ThinkFast: February 27, 2008
ThinkFast: February 27, 2008
With oil prices at record highs, the cost of gasoline could hit $4 a gallon by spring. “The effect of high oil prices today could be the difference between having a recession and not having a recession,” said Harvard economist Kenneth S. Rogoff.
“After promising last year to search its computers for tens of thousands of e-mails sent by White House officials,” the Republican National Committee said “it no longer plans to retrieve the communications by restoring computer backup tapes.” The decision makes it more likely those e-mails “will never be recovered,” said lawmakers and public records advocates.
Army Chief of Staff George Casey “told a Senate panel he would not embrace” going back to longer tours “even if President Bush decided to suspend troop reductions.” “The Army is under serious strain from years of war-fighting, he testified, and must reduce the length of combat tours as soon as possible.”
“Liberal House Democrats are pushing for a closed session to discuss the legal underpinnings of President Bush’s intelligence surveillance program,” believing that “the more members know about it, the less likely they will be to support Bush’s wish to make it permanent.”
“Congressional leaders yesterday gathered support for aggressive changes to bankruptcy laws that would help troubled homeowners, even as the Bush administration threatened to veto the plan and emphasized its opposition to any program that would risk tax dollars.”
The Marine Corps has ordered a civilian scientist to stop work on a report that alleged “gross mismanagement” of the “program to quickly field Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles,” which resulted in the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of Marines in Iraq. “It’s gotten beyond its initial purpose,” a Marine spokesperson said.
The euro hit “a record high of $1.5057 in early European trading on Wednesday as sentiment increased that the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue its rate cut campaign.”
Three Democratic governors told Congress yesterday that an August directive by the Bush administration “has made it virtually impossible for them to expand health insurance coverage to more moderate-income children.” “A few states have gone to court attempting to void” the directive and now the governors are asking “lawmakers to intervene.”
“The coal industry is on the political offensive” for the 2008 elections. Industry group Americans for Balanced Energy Choices, which has already “paid $5 million to CNN to co-sponsor at least six presidential debates, plans “to spend some $40 million this year.” “That’s more than double its spending in 2007.”
And finally: Huffington Post catches right-wing pundit Ann Coulter chewing Nicotine before going on-air for an interview. When someone offered her a second piece, she turned it down, noting that she didn’t need it unless “you can chop it up so I can snort it. That would help.” Watch it here.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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More Downing Street Minutes on the Way?
Government ordered to release minutes of Iraq discussions
The minutes of cabinet meetings at which ministers discussed the legality of invading Iraq should be published, the information commissioner, Richard Thomas, said today.
In an unprecedented ruling, Thomas said the papers about the controversial legal advice should be made public in part because "there is a widespread view that the justification for the decision on military action in Iraq is either not fully understood or that the public were not given the full or genuine reasons for that decision".
The government is expected to appeal against Thomas's decision...
..."The commissioner considers that a decision on whether to take military action against another country is so important that accountability for such decision-making is paramount," Thomas said in his ruling.
...Edward Davey, the LD foreign affairs spokesman, said: "The government's attempts to hide each and every document from scrutiny leave the impression that there is still something we have not been told...The case for an independent inquiry into the decision to go to war is only strengthened by these continuing efforts to delay and obstruct those seeking the truth."
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/31347
February 27th, 2008 at 9:03 amSiegelman bribed inmates with mackerel to see TV show
With canned mackerel from the prison commissary, ex-Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman bribed his cell mates to let him watch the "60 Minutes" broadcast chronicling what he sees as his unfair prosecution for bribery and corruption.
Siegelman's brother, Birmingham businessman Les Siegelman, said the former governor told him the initial vote on what to watch Sunday evening in his Louisiana prison cell didn't go in his favor. With the promise of canned fish, the majority of the 70 inmates bunking together voted to watch the CBS news show.
"Don said they had the mackerel and salmon as hors d'ouvres as they watched it," Les said. "Don enjoyed the program, and the people who watched it with him enjoyed it.
"He thought the producers did a great job of putting it together. In less than 15 minutes... they explained the complicated story and the complex cast of characters."
..."He's got to be one of the strongest people in the world. He still has faith in the American justice system."
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/31342
February 27th, 2008 at 9:05 amAnd finally: Huffington Post catches right-wing pundit Ann Coulter chewing Nicotine before going on-air for an interview. When someone offered her a second piece, she turned it down, noting that she didn’t need it unless “you can chop it up so I can snort it. That would help.†Watch it here.
Hey, at least the icky beast is trying to quit smoking. Give her a little credit.
Just about that much. Yes, we're done.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:07 amThose $4 gallon fillups will really help the republicans this fall. Way to "jawbone" the Saudis george.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:13 amWhat has your Democratic controlled Congress done to prevent this from happening?
Comment by goon_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:12 am
Does someone have to go back through the comments for a few days to find your prediction that the Congress will continue to lack a veto-proof majority? Why not try, just once, for a little honesty? Is that too much to ask from you?
In other words, either stop lying or shut up. Enough with the "Democratic controlled Congress".
February 27th, 2008 at 9:14 amWhat has your Democratic controlled Congress done to prevent this from happening?
Comment by good_golly
They've been in power for less than two years. YOUR war in Iraq has been going on for 5+ years, stooge. You people controlled everything for 6 years, what did you do, besides line to pockets of your neocon elites?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:15 amthe Republican National Committee said “it no longer plans to retrieve the communications by restoring computer backup tapes.†The decision makes it more likely those e-mails “will never be recovered,†said lawmakers and public records advocates.
Thank you Democrats in Congress. This is what happens when you allow people to get away with no consequences for their actions. They thumb their noses in your face.
