Bush: Telecoms ‘Should Be Thanked For Their Patriotic Service’
Bush: Telecoms ‘Should Be Thanked For Their Patriotic Service’
Today, all three networks carried President Bush’s address to the American public bashing the House’s compromise wiretapping legislation. During the speech, Bush once again criticized the American public for failing to fully appreciate the patriotic sacrifices of the nation’s telecoms:
Companies that may have helped us save lives should be thanked for their patriotic service, not subjected to billion-dollar lawsuits that would make them less willing to help in the future.
The House bill may be good for class action trial lawyers, but it would be terrible for the United States.
Watch it:
Claiming that telecoms are patriotic corporations that should be thanked by the American public is Bush’s latest talking point in his push for retroactive immunity, but hardly his only one. A look at Bush’s claims:
1. The House bill “would require the disclosure of state secrets.” The House’s compromise legislation specifically addresses this issue by allowing “defendants in civil lawsuits would have the right to present classified evidence to the judge in such cases, without the plaintiffs being present.” [Link]
2. Without granting telecoms immunity, Americans won’t be “safe from terrorist attack.” Telecoms have continued to cooperate with the administration’s wiretapping since the expiration of the Protect America Act. Intelligence officials now simply need to get a warrant to carry out surveillance; warrants can even be obtained after the surveillance has begun. [Link; Link]
3. The House bill is “good for class action trial lawyers.” In reality, the lawyers representing the plaintiffs in these cases work in “small” nonprofits with “tiny” budgets. If anyone’s looking for a “financial gravy train,” it’s conservatives, who are “griping” that their efforts to protect telecoms haven’t yielded more contributions from the industry. [Link; Link]
4. Telecoms should be “thanked for their patriotic service.” These corporations chose to break the law and profited greatly from doing so. At least one company refused to comply with the Bush administration’s request because it knew the actions were illegal. [Link]
Maybe Americans should tell the telecoms they’re doing a heckuva job.
UPDATE: Pelosi responds to Bush’s speech today: “The President is wrong, and he knows it.”
Transcript:
BUSH: Second, the House bill fails to provide liability protection to companies believed to have assisted in protecting and assisting our nation after 9/11 attacks. Instead, the House bill would make matters even worse by allowing litigation to continue for years. In fact, House leaders simply adopted the position that class action trial lawyers are taking in the multi-billion dollar lawsuits they have filed.
This litigation would undermine the private sector’s willingness to cooperate with the intelligence community. Cooperation that is absolutely essential to protecting our country from harm. This litigation would require the disclosure of state secrets that could lead to the public release of highly classified information that our enemies could use against us. and this litigation would be unfair.
Because any companies that assisted us after 9/11 were assured by our government that their cooperation was legal and necessary. Companies that may have helped us save lives should be thanked for their patriotic service, not subjected to billion-dollar lawsuits that would make them less willing to help in the future.
The House bill may be good for class action trial lawyers, but it would be terrible for the United States.
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how many days before america tells this idiot to officially stfu?
March 13th, 2008 at 10:44 amThe “decider” must be really worried about the possibility that if the Telcoms actually have to answer for something then it may open a whole can of worms and expose some of the crap that we’ve all been subjected to for almost 8 years – God – I hate that piece of human garbage with every fiber of my being
March 13th, 2008 at 10:45 amCompanies that may have helped us save lives should be thanked for their patriotic service, not subjected to billion-dollar lawsuits that would make them less willing to help in the future.
Why do they still use the “may have” qualifier? Is it because they know in a short time, a democrat will have full access to CIA and other agencies’ briefings, and then the truth will come out, that there have been no instances in which this program “saved lives.”
March 13th, 2008 at 10:46 amAn ‘Orwellian’ thinking.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:47 amHe has given more speeches and press conferences on this issue than any other issue I can remember. He derides the trial lawyers for influencing congress without mentioning that a little thing like the Constitution is the greater influence here. Make no mistake about it; his motivation stems only from hiding presidential abuse of power in getting some of the telecoms to cooperate with him.
Even if immunity were given the lawsuits will go forward.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:48 amI thought that was why I wrote a check each month!
March 13th, 2008 at 10:50 amit’s way too bad all, or any, of those networks did not call on amanda/CAP for this fact-based rebuttal of truthiness…
imagine that…
March 13th, 2008 at 10:50 amShouldn’t someone (I can’t imagine who) be prosecuted for asking the telcos to break the law?
March 13th, 2008 at 10:50 amThe only terrorist attack we need to be protected from is the one Bush/Cheney and their neocon cronies arrange.
Terrorists = Mercenaries – all bought and paid for.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:50 amThis is all about bush/cheney attempting to put as much insulation between themselves and going to jail. This has nothing to do with protecting the telecoms. . . . I’m sure their defense will be “We were ordered by the president to turn over all our data – and we did.”
March 13th, 2008 at 10:51 amWhen Bush is out of office there really needs to be an investigation into the crimes he committed. He is so far beyond the pale he doesn’t deserve the consideration ex-presidents usually get. There should be a perp walk, an orange jump suit and jail time in his future.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:52 amMy apologies if any of these are out of sequence, I don’t have the dates for all of them…so if any connection or progression is misleading due to being out of sequence, it is purely unintentional and please correct me.
