ThinkFast: February 19, 2008
ThinkFast: February 19, 2008
Due to “ailing” health, Cuban President Fidel Castro is stepping down, “ending one of the longest tenures as one of the most all-powerful communist heads of state in the world.” “The United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty,” President Bush said in response.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has scheduled pro forma sessions for Tuesday and Thursday “so that Bush cannot call Congress back into special session to take up the now-expired Protect America Act.” The Senate will take similar action.
Fox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano penned an op-ed in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times arguing that the Protect America Act is unconstitutional. “The government should be required, as it was until FISA, to obtain a 4th Amendment warrant to conduct surveillance of anyone, American or not, in the U.S. or not,” he wrote.
A McClatchy analysis finds that “jobless Americans are spending more time looking for work and that those who can’t find work now make up a greater share of the unemployed.” As of January, “almost one in five unemployed workers” had been jobless for six months or more.
Next week, the Senate is planning to vote on a cloture motion on Sen. Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) bill “to set a timeline for withdrawing combat troops.” They are also planning to take up a second Feingold bill, “which would require the Bush administration to develop strategies to limit repeated deployments of troops and defeat al-Qaida.”
Nine of 10 current and former military officers say the war had stretched the military “dangerously thin,” according to a survey conducted by Foreign Policy magazine and the Center for a New American Security. Sixty percent of the 3,400 officers said the military is weaker today than five years ago.
Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr “is expected to announce his decision in the next few days about whether to maintain the ceasefire he ordered six months ago. There has been pressure from the rank-and-file members of his militia to call off the truce.”
Meeting with U.S. senators in Pakistan today, President Pervez Musharraf conceded electoral defeat. During yesterday’s parliamentary elections, “[a]lmost all the leading figures in the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, the party that has governed for the last five years under Mr. Musharraf, lost their seats, including” Musharraf.
And finally: Last week, “scores of Hill staffers” — and a couple of senators — snagged “all-star baseball pitcher Roger Clemens’ coveted John Hancock last week.” Yet none of these staffers or lawmakers are now confessing to receiving an autograph after reports that it may “be a violation of the Senate and House rules that ban gifts worth more than $50.” A Clemens signature reportedly goes for about $75, and “a signed baseball can garner upwards of $450.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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Secret papers reveal threats from Saudi prince
Saudi Arabia’s rulers threatened to make it easier for terrorists to attack London unless corruption investigations into their arms deals were halted, according to court documents revealed yesterday.
Previously secret files describe how investigators were told they faced “another 7/7″ and the loss of “British lives on British streets” if they pressed on with their inquiries and the Saudis carried out their threat to cut off intelligence.
Prince Bandar, the head of the Saudi national security council, and son of the crown prince, was alleged in court to be the man behind the threats to hold back information about suicide bombers and terrorists. He faces accusations that he himself took more than £1bn in secret payments from the arms company BAE.
Lord Justice Moses, hearing the civil case…said the government appeared to have “rolled over” after the threats. He said one possible view was that it was “just as if a gun had been held to the head” of the government.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/15/bae.armstrade
February 19th, 2008 at 9:01 amHey, I’m pro warrant and anti-Data Mining, as are most Americans.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:05 amThe United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty,†President Bush said in response.
Oh, shit, another invasion and occupation for sure.
Does he know that Raul has been in charge for a year?
February 19th, 2008 at 9:09 amUS court wipes out whistleblower web site
A website designed to let whistleblowers post controversial government documents has been ordered shut down by a US federal judge.
http://www.presstv.ir/
TYPICAL IT HAD A LONG LIST OF ILLEGAL WEAPONS USED IN IRAQ TOO
February 19th, 2008 at 9:10 amWho made these comments…?
“That’s impossible,…electrical prods are not allowed on the property.â€
“We have a massive humane treatment program here that we follow to the nth degree, so this doesn’t even sound possible,…”
Asked whether water was sprayed up their noses…he said: “That’s absolutely not true.â€
… the campus cops who ‘tazed’ that student? A Blackwater goon? A CIA employee accused of waterboarding?
None of the above.
These comments were made by Westland Meat President, Steve Mendell, when confronted with video showing downer cows being tortured by employees to get them to walk so they could be sold for consumption largely for school lunch programs. This has resulted in the largest recall in history of over 140 million pounds of beef.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/18/7121/
February 19th, 2008 at 9:10 amhttp://www.wikileaks.org
SHUT DOWN BY THE US
February 19th, 2008 at 9:10 amI find it fascinating that a senator asking for Roger Clemens’ autograph may be violating congressional rules about accepting gifts over $50. After all, senators and representatives swarmed over Dubya after his SOTU address last month to get his autograph — and nothing about a “violation” was ever mentioned.
So obviously, Dubya’s signature is worth less than $50. Wonder what it IS worth?
February 19th, 2008 at 9:13 amHere we go again:
http://uruknet.info/?p=m41267&s1=h1
February 19th, 2008 at 9:13 amDoes he know that Raul has been in charge for a year?
Comment by RUCerious — February 19, 2008 @ 9:09 am
No, and he probably has no clue that nothing will really change in Cuba.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:13 amI think that al-Sadr’s announcement will allow us to evaluate the true effect the “surge” has had on Iraq violence. If the surge actually worked, great. However, both the cease-fire and the peak of the troop surge occurred at the same time (Sep. 2007), which confounded our ability to evaluate the efficacy of either.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:14 amCertainly not the paper it’s written on.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:15 amFox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano penned an op-ed in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times arguing that the Protect America Act is unconstitutional
“And in other news, rats continue to abandon SUNKEN ship…”
Seriously, now that the wheels have come completely off of Botch’s little red wagon, even the Moonie Times and Faux are starting to rediscover their ethics, and cojones? Wow… just… wow.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:18 amRegarding Pelosi’s proforma session. It’s a really sad day when our Congress has to do something like that because they can’t trust the President.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:24 amAt least she did it, bilbo… everyone seems to FINALLY be pushing back, at least a little.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:25 amFox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano penned an op-ed in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times arguing that the Protect America Act is unconstitutional.