Someone in the RNC needs to go to jail and stay there until they stop obstructing an investigation. They need to be shown that there are consequences to your actions.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:16 amon the bright side, gigi did call it the "Democratic" controlled congress, not the "democrat" controlled congress. Although that might just have been a typo...
February 27th, 2008 at 9:16 amArmy Chief of Staff George Casey “told a Senate panel he would not embrace†going back to longer tours “even if President Bush decided to suspend troop reductions.â€
Could it be that the military is ready to stand up to Bully Boy Bush? One can only hope because these poor soldiers can't take any more strain on their physical and mental health and on their family life.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:17 am“Congressional leaders yesterday gathered support for aggressive changes to bankruptcy laws that would help troubled homeowners, even as the Bush administration threatened to veto the plan and emphasized its opposition to any program that would risk tax dollars.â€
In other words fu(k the homeowners. We need those tax dollars to be refunded to the very rich in this country.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:19 amThe Marine Corps has ordered a civilian scientist to stop work on a report that alleged “gross mismanagement†of the “program to quickly field Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles had resulted in the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of Marines in Iraq.†“It’s gotten beyond its initial purpose,†a Marine spokesperson said.
Stop a study because it found something wrong because the study went "beyond its initial purpose"?
WTF?
WTF?
Be sure to display those made in China "Support the Troops" sickers all.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:19 amSupport the Troops, go shopping, nothing to see here, move along. =/
What has your Democratic controlled Congress done to prevent this from happening?
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:12 am
I must be missing your point or is this just more of the same old Dems vs. Repubs deal of yours. Aren't righties all about market forces and such? Why would you want any intervention regardless of the party intervening?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:20 amSo what's the difference between a moderate republican and a moderate democrat other than you wouldn't like the democrat. Thing is that they look pretty much the same to me.
“It’s gotten beyond its initial purpose,†a Marine spokesperson said.
They are right. The investigation was meant to gloss over the mismanagement of the program and the deaths of the soldiers. Since it went the opposite direction, it has certainly gone beyond it's initial purpose.
I hope that Congress doesn't let this one go. This could be the smoking gun that will bring down Bully Boy Bush.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:21 am6. So your claim is that the Democratic controlled Congress failed to over-ride a Presidential veto of a bill that would have prevented gas prices from rising. What exact veto are you talking about gummitch? Put up or shut up.
Comment by good_golly
And what do you think the congress should have done but didn't do? Put up or shut up.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:22 am6. So your claim is that the Democratic controlled Congress failed to over-ride a Presidential veto of a bill that would have prevented gas prices from rising. What exact veto are you talking about gummitch? Put up or shut up.
Comment by goon_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:17 am
Thanks for proving my point, liar. You are incapable of honesty.
What about the "Democratic controlled Congress"? Even you yourself, just days ago, while preening about a presumed Republican win in the White House, admitted that no such control exists. No specific veto is necessary; why should the House send something forward to a certain veto from this president?
You're disgusting, goon.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:23 am…â€He’s got to be one of the strongest people in the world. He still has faith in the American justice system.â€
How Don Siegelman can still have faith in our system of justice is beyond me. He is the victim of the biggest travesty I have ever seen in our justice system. I fear he will have to wait until after President Obama takes office to see justice done.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:24 amBrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:14 am
How does one cool year "wipe out" a 100-year trend?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:26 amGlobal warming is a misnomer. What it should be called is Global Abnormal Weather patterns, which is certainly what we're seeing now. Tornados in the middle of winter, anyone? And just because the temperature's gone down in the winter doesn't mean the phenomenon is proceeding as predicted. Even a cancer patient is entitled to a few good days once in a while. That doesn't mean they've been cured.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:26 amWhat has your Democratic controlled Congress done to prevent this from happening?
A moronic troll seems to be under the impression that Congress can do something about the rising price of oil. It is too stupid to realize that Congress has no control over the oil companies in this country who are profiteering off of our backs.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:26 am"The Republican National Committee said it no longer plans to retrieve the communications by restoring the computer backup tapes. The decision makes it more likely those e-mails will never be recovered."
Gee, I'm shocked! Absolutely, positively shocked!!!
SARC
February 27th, 2008 at 9:27 amI meant to say "isn't proceeding as predicted."
February 27th, 2008 at 9:27 amIt's almost as if someone - oh, I don't know, maybe the vice-president- had secret meetings with the energy execs to promise them anything their greedy little hearts desired...
February 27th, 2008 at 9:29 amAnyone want to talk about the debate last night?
I actually began to feel sorry for Hillary Clinton. She came across as totally desperate. She talked over Obama and she talked over the moderators. It was like she just couldn't stop herself. Other than a few frustrated eye rolls, Obama kept his cool. I also loved the way he turned the tables on her at the end of the debate.
Personally I think Hillary Clinton is done and I fervently hope that she goes out gracefully and doesn't trash the Democratic party on her way out the door.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:29 amWant to bring down gas prices. Cut the gas taxes. Allow domestic drilling. (that produces jobs as well)
February 27th, 2008 at 9:31 amGlobal warming is a misnomer. What it should be called is Global Abnormal Weather patterns, which is certainly what we’re seeing now. Tornados in the middle of winter, anyone?
Actually, it is really "Global Climate Change". In some places the weather will get warmer, in others cooler. It's like whatever your normal weather pattern is, it will become much more extreme.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:33 amAllow domestic drilling.
What would one expect? Stupid ideas from stupid people.
The majority of oil we pump here in the good old USA is sold on the open market.
It DOES NOTHING to affect how much we pay for gas.
