ThinkFast: February 22, 2008
ThinkFast: February 22, 2008
“Not since the Depression has a larger share of Americans owed more on their homes than they are worth,” reports the New York Times, as Congress weighs various proposals to help the “8.8 million homeowners, or 10.3 percent of the total,” who “are underwater.”
Despite his rhetoric against lobbyists and special interests, “virtually every one” of Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) “closest advisers” are “part of the Washington lobbying culture.” McCain’s campaign manager, chief political adviser, and other senior advisers are all current or former lobbyists. Some are still being paid by lobbying firms while working on the campaign.
Former Gitmo prosecutor Air Force Col. Morris Davis, who resigned over political interference in the military tribunals, has agreed to appear at a hearing for defendant Salim Hamdan. “I’m more than happy to testify,” Davis said. He called it “an opportunity to tell the truth.”
In “the first confirmed ground operation by the Turkish military into Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion,” as many as 10,000 Turkish troops pursued separatist Kurdish rebels across the border into Iraq yesterday. The operation raises concerns of a wider conflict between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds.
Influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr ordered his Mahdi Army militia on Friday to extend a ceasefire for another six months. Those who honor Sadr’s “pledge will be treated with respect and restrain,” the U.S. military said.
Several hundred Serb demonstrators, “incensed by the U.S. recognition of Kosovo’s independence, overran and burned part of the American Embassy in the Serbian capital of Belgrade on Thursday.” The EU said the attacks “risked harming efforts to bring the Balkan nation closer to the EU.”
Yesterday, Congress held a bipartisan meeting to broker a compromise on surveillance legislation. Republican lawmakers, however, prevented their staffs from attending. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) responded by noting conservatives want “to have a political issue rather than a strong new FISA bill in place as quickly as possible.”
A “surge of immigrants” are going to court “to force U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete their background checks and act” on their citizenship applications, which are often delayed for several years. In 2005, there were 4,400 suits filed against USCIS “over delayed name checks,” up from 270 in 2005.
And finally: Last weekend, Janet Huckabee, wife of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, had a room booked at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas. She was in town “to root for fellow Arkansan and friend Jermain Taylor,” who was boxing against Kelly Pavlik. At the last minute, however, “plans changed” and Huckabee ended up staying at “the pride of Sin City, the Hooters Casino Hotel.” “It was the only thing, quite frankly, that was available,” said Huckabee.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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Hang the NEOCONS
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:06 am“Not since the Depression has a larger share of Americans owed on their homes more than they are worth.”
Can you say Great Depression II?
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 am“House Speaker Steny Hoyer (D-MD) responded by noting conservatives want “to have a political issue rather than a strong new FISA bill in place as quickly as possible.—
Not surprising. Republic conservatives have been eschewing bipartisanship so they can pursue their extremist anti-American agenda.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 amTurkish Military Says It Is in Iraq
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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 22, 2008
Filed at 7:36 a.m. ET
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) — Turkish troops launched a ground incursion across the border into Iraq in pursuit of separatist Kurdish rebels, the military said Friday — a move that dramatically escalates Turkey’s conflict with the militants.
It is the first confirmed ground operation by the Turkish military into Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. It also raised concerns that it could trigger a wider conflict with the U.S.-backed Iraqi Kurds, despite Turkey’s assurances that its only target was the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK.
The ground operation started after Turkish warplanes and artillery bombed suspected rebel targets on Thursday, the military said on its Web site. The incursion was backed by the Air Force, the statement said.
Turkey has conducted air raids against the PKK guerrillas in northern Iraq since December, with the help of U.S. intelligence, and it has periodically carried out so-called ”hot pursuits” in which small units sometimes spend only a few hours inside Iraq.
The announcement of a cross-border, ground incursion of a type that Turkey carried out before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a major development in its conflict with the Kurdish rebels, which started in 1984 and has claimed as many as 40,000 lives.
Turkey staged about two-dozen incursions in Iraq during the rule of Saddam, who launched brutal campaigns against the Kurdish population. Some Turkish offensives involved tens of thousands of troops. Results were mixed, with rebels suffering blows to their ranks and supplies but regrouping after the bulk of the Turkish forces had left.
