “carrot” was what we offered Iran, and if they didn’t comply, we beat them with a “stick” to get their compliance. I don’t think either gave it a second’s thought, but it was very telling to someone who saw both interviews.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:39 amCaption : The Sopranos go to Washington!
Comment by Kay — December 5, 2007 @ 9:36 am
Actaully, the Mafia is rarely this incompetent.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:39 am#36 “I can’t believe that,†he said in a phone call with reporters. ‘
what I can’t believe is that Joe Biden had a phone call with reporters! He gets even less press than Kucinich!
December 5th, 2007 at 9:39 amBush is clueless on Iran
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK ,,,,, Guilty of lying
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=bbf_1196823624
December 5th, 2007 at 9:41 am“Black Americans are 10 times more likely to be imprisoned for illegal drug offenses than whites, even though both groups use and sell drugs at the same rate, according to a study released†by the Justice Policy Institute on Tuesday.
How about the government decriminalizes these trivial drug offenses and no one will need to be imprisoned for them.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:45 amEU: Report hampers new Iran sanctions
The US intelligence report is likely to complicate efforts to impose sanctions on Iran at the UN Security Council, say European officials.
“Officially, we will study the document carefully; unofficially, our efforts to build up momentum for another resolution are gone,†said one European official as quoted by New York Times.
The European officials, who declined to be identified under normal diplomatic rules, stressed that they were struggling to understand why the US chose to issue the report just two days after the G5+1 meeting over a new Security Council resolution on Iran.
Meanwhile, Vitaly Churkin, the Russian Ambassador to the UN told reporters that “we have always been saying there is no proof they are pursuing nuclear weapons,†paying tribute to the report as proof of Russia’s position.
Germany also hailed the assessment and a spokesman for the German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the finding “contains a number of interesting detailsâ€.
However, it appeared that Britain is not content with the report and a statement from the British Foreign Office said “we will discuss the report with US analysts in more detail in the coming daysâ€.
The French Foreign Ministry said there would be no comment until Wednesday.
Australia is saying Bush has cried wolf to many times
WHAT BUSH SAYS IS NOW OFFICIALY IRRELEVENT
December 5th, 2007 at 9:46 amI am surprised that you are already disparaging Mike Huckabee. I would have thought you would want him to beat Giulianni in the primary, given Huckabee’s poorer performance against Dem candidates in a general election.
You must still feel very vulnerable to the “values” factor.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:47 amThis smacks of the old “paint the tunnel on the big rock†routine from Road Runner cartoons, but, heck, it’s worth a try.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
I forgot about the roadrunner, maybe we can tie bush to an acme rocket or something.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:48 am“You must still feel very vulnerable to the ‘values’ factor.”
In that it sways idiots? I guess.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:49 amYou must still feel very vulnerable to the “values†factor.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 5, 2007 @ 9:47 am
We don’t have to disparage him, or you. You do it to yourselves.
Psst… Commies, Jason, Commies!!!
December 5th, 2007 at 9:49 ammaybe we can tie bush to an acme rocket or something.
Comment by Bobwurst — December 5, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Naaahhh… I say we shove it up his cheney…
December 5th, 2007 at 9:50 am“… and no one will need to be imprisoned for them.”
Comment by dim wit — December 5, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Gee, ya think?
December 5th, 2007 at 9:51 amRepublican competitors who will happily jump on it if Huckabee starts gaining too many poll points. The Dems shouldn’t take the bait and make it their message. Let’s not put ourselves in the position of saying “Daddy Bush did it tooâ€.
Comment by missmolly
I agree missmolly. There is no reason for the Dems to step into this pit right now. I expect that the Republican “front runners” are going to jump on this soon. And once they put it out there, it won’t go away.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:51 amSo what’s in Cheney’s bag now for Iran?
Now that the intelligence says that Iran is not a nuclear threat to anybody?
Didn’t we learn from the past ?