A disturbing trend of fairly recent events if thought of in terms of a long row of dominoes being knocked over to head towards its inevitable conclusion:
NIE released saying Iranians stopped nuke program in 2003…
March 13th, 2008 at 10:53 amPolls show vast majority of Americans want Iraq War to end…
White House and Congressional Republicans disavow NIE, call it “foolishâ€â€¦
White House attempts to circumvent Congress by signing agreements to keep US forces in Iraq beyond UN mandate…
CENTCOM Chief Fallon criticizes Administration saber-rattling against Iran, resists push to war…
Pentagon tests “heat ray weapon†on subjects dressed up to look like protesters…
CENTCOM Chief Fallon suddenly resigns…
Report surfaces from Pentagon debunking any theories of an Al-Qaeda/Saddam connection…
Report will not be released…
Report surfaces that the NSA has revived the TIA (Total Information Awareness) Program banned by Congress in 2003 because it allows spying on American citizens in a nightmarishly Orwellian manner…
Translated : The taxpayers should continue paying for the limited dial tone dubya gets at his pig farm.
THE MAN IS A LUNATIC!
March 13th, 2008 at 10:53 amLook for more of those democrat demonizing ads from the fearmongering, corporate elite.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:54 amCan’t he just go away?
March 13th, 2008 at 10:54 amMemo to junior:
You’ll have better luck convincing Barney.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:55 amKiss my ass.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:56 amit’s the drugs and alcohol talking.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:57 amTelecoms ‘Should Be Thanked For Their Patriotic Service’
bush and the other traitors should be locked away for life!
March 13th, 2008 at 10:57 amPatriotic Service = Protecting George W. Bush from impeachment or Jail for ordering illegal practices.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:58 amI don’t think that paying to keep Bush’s ass out of prison is even less patriotic than paying the phone company to spy on me.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:00 amHasn’t Bush performed this song and dance before? As I was reading this item, I could have sworn I read it before.
Ah yes — here it is:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/04/thank-you-telecom/
I have the same reaction I did before. Bush’s efforts to protect his own backside are getting embarrassingly transparent.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:01 ambreaking the law is patriotic. but if they suffer penalties for doing so they wont be so patriotic in the future.
thanks for clearing it up.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:03 amHistory shows us that serious consideration to do the opposite of what GW says would be the wise thing to do.
If Bush gets his way watch the funding for his Liebrary meet it’s goal.
Bush Liebrary. I like it.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:04 amCompanies that may have helped us save lives should be thanked for their patriotic service, not subjected to billion-dollar lawsuits that would make them less willing to help in the future.
The House bill may be good for class action trial lawyers, but it would be terrible for the United States.
———————————————-
So Bush is essentially admitting that what the telecoms did was illegal, and grounds for a lawsuit? Which means he’s admitting that he asked the telecoms to commit illegal acts? And he’s doing this because he knows nobody is going to clap him in irons?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:04 am“Protecting America” huh?
Kinda like U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean guarding the southern border? The two agents who shot Mexican drug dealers in the line of duty?
And were convicted for it?
And have not been pardoned by Bush, despite repeated appeals?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:04 amGWB’s language deficit is showing again. There was no “patriotic service”. Perhaps he meant:
pathological service?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:05 ampathogenic service?
patronizing service?
pathetic service?
prostitution service?
Where are the conservatives who should be screaming “Big Government!”?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:06 amIt seems perfectly reasonable in a democracy to make it more difficult for corps and government to engage in collusion.
Yes, thank you telecoms, for selling my cell phone number to at least two marketing firms because I browsed new car auto sites on the internet.
Toyota + Verizon = calls from ‘restricted’ numbers trying to sell me a car.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:06 amJames Madison
March 13th, 2008 at 11:09 amIf Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.
Companies that may have helped us save lives should be thanked for their patriotic service
I just love hypotheticals. Let’s try some more.
Because of his antics, his ignorance, his shakey demeanor, it appears that Bush MAY HAVE started drinking and snorting cocaine, again.
McCain MAY HAVE toe tapped with Larry Craig, on their last meeting.
America MAY HAVE turned the tide of a recession. Oil prices MAY HAVE reached it’s peak. The surge MAY HAVE lead to decreased violence.
Oral Roberts MAY HAVE a legitimate shoot at winning the NCAA Basketball National Championship.
Daryll MAY HAVE researched surgeons for penile enlargement!
or Tiffany MAY HAVE insisted!
Geez, aren’t hypotheticals fun???
March 13th, 2008 at 11:09 amThank-you telecom companies, from the bottom of my heart….
(waits a day or two)
(goes to the store to see if he can return this gift, waited because does not want to hurt telco’s feelings)
March 13th, 2008 at 11:11 amUm, shouldn’t that dude be in jail?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:11 am“Protecting America†huh?
Kinda like U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean guarding the southern border? The two agents who shot Mexican drug dealers in the line of duty?
And were convicted for it?
And have not been pardoned by Bush, despite repeated appeals?
Comment by CitiDC — March 13, 2008 @ 11:04 am
Gotta protect those CIA coke runs. Remember the war on drugs? Gotta keep that boondoggle alive and well too.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:12 amPoor bull shit bush has been spewing this crap for the past few week’s every chance he can…He’s beginning to look like a sewer that need’s pumping…..Fact is his signing statment’s don’t quite cover it all….Untill he win’s this one his evil is not complete…Never mind he had this wiretapping going on before 9/11…
.What is worrysom to me is the fact Palosi and other’s knew before 9/11 this was going on…..Indeed the swamp need’s to be drained Madam speaker and other’s and if there is anything good to come of this nightmare it will be all the swamp rat’s will be removed…Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 11:12 amCorrection. Bush’s Liebrary will now be Bush’s Liebury in keeping with his long tradition of not being truthful and hiding mountains of evidence.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:13 ampatriotism is NOT a license to break the law.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:13 amPhone companies should not be a critical element of our national security. And Data Mining Americans is illegal.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:14 am[Sets aside atheism] Again I ask: if God is on BushCo’s side like they say why do they need help from an agency to spy? [Picks up atheism and resumes normal operation]
March 13th, 2008 at 11:15 amTo quote Albert Einstein, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.”. Here’s Insanity in Action, once again. Well, at least one good thing’s come out of this. The Democrats haven’t caved on this one yet. I’d like to hope they won’t, but hope and Democrats have become a truly odd couple. Perhaps this repeated appeal will get a few of the hard-core Bushies out there to realize that the Emperor has no clothes. Hope is the dream of the of the waking man (Pliny the Elder).