PKK spokesman Ahmad Danas said two Turkish troops were killed and eight wounded in clashes along the 240-mile border, but there was no comment from the Turkish military and no way to independently confirm the claim.
The Kurdish militants are fighting for autonomy in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast, and have carried out attacks on Turkish targets from bases in northern Iraq. The U.S. and the European Union consider the PKK a terrorist organization.
”The Turkish Armed Forces, which values Iraq’s territorial integrity and its stability, will return as soon as planned goals are achieved,” the military said. ”The executed operation will prevent the region from being a permanent and safe base for the terrorists and will contribute to Iraq’s stability and internal peace.”
Private NTV television said 10,000 troops were taking part in the offensive and had penetrated six miles into Iraq, though some reports said that not all the troops had been deployed. The operation was reportedly concentrated in the Hakurk region, south of the Turkish border town of Cukurca.
The state-run Anatolia agency reported that warplanes were seen taking off from the air base in Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey. It said planes and helicopters were conducting reconnaissance flights over the border region, and that military units were deployed at the border to prevent rebel infiltration.
Dogan News Agency reported that the Habur border crossing, a major conduit for trade between Iraq and Turkey, was closed to vehicle traffic.
CNN-Turk television, however, quoted Deputy Prime Minister Hayati Yazici as saying the border gate was not closed but that priority was being given to Turkish military vehicles. Trucks routinely ferry supplies bound for U.S. military bases in Iraq through the Habur crossing.
Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, a U.S. spokesman in Iraq, said the military had received assurances from its NATO ally Turkey that it would do everything possible to avoid ”collateral damage” to innocent civilians or infrastructure.
”Multi-National Forces-Iraq is aware Turkish ground forces have entered into northern Iraq, for what we understand is an operation of limited duration to specifically target PKK terrorists in that region,” Smith said in a statement.
”The United States continues to support Turkey’s right to defend itself from the terrorist activities of the PKK and has encouraged Turkey to use all available means, to include diplomacy and close coordination with the Government of Iraq to ultimately resolve this issue,” he added.
Can someone explain why we allow the Turks to violate Iraq’s sovereignty?
If there are terrorists in Kurdistan, why don’t we attack them? Too politically sensitive? Or would it fracture the shaky coalition? Allowing the Turks in just demonstrates that we aren’t really serious about protecting Iraq’s borders, or wiping out terrorists. Allowing Turkey to invade, and supplying them information, just demonstrates that we are too weak to deal with the situation.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 amOops, sorry for the long post. My cut and paste skills aren’t the best.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 amEven though we have been hearing a lot of noise out of Washington about how we’re not in a recession, or we “might” be headed for a recession, there are a lot of people in the rest of the country who feel like we’re already there. Add these “underwater” homeowners to the list, which already includes the unemployed, the underemployed, and those who are getting mowed down with impossible health care costs. Fortunately, a large number of these homeowners will be able to stay put until the housing prices start to rise again, but those who must downsize or relocate are going to have a problem.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 amOops, sorry for the long post. My cut and paste skills aren’t the best.
Comment by barfly — February 22, 2008 @ 9:21 am
Cue the troll: “You drunk already?”
I thought for a second, though, that plunger/ace was back.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 amDespite his rhetoric against lobbyists and special interests, “virtually every one†of Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) “closest advisers†are “part of the Washington lobbying culture.â€
After the NYT article, I believe that John McCain is going to have a very hard time convincing anyone he is anti lobbyist. He should just keep his mouth shut on the subject.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 am“I’m more than happy to testify,†Davis said. He called it “an opportunity to tell the truth.â€
Uh ho. Col. Davis needs to watch his backside. He will have crossed the line as far as the Bush Crime Family goes.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:26 amHouse Speaker Steny Hoyer (D-MD) responded by noting conservatives want “to have a political issue rather than a strong new FISA bill in place as quickly as possible.â€
It’s all politics to them. They could care less about protecting the American people. I hear that Bush is changing the terms once again. He now wants immunity for past and future crimes committed for the telcoms. God I hope we survive long enough for Obama to take office.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:29 amWaitaminnit — Janet Huckabee didn’t stay at the MGM Grand because “plans changed”? Is that a euphemism for “MGM Grand kicked me out of my room”? Or did the date of the event change? Or she wanted to stay with this friend who had two rooms? Or did she feel she required more “sin” than MGM Grand could offer?