Got stupid?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:33 amhey GiGi; why are you complaining that Congress isn't doing something about gas prices? It's the Repubs who are always praising the wonders of the 'free market' system, and should not interefere in any manner.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:33 amSomehow I knew gummitch wouldn’t have an answer.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:31 am
hey, your president started all of this, and it's all in his incompetent, antiAmerican hands. Gummitch doesn't need an answer to a question that is a lie to begin with. Gas prices are high because your president is more interested in enriching his oil company buddies than in defending the united States. the facts are clear. Thanks for 9/11.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:34 amSomehow I knew gummitch wouldn’t have an answer.
First, may I suggest, you ask a coherent question.
Looks like gummitch shot back, and your tiny head exploded.
FCUKING CLUELESS MORON.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:35 amWant to bring down gas prices. Cut the gas taxes. Allow domestic drilling. (that produces jobs as well)
A brilliant idea from another moronic troll. A large part of the gas taxes go to maintain our roads which are already in extremely poor condition. We should just allow all our roads and highways to devolve into pot-hole filled lengths of blacktop. And then we should allow domestic drilling just to get the, what, 6 month's supply of gasoline, all the while destroying a natural habitat. So much greed, so little time.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:36 amWant to bring down gas prices. Cut the gas taxes. Allow domestic drilling. (that produces jobs as well)
Comment by VA Voter — February 27, 2008 @ 9:31 am
yes, if you don't care about the planet of the nation's infrastructure. A far better way would be to jail the thieves at the top of the heap, the traitors who are filling their pockets at the expense of the working people of America, and reduce their outrageous, obscene profits. That way, we wouldn't ahve to kill off any more endangered species, or watch our bridges collapse and kill people on their way to school or work. i realiza republicans don't care about their children or the lives of Americans (thanks for 9/11, by the way), but that doesn't mean everybody is a sick as you people.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:37 amSomehow I knew gummitch wouldn’t have an answer.
I also notice that this moronic troll hasn't answered the question about what exactly Congress can do about the rising price of gasoline. It seems to think that the Democratic controlled Congress isn't doing what it should about the rising price of gas, but it can't say what Congress can or should do.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:38 amhey GiGi; why are you complaining that Congress isn’t doing something about gas prices? It’s the Repubs who are always praising the wonders of the ‘free market’ system, and should not interefere in any manner.
Comment by Uncle Ho — February 27, 2008 @ 9:33 am
nderstanding that would take brains and morals, something which gg proved long ago that she lacks completely.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:38 am“The Army is under serious strain from years of war-fighting, he testified, and must reduce the length of combat tours as soon as possible.â€
I don't trust Dumbya with our military any more than I would if I sent him on a beer run.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:39 amOne way to decrease prices for oil would have been to decrease demand. Bush went with his oil buddies and thwarted this.
The Energy bill left out two major provisions that Congressional Democrats had pushed for months - over $20 billion in funding for renewable energy, paid for largely by taxes on Big Oil, and a requirement that utilities buy 15 percent of their power from renewable sources.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:39 amEverything they could, but the Rethugs blocked it.
You screeching harpy.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:40 amWant to bring down gas prices. Cut the gas taxes. Allow domestic drilling. (that produces jobs as well)
Comment by VA Voter
As stated above lowering gas taxes lowers work on bridges, Remember Minneapolis? There's already a lot of drilling domestically, Take a drive through south west wyo, eastern Montana for instance. As someone who worked the oil patch back in the 70's I can vouch for the jobs, but the short term profit doesn't make up for the long term damage that oil does to the country. If we want to bring down gas prices, we should start taxing windfall profits in the oil industry.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:43 amAn even better idea would be to increase fuel economy standards, encouraging Detroit to build the kinds of cars Americans want (plug-in hybrids, anyone?) instead of the cars big oil wants us to have.
That produces jobs, too. And would have a much longer lasting effect than scrabbling for the last few drops of crude oil on this planet.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:43 amMeanwhile, Cuba and China will be drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, but not us
gigi
As usual the troll has no idea what it is talking about. I've worked in the Gulf in the oil patch there. Drive through Houma, or Morgan City La and tell me we don't drill for oil in the Gulf. What a maroon.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:44 amhese are just a few examples of how the Democratic controlled congress could do something to end government interference in the free market and help lower gasoline prices.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:41 am
those lies have already been addressed. You are just repeating lies that have been debunked. it makes you out to be insane and stupid. The profits are much higher than the taxes, overall, and windfall profits in wartime is nothing short of treason. The oil barons should be tried and executed for war crimes and profiteering. the prices would come down very quickly, and nobody would suffer. te rest of your screeching is just lies and y8our usual ignorance of the marketplace.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:44 am9. What do you think happens to gasoline prices when you add even more taxes to the already heavily taxed industry? Answer: they get passed on to the consumer in the form of higher gas prices. Try again.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:44 am
wrong again, the rise in prices has zero to do with taxes. your lies are pitifully transparent now.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:45 am“After promising last year to search its computers for tens of thousands of e-mails sent by White House officials,†the Republican National Committee said “it no longer plans to retrieve the communications by restoring computer backup tapes.â€
... And why isn't the RNC going to recover the emails? Because they don't have to, there's no accountability.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:46 amNot the entire Gulf, Bobwurst. The parts that the Democrats are blocking from drilling.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:45 am
there is no shortage that justifies the price increases or the obscene profits of the oil cartels. this is palinly a scheme to enrich war profiteers. your bullshit is plain for all to see.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:46 amMeanwhile, Cuba and China will be drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, but not us
gigi
As usual the troll has no idea what it is talking about. I've worked in the Gulf in the oil patch there. Drive through Houma, or Morgan City La and tell me we don't drill for oil in the Gulf. Those cities are the center of Gulf drilling. We may not be drilling within sight of Fla beaches, but take that up with Jebidaiah Bush. What a maroon.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:46 amWe can use Clinton's budget surplus to offset the price of gas - right?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:47 amNot the entire Gulf, Bobwurst. The parts that the Democrats are blocking from drilling.