WMDS of Iraq war is no longer news to this administration or anybody…the day after.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:52 am‘Final blow’
Mr Ahmadinejad made his televised speech in front of thousands of people during a visit to Ilam province in western Iran.
“This report… is announcing a victory for the Iranian nation in the nuclear issue against all international powers,” he said
“You saw the report of the US intelligence. They said clearly that the Iranian people were on the just path.”
Calling the report a “final blow”, he warned: “If you want to start up a new game, the Iranian people will resist and will not step back one inch.
“If you want to negotiate with us as an enemy, the Iranian people will resist and will conquer you. If it is on the basis of friendship and co-operation, the Iranian people will be a great friend.”
ONCE AGAIN IS ASK THE DEMOCRATS TO GET YOUR ARS OVER TO TEHRAN FOR TALKS INCLUDING HILLARY WARHAWK CLINTON
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7128360.stm
December 5th, 2007 at 9:53 amSo what’s in Cheney’s bag now for Iran?
Comment by tarazan — December 5, 2007 @ 9:52 am
Mebbe Shooter’ll ask Ahmadinejad if he’d care to go hunting w/ him.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:54 amWhy is reporting the facts about Huckabee disparaging? Compare the treatment above with the treatment Dukakis got.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:55 amYou must still feel very vulnerable to the “values†factor.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler
Nope. The “values” voter is on to the Republiscums. They finally realize that voting for someone because they are anti gay or anti abortion but otherwise a trainwreck of a candidate is not in their best interests. Many “values voters” are going to be voting from their pocketbook in 2008. Besides, the “family values” of the Republiscums has pretty much been proven to be a myth in the last couple of years.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:56 amSome questions for Tom Tancredo:
1) Do you have any statistical information as to how many undocumented residents are criminals? Even an approximate percentage? A small percentage of ANY group of people will be a criminal element we don’t want. Please provide some evidence that the percentage of illegals is significantly higher.
2) Do you have any statistical information as to what percentage of ALL gang criminals are undocumented? Or are you deliberately leaving out that bit of information to imply that the problem is bigger than it really is?
3) Don’t people who commit crimes get arrested? And when someone who isn’t supposed to be here gets arrested, doesn’t that sort of blow his cover? Wouldn’t he get deported?
4) You have made a lot of noise about “securing our border” and not letting any Latinos into the country illegally (strangely, that’s the only ethnic group you’re worried about). How, exactly, do you plan to do this in a way that works? You can build a fence, but immigrants just tunnel underneath. You can put more guards on the border, but this just creates more people for the coyotes to pay off.
My guess is that you are just pandering to people’s emotions to gain some traction. Logical thinkers just see your argument as containing more holes than our southern border.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:57 amBesides, the “family values†of the Republiscums has pretty much been proven to be a myth in the last couple of years.
Comment by bilbobaggins — December 5, 2007 @ 9:56 am
The wheels have come off that little wagon so completely that only someone like Hendler could make the comment he did w/ a straight face.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:57 amSo what’s in Cheney’s bag now for Iran?
Now that the intelligence says that Iran is not a nuclear threat to anybody?
Comment by tarazan — December 5, 2007 @ 9:52 am
###
My prediction: Continue to say that Iran is a nuclear threat, supports terrorists, Al-Qaeda, blah blah 9/11, and we must fight Iran over there so we don’t fight them over here. Also, we must bomb Iran to convince them they don’t need nuclear power and after we bomb them they will just sit there. … mushroom cloud …. smoking gun
Also, no worries about war with Iran. We will be greeted as liberators, it will be a cake walk, weeks not months, etc.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:57 amGeorge Bush
“The best diplomacy, effective diplomacy, is one in which all options are on the table.”
stop speaking with forked tongue Mr Bush, Get SIR Ahmadinejad on the phone now
After all in 2004 after an earthquake in Iran killing 50,000 people you did send Iran some Money………. do it again mr Bush you little prick go on pick up the bloody phone and make my christmas
December 5th, 2007 at 10:00 amThe irony of the NIE report is that if it supported Bush’s position he would be parading it all over Washington. He would have it framed and sent to people as Christmas gifts.