OMG, is black black again and white white? Is Fox coming out of Bizarro world and back into the real world. First the Moonie Times and now Fox.
What I find very bizarre about this current state of affairs is that it is two very conservative news sources who are calling the President out on FISA. It isn’t the New York Times or the Washington Post, or ABC, NBC or CBS.
I’m not sure that I don’t smell a rat here. Somethings up.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:27 amUS court wipes out whistleblower web site
A website designed to let whistleblowers post controversial government documents has been ordered shut down by a US federal judge.
http://www.presstv.ir/
TYPICAL IT HAD A LONG LIST OF ILLEGAL WEAPONS USED IN IRAQ TOO
Comment by Anjuna Laguna — February 19, 2008 @ 9:10 am
Interesting that they censured wikileak.org so quickly….but no one can seem to block child porn on the net effectively.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:28 amAs of January, “almost one in five unemployed workers†had been jobless for six months or more.
And I hope that every one of those people remembers that it was the Republicans who insisted that an extension of jobless benefits be removed from the bill they passed to stimulate the economy. And since they will remember that, they need to vote Democratic.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:28 amNine of 10 current and former military officers say the war had stretched the military “dangerously thinâ€
————————————————
This has been going on for some time now. The military gets stretched thinner and thinner while we listen to our leaders bray about how we’re “winning” and “making progress” and how we need to bomb Iran, etc. Never mind that our foolish foreign policy decisions are spelling disaster if we don’t wake up and change course.
Kind of reminds me of the song “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy”…
February 19th, 2008 at 9:29 amNext week, the Senate is planning to vote on a cloture motion on Sen. Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) bill “to set a timeline for withdrawing combat troops.â€
So we have Murtha in the House and Feingold in the Senate. Maybe, just maybe, they will stick to their guns this time. I sure do wish that we could have Feingold as the Senate Majority Leader and kick Reid to the curb.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:30 amFox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano penned an op-ed in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times arguing that the Protect America Act is unconstitutional. “The government should be required, as it was until FISA, to obtain a 4th Amendment warrant to conduct surveillance of anyone, American or not, in the U.S. or not,†he wrote.
That’s a Republican I can get behind. His new book looks interesting, too. It’s all about how government has taken away so many of our Constitutional rights.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:31 amI think this Nov’s election is going to be a tidal wave that just wipes out GOOPers in its path, at least for now. Even righties I talk to are enraged about the Botch Admin’s performance.
Backlash… that’s the word I’m looking for.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:31 amI’m not so sure that’s just mud we’re waist deep in at this point.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:32 amIf it’s illegal or unconstitutional, Chimpy’s doing it!
February 19th, 2008 at 9:33 ambut no one can seem to block child porn on the net effectively.
Comment by impeachcheneythenbush — February 19, 2008 @ 9:28 am
Not when there’s such a huge market for it amongst repuglycan legislators…
February 19th, 2008 at 9:33 am#18 – George W. Biotch, indeed! Yes, even his base is regurgitating at his criminal behavior and stupidity.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:34 am“Fox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano penned an op-ed in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times arguing that the Protect America Act is unconstitutional. “The government should be required, as it was until FISA, to obtain a 4th Amendment warrant to conduct surveillance of anyone, American or not, in the U.S. or not,†he wrote.”
He also argues that FISA itself is unconstitutional because it sets up secret courts and reduces the “probable cause” requirement to meaninglessness. I agree with him, and think FISA was an underreaction to the government spying that had occurred in this country prior to 1976. If the Fourth Amendment is to mean anything, it means exactly what it says: No warrant shall be issued without probable cause and an individual’s privacy cannot be invaded without such a warrant.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:34 am#17 I guess since legal experts are weighing in about this act actually being unconstitutional, congress doesn’t want egg on their face when it is declared to definitely be unconstitutional. I think there’s no way they can support this document at this point. (which translates into Biotch being guilty of violation of the constitution – one more impeachable offense.)
February 19th, 2008 at 9:35 amOn the other hand, when the Moonie Times and Faux come out against some of Botch’s more egregious abuses of power, like they have done, perhaps their only real concern is the fact that DEMS will soon have these unchecked powers at THEIR disposal. Perhaps they’re only hoping to get the genie back in the bottle before someone else is in the WH.
It certainly didn’t seem to bother them when Botch first ran amuck.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:35 amHowever, both the cease-fire and the peak of the troop surge occurred at the same time (Sep. 2007), which confounded our ability to evaluate the efficacy of either.
Comment by Lupeyg2
Don’t forget that the surge also coincided with our Shiek Welfare Program where we started paying local Shiek’s to not attack our troops.
Does anyone wonder why the cost of occupying Iraq has doubled in the last six months or so? It’s because our borrowed money is going to support Shieks and other locals not to shoot at US troops.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:36 amJust wondering – if congress were to uphold something which is declared to be unconstitutional, then doesn’t that involve them in criminal activity as well? Can’t they be taken to court for their illegal actions and/or sued as well? I certainly think so. Maybe that’s why there’s such a mass exodus of Repuglicsumbags from congress.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:37 amBilbo, when the shekels run out, there’s gonna be hell to pay…
February 19th, 2008 at 9:37 amWhat did we miss?
“Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s campaigns each accused the other of plagiarizing portions of their campaign speeches Monday…”
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/18/obama-clinton-camps-point-to-borrowed-rhetoric/
Give me a break, folks. I know that each of you wants the nomination badly, and the competition is a bit tight. But MUST you go negative on something this silly?