Comment by good_golly
That's not what you said, idiot. Where exactly are the evil democrats stopping drilling?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:48 amWith oil prices at record highs, the cost of gasoline could hit $4 a gallon by spring. “The effect of high oil prices today could be the difference between having a recession and not having a recession,†said Harvard economist Kenneth S. Rogoff.
***************************************************
Why are most Americans -- economists or otherwise -- still refusing to even consider the possibility that the dramatic rise in oil prices over the last few years is at least partially due to Peak Oil? If countries in the Middle East -- the region where most of the largest petroleum reserves have been found -- are beginning to invest in alternative energy technologies (which they reportedly are), I think it's safe to say that the writing is on the wall. Our country is dependent on petroleum for so many things -- not just energy but also many plastics, as an example -- and yet Peak Oil is an issue which the mainstream media has largely been ignoring.
Is it merely accident or coincidence that Matt Simmonds -- a man with 20 years of experience running his own investment banking firm specializing in the energy industry and a major figure in the Peak Oil movement -- was also a former member of the secretive Cheney Energy Task Force? I don't think so -- especially not when you consider the fact that both Iraq and Iran are petroleum-rich countries, one of which we have already invaded under what was proven to be at best somewhat flimsy pretenses and the other of which we are rattling our saber at with occasional threats to invade. How much clearer does it really need to be before the American people wake up and smell the coffee instead of burying their heads in the sand? If Matt Simmonds is right and the Saudis (and by definition the world) are approaching or have already reached the Hubbert Peak, what we're seeing is just the beginning -- especially considering the fact that many other countries such as China and India have actually been increasing their energy usage. Even if there isn't as much or even any reason to be concerned about Peak Oil as some people, including Simmonds, claim there is -- and you have to admit that Simmonds is someone whom you'd think might have at least some experience upon which to base his claims -- investing in alternative energy technologies if nothing else will give us more options to choose from, which can only be a benefit.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:48 am43. You Stalinists are still into executing your political opponents, I see.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:46 am
war profiteers are not political opponemnts, they are criminals, deserving of that very fate for weakening our country. you nazis are all in favor of letting war criminals run free, as usual.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:48 ambilbobaggins — February 27, 2008 @ 9:36 am
Lefty Patriot — February 27, 2008 @ 9:37 am
MN just over rode our 'mini-Bush' Governor's veto on Monday. First time in 6+ years our (R) Poster Boy has had a veto overridden. The bill was for transportation, & is related to the 35W bridge collapse.
Pawlenty is pissed. The first thing he did was strip the leadership from all 6 Republicans who voted with the Democrats.
Nice, huh? Apparently, people dying from collapsed bridges isn't nearly as important as 'no new taxes'.
The taxes raise the gas tax by 5 cents, up to 8.5 cents in 3 years. We know that investing in our infrastructure is the only way out of endangering our citizens.
Unfortunately, the (R)'s would rather have people die than pay a users tax on our highways & bridges.
This is the same man who may be McCainiac's running mate...
February 27th, 2008 at 9:48 amStalinists executing political opponents? Good golly is talking about Rove.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:50 amnvesting in alternative energy technologies if nothing else will give us more options to choose from, which can only be a benefit.
Comment by Bluestocking — February 27, 2008 @ 9:48 am
of course, but the powers-that-be that stole our government aren't interested in the future they leave to their grandchildren. they are psychopaths whose onkly goal is to die richer than the next war profiteer. republicans have succumbed to a mob mental disease, and are no longer efen members of the human race, but have returned to their animal pathologies, where morals have no measure.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:51 amGood Golly,
"What do you think happens to gasoline prices when you add even more taxes to the already heavily taxed industry? Answer: they get passed on to the consumer in the form of higher gas prices."
Really. You think the Gas prices are a result of Democratic policies?
Ok. I'll bite. We have two oil men in the White house who have done nothing about the problem. Gas is up 250% since Clinton left office. Democrats since Carter have been screaming to anyone that would listen about getting off of foreign oil. Instead, the Republicans give massive tax breaks to oil companies that continue to raise prices.
If we had followed the ideas of the sane, we would probably, by now, be nearly energy independent. But no, Reagan, Bush, and Bush, and the wonderful republican majority of the nineties, have put us in the situation we are now in.
Now take your mindless drivel elsewhere. We, along with the rest of country have had enough of your 'conservative' principles. Prepare for the '08 landslide.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:51 am39. What do you think happens to gasoline prices when you add even more taxes to the already heavily taxed industry? Answer: they get passed on to the consumer in the form of higher gas prices. Try again.
Comment by good_golly
I guess you don't remember all the tax breaks bush gave his buddies a few years back. That worked out well didn't it.
Way back when gas was $1.50 a gallon Dems tried to pass a tax that would go to alternative engergy research and the wingnuts howled about having to pay a little more at the pump. I'd much rather be paying to get out from under the thumb of the terrorists than paying for more mansions for the oil executives.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:52 amMann Coulter chewing her Nicorette gum like a cow chewing cud. She looks a bit nervous. Aren't you supposed to just wedge the gum between your cheek and gums to let the nicotine slowly come out?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:52 am"You Stalinists are still into executing your political opponents, I see."
And you 'Hitlerists' are still into pardoning your felony convicted political friends.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:52 am39. What do you think happens to gasoline prices when you add even more taxes to the already heavily taxed industry? Answer: they get passed on to the consumer in the form of higher gas prices. Try again.
Comment by goon_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:44 am
More mendacious comments. Here, goon, explain how this is the fault of the Democrats.