March 13th, 2008 at 11:15 amImpeach Cheney and Bush and Save the Constitution!
Abu Ben Hussein Leporello.
I will do the honors then:
Thank you telecoms. Thank you for being good little patriotic fascist pu$$ies who do exactly as you are told to do and ask for more. Thank you for pretending that there is something that motivates you other than money. Thank you for conspiring with the criminal enterprise that is the Bush Administration against the customers you supposedly service.
Thank you for choosing fascism over democracy. And I KNOW you are reading this.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:15 amHe probably didn’t take any questions, but any reporter worth his salt would have been able to shoot down his logic easily.
Why doesn’t anyone confront him on his twisted logic here?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:16 amGeez, aren’t hypotheticals fun???
Comment by DRxJ — March 13, 2008 @ 11:09 am
George Bush’s head MAY HAVE gone up Dick Cheney’s ass on more than one occasion.
George Bush’s head MAY HAVE gone down on Jeff Gannon on more than one occasion.
George Bush’s head MAY HAVE cocaine and alcohol in it as we speak.
I see your point DRxJ. This is fun!
March 13th, 2008 at 11:16 amBush: Companies that may have helped us should be thanked for their *patronizing* service, not subjected to billion-dollar lawsuits that would make them *reveal our illegal spying which would be detrimental to us* in the future.
~offered to you by ReadMyLips Translation Services, LLC * TM *
March 13th, 2008 at 11:17 amHow come they couldn’t save the lives on 9/11 or those who died from the anthrax attacks?
They had to be sacrificed for the unitary executive and the neocon death cult.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:18 amhey Bush, BITE ME!
March 13th, 2008 at 11:18 amSomewhat off-topic:
Sunshine Week, a national campaign to promote openness and access to information, is March 16-22, 2008. Numerous events at the national and local level, as well as online, have been scheduled to encourage a public dialogue on transparency. More information and abundant resources can be found here.
http://www.sunshineweek.org/
March 13th, 2008 at 11:20 amSorry I am a little slow today…..Question….How much if any amount were paid to the telacom’s for performing this tapping service.? Who wrote the check’s.? Any one here have that info?…..We all know no one doe’s anything for free……Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 11:20 amHow is Bush getting away with repeating these lies again and again?
The incentive for telecoms to cooperate with the government should not be “patriotism”. The incentive should be to abide by the law. And I fail to see how telecoms could refuse to cooperate with the government in the future if the request is legal. Why would they break the law (by not cooperating) and risk even more lawsuits?
How is retroactive immunity the only reason for telecoms to not break the law in the future? Not breaking the law is incentive enough.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:23 amHow much if any amount were paid to the telacom’s for performing this tapping service.?
Witch1- Payment probably came in the form of favors in front of the FTC and FCC.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:24 amThis is such a gigantic, smelly bucket of WRONG…
I don’t even know where to start. *sigh*
Uncle Ho, I’ll go you one better: Hey Bush, DROP DEAD!!!
~A
March 13th, 2008 at 11:24 amHow about “hypothetical hypotheticals”?
SOME SAY, George Bush MAY have had gonad-replacement therapy with Cheney order the substitution of the natural items with remote control shocking devices.
SOME SAY
March 13th, 2008 at 11:25 amWhy, oh why, does no one (Nancy, Harry, even Chris Dodd) point out that this entire bill is intrinsically illegal. Making it legal for the Federal government to spy on its citizens without a warrant is de facto a repeal of the Fourth Amendment; an act that is in direct conflict with Article V of the Constitution. Congress cannot amend the Constitution without the consent of three fourths of the STATE legislatures – they cannot simply legislate away the Constitution.
Someone needs to remind them of this fact. (There are many other acts of Congress that need to be revisited, too. This just happens to be the one that’s pending.)
March 13th, 2008 at 11:27 amHow come they couldn’t save the lives on 9/11 or those who died from the anthrax attacks?
Comment by Dr. Matt — March 13, 2008 @ 11:15 am
I’m assuming that your question is rhetorical, but just for shits and giggles I’ll answer it. Cause and effect. The PNAC neocons needed lots of death and destruction to quickly justify their powermad craving of war with Iraq. To swindle the Iraqi’s out of their oil under the guise of protecting America’s interests. Oh yeah and something about ruling the world by using our military as the global police force. These people have no concept of creating and building. All they care about is money and power from death and destruction. It’s too easy for them and so far it’s worked. Just look at how well the ultra-connected (Dick(head) Cheney) Halliburton and Kellog, Brown & Root have profited. These people are sick and need to be hanged.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:28 amWhy does it worry me that I live in a country where the president seems to be able to break the law with impunity, and some cases simply rewrite or effectively neuter laws that constrain him, has an almost messianic self-view, a stubborn refusal to listen, a voracious desire to have 3 wars simultaneously, chills dissent and oversight by spying on EVERYONE, belongs to a party with close ties to a “Security Contracting” company of over 100,000 “employees” (read private army of mercenaries with no allegiance or accountability to anything other than money and stockholders), bolstered by a propaganda industry that would have made Goebbels blush that is putting the notion out there (AGAIN) that Al-Qaeda (read, the CIA) will attempt to attack/influence our Presidential election? Should I break out the tinfoil hat or does it seem like there is only one direction this can go?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:28 amKudos to the US House for not rolling over like lapdogs.