All the MSM would be trumpeting the report.
The war drums would start beating again.
And the people would say: “but what about Iraq?”
But no one would be listening . . . .
December 5th, 2007 at 10:00 amhe has the most incompetent staff in modern American history, and he’s one of the most incompetent presidents in modern American history.â€
I’m not a huge fan of Biden, but I must agree with the above quote.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:01 amRegarding the photo, where’s the rest of the Seven Dwarfs?
I see Dopey, Grumpy, Sleepy, Doc, and Sneezy, but no Happy or Bashful???
December 5th, 2007 at 10:01 amWe will be greeted as liberators, it will be a cake walk, weeks not months, etc.
Comment by Chris L — December 5, 2007 @ 9:57 am
Sadly, painfully, terrifyingly enough, you are probably correct.
And the disgusting, neutered MSM will just wag its tail and lick his hand, again.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:01 amFrom the Press TV article “The man who knew too little:
Let us not forget: A liar does not have a good memory.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=33692§ionid=3510303
A lesson we learn everyday from trolls and Bushites!
December 5th, 2007 at 10:01 am“… but no Happy or Bashful???”
Comment by DieNowForPeace — December 5, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Or Greasy, Sleazy, Uzi, and Tacky???
December 5th, 2007 at 10:02 amSo what’s in Cheney’s bag now for Iran?
Now that the intelligence says that Iran is not a nuclear threat to anybody?
Didn’t we learn from the past ?
WMDS of Iraq war is no longer news to this administration or anybody…the day after.
Comment by tarazan — December 5, 2007 @ 9:52 am
Bushney is still spinning the threat. He claims that the NIE report provides a “warning signal” — laying the groundwork for a case for bombing Iran USING this report, if you can believe that.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22095352/
The IIC will make their case even if they have to make stuff up. Just like they did with Iraq. And shame on us if we fall for it again.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:07 amYou must still feel very vulnerable to the “values†factor.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 5, 2007 @ 9:47 am
We do. We learned in 2004 how susceptible the Presidential vote is to the whims of morons who think boys kissing is a more critical issue than an illegal and unprovoked war.
This time we’re nipping this in the bud before the Christian Taliban can be mobilized.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:11 amI have a sneaking suspicion that they were hoping to provoke military action against Iran before the report came out.
Comment by Mugsy
Oh, that’s impossible. Imagine they attack a country and later find out that that country was’nt building nukes or WMDs. Imagine the dumb @sses they would make out of themselves… wait…
Seriously, Iran hasn’t been attacked because Russia and China are very involved now, even escalating the rethoric against another imperial war and because American people is certainly more aware of the misinformation brought up by US admin.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:13 amMy prediction: Continue to say that Iran is a nuclear threat, supports terrorists, Al-Qaeda, blah blah 9/11, and we must fight Iran over there so we don’t fight them over here.
Comment by Chris L — December 5, 2007 @ 9:57 am
Any chance they’ll mention that Usama bin Laden hates the “Shia dogs” of Iran almost as much as he hates the U.S. government?
December 5th, 2007 at 10:13 amand because American people is certainly more aware of the misinformation brought up by US admin.
Comment by Juan C. — December 5, 2007 @ 10:13 am
Fool us once, shame on us. Fool us twice, people try to put us down (talking about my generation) just because we g-g-g-get around (talking about my generation).
December 5th, 2007 at 10:15 amRE: Shrub, NIE, and Iran
Just thinking like a semi-competent manager, if I’m about to make a big decision, you better believe that I canvas my staff asking them what they know about the situation. They know to come to me with any information they have.
I’d think nuking a country just might qualify as a big decision.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:18 amAny chance they’ll mention that Usama bin Laden hates the “Shia dogs†of Iran almost as much as he hates the U.S. government?