I have a solution. Let’s just split Webster’s in half. Hillary, you are permitted to only use words beginning with A – M during your campaign, and Barack — you get N – Z.
And remember, going negative has its risks. Battering each other bloody will still likely result in one of you getting the nomination, but if the victor is bruised beyond recognition, McCain wins in a cakewalk come November.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:38 am#25 Payola for not fighting? This fact is being aired and should awaken the people that bush’s criminal regime will stoop this low to save face on the surge.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:38 amI think that al-Sadr’s announcement will allow us to evaluate the true effect the “surge†has had on Iraq violence. If the surge actually worked, great. However, both the cease-fire and the peak of the troop surge occurred at the same time (Sep. 2007), which confounded our ability to evaluate the efficacy of either.
Comment by Lupeyg2 — February 19, 2008 @ 9:14 am
it didnt, nor will it ever. the purpose of the “surge (of bullsh1t)” was to give “space” to the iraqis so they could get their sh1t together. No oil deal. We failed to steal the oil, but succeeded in letting nero stroke his “liar” while rome burned.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:38 amRUSS FEINGOLD FOR PRESIDENT!!!
February 19th, 2008 at 9:39 amMaybe that’s why there’s such a mass exodus of Repuglicsumbags from congress.
Comment by whatevah — February 19, 2008 @ 9:37 am
Certainly is a classic and timeless example of rats fleeing… blah, blah, blah.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:41 amIf I had Dubya’s signature I wouldn’t just casually throw it away though. I would flip it over and use the unsullied side for a grocery list, then throw it away. Waste not want not.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:41 amMissmolly, why are you handicapping Obama?
February 19th, 2008 at 9:42 amWhy does he get the half with “Q” “X” and “Z”?
Ha!
Comment by whatevah — February 19, 2008 @ 9:38 am
I’ve been wondering about that very same thing for months now, whatevah, and i wouldn’t doubt in the least that it’s true. Part and parcel of the GOOP and Botch’s desperate wish to simply Run… Out.. the Clock… and stick his successor w/ this mess.
Now, if I wanted to make some SERIOUS money, I’d be settin’ up a document shredding business in DC right about now…
February 19th, 2008 at 9:43 amComment by Wilco — February 19, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Well geez, w/out the q, x, & z, how will he be able to thank all his Muslim cohorts for their help in taking over America?
February 19th, 2008 at 9:45 amNapolitano’s article is a good one. Check it out. It describes the FISA history and opines that what Bush (and congress) are doing is definitely “unconstitutional”.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:46 amPerhaps they’re only hoping to get the genie back in the bottle before someone else is in the WH.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
That’s probably what is going on. They know that they have lost this next election and they don’t want the Democrats to have the powers that Bush bestowed on himself. On the other hand, if the right comes out against all the things they aided and abetted George doing, it is going to make them look really bad. People are going to say “WTF, why are they just now figuring out that it is unconstitutional”? Where have they been up until now?
February 19th, 2008 at 9:47 amTROS – We now know why Denny Hastert left so abruptly and it wasn’t to enjoy time with his family. He’s at the bottom of the Sibel Edmonds story and the sale of narcotics and nuclear secrets to Turkey, along with Marc Grossman. The rest of the GOPigs evacuating the stinking ship may have to do with the area of personal liability and their oath of office. I believe there could be a class action suit brought against any and all who violated the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution at this point. They can run but they cannot hide. Leaving office only diminishes the high visibility of their criminal activities; they can still be placed on trial as traitors to the constitution and sent to prison following their departure from congress. From what I hear, there are several groups uniting toward this end and gathering evidence right now for class action suits against sitting congressmen.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:50 amThis is precisely where a congressman’s voting record comes in. It will be used as evidence in a court of law someday soon.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:50 amMissmolly, why are you handicapping Obama?
Why does he get the half with “Q†“X†and “Z�
Ha!
Comment by Wilco — February 19, 2008 @ 9:42 am
You’re right. Maybe we should get the two of them together and they can take turns choosing letters — sort of like choosing up sides for sandlot baseball.
I predict the first letter to go will be “C” — and that candidate would be the only one allowed to use the word “change”.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:52 amIt is not a war anymore it is a BLOODY occupation,DUBYA declared that the war is over when he landed on the carrier.I think somebody forgot to tell the Iraqis that.We are not wanted there anymore it is time for Mr.Feingold to step up and present his plan for withdrawal.Then maybe we can on with repairing the infrastructure of our country once THE DEMS take hold of the white house.WE need $$$ here not there paying the sheiks to stop shooting at us.DUBYA just doesn`t get it,we are not WANTED there anymore.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am“Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s campaigns each accused the other of plagiarizing portions of their campaign speeches Monday…â€
Comment by missmolly
Actually missmolly, this all lies squarely in Clinton’s camp. They are the ones who accused Obama of plagiarism by using the same style of speech as a close friend of his. Obama talked about this back in November to the Boston Globe. Clinton is desperate and this is here latest attempt to stop Obama.
All Obama has done is to show that Clinton uses many of the same phrases that he does. He is not accusing Clinton of anything other than hypocracy. But, you are right, this is stupid and won’t get either of them anywhere other than in the dog house with the American public.
If Obama wins Ohio or Texas (or both), I hope the Democrats take Hillary and Bill to the woodshed and give them a good talking to. It will be very sad if they are allowed to split the Democratic party because their egos can’t take defeat.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:55 amFrom what I hear, there are several groups uniting toward this end and gathering evidence right now for class action suits against sitting congressmen.
Comment by whatevah — February 19, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Huh… well, THAT sure sounds like a story worth following. I’ve been following parts of the Hastert/Turkey story for quite some time, wondering what would come of it. I didn’t think for a second Hastert’s “early retirement” was due to anything legitimate.