If this isn’t resolved before tomorrow, doesn’t Congress go off on Easter break? Won’t that piss Bubble Boy off!
Maybe W will get a gold cellphone in his Easter basket…
March 13th, 2008 at 11:31 amHey, GDumbya! GSY (go snark yourself)
March 13th, 2008 at 11:31 amSOME MAY HAVE said Bush and Cheney MAY BE the beginning of the Apocalypse that the Christian Right has been begging for IF you believe what SOME SAY about the Christian Right.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:32 amHahahaha.
The true version of capitalism: a President defending corporations.
Priceless.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:32 amThere is no need to immunize the telecoms. If the president has the authority to order such wire tapping without court authority, then the suits would be dismissed on summary judgment motion. The telecons would simply assert that they were complying with a lawful government order. Hearings would be held as to the basis of the president’s authority and the judge would rule.
There is no state secrets grounds for hiding the legal basis upon which the president asserts that he had the authority to order the telecoms to participate in the wire tapping. We know that the President is frightened that the courts will review memos grabbing authoritarian power without any plausible constitutional or legal basis.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:32 amWhy isn’t the left screaming at the top of their lung’s that this was going on before 9/11 and still we were attacked…..Why doesn’t any one talk about where bush and cheney were and who was in charge of all the air port’s on that day.?…Why are these people in bed with saudi arabia when we know for a fact most of the suposed bomber’s were supported by the prince and his wife…..Damn…This shit just get smellier as we all struggle to survive….Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 11:33 amBoy those trial lawyers sure are nasty…
March 13th, 2008 at 11:33 amOr at least they will be until Chimpenfuhrer needs one himself…
It’s just a matter of time before the local donut eating high school dropout rent-a-cop is gonna have access to your private communications.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:33 am62, JMOHR,
Thanks for a great post.
You have a knack, along with obvious intelligence, for summing up complicated issues into coherent, readable text.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:36 amIt’s just a matter of time before the local donut eating high school dropout rent-a-cop is gonna have access to your private communications.
Comment by Guido OBGYN Lover — March 13, 2008 @ 11:33 am
Dear GOD… You’re absolutely right. Every former class bully reject small man syndrome having armchair warrior will just be chomping at the bit to listen in on unAmerican conversations and start turning us all in to the Ministry of ReEducation and Assimilation…
March 13th, 2008 at 11:36 amThis is all about bush/cheney attempting to put as much insulation between themselves and going to jail. This has nothing to do with protecting the telecoms. . . . I’m sure their defense will be “We were ordered by the president to turn over all our data – and we did.â€
Comment by SWBob — March 13, 2008 @ 10:51 am
And the telecoms don’t really need protection for this reason. Any lawyer just out of law school can get a verdict for the defendent in a telecom lawsuit.
But in order for a lawyer to get his client off the hook, a whole lotta slime from the White House will be exposed. It’s this exposure that America deserves. And what the White House is determined to keep hidden, by any spin necessary.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:38 amThank’s leftcoast for the answer…..Great post’s all…Now that I have vented, somewhat, will run the dog and start my chore’s for the day….Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 11:41 amComment by JMOHR — March 13, 2008 @ 11:32 am
Thanks for your calm and logical comment. You have put him in his place and gotten to the heart of the matter. Of course, I’ll continue to rant and rave and turn red in the face with anger until that POS POTUS is jailed.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:42 amComment by Thecairngman — March 13, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Finally coming around to reality huh Cantspellmynameman?
The only “towel head” is you. It’s stained of shit that’s permeated your skull and rotted your brain. Go back to your bedroom and pretend to give George Bush a Jeff Gannon.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:46 amIf they broke the law, regardless of who prompted them to do so, they deserve to be sued. End of story.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:46 am>then the suits would be dismissed on summary judgment motion.
right… the telecoms keep whining “we cant defend ourselves, we can’t defend ourselves…” but this is just a smoke screen, because in truth, they have no defense. this version of the bill calls thier bluff, because it “allows” them to present thier alleged defense….i dont like this version because the lack of due process created by esssentially ex parte hearings. its going to be an interesting trip in any case, im really curious to see where this goes…in any case, i dont think immunity, even if its eventually passed, will be successful, because there is supreme court precedent that pending lawsuits are property, which the 4th amendment protects from abtritrary divesture. any court which has shown enough respect for civil liberities to knock down the state secrets argument will probably respect this precedent of lawsuits as property..
March 13th, 2008 at 11:51 amWho here thinks that if Democrats take the White House next year, they won’t be wiretapping?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am.
Patriotic service does not require immunity from prosecution of the law.
R E M E M B E R:
THEY(sic) HATE US FOR OUR FREEDOMS…
One of the defining characteristics to what it means to be an American, is the FREEDOM from a form of Government that feels compelled to spy on it’s citizenry; THE FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY.
Thus the Fourth Amendment.
Now, THEY(sic) lobby and debate in the halls of Congress, the merits to undermining that very FREEDOM!
Who wins when the Commander in Chief, aided by Congress, surrender those FREEDOMS that define America?
WHAT DOES CONGRESS SUPPORT AND DEFEND
IF NOT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.S.A.?
.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:56 amdid someone say *snark*?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:57 amSure, I’ll thank them.
I’ll personally visit each and every telecom CEO who’s in prison for violating my fourth amendment right to privacy, and give them a laurel, and hearty handshake as I spit in their face.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:57 amComment by JMOHR
The idea that a corporation is motivated by “patriotism” or “defending the country” over profit is pure propaganda. If you believe that they care about ANYTHING beyond their own profit, you’re a moron.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:57 amComment by JMOHR
well put – not saying you are a moron. I wonder if you are THE Jay Mohr?