This isn’t exactly an earth-shaking story, and Mrs. Huckabee can certainly stay wherever she wants — but it would be kind of fun to know what the story is.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 amThe NYT this morning coined ‘McCainiac’.
Flashdance, anyone?
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 amHe now wants immunity for past and future crimes committed for the telcoms.
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 22, 2008 @ 9:29 am
OOOOOOO! How do I get immunity for past and future crimes? I don’t really have any past crimes I need help with (unless somebody saw me park in that loading zone briefly), but immunity from future crimes could come in really handy!
Unfortunately, I suspect the only way to get this sweetheart deal is to commit crimes for the POTUS, and in doing so, get something on him that could ruin him if exposed.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 amThis isn’t exactly an earth-shaking story, and Mrs. Huckabee can certainly stay wherever she wants — but it would be kind of fun to know what the story is.
Comment by missmolly — February 22, 2008 @ 9:30 am
I’m sure she was just there for the hot wings.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 amThe NYT this morning coined ‘McCainiac’.
Flashdance, anyone?
Comment by Zimzone — February 22, 2008 @ 9:31 am
Oh crap-on-a-stick.
That’s gonna be stuck in my head all morning now.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 amI thought for a second, though, that plunger/ace was back.
Comment by gummitch
Me too. I was wondering what his new moniker would be. On the other hand, I wonder why they banned plunger when all he did was to gum up this blog with his useless posts and yet they allow gg, S & M, Hendler and others to gum up threads on a daily basis.
I have written to TP and asked them to put up a new rule stating “people who post useless or hateful drivel just to piss off other posters will be banned” or something to that affect. And then they would need to stick to it. Why don’t you folks write to TP too. Perhaps if enough people want that kind of change, they will do it.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 amno surprise here… i’m sure bushco has already put the order in…
A Method for Critical Data Theft
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 amNew York Times – 10 hours ago
By JOHN MARKOFF SAN FRANCISCO – A group led by a Princeton University computer security researcher has developed a simple method to steal encrypted information stored on computer hard disks.
Cold Boot Attack Defeats Disk Encryption Software InformationWeek
Disk encryption may not be secure enough, new research finds CNET News.com
Starbucks realigning and cutting 600 jobs
Bizjournals.com – 48 minutes ago
Howard Schultz, new CEO at Starbucks Corp., said the company is laying off about 220 employees and won’t refill 380 jobs. Schultz, in an e-mail to all Starbucks employees, called the layoffs a “difficult decision.
UPDATE: Starbucks Cuts Corporate-level Jobs In Restructuring CNNMoney.com
think that might “trickle down” to benefit the lowly?
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 amoh! i almost forgot…
“Good morning…”
WE ARE ALL GONNA DIE!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 amnot sure what i think about this…
Google and Cleveland Clinic Team Up
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 amMedHeadlines – 8 hours ago
By MedHeadlines • Feb 21st, 2008 • Category: Lifestyle, MedTech Google and the Cleveland Clinic are beginning a pilot project to link the health information for some of clinic’s patients with Google personal health records.
Google, clinic test records system Seattle Post Intelligencer
Google to Store Patients’ Health Records The Associated Press
Despite his rhetoric against lobbyists and special interests, “virtually every one†of Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) “closest advisers†are “part of the Washington lobbying culture.†McCain’s campaign manager, chief political adviser, and other senior advisers are all current or former lobbyists.
——————————————-
Years ago, I worked as a secretary to the president of a life insurance firm. One day, he asked me to address his Christmas cards for him. These weren’t from the business Christmas card list — they were his personal cards. As I worked on them, I noticed that with the exception of a small handful going to his family members, they were all going to other insurance managers, officers, and others in the insurance biz.
I felt sad for him that he had no friends outside this little bubble, and he probably had very little contact with the real world outside the one of life insurance.
I feel similarly sad for McCain. He’s been in the Senate for a quarter century now, and it’s obvious that the people closest to him are the lobbyists he deals with, to the exclusion of the rest of the real world.