If nothing else, I’m simply delighted to see so many of these creeps running for whatever hole in the wall they think they can hide in.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:56 amDue to “ailing†health, Cuban President Fidel Castro is stepping down,
…and when will I be able to purchase authentic Cuban cohibas???
February 19th, 2008 at 9:56 amHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has scheduled pro forma sessions for Tuesday and Thursday “so that Bush cannot call Congress back into special session to take up the now-expired Protect America Act.†The Senate will take similar action.
This expired this past weekend. According to our Presidunce, we should all be dead by now.
Fact is, only the Protect America Act is dead.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:59 amDUBYA just doesn`t get it,we are not WANTED there anymore.
Comment by christopher wiwi — February 19, 2008 @ 9:55 am
I think Dubya and the GOOP know damned well we’re not wanted anymore. he, and they, just can’t stand to admit how wrong they were, and are about this whole bloody, grotesque, misguided adventure. Again, I think they’re just trying to run out the clock, so they can foist this mess off on Dubya’s successor to the WH, and hopefully transfer the blame, too.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:59 amDRxJ ~ I went fishing while on vacation in Puerta Vallarta several years ago, and all the rest of the anglers were from Canada. They offered me a cuban cigar, and wow! was it awesome and smooth.
They also ridiculed the shit out of the fact that we’re a bunch of numbnutz for our ‘boycott’…
February 19th, 2008 at 9:59 amThey know that they have lost this next election and they don’t want the Democrats to have the powers that Bush bestowed on himself.
Comment by bilbobaggins
They don’t want the Democrats to have those powers? How do you know this? It is not like the Democrats have been outraged by these past 8 years, do they? Maybe some of them, but the vast majority is worried about local issues, I don’t see Obama or Hillary grieving about the near on million people Bush administration just killed or the 4.5 million displaced -which BTW takes me to the Kosovo analogy. When hundreds of people were fleeing due to the ethnich conflict, the WHOLE WEST was OMG!!! POOR PEOPLE!!! And some 4.5 million people displaced isn’t worth a comment by NATO…it is very intriguing.
Nahhh, Reps and Dems are members of a ruling class, and the ruling class will never do the people’s will.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:59 amI predict the first letter to go will be “C†— and that candidate would be the only one allowed to use the word “changeâ€.
Comment by missmolly
And that is pretty good evidence of Clinton’s “plagiarism”. She didn’t start talking about change until well after it became Obama’s mantra. But, again, this new brouhaha is just much ado about nothing.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:00 amFact is, only the Protect America Act is dead.
Comment by Zimzone — February 19, 2008 @ 9:59 am
I thought the the head of the CIA had come right out and said the only real “problem” here was that the telecomms didn’t get their immunity and will be all hissy and upset.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:00 amThey also ridiculed the shit out of the fact that we’re a bunch of numbnutz for our ‘boycott’…
Comment by RUCerious
It is PUERTO VALLARTA. ;)
February 19th, 2008 at 10:01 amWonder if looking back on this administration and this race for a new presidunce will be know as the longest evil event’s in history…I’m weary of this entire mess and endless war’s and campaigning…There’s still 9 full month’s of bull shit to listen to from the comander chimp in front of the cameras and million’s of dollar’s worth of dumb ass add’s on the tube…Sad state of affair’s indeed…..What we need is a good impeachment to add some frosting on this moldy old cake….Blessings
February 19th, 2008 at 10:02 amDrxJ, a good Cuban cigar (I’ve had some I disliked) and a glass of port while sitting on my deck watching whatever nature brings along. Heaven.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:02 am#43 – “If Obama wins Ohio or Texas (or both), I hope the Democrats take Hillary and Bill to the woodshed and give them a good talking to. It will be very sad if they are allowed to split the Democratic party because their egos can’t take defeat.” Comment by bilbobaggins — February 19, 2008 @ 9:55 am
I just hope that the winner of the Democratic nomination receives the support from the other candidate’s supporters.
If either side to say “If MY candidate doesn’t win, I won’t vote for the other!” then I hope they like having four years of Pres. McCain!
February 19th, 2008 at 10:02 amMusharref is just the latest ally of Bush to get rejected by his people. The list continues to grow — Tony Blair and John Howard made it onto the list ahead of Musharref.
So Dubya — tell us again about how the world loves us and our policies?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:03 amSorry Juan **only four spelling toes left**
February 19th, 2008 at 10:04 amP.S. Juan, the rooster fish were delicious!
February 19th, 2008 at 10:05 amBut, again, this new brouhaha is just much ado about nothing.
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 19, 2008 @ 10:00 am
I need to remember that if this is the worst thing either of them can blast the other for, then they’re both in pretty good shape. I just wish they’d focus on their own merits. I will wind up voting for whichever one gets the nod rather than vote for McCain, but it would be nice to feel good while I did it, rather than have to do it holding my nose.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:06 ammissmolly #59, well said. How about a real health care debate?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:09 amHow about the plan to shrink the deficit?
How about a plan to disengage from Iraq?
How about a plan to disengage from Israel? OK, well, that ain’t gonna get discussed, but…
RUCerious and PLC,
February 19th, 2008 at 10:09 amI couldn’t agree more! Even as a non smoker!
My wife and I will be cruising this Saturday. When we port in either Cozumel and/or Belize, I will “light one up” for ya!!!
P.S. Juan, the rooster fish were delicious!
Comment by RUCerious
I agree, I had some of the best fish ceviche ever there. Besides it is a pretty nice place, not too much young tourism.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:09 am#59 – “I will wind up voting for whichever one gets the nod rather than vote for McCain, but it would be nice to feel good while I did it, rather than have to do it holding my nose.” Comment by missmolly — February 19, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Miss Molly, you’ve got the right idea! You may not prefer the eventual candidate, but either of the D’s are vastly better than the only R running! Sen. McCain was labeled as “too old” in 2000, much less 2008!