Comment by toasterhead — December 5, 2007 @ 10:13 am
###
In fact, they’ll do the opposite and say they have links between OBL and Mahmoud.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:18 amJason Hendler; why are you still around, scumbag? Nobody wants you here.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:19 amMy prediction: Continue to say that Iran is a nuclear threat, supports terrorists, Al-Qaeda, blah blah 9/11, and we must fight Iran over there so we don’t fight them over here.
Comment by Chris L
Sure, and they are all ready doing it.
Read this.
Read the words of Ms. Rice:
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would not directly respond to Ahmadinejad’s remarks, but told reporters in the Ethiopian capital Wednesday that the public release of the National Intelligence Estimate showed the Bush administration was committed to transparent democracy while Iran was not.
So, you can add No transparent democracy (not like the SCOTUS in 2000 and 2004) to the rethoric.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:20 amNobody wants you here.
Comment by Uncle Ho
*clapping*
December 5th, 2007 at 10:20 am“Jason Hendler; why are you still around, scumbag?”
He gets off on the abuse – he thinks it makes him more like Jesus.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:24 amJust thinking like a semi-competent manager, if I’m about to make a big decision, you better believe that I canvas my staff asking them what they know about the situation. They know to come to me with any information they have.
I’d think nuking a country just might qualify as a big decision.
Comment by MapleStreet — December 5, 2007 @ 10:18 am
Ahhh, but your analogy is not quite equivalent, you see.
They’ve already made the big decision to nuke Iran, probably years ago. Now the administration is canvassing the staff asking them to provide info that will support their decision. Watch for a purge of non-team-players in the intelligence agencies in coming months.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:24 amQuestions for Tancredo….
Comment by missmolly — December 5, 2007 @ 9:57 am
Have you had your coffee? Do you realize you’re asking a (R) for not only facts but statistical proof? The anti-science people won’t let facts get in the way of the fear factor.
The death penalty would have been abolished long ago if statistics had any sway. The same is true for immigration: the stats don’t match up to the unsubstantiated fear.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:37 amGeorge Bush Today
“The Iranians have a strategic choice to make,” he said. “They can come clean with the international community about the scope of their nuclear activities, and fully accept the long-standing offer to suspend their enrichment program and come to the table and negotiate, or they can continue on a path of isolation.”
1/ “They can come clean – THEY ALREADY HAVE THICKO
2/ with the international community _ WHO AMERICANS IGNORE AND CAN KIDNAP AND TORTURE IN ANY COUNTRY
3/ about the scope of their nuclear activities _ DOES THAT MEAN YOU WILL TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN NUKES
4/ offer to suspend their enrichment program – THEY ALREADY DID THAT FROM 2002 to AND YOU DOUBLE CROSSED THEM
5/ come to the table and negotiate – YOU ARE THE ONES WHO DONT WANT TO TALK
6/ path of isolation – COULD BE NO WORSE THAN AMERICAN ISOLATIONISM AT PRESENT
conclusion :- get a new president , every sentence Bush speaks is utter garbage
December 5th, 2007 at 10:41 amTom Tancredo (R-CO) claims that immigrants coming into the United States are “pushing drugs, raping kids, and destroying lives.â€
He should go on the Lou Dobbs show as a permanent co-host.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:46 amThen we could ignore them both at the same time.
details governing the operations of Blackwater and other private security contractors†in Iraq. Though the agreement improves oversight of the contractors, it does not address “the legal framework to prosecute any State Department contractors who violate the law.â€
Of course not. The State department in their infinite chickenhawkshitness granted these ratbastards immunity.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:49 am87 – RUCerious
And relying on a news blurb from the last few days, their State Department overseers were given nice bonuses for doing such a good job.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:05 am“Tom Tancredo (R-CO) claims that immigrants coming into the United States are ‘pushing drugs, raping kids, and destroying lives.’”