Sad for him. And sad for us if someone with such a narrow view of reality gets elected.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 amGood news: We’re all African-Americans now.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 amNot since the Depression has a larger share of Americans owed more on their homes than they are worth,†reports the New York Times, as Congress weighs various proposals to help the “8.8 million homeowners, or 10.3 percent of the total,†who “are underwater.â€
The NYT also has an article out, that looks at the consequences of all the now-empty mcmansions. They are the breeding ground for “America’s new slums” – or, the suburbs.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 amThis isn’t exactly an earth-shaking story, and Mrs. Huckabee can certainly stay wherever she wants — but it would be kind of fun to know what the story is.
Comment by missmolly — February 22, 2008 @ 9:30 am
Maybe Mrs. Huckabee is a closet Hooter’s girl.
Though if you read the link it appears that since once of Mrs. Huck’s friend’s had an extra room, she (Mrs. Huck) decided to poach one of these rooms instead. In other words, she was being frugal.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 amDid anyone watch the Democratic debate last night? What did you think about Hillary Clinton’s ending? I think that she pretty much admitted defeat and is going to work to make sure that the Democratic party is united in this race. Good on you Hillary!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 amie. the serb demonstration piece… the link at “risked harming efforts”
is to the International herald tribune…
why does that site always crash my browser, safari???
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 amalways… as soon as i saw what was loading, i couldn’t stop it,
and then it crashed… every time…
anyone have an idea? thanks…
Yesterday, Congress held a bipartisan meeting to broker a compromise on surveillance legislation. Republican lawmakers, however, prevented their staffs from attending.
… having gotten their orders from the lush limpballs:
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:54 am“liberals are to be defeated.”
In other words, she was being frugal.
Comment by dim wit — February 22, 2008 @ 9:49 am
A frugal politician! (or a frugal politician’s wife, anyway). It’s actually kind of refreshing to see somebody concerned with cost savings — especially for expenses having nothing to do with the campaign (and I’m not being snarky with that — I’m serious).
Back to snarky — it’s good that the free room wasn’t out at the Mustang Ranch.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 amDid anyone watch the Democratic debate last night? What did you think about Hillary Clinton’s ending? I think that she pretty much admitted defeat and is going to work to make sure that the Democratic party is united in this race. Good on you Hillary! -bilbobaggins
I did, & I agree that Hillary ended with an encouraging message. I’ve been concerned that she may not go ‘quietly’ from this race. IMHO, we need her as a strong leader in the Senate, particularly with Obama leaving to become President. The handshake was admirable…the xerox comment was not.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 amwhy does that site always crash my browser, safari???
always… as soon as i saw what was loading, i couldn’t stop it,
and then it crashed… every time…
anyone have an idea? thanks…
Comment by katy — February 22, 2008 @ 9:51 am
It’s the universe’s way of telling you to switch to Firefox.
I don’t see anything particularly screwed up on that website; I’d ask the Safari development people if I were you. They should have a bug report form somewhere.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:00 amMcCain is exposed as a hypocrite who presents himself as the public savior and protector from lobbyists while he is in bed with them. I thought he learned his lesson from his involvement in the Keaton scandal.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 amPeggy Noonan on Michelle Obama:
http://online.wsj.com/ article/ SB120362912719783893.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 amBack to snarky — it’s good that the free room wasn’t out at the Mustang Ranch.
Comment by missmolly — February 22, 2008 @ 9:57 am
well, I’m sure the Huckabee campaign could use a cash infusion, if the Mrs wanted to help out…..
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 amBack to snarky — it’s good that the free room wasn’t out at the Mustang Ranch.
Comment by missmolly — February 22, 2008 @ 9:57 am
I don’t think the Mustang Ranch exists anymore. Seems to me I read something about it being torn down a number of years ago. Not that brothels have disappeared from Nevada, of course.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 amPerhaps if enough people want that kind of change, they will do it.
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 22, 2008 @ 9:35 am
i’d like to see a number count behind the “report abuse”,
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 amsuch as the “recommend (0)” has… just to see how many it takes…
’cause it doesn’t seem to be enough, fast enough…
Peggy Noonan on Michelle Obama:
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — February 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am
NOBODY CARES
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 amComment by Jason M. Hendler — February 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Peggy Noonan argues that the Obamas probably can’t relate to the little people because they’re so highly educated and privileged (one has to wonder if she expressed the same opinion when the spoiled brat currently in the White House was running) and they’re so privileged because they had the advantage of being born black after the Civil Rights era.