February 19th, 2008 at 10:09 amMy wife and I will be cruising this Saturday. When we port in either Cozumel and/or Belize, I will “light one up†for ya!!!
Comment by DRxJ
Is this the thread: Make Juan C feel miserable?
;)
February 19th, 2008 at 10:11 amComment by Democrat Soldier — February 19, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Absolutely!
I’m voting for the Democratic candidate for President no matter what!
With either Clinton or Obama, the “bad” qualities still outshine the “good” qualities of McCain. Under no circumstances do I want McCain, with his temper control problems and his bellicose view of foreign policy, to be our Commander In Chief. We’ve been there, done that, and have the flag-covered coffins to prove it.
In the general election I want Clinton or Obama to have the whole dictionary and every other book fully available to throw at McCain.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:12 amCourt orders Wikileaks be taken offline
CNET News.com – 10 hours ago
Whistle-blower Web site Wikileaks.org has been effectively ordered offline by a California court. The court ordered domain name registrar Dynadot to remove all DNS entries for that domain.
Wikileaks.org switched off Inquirer
US judge arranges summary execution of Wikileaks.org Register
why?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:13 amwhy?
Comment by katy — February 19, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Covering up war crimes?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:14 amgod help ‘em…
Bush Looking for Democracy in Post-Castro Cuba
February 19th, 2008 at 10:14 amVoice of America – 2 hours ago
By Scott Stearns President Bush says Cuban President Fidel Castro’s decision to step down should be the start of a democratic transition on the island.
How about a real health care debate?
How about the plan to shrink the deficit?
How about a plan to disengage from Iraq?
How about a plan to disengage from Israel? OK, well, that ain’t gonna get discussed, but…
Comment by RUCerious — February 19, 2008 @ 10:09 am
And don’t forget the question I would really like to ask ANY candidate:
When I was a kid, we (America) were the “good guys” — when we did fight, it was for the right things. We were powerful, but we were admired and respected in the world. What do you propose to do to get us back to that?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:14 amComment by RUCerious — February 19, 2008 @ 10:09 am
And don’t forget a plan to round up, try, and incarcerate hundreds of GOOP officials across the entire spectrum of govt.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:15 amWhen I was a kid, we (America) were the “good guys†— when we did fight, it was for the right things. We were powerful, but we were admired and respected in the world. What do you propose to do to get us back to that?
Comment by missmolly
I think that a good answer to that must be: How old are you?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:17 amCan we start talking about RICO now?
Anyone wanna bet whether or not Botch will have the gall to try and issue some sort of broad, one-size-fits-all PARDON for his entire Admin right before leaving office?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:19 amI would pretty much vote for a rabid squirrel if that’s what/who the Dems nominate.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:26 amSeeing as how that’s who the Repuglycans are going to nominate.
Has there been any explanation from McCain for his flip flop on torture?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:29 am30 years ago on a fresh water river 20 miles south of Puerto Vallarta I had a group of 10 teenageers walk into my camp at night with pine torches and machetes. I thought it was my time, but they asked if I wanted to go shrimping with them. They held the torches over the water and when the prawns would come to the light they would cut their heads off with the machete.
Nicest people I have ever met. They didn’t even laugh at my soiled tighty whiteys. Turns out they were college students and they didn’t like the United State’s politics even then.
Rooster fish are the best fighters I have ever caught. Did you catch it RUCerious?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:30 amwell, i’m confused…
i thought i’d see what happened to that wiki site, typed in “wikileak.org”
and got, wah-la, http://wikileak.org/...
the site shut down was wikileakS.org…
shh, don’t tell anyone…
but i’m not sure what THIS wiki site is, or isn’t… lots of legal-ese there…
February 19th, 2008 at 10:31 amI think that a good answer to that must be: How old are you?
Comment by Juan C. — February 19, 2008 @ 10:17 am
I’m a bona fide baby boomer. I remember the Cold War and elementary school air raid drills. I remember when we were on the side of freedom in the world. I remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and feeling proud to mean the words I spoke (I still mean the words, but I’m not always as proud these days).
I remember Vietnam being the first occasion when I knew that America wasn’t always right. But that ended, and I thought that surely, surely we had learned our lesson and would never get bogged down in a quagmire like that again.
I remember 9/11 and the outpouring of support toward the United States immediately following that awful day. And I have never seen support erode into contempt so fast. We are hated and disrespected by a larger portion of world citizens now than at any other point in my lifetime.
I am still proud to be an American because I still believe that Americans are great people — even if our leaders aren’t. But I want to get back to being the “good guys” in the world. If a candidate can tell me how he/she plans to do that, I’ll listen.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:31 amI think that a good answer to that must be: How old are you?
Comment by Juan C. — February 19, 2008 @ 10:17 am
Gonna take DECADES, Juan, DECADES.
Those disgusting Abu Ghraib sex torture photos? Once they got to the ‘net, they were FORVER. Funny, I still haven’t heard one explanation from a GOOPer anywhere as to how those photos kept us safe.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:33 amWill U.S foreign policy towards Cuba improve now that Fiedl Castro quits as president?
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1750
.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:33 amDid you catch it RUCerious?
Comment by nanlichi — February 19, 2008 @ 10:30 am
Landed two of my own and helped the one gal on board land her second after she pooped out!
February 19th, 2008 at 10:34 amAnd don’t forget a plan to round up, try, and incarcerate hundreds of GOOP officials across the entire spectrum of govt.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — February 19, 2008 @ 10:15 am
TRoS, just wondering; does “GOOP” (besides being fun to say) stand for “Grand Old Obstructionist party” by any chance?