March 13th, 2008 at 11:58 ambackup, look at the precedents set. The balance of power will be off for years to come if not permanent.
Wiretapping will continue, but hopefully it will be thru FISA and not thru executive orders and secret signing statements.
March 13th, 2008 at 11:58 amThe House’s compromise legislation specifically addresses this issue by allowing “defendants in civil lawsuits would have the right to present classified evidence to the judge in such cases, without the plaintiffs being present.â€
We certainly can’t have JUDGES being privy to classified information, they’re such children!
March 13th, 2008 at 11:59 amOh, yeah, and we’d have to kill them afterward, so not such a great deal.
Bush comment shorter version –
“I am a criminal and I don’t want you to find out.”
We already know you are Bush, it is the rest of the public that does not pay attention that need to know.
Bush/Cheney
March 13th, 2008 at 11:59 amHague Trials ‘09
George ‘Liar’ Bush once again enlightens us with unparalleled words of lies, distortion and moral stupidity.
“GEORGE BUSH IS A MALIGNANT NARCISSIST
by Paul Levy
http://www.awakeninthedream.com/bushnarc.html
Psychologically speaking, Mr. George W. Bush is what is called a ‘malignant narcissist.’ A narcissist is someone who has become hypnotized and entranced by their own inflated self-image. They have become so self-absorbed that not only are they not in genuine relation with others, but they relate to others (including the environment) as objects to satisfy their own need for self-aggrandizement. A ‘malignant’ narcissist, however, is a narcissist who reacts sadistically to others who don’t support and enable their narcissism. For example, instead of self-reflecting and taking in critical feedback, the Bush administration reacts with ruthless contempt for anyone who disagrees with them. Like a mean and cruel-spirited malignant narcissist, Bush and Co. deny the accusation and try to destroy the messenger. Ultimately, a malignant narcissist wants to annihilate anyone who in any way threatens their illusory self-image and self-serving agenda. “
March 13th, 2008 at 11:59 amMy telecom, Qwest, IS doing a heckuva job. I’m thankful to them for showing spine and resistance.
Question Authority.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:00 pmBravo #79 RUCerious…..I want to go with you on that day…Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 12:01 pmWitchyOne, there’ll always be room for U in the RUMobile, save up your saliva!!
March 13th, 2008 at 12:03 pm.
So,
The Fourth Amendment is unpatriotic?
I mean, if warrantless was a patriotic duty and service, the the Fourth Amendment would say NO WARRANTS need be obtained… NO?
.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:04 pmJames Madison
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.
Comment by leftcoast
Another dang Democrat spouting his librul opinion. Why does James Madison love the terrorists?
March 13th, 2008 at 12:04 pmWho here thinks that if Democrats take the White House next year, they won’t be wiretapping?
Comment by backup
hey captain mantastic……..when was a republican not a corrupt politician? The answer is that democrats will adhere to the law. Not consider themselves to be above the law
March 13th, 2008 at 12:08 pmBush Warns House on Surveillance Bill
New York Times – 1 hour ago
By BRIAN KNOWLTON WASHINGTON – With the House poised to vote today on electronic surveillance legislation that the White House has said falls far short of its requirements, President Bush warned legislators strongly this morning against passing what he …
Bush Threatens to Veto Wall Street Journal
Bush says would veto House eavesdropping bill Reuters
but he did not have the balls to go to congress…
did he even take questions at this address?
March 13th, 2008 at 12:11 pmWhy does it worry me that I live in a country where the president seems to be able to break the law with impunity, and some cases simply rewrite or effectively neuter laws that constrain him,…
Comment by liberal traitor — March 13, 2008 @ 11:28 am
Ohh, but have a president mislead a right wing witch hunt regarding his extra curricular yet legal “oral affairs”, and golly gee, the whole country gets to witness a bull$hit impeachment!
March 13th, 2008 at 12:12 pmI have one question for the righties here:
Why is it that you supported the Starr Inquisition as justifiable, but Heir Bush is untouchable for his crimes?
Somebody must be getting their cheese from WINGNUT WELFARE.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:15 pmThank’s RUCerious….Think I will take some rotting fruit along as well…..
BTW Dr Matt you are correct about the food line’s but I must add the food bank line’s have quadrupled since this administration came into power and they are worse than I have ever seen in the past…Working as a volenteer off and on over the year’s know this as a fact….Even our military are in those line’s in huge number’s….Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 12:15 pmThe cairn G man is back in line at WINGNUT WELFARE waiting for his cheese.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pmI see the usual stupid trolls with their same of socialist comments. Do they really think that we are all Berkley hippies here. Most of us think that abuse of power is bad, regardless of party. But their brains are so riddled with faux news/drug limpballs propaganda that they have a hard time remembering to breathe.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:20 pmSorry “same old”
March 13th, 2008 at 12:26 pmWhat Laws has President Bush Broken?
Comment by alStonepileman — March 13, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
From Conyer’s report:
Deception of Congress and the American Public
Committing a Fraud Against the United States (18 U.S.C. § 371)
Making False Statements Against the United States (18 U.S.C. § 1001)
War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148)
March 13th, 2008 at 12:26 pmMisuse of Government Funds (31 U.S.C. § 1301)
Improper Detention, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment
Anti-Torture Statute (18 U.S.C. § 2340-40A)
The War Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. § 2441)
The Geneva Conventions and Hague Convention: International Laws Governing the Treatment of Detainees
United Nations Convention Against Torture, and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment: International Laws Governing the Treatment of Detainees
Command Responsibility (for known illegal acts of subordinates in the military)
Detainment of Material Witnesses (18 U.S.C. § 3144)
Retaliating against Witnesses and Other Individuals
Obstruction Congress (18 U.S.C. § 1505)
Whistleblower Protection (5 U.S.C. § 2302)
The Lloyd-LaFollette Act, or “anti-gag rule” (5 U.S.C. § 7211)
Retaliating against Witnesses (18 U.S.C. § 1513)
Leaking and other Misuse of Intelligence and other Government Information
Revealing Classified Information in Contravention of Federal Regulations (Executive Order 12958/Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement)
Statutory Prohibitions on Leaking Information (18 U.S.C. § 641, etc.)