While I suppose this has a certain historical interest, the activities of Mr. Tancredo’s immigrant ancestors seem a little beside the point.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:15 am#32 Kay:
The lastest NIE I am sure is getting under Death Cheney’s skin as I write this. He’s probably been burning the midnight oil in the bowels of his bunker — percolating over the next Provocative Act involving Iran.
I feel like we are being governed by The Sopranos.
And I tell you I smell desperation.
These thugs need another 9/11 badly. They are trying to pull off another one. So, we can go to war with Iran.
My thoughts exactly. Time for plan b. Has anyone tried to connect the dots between the outing of Valerie Plame and Iran stopping their nuclear program? Both seemed to be happening about the same time–kinda makes you wonder.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:22 amNew to this, but have been reading for quite some time. I noticed that since the NIE report came out that the “trolls” have been awfully quiet.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:26 amHow come I don’t see anything in the media regarding the current governor of Texas, Rick Perry, who is said to be deleting his emails every seven days as I heard on NPR? According to Perry the “seven days” was established by Governor Bush. Hmmm…connect the dots to the current administration’s deleting of emails or using the GOP e-mail accounts.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:35 amPresident Bush has announced he will make the first visit to Israel of his presidency in January.
You suppose we could convince them to extend his stay, say a year or so?
December 5th, 2007 at 11:41 amYou must still feel very vulnerable to the “values†factor.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 5, 2007 @ 9:47 am
Katy wanted me to pass this message on to you,
“Values†is a codeword for “prejudices!â€
December 5th, 2007 at 11:42 amMy thoughts exactly. Time for plan b. Has anyone tried to connect the dots between the outing of Valerie Plame and Iran stopping their nuclear program? Both seemed to be happening about the same time–kinda makes you wonder.
Don’t expect the Current Complicit Media to connect these dots. They were bought and sold long ago.
I just wish some intrepid reporter would put their career on the line and shine a bright light on the continued Crimes of the Bush Krime Killing Kabal.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:42 amI’d like to see a ‘wrestle-off’ between both Presidents.
Who would win? Iranians are superb wrestlers; would Bush get pinned?
Nah, he’d cry ‘uncle’ & then start crying.
The Shrubster is not a ‘man’s man’.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:42 am“What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.”
New Gallup poll shows growing confidence the surge is working:
“The Surge Effect — Gallup Poll 12/5/07
Four in 10 Americans now say the U.S. troop surge in Iraq that began earlier this year is making the situation there better. This is up from 34% four weeks ago and from 22% when Gallup first measured it in July.
Since August, more Americans have tended to say the surge is making the situation in Iraq better rather than worse, but today’s ratio — 40% vs. 20% — is the most positive yet recorded. Thirty-nine percent of Americans currently say the surge is not making any difference; this is down from 43% in September and 51% in July.
The acknowledgment from some Democrats, such as Rep. John Murtha, that “the surge is working” might be expected to have at least softened criticism of the surge among rank-and-file Democrats. Thus far, that is not apparent.
Currently, 18% of Democrats say the surge is making the situation in Iraq better, no different from the 19% saying this last month. Republican attitudes on the question have remained about the same. The upward movement in positive reviews has come mostly from political independents.”
Gallup.com
December 5th, 2007 at 11:46 amAnd as long as the Iraqis fail to use this “pause” for reconciliation then the stated purpose of the temporary (read Muqtada) lull in violence and the cost in American lives will be a waste, just like you JH.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:51 amOoops, I meant to end that Exley…
December 5th, 2007 at 11:51 amHe gets off on the abuse – he thinks it makes him more like Jesus.
Comment by bernard quatermass — December 5, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Oh crap, you just summoned Daryll here. Sure there’s no gay sex but you used the J word.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:56 amReally Exley we all know the fact behind this poll you’re citing. And you belive anybody gives a crap what you have to say. Why don’t you and Jason run along and perform your little circle jerk somewhere else.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:02 pmHere’s the latest Pew poll, with all the pertinent questions included.
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey conducted by Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas. Nov. 20-26, 2007. N=1,399 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3. July 2007 survey conducted by Schulman, Ronca & Bucuvalas. All other surveys conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International.