February 19th, 2008 at 10:34 amIt started out as a good visual take off on GOP, but, yes it can stand for that, or “Grody Obstinate Old Pervs” too…
February 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am“The United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty,†President Bush said in response.”
Dinkledork added, “We’ll do this by warantless wiretaps of their phone and email communications, arresting their citizens, holding them incommunicado without charge or access to legal representation, torturing them (Padilla) and then destroying any separation of powers.”
February 19th, 2008 at 10:43 amoh, i almost forgot:
“Good morning…”
WE ARE ALL CONNA DIE!
February 19th, 2008 at 10:47 amWill U.S foreign policy towards Cuba improve now that Fiedl Castro quits as president?
Comment by PollM — February 19, 2008 @ 10:33 am
A lot will depend on the new president — I don’t think Dubya is going to change anything.
We have been shunning Cuba for longer than anybody else except North Korea. We are less icy with Vietnam. We have become buddies with China. So what’s the deal with Cuba?
Some say it’s a personal beef with Castro, and as soon as he’s gone we’ll re-establish relations with Cuba.
Others say as long as Cuba remains Communist, the freeze is still on. Even though we are friendly with other Communist countries.
It’s going to boil down to what is promised to the Cuban-American population in Florida in order to win Florida’s electoral votes.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:50 amSo what’s the deal with Cuba?
…
It’s going to boil down to what is promised to the Cuban-American population in Florida in order to win Florida’s electoral votes.
Comment by missmolly — February 19, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I do believe you just answered your own question.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:54 amCastro Resigns – BBC World Video (best coverage thus far)
http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=4be250ae-2e9c-47ae-a883-a4a68c462b3b
February 19th, 2008 at 10:56 amUnfortunately, the news showed Bush making a comment on Cuba. The comment was a highly beligerant that this would usher in free elections and he didn’t mean rigged elections either.
First, his comment was highly beligerant when he could have much better served the cause of democracy by saying that this could be the passing of an era, etc.
Secondly, rigged elections , Bush, rigged elections, Bush………what state am I thinking of ?
February 19th, 2008 at 11:00 amYet none of these staffers or lawmakers are now confessing to receiving an autograph after reports that it may “be a violation of the Senate and House rules that ban gifts worth more than $50.†A Clemens signature reportedly goes for about $75, and “a signed baseball can garner upwards of $450.â€
Meh. No worries. Once he finally admits to using steroids the value of a Clemens autograph will drop like a split-finger fastball.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:00 amDrxJ, a good Cuban cigar (I’ve had some I disliked) and a glass of port while sitting on my deck watching whatever nature brings along. Heaven.
Comment by PatrioticLiberalChristian — February 19, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Yuppers. There good ones and not-so-good ones, and there are awesome Habanos (with some age) and anyone with an Internet connection can have a box in a week.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:07 am“Meh. No worries. Once he finally admits to using steroids the value of a Clemens autograph will drop like a split-finger fastball.”
Comment by toasterhead
They should site a “Hall of Shame” just down the street in Cooperstown, so fans can get the full baseball experience.
Clemens could be the animatronic door-opener…
February 19th, 2008 at 11:08 amIs this the thread: Make Juan C feel miserable?
Comment by Juan C. — February 19, 2008 @ 10:11 am
Don’t worry, Juan. You will soon be married and you can be miserable then.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:08 amIs this the thread: Make Juan C feel miserable?
Comment by Juan C. — February 19, 2008 @ 10:11 am
No, not at all.
Now excuse me, I have to go home and eat some shrimp ceviche and callo de hacha that my family brought from Mazatlan.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:11 amOthers say as long as Cuba remains Communist, the freeze is still on. Even though we are friendly with other Communist countries.
It’s going to boil down to what is promised to the Cuban-American population in Florida in order to win Florida’s electoral votes.
Comment by missmolly — February 19, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I don’t think there is any question about this. When the Cubans in Florida are allowed to move back and reacquire all the property they lost, either through nationalization or abandonment, no US administration will soften the embargo.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:12 amClinton accused obama of plagiarizm
SAYS THE WOMEN WHO NEVER ACTUALLY WRITES HER OWN SPEACHES
February 19th, 2008 at 11:13 amDon’t worry, Juan. You will soon be married and you can be miserable then.
Comment by gummitch
Me and my big mouth…
February 19th, 2008 at 11:13 amLuis: Callo de hacha?
February 19th, 2008 at 11:15 amIf the U.S. had supported Castro when he was trying to overthrow Batista, instead of supporting the dictator, U.S. business interests…and Mafia interests…Castro wouldn’t have had to turn to the Soviets for help. Cuba was treated exactly like many Central and South American countries have been when there has been an attempt to overthrow the dictatorships in those countries. We also have undermined liberation movements and democracies in other countries, including Africa and Iran. The Cuban-Americans in the U.S. are the remnant of the elite in Cuba whose families were aligned with the dictator Batista, and fled to the U.S. during the revolution there.
Eliminating a 50-year-old “blockade” that has had ZERO results would be the first giant step to helping the Cuban people and opening up their society. Whether they choose capitalistic democracy or a form of capitalistic communism is their business. A country which is veering toward it’s own form of totalitarianism has no business lecturing any other country at this point. When we have a moral platform to stand on and actually set an example of an open and free society, others will listen. Until then, few are.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:15 amPervez Musharraf is now looking for a visa for the US
February 19th, 2008 at 11:21 amYep. Callo de hacha or, as it’s called in the US, sea scallops. With lemon, pepper and rock salt.
Best seafood I’ve ever tasted.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:22 amGood leave it to Cuba to SHUT down Guantanamo
February 19th, 2008 at 11:23 amIf the U.S. had supported Castro when he was trying to overthrow Batista, instead of supporting the dictator, U.S. business interests…and Mafia interests…Castro wouldn’t have had to turn to the Soviets for help.