Laws Governing Electronic Surveillance
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (50 U.S.C. § 1801, et seq.)
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. chapter 15)
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. § 222)
Stored Communications Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. § 2702)
Pen Registers or Trap and Trace Devices (18 U.S.C. § 3121)
Laws and Guidelines Prohibiting Conflicts of Interest (28 U.S.C. § 528, etc.)
Hey does the stupid troll know that too much cheese will cause constipation.Maybe that’s it’s problem. ;)
March 13th, 2008 at 12:27 pmI’m sure you could dig up more here:
http://judiciary.house.gov/
That’s all the time I had.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:28 pmWhat Laws has President Bush Broken?
Comment by alStonepileman
I have one to add to belac’s extensive list:
Amendment 4 – Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:34 pm>Just like your buddy Spitzer! What a fine man!
Better or worse than gay sex troller and practicing homophobe Larry Craig or pedophile and part time child protector Mark Foley?>
March 13th, 2008 at 12:35 pm.
#92 Comment by Fred — March 13, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
Fred, hate to break it to you but…
NEITHER Dem candidate voted against the Senate version that granted immunity. IF you are to be correct in your hope, then what does their non-vote spell for America’s future? They will inherit this power, a power neither took a stand against ANY president holding.
Granted, Obama voted FOR the Dodd Amendment, but he FAILED to be present, the same day he voted FOR the Dodd Amendment, and cast a vote against the final version.
Parse it for us, please.
You know, this reminds me of the story of a nice young couple who just got married. See, before they married, the bridegroom screwed a lot of women, even all through their courtship and engagement, always promising her to have faith in him that once married then he’ll be faithful and monogamous to only her. On their wedding day before they exchanged vows, he screwed the bridesmaid… Do you ever think he ever got some on the side from the secretary, housemaid or babysitter after they married? All the while the wife had blind faith that he was faithful.
.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pmREPUBLICAN PEDOPHILIA, SCANDALS, AND UTTER MADNESS
March 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pmJust like your buddy Spitzer! What a fine man!
Comment by Thecairngman
there is always a few bad apples……that’s how you guys explained the torture at abu ghraib. That does not excuse the culture of corruption that the right has cultivated……..you really don’t want to compare numbers on this as it will make you look more foolish yet.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:38 pmStupid Comments by Thecairngman
Oh, the cesspool turd boy shows up again, what an idiot. Go to the link posted at 109…be proud, very proud of your repukian pedophilia scum
March 13th, 2008 at 12:42 pmCome on Clinton got impeached for getting a blow job!
Comment by Thecairngman
Caveman,
I’m pretty sure violation of the Constitution is cause for impeachment, and Bush freely admits having violated the 4th amendment.
However, I’m also pretty sure James Madison did not intend impeachment for a blow job.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:43 pmParse it for us, please.
Comment by Max-1
If you are willing to put any democrat in the same cart with the republicans who have cultivated and protected this culture of corruption then what do you hope to accomplish……what would be the point of being here talking about it?
I happen to believe that democrats are on the whole people of charactor and I believe that they will come closer to acting on our behalf than any republican….
March 13th, 2008 at 12:43 pm.
#103 Comment by belac — March 13, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
But unfortunately so, nothing happens but stern letters and reports…
I guess if I’m a Republican and CONyers is House Judiciary Chair, I CAN be the President of the U.S.A. AND commit acts of…
Deception of Congress and the American Public
Committing a Fraud Against the United States (18 U.S.C. § 371)
Making False Statements Against the United States (18 U.S.C. § 1001)
War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148)
Misuse of Government Funds (31 U.S.C. § 1301)
Improper Detention, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment
Anti-Torture Statute (18 U.S.C. § 2340-40A)
The War Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. § 2441)
The Geneva Conventions and Hague Convention: International Laws Governing the Treatment of Detainees
United Nations Convention Against Torture, and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment: International Laws Governing the Treatment of Detainees
Command Responsibility (for known illegal acts of subordinates in the military)
Detainment of Material Witnesses (18 U.S.C. § 3144)
Retaliating against Witnesses and Other Individuals
Obstruction Congress (18 U.S.C. § 1505)
Whistleblower Protection (5 U.S.C. § 2302)
The Lloyd-LaFollette Act, or “anti-gag rule†(5 U.S.C. § 7211)
Retaliating against Witnesses (18 U.S.C. § 1513)
Leaking and other Misuse of Intelligence and other Government Information
Revealing Classified Information in Contravention of Federal Regulations (Executive Order 12958/Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement)
Statutory Prohibitions on Leaking Information (18 U.S.C. § 641, etc.)
Laws Governing Electronic Surveillance
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (50 U.S.C. § 1801, et seq.)
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. chapter 15)
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. § 222)
Stored Communications Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. § 2702)
Pen Registers or Trap and Trace Devices (18 U.S.C. § 3121)
Laws and Guidelines Prohibiting Conflicts of Interest (28 U.S.C. § 528, etc.)
… WITH impunity!
NO?
.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:45 pmDo you think if the Dems had any case for impeachment they would not hesitate to bring him down? Come on Clinton got impeached for getting a blow job!