Give it up. No one believes your lies here, goon_golly.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:52 amWhat do you think happens to gasoline prices when you add even more taxes to the already heavily taxed industry? Answer: they get passed on to the consumer in the form of higher gas prices. Try again.
Already heavily taxed industry??? What a moron this one is. Our gasoline industries are not heavily taxed, they are heavily subsidized. If Congress were to pass taxes on the industry, perhaps they can take the taxes out of the billions and billions in profits they are making off of the artificially inflated price of gasoline.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:53 amMann Coulter chewing her Nicorette gum like a cow chewing cud. She looks a bit nervous. Aren’t you supposed to just wedge the gum between your cheek and gums to let the nicotine slowly come out?
Comment by hellinabucket — February 27, 2008 @ 9:52 am
No, you actually chew it like chiclets. The way she's going at it, I'd guess this was chiclet number 32.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:53 amWow! Why don't you run for office? You seem to have all of the answers.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:53 amUnfortunately, the (R)’s would rather have people die than pay a users tax on our highways & bridges.
This is the same man who may be McCainiac’s running mate…
it's become abundantly clear that Republicans have no respect for human life; they are the new North koreans, the new huns. Savages without consciences, soon to be such a danger to humanity that they may have to be driven into exile, where they will ahppily kill each other off until the planet is cleansed of them. Otherwise, human life will disappear entirely. Conservatives are a disease on humanity unless they are kept in the minority and powerless; this they have proven.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:54 amThe Democrats want high gas prices come November and will scream “fix†if they go down in the months leading up to the General Election.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:52 am
and, as usual, they will be right.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:55 am64. I can’t afford the pay cut.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:55 am
these $.10 posts are really adding up.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:55 amdid he parton in his last days in office?
As in Dolly "Parton"?
What are you talking about?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:56 amI'd rather pay a higher gas tax than continue sacrificing our young in Iraq.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:56 amIs that how much they pay you Lefty? That’s way too much.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:56 am
yes, it's at least twice as much as you're worth.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amOil company mergers and their shutting down refineries have more to do with prices than with taxes.
With huge profits made each quarter, we are getting ripped off in 2 ways, at the pump, AND US Government taxpayer subsidies.
END THE SUBSIDIES AND RE-INSTATE THE WINDFALL PROFITS TAX!!!
February 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amGood Golly,
"Your gas could be 50 to 60 cents a gallon cheaper tomorrow if those taxes were suspended. These are just a few examples of how the Democratic controlled congress could do something to end government interference in the free market and help lower gasoline prices."
Why didn't the President and his Republican controlled Congress suspend those taxes?
Must be nice to close your eyes to the failures of your own party eh?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amPerhaps the moronic troll GiGi will read this article and come back here to say that the oil companies will have to raise the price of gasoline again if we tax them:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/economy/2008/02/01/exxons-profits-measuring-a-record-windfall.html
February 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amRemember:
Our troops are dying because you drive an gas-guzzler.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amI’d rather pay a higher gas tax than continue sacrificing our young in Iraq.
Comment by Zimzone — February 27, 2008 @ 9:56 am
yes, but you're a human, not a republican animal.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:58 amIs TP suggesting they want cheap Oil now? I thought you folks were all for expensive Oil even if it brings down the American Economy. Doesn't expensive Oil at any cost mean a better chance for alternative energy?
Which way do you want it folks? You want cheaper Oil or do you want a bad US economy?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:59 amWhich way do you want it folks? You want cheaper Oil or do you want a bad US economy?
Comment by Roger_Roger — February 27, 2008 @ 9:59 am
Your not making sense Roger. Bang your head with that hammer a few more times to clear your thoughts, then try again.....
February 27th, 2008 at 10:01 amcoulter... she didn’t need it unless “you can chop it up so I can snort it. That would help.â€
um... it's called "snuff", isn't it?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:02 amgood golly is going to be left behind by the Glorious Cabal to Overthrow the Legitimate Government of the US.
Golly will get nothing.
Hey, golly: You don't make squat. You're not a corporate exec. You're not a lobbyist. You'll get nothing (except the condom hanging out of your butt). The Republican rank and file get sacrificed.
You are a tool.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:03 amWhich way do you want it folks? You want cheaper Oil or do you want a bad US economy?
Comment by Roger_Roger — February 27, 2008 @ 9:59 am
which do you like, rr, the treason of the oil cartels, or a strong USA? you seem to be leaning towards treason, but, given your history here, that's no surprise.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:03 amChoice #3: We want Roger_Roger to STFU.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:05 amum… it’s called “snuffâ€, isn’t it? -katy
I'm all for seeing Coulter snuffed, katy, great idea!
February 27th, 2008 at 10:05 am"The cumulative effects of the last six-plus years at war have left our Army out of balance, consumed by the current fight and unable to do the things we know we need to do to properly sustain our all-volunteer force and restore our flexibility for an uncertain future," Casey said.
i'm tellin' ya... they are warming us up for the DRAFT...
unless... well, i just can't get my hopes up yet...
February 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am61. How many friends of Clinton that were convicted in the Whitewater scandal did he parton in his last days in office?
Comment by good_golly
None. and he didn't dolly any either.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:09 ambilbo; I went to the link you provided.
$40.6 BILLION PROFIT IS OBSCENE!!!!
EVEN MORE REASON TO END US TAXPAYER SUBSIDIES AND RE-INSTATE THE WINDFALL PROFITS TAX.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:10 amGood Golly,
"How many friends of Clinton that were convicted in the Whitewater scandal did he parton in his last days in office?"
Two wrongs make it right? Clinton did it too? Really?
If you have seen many of my posts concerning this issue, you will realizre that I am openly against the the power of the pardon for the reason that it is always politically used.