Comment by impeachcheneythenbush
We have always supported the dictators…..People forget that Castro was a hero during the revolution…….it was a peoples revolution against an evil dictator…….you never hear the names Che or Tania anymore.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:24 amBreaking on MSNBC, US drone kills al qaeda suspect with drone missile, then tells Pakistan about it.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:26 amAnd anyone wondering why Mushy lost the election?
If the U.S. had supported Castro when he was trying to overthrow Batista, instead of supporting the dictator, U.S. business interests…and Mafia interests…Castro wouldn’t have had to turn to the Soviets for help.
Comment by impeachcheneythenbush
Is it synchonicity that Castro steps down the very week that we learn there might have been an actual conspiracy to assassinate Kennedy?
February 19th, 2008 at 11:27 amWe have always supported the dictators…..People forget that Castro was a hero during the revolution…….it was a peoples revolution against an evil dictator…….you never hear the names Che or Tania anymore.
Comment by Fred — February 19, 2008 @ 11:24 am
You’re joking, right? Never hear about Che? Are you living in a cave in Pakistan?
The Right Wing never lets go off Che and they obsess about the romantic nature of the Left’s attachment to him. There was a very popular film in 2004 about Che as a young man, traveling on his motorcycle, and the very existence of the film drives the Righties mad. And Che’s face remains an icon worn on t-shirts and hung on posters and that, too, drives them batsh!t.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:32 am105 I live in a red state gummitch…….there are still people here with support the troops ribbons on their cars…..but that is excellent to hear.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:39 amMissmolly:
Good answer. My question was a little provokative, because the US has been a questionable force, seeking to conquer everything since Jefferson. There is no good and bad side, that’s an simplistic view that’s been used as propaganda, and it is so laughable that is amazing so many people fall for it.
It is very likely that any other citizen in the world, will laugh at the question: Is your country one of the good guys? If he has common sense, he will answer: I know I’m a nice guy… Countries are not moral agents, therefore they can’t be good or bad. Now policies can be good or bad according to its consequences. And when it comes to foreign policy, US stands with Spain and Britain as the worst human right’s crusher in Western History.
This has nothing to do with being proud of being from one country or not. I’m all for people saying they are proud of their country…but I think it is meaningless because it is a subjective argument. It’s like asking: do you love your family? Well, sometimes they are a pain in the ass, but I love them. But I don’t go killing people, because I love my family.
So my opinion is that statements like: I’m proud to be an American is that they are empty and I use them when I don’t have arguments. The problem with this kind of arguments is that they leave out any possibility of debate and discussion of policies, which are the important part.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:42 amNow policies can be good or bad according to its consequences. And when it comes to foreign policy, US stands with Spain and Britain as the worst human right’s crusher in Western History.
Comment by Juan C. — February 19, 2008 @ 11:42 am
It is very hard to let that statement pass, Juan. Alas, it is a bit early in the day for a review of the last 2 centuries where the US has done both great and terrible things.
Anglo-Americans legal evolution, along with French Philosophes, are primarily responsible for the very emergence of the concept of human rights. Were it not for the numerous landmark legal documents of Anglo-American jurisprudence (Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution) “human rights” would not have come to be valued by ANY government.
The defeat of the Axis and the Soviet Union also makes the U.S. one of the greatest and most valiant Champions of Human Rights in Western History.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:15 pmThe defeat of the Axis and the Soviet Union also makes the U.S. one of the greatest and most valiant Champions of Human Rights in Western History.
Comment by Keltoi — February 19, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
Champions of Human Rights? I think not. Each of these victories came at great human cost, and much of that cost borne by innocent third parties. I won’t get into a debate the pros and cons of the firebombing of Dresden or the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but the atrocities committed in the name of winning the Cold War (and in securing healthy profits for U.S. multinationals) are beyond debate.
The “victory” against the Soviet Union was accomplished after overthrowing or disappearing dozens of leftist governments and installing rightist dictators, supporting terrorist groups in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, and plunging billions of people into debt slavery under the Breton Woods regimes.
The United States is a “hero” in much the same way that a maverick loose-cannon cop who blows up an entire elementary school to kill one bad guy is a “hero.”
February 19th, 2008 at 12:31 pmThe Heritage Foundation is running a clock on their site counting off seconds until the next terrorist attack because FISA has not passed.
Nice.
With creeps like this in our own country, who need
February 19th, 2008 at 12:33 pmThe United States is a “hero†in much the same way that a maverick loose-cannon cop who blows up an entire elementary school to kill one bad guy is a “hero.â€
Comment by toasterhead — February 19, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Well, we will just have to disagree. If you think a world ruled by the heirs of Hitler and Stalin would be more just and humane than what we have now, go ahead, but it doesn’t bear up to the smell test, IMHO.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:35 pmThe Heritage Foundation is running a clock on their site counting off seconds until the next terrorist attack because FISA has not passed.
Comment by Marie — February 19, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Is it counting up or down?
February 19th, 2008 at 12:36 pmWell, we will just have to disagree. If you think a world ruled by the heirs of Hitler and Stalin would be more just and humane than what we have now, go ahead, but it doesn’t bear up to the smell test, IMHO.
Comment by Keltoi — February 19, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
I won’t disagree that Nazism, imperialism, and fascism needed to be defeated in Europe and the Pacific. However, it does muddy the victory a bit to see that U.S. imperialism took its place in the 50 years after the war.
And the heirs of Stalin included reformers like Gorbachev and Yeltsin, so who knows what would have happened in the Soviet case had we not used so many countries as third-world proxies.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pmNow that Castro is stepping down can we please do away with that ridiculous embargo. It was stupid then and is stupid now.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pmIf you think a world ruled by the heirs of Hitler and Stalin would be more just and humane than what we have now, go ahead, but it doesn’t bear up to the smell test, IMHO.