Comment by Thecairngman — March 13, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
They do have a case for impeachment, but are hesitating for political reasons. When Clinton got impeached for a blow job, it boosted his approval numbers and rallied the Democratic party around him. I don’t think the Democrats in Congress want to do the same to Bush in an election year.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:47 pmDo you think if the Dems had any case for impeachment they would not hesitate to bring him down? Come on Clinton got impeached for getting a blow job!
Comment by Thecairngman
this is nothing more than an example of the right’s win at all costs attitude. They would not have gone to so much trouble if Bill hadn’t been pissing them off so much…….I am ashamed of the democrats who fell for the ploy…..
When the numbers get right you may wish you had not said that.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:47 pm.
#114 Comment by Fred — March 13, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
You still didn’t explain how Hillary or Obama’s non-vote can be seen as a vote against teleco immunity.
IF either presents hope for CHANGE, what is this path to CHANGE and what steps are they taking to lead us there?
.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pmI don’t understand your problem with abu ghraib. It a POW camp it not a vacation!
Comment by Thecairngman — March 13, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Torture is illegal under U.S. and international law.
Plain and simple.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:50 pmIt a POW camp it not a vacation!
Comment by Thecairngman
So was Stalag 13. However, American POWs were not tortured there.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:52 pmal Stone Pile man-
March 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pmI’m done with you- you are a disgrace to the country that I love… you don’t want to talk, you just want to act rashly and stupidly and therefore you are a perfect microcosm of the Bush administration and the NeoCon movement as a whole… I would say that you work for them but your spelling and grammar are SO bad that I’m now convinced that you must work for someone like Glenn Beck instead.
Don’t bother to respond- I can’t hear you…
.
#116 Comment by toasterhead — March 13, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
You present a false analogy.
The populace(read polls) were showing favor AGAINST impeaching Clinton. His approval ratings were trending favorable and the boost in the populace(read polls) approval was reactionary to what the Congress attempted to do against the opinion of the populace.
Bush, on the other hand, has miserable populace(read poll) approval and Congress has even worse approval ratings. All the while, a growing surge of the populace(read polls, what polls) favor impeachment.
.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pmJust ask John McCain about Torture!
Comment by Thecairngman
McCain has already been asked.
He was against torture before he was for it.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:55 pmI don’t understand your problem with abu ghraib. It a POW camp it not a vacation!
Comment by Thecairngman
Is English a second language to you? Your use of grammar is….well…3rd grade level….so like I said before….you are indeed an idiot, and a stupid one at that.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:55 pmTorture is illegal under U.S. and international law.
Plain and simple.
Comment by toasterhead
Oh, you libruls and your international, U.S., and Constitutional laws. How quaint.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:57 pm#114 Comment by Fred — March 13, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
You still didn’t explain how Hillary or Obama’s non-vote can be seen as a vote against teleco immunity.
IF either presents hope for CHANGE, what is this path to CHANGE and what steps are they taking to lead us there?
.
Comment by Max-1
Why don’t you explain somthing for a change instead of making remarks about a voting record and comparing it to actual actions taken by bush…….
votes and which way people vote is not a direct action. People may not vote for a new law if they think the existing law is sufficient and that further legislation is a boondogle or distraction from inforcing it.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:57 pmshoeless,
March 13th, 2008 at 12:58 pmturn that snak off… McLOL
POW campComment by Thecairngman
March 13th, 2008 at 12:58 pmWhat a buffoon this one is. He can’t even keep his propaganda right. First we’re not in a war, Iraq is an OCCUPATION and Afghanistan is pretty much a fuster-cluck thanks to shrub.
Second all you bush lickers have said that these are “detainees” or “unlawful enemy combatants” not POW’S. Dam there really scraping the bottom of the barrel for these low-brow trolls aren’t they???
You will notice how all these news articles seem to ignore the fact that Bush asked them to spy on us BEFORE 911 ever happened. So, how can he say they were doing their patriotic duty when they agreed to spy on Americans for no apparent reason other than the fact that Bush asked them to.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:01 pmI don’t understand your problem with abu ghraib. It a POW camp it not a vacation!
Comment by Thecairngman
Just ask John McCain about Torture!
Comment by Thecairngman
Perfect examples of you not answering direct questions….all you do is throw turds……..I refer you to belac’s post at 123…..you are a disgrace.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:01 pmThat is true Bilbo Hussein. But that being said, not even 911 invalidated the 4th Amendment to the Constitution.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:02 pmGood post’s Fred and other’s, good to read you here today….Blessings
March 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pmThanks, I’m am very dyslexic and I have trouble spelling.
Comment by Thecairngman
Now we are supposed to feel sorry for the torture monkey, who spits on the Constitution.
Apparently, all right-wing Bush grovelers are dyslexic. I have to see one who could spell.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:11 pm.
#128 Comment by Fred — March 13, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Fred, I don’t need to explain or defend their NON-VOTE… er… absenteeism at defending and supporting the Constitution. It isn’t I that said, “The answer is that democrats will adhere to the law. Not consider themselves to be above the law.“ I just merely pointed out that BOTH Dem candidates didn’t take a stand AGAINST an out of control Administration that usurps Congress which, as I remember correctly, BOTH Dem candidates currently occupy seats in.
I simply asked you to parse it for us. How can members of Congress who are running for the Highest Office of the Nation, an Office that has already been disgraced through userpation and violations of the law, the Constitution, and the People(read Congress) to be “trusted” to not be the same when they take no stand against what is being enshrined into the power of that very Office?
IF Clinton or Obama are against warrantless wiretaps of Americans, one should at least see them take a stand… NO?
But they were TWO of only three ABSENT that day. The other, Lindsey Graham, was in Afghanistan/Iraq at the time.
Now, you never did parse it for us, PLEASE!