Noonan was a great speechwriter for Ronald because she was adept at code, and this is no exception. The subtext of her column is that the Obamas only achieved their success through affirmative action, typical of her earlier appeals to angry white men.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:07 amReminds me of TSR’s
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 amGood on you Hillary!
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 22, 2008 @ 9:49 am
i agree bilbo…
this headline on the google news made me smile:
Analysis: Clinton Chooses Graciousness The Associated Press
i only watched the last hour or so… glad she got booed on that “xerox”
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 amcomment… and the rest was fine, kinda booring…
but that ending was great, made me hopeful…
not sure it was worth a standing O, but whatever…
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — February 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am
1) Your link is worthless
2) What does the opinon of a conservative commentator matter?
3) Per Noonan’s opinion: “Are the Obamas, at bottom, snobs? Do they understand America? Are they of it? Did anyone at their Ivy League universities school them in why one should love America? Do they confuse patriotism with nationalism, or nativism?”
Does noonan live in another world? Has she existed in America for the last 8 years? Is she so fu(king clueless as to realize you can transpose the name “Bushs” for “Obamas” and her commentary actually becomes accurate and relevant?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 amthanks gummitch… sometimes i use firefox… my daughter prefers it…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 amand, whenever safari crashes, a window does pop up to file a report, but
this time i was in a hurry and didn’t… next time i will…
Comment by gummitch — February 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am
On August 5, 2007, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported that the “World Famous Mustang Ranch” is restored and open for business once again. Owner Lance Gilman, working with madam Susan Austin, refurbished much of the building by transporting pieces to the McCarran Ranch site, and has now resumed operating the Mustang Ranch as a brothel.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:12 amGood news: We’re all African-Americans now.
Comment by toasterhead — February 22, 2008 @ 9:47 am
How do you explain man’s origin being 100,000 years ago to people who believe that Earth is only 6,000 years old?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 amHooray for the Mustang Ranch!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 amI don’t think the Mustang Ranch exists anymore. Seems to me I read something about it being torn down a number of years ago. Not that brothels have disappeared from Nevada, of course.
Comment by gummitch — February 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am
I seem to remember hearing about that, too. It’s SOOOOOOO hard to keep up with brothels! So I went to wikipedia to check out when the Mustang Ranch met its demise, and I was surprised to find this:
“On August 5, 2007, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported that the “World Famous Mustang Ranch” is restored and open for business once again. Owner Lance Gilman, working with madam Susan Austin, refurbished much of the building by transporting pieces to the McCarran Ranch site, and has now resumed operating the Mustang Ranch as a brothel.”
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 amHooray for the Mustang Ranch! -gummitch
Wasn’t that where McCainiac met Miss Vicki?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 amWE ARE ALL GONNA DIE!
Comment by katy — February 22, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Do I have time to get a haircut today or should I say “what the hell” and buy a case of Pilsner Urquell and a bottle of Makers Mark and go die drunk?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 am/snark
How do you explain man’s origin being 100,000 years ago to people who believe that Earth is only 6,000 years old?
Comment by Saint Augustine — February 22, 2008 @ 10:14 am
Most of them are beyond hope, I’m afraid. We need to focus on their kids and try and instill some understanding of science, logic, and reason in them before they’re brainwashed by their closed-minded parents.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 amif we all die, no one will know you didn’t get that haircut…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 amenjoy what time you have left, i say!
Comment by Saint Augustine — February 22, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Go for the booze. The undertaker will make sure you look good in the casket.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 amDo I have time to get a haircut today or should I say “what the hell†and buy a case of Pilsner Urquell and a bottle of Makers Mark and go die drunk?
/snark
Comment by Saint Augustine — February 22, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Try to get the PU in cans, but double-check the date. Definitely avoid any number that doesn’t end with 8. And you may as well get Booker’s because you won’t need the money where you’re going.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 amTry to get the PU in cans, but double-check the date.