Comment by Keltoi — February 19, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Jeez, talk about a strawman defense.
NO ONE wants a world ruled by Hitler or Stalin. But no one wants a world ruled by the American military forces either. Well, maybe Bush and the Heritage Foundation want that, but the rest of the world doesn’t.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pmWhat did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
News from yesterday, but worth reading and watching today:
Clinton, Obama Surrogates Debate Science Policy :
http://news.yahoo.com/s/cq/20080217/pl_cq_politics/politics2672884
Curiously, Republican candidates didn’t assist to the science debate.
Wealth may not lead to health:
http://www.yahoo.com/s/812107
Report Links Health Insurance Status With Cancer Care:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/acs/20071220/hl_acs/report_links_health_insurance_status_with_cancer_care;_ylt=Ajmh6fbSgHnK3_n.VRE00KGs0NUE
Aussies: Kyoto should have been ratified :
February 19th, 2008 at 1:21 pmhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080218/ap_on_re_au_an/australia_environment;_ylt=Ar3ANLyLS_TLd902mEayYoys0NUE
Due to “ailing†health, Cuban President Fidel Castro is stepping down, “ending one of the longest tenures as one of the most all-powerful communist heads of state in the world.†“The United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty,†President Bush said in response.
Liberty Iraq style? Oh, noes!
February 19th, 2008 at 1:22 pmI won’t disagree that Nazism, imperialism, and fascism needed to be defeated in Europe and the Pacific. However, it does muddy the victory a bit to see that U.S. imperialism took its place in the 50 years after the war.
Comment by toasterhead — February 19, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Point taken. I just thought Juan was overstating our “crusher of human rights” status a tad. If you believe that, you also have to believe that the world would be a better place if the US did not exist. I think, on balance, we have done more to promote human rights than we have to crush them, but it is probably not an argument that can be proven either way.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:35 pmTypical, RCP hasn’t updated their head to head poll between McCain and either Dem, and Pollster.com hasn’t updated Congressional approval ratings since December of last year, while updating the President’s.
You can’t see that mere hyping is going to cause Dems either a big loss in the election, or a big failure in office, just like Pelosi and Reid are suffering now?
February 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pmYou can’t see that mere hyping is going to cause Dems either a big loss in the election, or a big failure in office, just like Pelosi and Reid are suffering now?
Comment by Jason Misogynist Hendler — February 19, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
AND another bold prediction from one who incorrectly guessed the results of 2006. But now, he’s added “failure” in case he’s wrong, again.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:49 pmFunny thing is, failure is subjective. Therefore, a Democrat President could be a failure in JMH’s clueless eyes because the speed limit in Florida was lowered.
By the way JMH, how come you’ve never answered me this:
Why did you remove your picture on MySpace after it was discovered by btruthful/republicans hate facts? Are you that ashamed of yourself, or your Ivy league education at Stanford?
Sen. Obama’s reaction to today’s news from Cuba was most appropriate:
“Today should mark the end of a dark era in Cuba’s history. Fidel Castro’s stepping down is an essential first step, but it is sadly insufficient in bringing freedom to Cuba.
Cuba’s future should be determined by the Cuban people and not by an anti-democratic successor regime. The prompt release of all prisoners of conscience wrongly jailed for standing up for the basic freedoms too long denied to the Cuban people would mark an important break with the past. It’s time for these heroes to be released.”
Well said.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:52 pmPoint taken. I just thought Juan was overstating our “crusher of human rights†status a tad. If you believe that, you also have to believe that the world would be a better place if the US did not exist.
Yours is an attempt to use the moral capital earned by the USA in the WWII to save the Neocon Cabinet’s sorry ass. And, speaking of imaginary worlds, everybody has fantasies, but we live in the real world.
I think, on balance, we have done more to promote human rights than we have to crush them, but it is probably not an argument that can be proven either way.
Comment by Keltoi — February 19, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
More relativism. A “Good” country doesn’t promote and help dictatures to control countries. Ask the victims of these dictatures if they are happy (if they are alive, of course) thinking of the USA providing intelligence, money and weapons to their torturers.
And can be perfectly counted, from the “liberation” of the Phillipinnes from Spain (an occupation of 50 years and thousands of deaths of Phillippine freedom fighters), to Chile, Nicaragua, Grenada, etc.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:53 pmMore relativism. A “Good†country doesn’t promote and help dictatures to control countries. Ask the victims of these dictatures if they are happy (if they are alive, of course) thinking of the USA providing intelligence, money and weapons to their torturers.
Comment by Evil Spaniard — February 19, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
I know, when we supported Saddam, we were evil. When we removed Saddam, we were evil. We’re just evil- simple.
February 19th, 2008 at 2:28 pm103 by Impeach Cheney then Bush and following comments:
I’d add that not only is the embargo a questionable cold-war McCarthyism time tactic, but it has been an instrumental force in isolating Cuba and keeping the country in poverty. A systemic attempt to starve the country.
As such, rather immoral.
February 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pmI know, when we supported Saddam, we were evil. When we removed Saddam, we were evil. We’re just evil- simple.
Comment by Keltoi — February 19, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Considering “your” (I consider your “we” and my “your” the group of people who only knows a clumsy warmongering way of do things, glad to know you consider one of them, given the fact you cheerlead so hard for “the team”) direct actions have killed millions of innocents.
February 19th, 2008 at 5:48 pmFox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano penned an op-ed in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times arguing that the Protect America Act is unconstitutional. “The government should be required, as it was until FISA, to obtain a 4th Amendment warrant to conduct surveillance of anyone, American or not, in the U.S. or not,†he wrote.
I disagreed with Napolitano on the Elian Gonzales case, but here I’m with him 100%: Get a freakin’ warrant!!!
Cheers,
February 19th, 2008 at 9:16 pm