But I thought your party was above doing things the way Clinton did. Didn't Bush run as the Anti-Clinton.
So you support the commuting of perjurers?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:10 amgg @ 44
Note: its not just DEMS who are blocking certain Gulf drilling. Back when I was in Florida, Jeb BUSH was in a bit of a political pickle when he was campaigning for his second term as Guvnor.....his cronies wanted him to push for opening the Florida West Coast and Panhandle for drilling, but his constituents, his GOP allies who represented the West Coast and the rest of us (I never supported him) opposed the idea because of the DRASTIC effect on the tourism industry. Fortunately, sanity won out and the oil rigs never came.
The way to solve this mess is not to drill for more oil - just yesterday it was mentioned that oil supplies in the US are at a high point, yet prices rise due to fear and market manipulation - taxes have nothing to do with it, its all greed and poor foreign policy. Get the picture?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:10 amComment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 9:52 am
Totally unprovable contention. More likely the opposite is true, that the GOOP wants lower gas prices come November to help their desperate candidates... the ones still running, who haven't been arrested, convicted or chosen "early retirement".
February 27th, 2008 at 10:15 am$4 Gas will be the ultimate "Mission Accompished" by Bush/Cheney.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:18 amSorry I'm joining this late, but what exactly does Gig expect the "Democratic controlled Congress" (You're right, bobwurst, it must be a typo) to DO to lower gas prices?
Specifically, what is the measure that Gigi thinks is appropriate for Congress to take that they haven't taken?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:19 amWow, the troll is more boring than ever...
February 27th, 2008 at 10:19 amtom friedman was on letterman last night...
the only thing that i appreciated from that was something he repeated
from his writing:
I prefer the term "global weirding," coined by Hunter Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, because the rise in average global temperature is going to lead to all sorts of crazy things -- from hotter heat spells and droughts in some places, to colder cold spells and more violent storms, more intense flooding, forest fires and species loss in other places.
i've not read enough of hunter lovins, but what i have i really like...
February 27th, 2008 at 10:22 amthe Fall 2004 issue of "yes!" magazine is all about "can we live
without oil?" ... yesmagazine.org...
Specifically, what is the measure that Gigi thinks is appropriate for Congress to take that they haven’t taken?
Comment by ralph the wonder llama — February 27, 2008 @ 10:19 am
And what about Exxon's record profits? How did the "Democratic controlled Congress" manage that? Goon has run off to research cliches through newsmax et al.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:23 amBy Golly, good golly, you just never pay attention to words your boy George has uttered in the past. Here are the exact words spoken by him in reference to high gas prices from CBS, September 28, 2004.
- Mr. Bush was critical of Al Gore in the 2000 campaign for being part of "the administration that's been in charge while the price of gasoline has gone steadily upward." In December 1999, in the first Republican primary debate Mr. Bush said President Clinton "must jawbone OPEC members to lower prices." -
It's ALWAYS the fault of the Democrats, right?!!! Try and spin this.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:29 amyes, juan... but it was easy to scroll through it all...
i had 4 younger brothers, and 2 kids... i know how to tune it out...
February 27th, 2008 at 10:34 amKaty... Heh. :)
February 27th, 2008 at 10:40 amW O W ... just wow...
IRS investigates Obama's denomination
By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer Tue Feb 26, 8:58 PM ET
NEW YORK - The IRS is investigating the United Church of Christ over a speech Sen. Barack Obama gave at its national meeting last year after he became a candidate for president, the denomination said Tuesday.
Obama, an Illinois Democrat, belongs to the 1.2 million-member Protestant group through his Chicago congregation.
In a letter the denomination received Monday, the IRS said "reasonable belief exists" that the circumstances surrounding the speech violated restrictions on political activity for tax-exempt organizations. The denomination has denied any wrongdoing.
[...]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080227/ap_on_el_pr/obama_church_irs
via C&L
February 27th, 2008 at 10:43 amRobertSeattle; On the tv morning news shows, Today & GMA, they were saying $4/gallon gas is likely by spring, I think it will be closer to $5/gal by summer.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:46 amnvesting in alternative energy technologies if nothing else will give us more options to choose from, which can only be a benefit.
Comment by Bluestocking — February 27, 2008 @ 9:48 am
of course, but the powers-that-be that stole our government aren’t interested in the future they leave to their grandchildren. they are psychopaths whose onkly goal is to die richer than the next war profiteer. republicans have succumbed to a mob mental disease, and are no longer efen members of the human race, but have returned to their animal pathologies, where morals have no measure. -- Lefty Patriot
***********************************************
Either that, or they're deliberately keeping us in ignorance until it's too late because they believe that when it finally comes to the crunch, most modern-day Americans are so dependent upon their comforts and will be so desperate to maintain their accustomed lifestyles that they'll willingly -- even gladly -- submit to almost anything as long as they're allowed to keep their comforts because people who are desperate are easier to control.
The frightening thing is that they might not be entirely wrong in that assessment...
February 27th, 2008 at 10:48 am– Ron Paul –
Can you say, "Dead from the neck up"?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:51 amkaty; funny that it seems that only churches who support Democrats are investigated, while that those who endorse the GOP are ignored.
Think back to 2004, many churches/ministers were openly advocating Bush to their congregations, even threatening to withhold communion who did not follow that line.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:52 amSomething about Boehner and republican asses.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8713.html
February 27th, 2008 at 10:52 amGood Golly,
February 27th, 2008 at 10:53 amWho is Ron Paul and what difference does it make what he thinks?
Oh, good. Instead of answering the question, Gigi offers platitudes from Ron Paul. Now THERE'S a sound resource for economic theory.
Care to answer, Gigi? What specific measures have the "Democratic controlled Congress" failed to take that YOU feel would be appropriate?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:54 am"...and he didn’t dolly any either."