Comment by gummitch — February 22, 2008 @ 10:24 am
Hmmm… Skunky pilsener vs. metallic pilsener. I’m not sure which is the greater sin against the beer gods, to be quite honest.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 amObamas are highly educated, yes, but privileged?
He came from a teenaged, single mother and was raised by his grandparents. He was given educational opportunities, which obviously expanded his innate intellect.
She came from working class on Chicago’s south side. Her parents worked to send her to school, and she also excelled, in part, due to her innate abilities.
On the other hand, we have the blue-blooded boy-king, the bubble-boy, the one who had the opportunity for good education and frittered it away; the one who never earned a thing in his life on his own merit, but always on the direct intervention from wealthy and influential friends of the family.
Peggy Noonan may have been a good speechwriter for Reagan, but wordsmithing is where her skills end.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 amJason M. Hendler – you want royalty? You want Marie Antoinette? You want people who believe with every fiber of their DNA that they’re better than we are?
Look no further than the Bush family, moron.
Remember *this* memorable moment?
Barbara Bush, audiotaped in a candid moment at the Astrodome filled with evacuees, said that, since most of “these people†were “underprivileged already, it was all working out rather well for them.â€
Now. shut the fleck up about the Obamas.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:53 amHmmm… Skunky pilsener vs. metallic pilsener. I’m not sure which is the greater sin against the beer gods, to be quite honest.
Comment by toasterhead — February 22, 2008 @ 10:32 am
Vile calumny on cans. Just wrong, wrong, wrong. I’m going to have to report you to TP.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:56 amI agree, gummitch… beer in cans? It’s a SIN!
(And I don’t believe in God… well, mebbe Jimi Hendrix comes close)
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 amDid anyone watch the Democratic debate last night? What did you think about Hillary Clinton’s ending? I think that she pretty much admitted defeat and is going to work to make sure that the Democratic party is united in this race. Good on you Hillary!
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 22, 2008 @ 9:49 am
Y’know, I was actually moved to pity for Hillary. I saw that, and I thought, wow, that is really magnanimous, good for her. Then, about 5 seconds later, I thought, what an act! This is an attempt to “humanize” her, make her seem like a regular person who actually knows how to lose with grace when the Clinton’s whole history is scorched Earth win at all costs.
She looked sad last night, like she knew the game was up. If she were to lose the nomination and handle it in the spirit she showed last night I would change my opinion of her. I think losing this would be very good karma for her, too.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 amHmmm… Skunky pilsener vs. metallic pilsener. I’m not sure which is the greater sin against the beer gods, to be quite honest.
Comment by toasterhead — February 22, 2008 @ 10:32 am
Pilsner itself is an offense to the Beer Gods. Stout or darker to open.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 amHow do you explain man’s origin being 100,000 years ago to people who believe that Earth is only 6,000 years old?
Comment by Saint Augustine — February 22, 2008 @ 10:14 am
It is just not “Evolution Vs Intelligent Design” here. The ID crowd is basically attacking ALL of science as we understand it. Almost ALL of what we accept as knowledge goes out the window here – Chemistry (carbon dating?), Geology, Biology, Physics, Astronomy, almost all recorded history, our basic understanding of the universe we live in. All other religions reduced to complete irrelevance (which might not be a bad thing, as long as Christianity goes w/ them…)
Come to think of it, Xians are doing a pretty good job of making themselves irrelevant as we speak…
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 amOh Gawd… there goes the party… keltoi just pushed into the room.
Gotta go!
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 amPilsner itself is an offense to the Beer Gods. Stout or darker to open.
Comment by Keltoi — February 22, 2008 @ 11:04 am
While I do agree with you in theory and am indeed a huge fan of dark ales, I do also appreciate a good, hoppy pilsener now and then.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 amIt is just not “Evolution Vs Intelligent Design†here. The ID crowd is basically attacking ALL of science as we understand it.
Come to think of it, Xians are doing a pretty good job of making themselves irrelevant as we speak…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — February 22, 2008 @ 11:05 am
It’s part of the long-standing marriage between the neocons, the evangelical industry, and the military-industrial-extractive complex. The rapture-ready views of radical Christianity dovetail so nicely with the PNAC vision of American empire and with the needs of industries that profit from environmental and human destruction. If you convince people that science is false, you can easily convince them that climate change is a myth and that they should consume and pollute as much as possible because the world is about to end in Armageddon anyway.