.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:12 pmWillful ignorance and false bluster is all the righties have left. See dumber than a pile of rocks troll comments.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:12 pmWhat the hell kind of American President tells the public they should be grateful for having their freedom abridged – least of all when they’re paying a bill for the privilege???
This man, and the Right, and the Con’s, and the R’s are:
anti-american
anti-democratic
anti-freedom
The Nation’s house is in desperate need of a thorough cleaning – starting at the top.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:13 pmComment by Max-1
Max I guess you are going to have to hash this one out for yourself…..it does actually come down to a little faith.
on one hand you have the choise to trust the representatives of the right….george bush, rummy, wolfie, etc. shall I continue.
On the other hand you have the choise to trust the representatives of the left…..they are much more moral and responsible people than what we have seen from the right…..that goes back through our history.
I don’t see why this needs to be “parsed” for you to understand……what, no history books?
March 13th, 2008 at 1:21 pmsomebody better preach, Mr. sack-of-rocks, or morons like you are going to ruin all that’s decent about this Country.
so keep it up – I’ll be here to smack you down every time.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pmComment by Max-1
I will add that I have been criticized here for being a party loyalist. I believe that any democrat will do more for American citizens by accident than any republican will do for them on purpose.
I believe that. I will work within my party to change those things that I disagree with.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pmFred,
March 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pmI would like to believe that ALL members of Congress are trustworthy and honorable, unfortunatly so they insist on disproving this myth.
Bush is a total asswipe – you know, the material we all use to remove shit from our ass.
The telcoms committed crimes. How can criminals be seen as patriotic? The telecoms never went to war or held a gun or stood up for our constitution – they are not patriotic. If anything, they are traitors to the constitution of the United States and conspirators of George W. Bush.
Patriotic my ass!
March 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pmjsut falg the dyslexic torll. fi ti catn’ splel write ingore ti.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:27 pmFred,
I would like to believe that ALL members of Congress are trustworthy and honorable, unfortunatly so they insist on disproving this myth.
Comment by Max-1
I’m not simple minded Max. I just believe that republicans are not Americans and that leaves me with the democrats to contend with. Admittedly they are not perfect.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:37 pmFred,
What does that make Joe Lieberman?
I’ve stopped being loyal to a Party and instead have started being loyal to American values. Parties follow principles.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:50 pmFred,
What does that make Joe Lieberman?
I’ve stopped being loyal to a Party and instead have started being loyal to American values. Parties follow principles.
Comment by Max-1
makes him a republican. Yeah, vote for the man….I have never in my life encountered one single republican that I would vote for.
So do you vote for republicans? Why would you do that……..also, if you vote for nader…..your’re voting republican……sorry. just my opinion and I won’t deny you yours so don’t try to deny me mine.
There is a reason the republicans were the minority party for 40 years……you are seeing it in America today with them in power……..
March 13th, 2008 at 2:02 pmGeorge W.C Bush (W.C. because when he opens his mouth only c…) do something PATRIOTIC and humain: Climb the Empire States Building and then JUMP!!!!!!!
March 13th, 2008 at 2:51 pmThe Telecon corporations are traitors to the constitution of the United States and conspirators of George W. Bush.
March 13th, 2008 at 2:53 pmAnd they are spying on everybody right now. They have to be seriously sued!
I have never in my life encountered one single republican that I would vote for.
Comment by Fred — March 13, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
I have found that locating honorable Republicans who truly have the best interests of all people at the top of their lists is a difficult task, indeed. Republicans who don’t follow the party ideology rather tightly are subject to being squeezed out.
In my lifetime, I have supported two Republicans enthusiastically — and both were governors of Washington State, my original home. And those would be Dan Evans and John Spellman. Dan Evans was such a foe of capital punishment that no one was executed in the state during his tenure, and Spellman was a proud, unabashed environmentalist where his opponent (Democrat Dixy Lee Ray) was not.
I have not found a Republican presidential candidate who I could support, though. Ford probably came closest in my lifetime.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pmComment by missmolly
Well there you have it missmolly. You are a very open minded person by anyone’s standards and you have only a very short list on the subject. I think that speaks volumes to the subject.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm“how many days before america tells this idiot to officially stfu?”
I’m marking off everyday on my calendar to his departure from the WH. More and more everyday the Bubble Boy President left his brain in the closet.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pmA reporter should ask President Bush if Qwest is unpatriotic for refusing to participate in the wiretapping program.
March 13th, 2008 at 5:28 pmSo Chimpy, if breaking the law is patriotic that must mean that our prisons are just chalk full of patriots doesn’t it? Everytime he opens his mouth it is an insult to every law abiding citizen of this country.
March 13th, 2008 at 6:31 pmLet see, the prez has been saying all along that the program is legal. The prez has been saying all along that we are a nation of laws. So if the telecoms are following the laws and the program was legal, why on earth would they need immunity? To save legal fees? If the plantifs lose they could be made to pay the fees. Is the prez afraid of the jury system in our country? Heck all republicans are, they make it sound like only liberal wealth transfer types are selected for Juries. Nope the president wants the immunity for one reason and one reason only, and that is to protect his nasty A$$ from having the truth about his program being exposed in a public forum.
March 13th, 2008 at 7:06 pmWow.. amazing. He finally established a link between those greedy “trial lawyers” and Islamic terrorists. It’s a republican wet dream, I tell ya.
March 14th, 2008 at 11:31 amBush the lonesome cowboy speaks of cooperation….. What’s next, is the pope gonna turn to buddhism?
March 14th, 2008 at 1:18 pmSome moron flack for Dumbya (maybe looking for a judicial nomination) tosses out some real whoppers here.
Cheers,
March 14th, 2008 at 7:55 pm