“Now, thinking about Iraq — How well is the U.S. military effort in Iraq going . . . ?”
Very Well 11
Fairly Well 37
Not Too Well 29
Not at All Well 19
Unsure 4
So it’s an even split when you compare Very/Fairly with Nots…
And only 11 % say very well.
“Do you think the U.S. should keep military troops in Iraq until the situation has stabilized, or do you think the U.S. should bring its troops home as soon as possible?”
Keep in Iraq Until Stabilized 41
Bring Home As Soon as Possible 54
Unsure 5
And as long as we are polling, here’s a doozy
NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Nov. 1-5, 2007. N=1,509 adults nationwide. MoE ± 2.5 (for all adults).
“In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job that George W. Bush is doing in handling the situation in Iraq?” Half sample, MoE ± 3.6 (Form B)
Approve 27
Disapprove 68
Unsure 5
Well Exley?
December 5th, 2007 at 12:09 pmCAPTION:
The Five Stooges
∞
December 5th, 2007 at 12:48 pmRUCerious,
As you acknowledge, it is now an even split between those who say things are going well and things are not going well in Iraq….The % of those who said things were NOT going well was much higher until the success of the surge became evident. So, the trend is towards optimism.
The second question is ambiguous — What does “As soon as possible” to those answering the question? Does that mean “immediately?” Does that mean “as soon as AQI is defeated?” Or does it mean something else to each indvidual respondant?
As for Bush’s ratings re: the war — I am certainly not making the argument that the war or Bush’s handling of the war are popular. Certainly that is not the case.
But quite frankly Bush’s ratings at this point are irrelevant. He cannot run for office again. By this time next year, we will elected a new president….So, the more important figures to look at are how the American people view what is going on in Iraq. It is THAT number that will influence the presidential candidates and whoever is ultimately elected.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:04 pmWhat is happening in New Orleans will soon be happening to you.
HUD Sends New Orleans Bulldozers and $400,000 Apartments for the Holidays
By Bill Quigley
t r u t h o u t | Report/Perspective
Monday 03 December 2007
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/120307A.shtml
“On the 12th day before Christmas, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is planning to unleash teams of bulldozers to demolish thousands of low-income apartments in New Orleans. Despite Katrina causing the worst affordable housing crisis since the Civil War, HUD is spending $762 million in taxpayer funds to tear down over 4,600 public housing subsidized apartments and replace them with 744 similarly subsidized units – an 82 percent reduction. HUD is in charge and one HUD employee makes all the local housing authority decisions. HUD took over the local housing authority years ago – all decisions are made in Washington, DC. HUD plans to build an additional 1,000 market rate and tax credit units – which will still result in a net loss of 2,700 apartments to New Orleans – the remaining new apartments will cost an average of over $400,000 each!
“Affordable housing is at a critical point along the Gulf Coast. Over 50,000 families still living in tiny FEMA trailers are being systematically forced out. Over 90,000 homeowners in Louisiana are still waiting to receive federal recovery funds from the Road Home. In New Orleans, hundreds of the estimated 12,000 homeless have taken up residence in small tents across the street from City Hall and under the I-10.
“A federal court has refused to stop the scheduled demolitions. Residents offered evidence to show the three-story garden-style buildings were structurally sound, and pointed out the local housing authority itself documented it would cost much less to repair and retain the apartments than demolish and reconstruct a small fraction of them. The New York Times architecture critic described them as “low scale, narrow footprint and high quality construction.” HUD promised to subject plans for demolition to 100 days of scrutiny – yet approved demolition with no public input in less than two days.
“Reduction of crime was supposed to be the main reason for getting rid of thousands of public housing apartments – yet crime in New Orleans has soared since Katrina, while the thousands of apartments remain shut.