The silver lining I’m starting to see more and more is that many Christians are now breaking away from this complex. They’re beginning to see that science and faith are not incompatible, that preserving the environment is a religious duty, and that peace really is the basis of the Christian faith. They’re the ones who will drive the brainwashed PNAC Xtians to irrelevancy.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:16 amFYI
If you use a PC (why oh why?) you must use Firefox.
IE is the worst browser for security. The feature that supposedly clears your browsing personal info is total bullsh*t.
There’s a hidden folder for EACH USER that hides EVERYTHING you’ve done on the internet in a folder you can’t delete anything from unless you use File Explorer and do it manually. Since my wife’s PC is at work with her, I’m going on memory here, but I believe the suspect folder is called IE5.Content. You’ll find at least 4 folders with bizzare names (G.U.I.D.S?) and within each you’ll find hundreds, if not thousands of GIF’s, cookies, etc. hiding, and not getting deleted when you think they are gone.
Cheers!
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:45 amComment by bilbobaggins — February 22, 2008 @ 9:49 am
We did live blogging of the affair at TheZoo.
Hil’s finish last night did raise some eyebrows.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 amHil’s finish last night did raise some eyebrows.
Comment by Zooey — February 22, 2008 @ 11:52 am
What was your take? Sincere or tactical?
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 amWhat was your take? Sincere or tactical?
Both. So what?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:00 pmHistory of the first great depression : Hoover (republican prez) kept hyping how the economy was basically strong. For a long period the financial news repeatedly came back with minor bad news, again and again and again.
This kept happening till that day that the banks locked their doors.
How is this different than today ?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 pmBoth. So what?
Comment by DieNowForPeace — February 22, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
How can it be both? Personally, I think HRCs biggest problem is the public senses she feels this is owed to her and she can’t handle losing graciously, which is something we are taught to do since kindergarten. If her sense of entitlement were less, she would blunt Obamas greatest strength, which is the perception that he is in this for US, not himself.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:03 pmThis kept happening till that day that the banks locked their doors.
How is this different than today ?
Comment by MapleStreet — February 22, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
FDIC exists now, for starters. There are also failsafe measures in place that lock the market in the event of a single day panic like 10/29/29.
That said, a weak currency and out of control consumer debt combined with high energy prices will work their evil one way or another, it might just be more of a long slow dry rot than an actual crash.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:07 pmHow can it be both?
Poor little wingnuts.
How drab the World must look to those with only black or white vision.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:20 pmShe looked sad last night, like she knew the game was up. If she were to lose the nomination and handle it in the spirit she showed last night I would change my opinion of her. I think losing this would be very good karma for her, too.
Comment by Keltoi
Wow, for once I agree with Keltoi. Will wonders ever cease.
I think that losing gracefully will be the best thing that could ever happen to Hillary Clinton. And perhaps she can retain what she has learned. I am not a Clinton fan but I do believe that she would be a great addition to an Obama cabinet.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 pmIf you use a PC (why oh why?) you must use Firefox.
IE is the worst browser for security. The feature that supposedly clears your browsing personal info is total bullsh*t.
Firefox also has a feature that could help a lot of posters. If a word you type is underlined, you can right click on the word and have the spelling error can be corrected. Very handy indeed, especially for those who have a problem with spelling.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:35 pmHow drab the World must look to those with only black or white vision.
Comment by DieNowForPeace — February 22, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
What a crock. Don’t portray feigned sincerity as some sort of high minded ability to see the world in all its beautiful colors. Everyone with a brain knows enough to at least WONDER if Hillary’s sentimentality, be it her tears or her kind words, are not calculated.
Everyone on the left knows this, they just aren’t comfortable discussing it.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:40 pmI am not a Clinton fan but I do believe that she would be a great addition to an Obama cabinet.
Comment by bilbobaggins — February 22, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Ah, the 64 million dollar question should Obama go all the way: Quo Vadis, Clintons?
On the one hand, Obama might just go noooooo way, too much toxin there, I am turning the page in everyway possible. And I think there is no chance he’ll offer Hillary the VP spot – too weird, too much baggage.
BUT – what about Bill as Secretary of State? Ye Gods, how much fun would that be to watch?