Comment by Bobwurst — February 27, 2008 @ 10:09 am
ROTFLMAO! ;) You're killin' me! I had to go back and re-read the morons comments to get the joke, but when I got it... so did my monitor!
Cleanin' up the coffee now.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:55 amTotally, off topic. Hall of fame Broadcaster and longtime voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Myron Cope, has died.
We will miss him.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:57 amkaty; funny that it seems that only churches who support Democrats are investigated, while that those who endorse the GOP are ignored.
Think back to 2004, many churches/ministers were openly advocating Bush to their congregations, even threatening to withhold communion who did not follow that line. -- Uncle Ho
*****************************************************
Unfortunately, we all have an idea why that is...
IOIYAR
February 27th, 2008 at 11:03 amRadRight; sorry about your loss of Cope. I know how you feel. It was the same here when we lost the voice of Michigan football, Bob Ufer in 1981.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:04 amComment by goon_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Somehow, quotations from Ron Paul, a lunatic libertarian, is your response to the question? Pathetic.
How does this address the question of Exxon's record-breaking profits in the face of rising fuel prices? And how do you imagine the Democrats have anything to do with either? More dishonesty on your part or just utter butt-ignorance?
February 27th, 2008 at 11:07 amgummitch; I'll bet GiGi's problem is Butter-butt ignorance. (:-D)
February 27th, 2008 at 11:12 amWheat prices hit record high
By Ron Scherer
The Christian Science Monitor
New York - ...The prime ingredient in flour is wheat, which these days is acting more like oil – rising sharply on commodities exchanges. On Monday, the price of March spring wheat on the Minneapolis Grain Exchange shot up to $24 a bushel, the highest price ever.
Within the past month, the price of some types of wheat has risen over 90%. Already, agricultural experts say, it's getting hard to find the type of wheat used to make pasta, noodles, pizza, and bagels.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0227/p01s05-usec.html
February 27th, 2008 at 11:12 am#102 - "What can Congress do to provide Americans with some relief at the pump? First it can suspend federal gas taxes, which would save consumers nearly 20 cents per gallon." Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 10:50 am
So, you don't want our roads to be kept up-to-date or have any repairs done? Why do you hate our infrastructure so much?
The only way to reduce the cost of oil is to reuce oour dependance upon it. Making oil/gas easier to produce will only increase our dependence on it. Why do you want the Middle East to control our country in a hydraulic-despotic relationship?
It would make much more financial sense to invest in alternative energy sources.
1) It would reduce our dependence on foreigh countries.
2) It would create more jobs to support an alternative energy source.
3) It would strengthen our economy by diversifying our energy foundation.
Win-win-win!
Any other route is lose-lose-lose.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:14 amApparently neither Gigi nor her hero Ron Paul understand that te lack of refinery construction in this nation has almost nothing to do with government regulations and almost everything to do with oil companies wanting to place refinery capacity nearer to supply than delivery.
With dwindling oil reserves in this country, refiners don't want to invest in capacity here when their long-term supply will be coming from overseas. It only makes economic sense.
Of course, if Gigi wants the government to intervene and FORCE oil companies to build their refineries here, that's another matter entirely.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:16 amOn the e-mail "loss":
Guess what happened when Theresa Payton was running things at Bank of America?
Bank of America loses a million customer records
A "small" number of backup tapes with records detailing the financial information of government employees were lost in shipment to a backup center, Bank of America said on Friday.
The tapes contained information on the customers and accounts of the U.S. government's SmartPay charge card program, which has more than 2.1 million members and annual transactions totaling more than $21 billion, according to the General Services Administration. Reports have pegged the number of cards affected at 1.2 million.
http://techrepublic-cnet.com.com/Bank+of+America+loses+a+million+customer+records/2100-1029_3-5590989.html
Now I understand why the Bush Administration just had to have her!
February 27th, 2008 at 11:18 amComment by Democrat Soldier — February 27, 2008 @ 11:14 am
No, I think you're mnissing Gigi's point. If the "Democratic controlled Congress" were to suspend fuel taxes, not only would Exxon be spared the onorous burden of helping to support the government that claims to provide security for the nation, but, as you pointed out, with no taxes to fund infrastructure repair, more bridges will collpase like the one in Minneapolis. With fewer rbidges to cross, motorists will be driving less, thus reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
It's actually a win-win, right Gigi?
Except for the unlucky souls who were on the bridges when they collpased, of course.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:20 amComment by katy — February 27, 2008 @ 10:43 am
Katy, I also read that the church went to the IRS before they asked Obama to speak so they wouldn't run into this kind of trouble. They said it would be a sermon, not a political message, there would be no pamphlets or anything that could be seen as political.
So, IMHO, it apears that this is another witchhunt that will make headlines and give the rethugs ammunition to fire at Dems. It doesn't make any difference to them if the story is incomplete or innaccurate - they have no scruples. They go with whatever they can get.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:21 amHow often to you figure gone_goofy got beat up in midlle school? Once a week? Usually I don't approve of violence but in goofy's case I'd make an exception.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:22 am#103, Uncle Ho, you are absolutely right. When Dems cried foul at the fundamentalists using their churches as political arenas, they were quickly shouted down as "godless" and other pejoratives.
We continue to forget: when Rethugs sh*t, it doesn't stink.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:24 amComment by Uncle Ho — February 27, 2008 @ 11:04 am
Thanks Uncle Ho. Cope was one of the Good guys. He created the ubiquitous symbol "the Terrible Towel" and never took a dime of profit from it, all of the proceeds went to charity.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:29 amComment by alpuz3 — February 27, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Thanks for the link, alpuz3. I guess Republican donors are beginning to see that after donating their money to a candidate that in a short time they will be solicited again by the said candidates legal defense fund. Looks like they're getting tired of throwing bad money after bad.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pmNever happened. I won them all.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
Just like you win them all here on TP?, huh?
Heh.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pmcomment by GiGi @ 12:22 pm
Does that mean we can count on you splitting? Never to return? If so, you just made my & everyone's day here. Hasta la vista, baby!
February 27th, 2008 at 12:29 pmYou can’t convince a bunch of close minded so-called “progressives†of anything right. All you can do is remind them that there is a different point of view than theirs.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Is this a contrAdiction? How can you be so sure that your own "point of view" is "anything right" By definition are not points of view subjective?
February 27th, 2008 at 12:39 pmNever happened. I won them all.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
more lies, gg never wins anything. lifelong loser.
All you can do is remind them that there is a different point of view than theirs.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
and in doing so remind us how wrong your POV is, and how stupid conservatards are.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:40 pm#125 - "All you can do is remind them that there is a different point of view than theirs." Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
I guess that's the difference between a progressive/liberal website and a right-whiner web-site. Right-whiner websites refuse to allow alternative points of view. Redstate.org will immediately ban you for not repeating their party line, or if you mention that you're not a right-whiner.
TP will only ban someone for repeated violations of their Terms of Use. TP encourages alternative points of view, and allows for thoughful responses by those, and to those, who have differences of opinion. TP also allows far-right and far-left "knee-jerk" responses.
It's thr right-whiner sites that actively ban anyone for not drinking the kool-aide and regurgitating the "acceptable party line".
February 27th, 2008 at 12:41 pmdid you see this?
Gates to tell Turkey to end incursion soon
United Press International - 1 hour ago
ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Ending the Turkish incursion into northern Iraq top the agenda of Turkish and Iraqi leaders meeting Wednesday in Baghdad.
Gates to Turks: End Iraq Incursion Soon The Associated Press
US Defense Chief to Tell Turkey to Quickly Conclude Iraq Military ... Voice of America
... VOA is very diplomatic...
February 27th, 2008 at 12:44 pmYou can’t convince a bunch of close minded so-called “progressives†of anything right. All you can do is remind them that there is a different point of view than theirs.
Comment by good_golly — February 27, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Ah, yes -- the magic rationalization.
You can't convince "so-called progressives" of anything, but it's because we're "close minded" and not because you fail utterly in any attempt at logic or rational debate. Not because whenever one of us points out a flaw in your reasoning, you never address it but simply ignore it and move on to another delaying tactic.
Yeah. That has nothing to do with your inability to convince anyone of anything you believe.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:45 pmalso... RIP...
Author, conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. dies at 82
Boston Globe, United States - 39 minutes ago
William F. Buckley Jr., the conservative pioneer who died today at his home smiled during an interview in July 2004. By Mark Feeney, Globe Staff William F. ...
i used to enjoy listening to him... 20, 30 years ago... at times, recently...
February 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pmhe is of, what i think of as, the REAL republican party... like my dad...
they are all dying off... the neoCONS have trashed their lagacy...
maybe they even allowed it... and helped...
...
Pot calling the kettle black, eh, goony...?
OK.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pmA bit off topic, but not by much. If Coulter wants to stop smoking, she should check out Chantix. I hate to give big pharma (Pfeizer) any credit, but I smoked for 15 years and have tried stopping for the last 3 without any luck at all. I started hearing from much heavier smokers than I about Chantix and how it was so successful at making them quit. I started on the drug with big doubts and fully expected for it to fail. In fact, it worked. Even if I try to smoke, it tastes nasty and I put it out immediately.
Seriously, if there are any smokers out there that even have an inkling that they want to quit, Chantix works very, very well.
February 27th, 2008 at 1:14 pmNot so for everyone, jpoke42. Many people are suffering and dying from an unscrupulous drug approval system:
For some, it's trading one "narcotic" with dangerous side effects, for another (Big Pharma's modus operandi).
February 27th, 2008 at 1:20 pmWhat about the “Democratic controlled Congress� Even you yourself, just days ago, while preening about a presumed Republican win in the White House, admitted that no such control exists. No specific veto is necessary; why should the House send something forward to a certain veto from this president?
Comment by gummitch — February 27, 2008 @ 9:23 am
A bit off topic, but relevant. The House should repeatedly send bills that they feel strongly about to Bush and force him to veto them repeatedly. If they had done that on getting us out of Iraq, we might be out by now or at least making progress. Most Americans feel strongly about getting out of Iraq and keeping the issue in front of voters and making Bush confront it might help. At least they would be doing something.
February 27th, 2008 at 1:37 pmgood for you, jpoke! keep it up!
6 years for me... that first 6 mos. is the roughest...
February 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pmthe coughing... ugh... but hang in there!
thx katy... now if only they had a pill to cure my republican ailments....
February 27th, 2008 at 2:07 pm"...underpinnings of President Bush’s intelligence..."
Does he wear a truss.
February 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pmAll: For what its worth, and make your own points. I live in Europe. Gas is over $8 per gallon. No one to my knowledge has run off any collapsed bridges in the last 30 years. Gas itself costs about the same to Europeans, taxes are the burdened difference.
Europeans continue to buy economic small cars and Mercedes, BMW, etc. What's the point?
Well, GiGi has made far too many comments, has been foiled at every turn and just keeps on spewing tripe, without thought. No good comes from it except, the logical people here do improve my knowledge most of the time. Among others, #52, Bluestocking adds some real insight.
If GiGi left the site, what the hell would we get get agitated about? Could not possibly run to 135 comments. Supply side economics at work again. I could go for some "govt" control and throw her off the site....
February 27th, 2008 at 2:25 pm