“There may be crime in the projects after all – even if the residents are gone. Consider the following examples:
“Investigative reporter Edward T. Pound, of the National Journal, has uncovered many questionable and several potentially criminal actions by HUD in New Orleans. Pound reported HUD Secretary Jackson worked with, and is owed over $250,000 from, an Atlanta-based company, Columbia Residential. Columbia Residential was part of a team that was awarded a $127 million contract by HUD to develop the St. Bernard housing development. Columbia was also awarded other earlier contracts for as yet undisclosed amounts under still undisclosed circumstances.
“What is scheduled to happen in New Orleans is happening across the United States. It is just New Orleans offers a more condensed and graphic illustration. The federal government is determined to get out of housing all together and let the private market reign. A 2007 report of the Urban Institute confirms that in the last decade over 78,000 low-income apartments have been demolished by HUD. That is why locals are receiving support and solidarity from residents and housing advocates in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and New York.
“Poor and working people in New Orleans and across the globe are living on property that has become valuable for corporations. Accommodating governments are pushing the poor away and turning public property to private. HUD is giving private developers hundreds of millions of public dollars, scores of acres of valuable land, and thousands of public apartments. Happy holidays for them for sure.
“For the poor, the holidays are scheduled to bring bulldozers. The demolition is poised to start in New Orleans any day now. Attempts at demolition will be met with just resistance. Whether that resistance is successful or not will determine not only the future of the working poor in New Orleans, but of working poor communities nationally and globally. If the US government is allowed to demolish thousands of much-needed affordable apartments of Katrina victims, what chance do others have?”
Bill is a human rights lawyer and law professor at Loyola University New Orleans. You can contact him at Quigley@loyno.edu. Bill is one of the lawyers for displaced residents.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:07 pmComment by alphainfinityomega
How dare you insult the greatness of the 3 Stooges!!!
December 5th, 2007 at 1:07 pmExley,
It looks like the Dems are getting skiddish about their cut and run antics over the last couple years.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:18 pmt is THAT number that will influence the presidential candidates and whoever is ultimately elected.
Comment by Exley — December 5, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
which is exactly why the reigs are so invested in pushing more lies out to the public, like the surge is working crap. thay can;t win on the truth, and they can’t win on the facts. they can only win by catapulting the propaganda, and by using the watercarrying, unthinking tools like you. Fortunately for the future of the USA, they always screw up, and this will prove to be to little too late, and we will be rid of you scum.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:26 pmIt looks like the Dems are getting skiddish about their cut and run antics over the last couple years.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 5, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
Once again you show us your brilliant Stanford education, that would be “skittish” dumbass. I’d start admitting the high school diploma is it until you learn how to spell.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:35 pmDemocrats hold a stable advantage in the Congressional vote (51 to 41 percent) – their new plateau for almost all of 2007. And more relevant for 2008, Democrats are well ahead (54 to 37 percent) in the 35 Democratic battleground districts, including their 2006 pick-up seats.
And perhaps even more relevant, the Democrats are running ahead (48 to 42 percent) in the Republican-held battleground seats.
Democrats have moved into a stable lead in the named balloting for Congress – bigger than the margin they achieved in 2006.
voters hold their Democratic House incumbents (asked by name) in high esteem – a judgment stable over the last six months; while Republican incumbents are losing their voters – with their favorability ratings falling significantly over the same period, particularly in the last month.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:52 pmhttp://www.democracycorps.com/reports/analyses/Democracy_Corps_November_6_2007_Memo.pdf
After the corporate media has been saying, “the surge is working,” for weeks now, more people THINK the surge is working. Wow. Now THAT’S news!
December 5th, 2007 at 2:48 pmOh goodie – Here’s a meeting of the minds made in heaven.
Hendler and Exley, expositing their vast knowledge of the opinions of others for the edification of the 98% of tp posters who already know they’re corrupt and dishonest Righty sycophants, desperately wishing Shooter would take notice and have that lunch at Red Lobster he promised to have.
“Bartender – More big shoes and red rubber noses for my clown friends!!”
December 5th, 2007 at 6:27 pm