Then again, if O. wins, Hillary could serve her remaining 4 years in the Senate, divorce Bill and retire to the speaking circuit and actually get to experience life as a private citizen. Just no way of knowing, but this is a lot like ….well, like Living History. Or at least watching it.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm“the pride of Sin City, the Hooters Casino Hotel.†“It was the only thing, quite frankly, that was available,†said Huckabee.
Maybe she had a hankerin fer some o them chicken wings…
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 pmOr maybe she misses pendulous breasts since hubby went on that diet.
Mrs. Clinton would make a great Supreme Court Justice.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:00 pmHOLY CRAP!!! have you heard THIS?
Fort Worth Paper: Secret Service Ordered End to Gun Checks at Obama Rally
By E&P Staff
Published: February 22, 2008 8:00 AM ET
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pmNEW YORK The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported late Thursday that security details at Barack Obama’s rally in Dallas (of all places) on Wednesday “stopped screening people for weapons at the front gates more than an hour before the Democratic presidential candidate took the stage at Reunion Arena.
[...]
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003714257
[…]
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/ eandp/ news/ article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003714257
Comment by katy — February 22, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Yeah…pretty unbelievable. A “friendly” crowd of 18,000….in Texas, no less!
Someone should get fired.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:47 pmsorry for the semi-OT, but:
“The Surge” is SO successful that Turkey sees a need to cross their border into Iraq??
See now, silly little Righties, why we don’t just charge in with a stick every time a hornets’ nest is discovered?
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm80 -agreed and alas – seriously suspicious decision-making on the part of the SS in Dallas. Southern States have already cost us too many civic leaders.
I hope private citizens attending these events do make an effort to keep an eye out for dangerous individuals while they’re revelling. It would probably be wise to start operating on the principle that Righty is going to find a way to “leave a window open” somewhere, sometime, that will allow a serious tragedy to occur.
As the cornered, rabid animal that it is, “the Right” is liable to do literally anything to cling to power.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:55 pmwhich is something we are taught to do since kindergarten. If her sense of entitlement were less, she would blunt Obamas greatest strength, which is the perception that he is in this for US, not himself.
Comment by Keltoi — February 22, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
that’s some great bullshit comoing from the party that can’t even WIN graciously. keltoi, you’re an empty vessel. and a moron to boot.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:06 pmEveryone on the left knows this, they just aren’t comfortable discussing it.
Comment by Keltoi — February 22, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
classic projection. because everything republicans do is a calculated lie, it must be that way for everybody else.
horseshit.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:07 pmYes Katy, true and sad story about the Dallas Obama rally.
http://www.star-telegram.com/667/story/486413.html
And to Keltoi, the uninformed:
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 pmTexas, from the word Tejas which is the Spanish spelling of a Caddo Indian word taysha which means friend or ally.
…ooooh, and very much liked the Austin crowd “boooing” Hillary for her cheap-shot.
BRAVO my fellow Longhorns!
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:05 pmAnd to Keltoi, the uninformed:
Texas, from the word Tejas which is the Spanish spelling of a Caddo Indian word taysha which means friend or ally.
Comment by DieNowForPeace — February 22, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Yeah, what was I thinking, there could never be a political assassination in a state whose name derives from “friend”….
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm72. Keltoi
Of course, I was referring to the economy crashing while the emperor saw nothing and wasn’t referring to other environmental factors.
But looking at the FDIC (might I add a government entity and therefore bad in the neocon playbook), a lot of people are starting to figure out that only certain deposits are federally insured and a lot of the higher interest options offered for retirement (even some offered by banks) aren’t covered. So while the FDIC will protect some funds, a lot of people are seeing the life savings eaten away by the poor economy.
As an interesting demonstration, graph the stock market for the last 20 years correcting for inflation and pay special attention to the last 8 years.
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:37 pmComment by Keltoi
Riiiiiight.
Wingtards are the kings of worshiping stereotypes, my little shinning example you!
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:41 pmComment by MapleStreet — February 22, 2008 @
Like I’ve stated, you can learn more by trying to converse with my pet rock than ANY troll, any day.
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 pmHas anyone else had enough yet?
Ready for a revolution?!
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm