ThinkFast: August 25, 2008
ThinkFast: August 25, 2008
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) will speak during tonight’s opening of the Democratic National Convention, NBC reports. A convention tribute to the senator “will include a film by documentary producer Ken Burns, along with remarks from Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s daughter.”
“Tax and accounting loopholes that largely benefit rich taxpayers and companies cost the U.S. government $20 billion a year even as the pay gap between chief executives and employees has widened,” according to a new report by the Institute for Policy Studies and the group United for a Fair Economy.
“Americans who lack health insurance will spend about $30 billion out of pocket on medical care this year, according to a new report from George Mason University and The Urban Institute. At the same time, “others — mainly the government — will end up covering another $56 billion in costs.”
The Financial Times writes that McCain’s inability to recall the number of homes he owns “makes the choice of Romney more risky.” Taunts could be leveled against “Mr Romney, who owns a mansion with tennis courts in Massachusetts, a lakeside house in New Hampshire and a cabin in Deer Valley, a posh Utah ski resort.”
On the trail today: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) will appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and at a fundraiser in Sacramento. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be in Davenport, IA for a townhall event. Tonight’s Democratic convention schedule features remarks by former Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Obama’s sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, and Obama’s wife Michelle, among many others.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki “is demanding changes to a draft deal on the status of US forces beyond this year.” “There are points in the agreement that are still pending and they can’t be approved without changes in order to preserve the complete sovereignty of Iraq,” the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) quoted Maliki as telling fellow Shiite politicians at a meeting on Saturday.
A suicide bomber killed at least 25 people in the Iraqi city of Abu Ghraib Sunday, detonating explosives during a neighborhood celebration for a man who had just been released from detention. “It was one of several attacks that left about 40 people dead,” underscoring “the threat still posed by insurgents despite improved security nationwide.”
“In northern Greenland, a part of the Arctic that had seemed immune from global warming, new satellite images show a growing giant crack and an 11-square-mile chunk of ice hemorrhaging off a major glacier, scientists said Thursday.”
Hydrogen fuel cell cars from nine automakers “completed a 13-day cross-country trip this weekend,” — a first for vehicles powered by a zero-emission technology. While “there were stretches without hydrogen fueling stations when the vehicles were carried on flatbed trucks,” one goal “was to demonstrate the need to build more fueling stations if the nascent technology is to develop.”
And finally: Filmmaker Spike Lee was engulfed by a horde of reporters as he hit the town yesterday evening in Denver. When one reporter identifying himself as a correspondent for Fox News tried to ask Lee a question, the actor responded, “I don’t do Fox News,” and immediately disappeared into a restaurant.
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A Tale Of Two Books
Once upon a time, two authors wrote two books that heavily attacked two presidential candidates. The first author stuck to known and rock-solid proven and provable facts for the most part, complete with on-the-record witnesses. The second author lied like a rug.
The first author’s book was largely ignored by the national media and so never made any best-seller lists. The second author’s book currently sits at the top of the NYT’s Best Seller list, and was put there by heavy media publicity. The difference? The first book, Cliff Schecter’s The Real McCain, is about a Republican; the second book, Jerome Corsi’s The Obama Nation, is about a Democrat.
So when somebody like the LAT’s Tim Rutten, in discussing how a fringe freak like Jerome Corsi could have a bestselling book, ignores the roles played by his media buddies and himself in boosting Corsi’s bilge over Schecter’s truth, it makes me want to scream:
“The Obama Nation” was written and printed because major American publishing houses have decided that there’s money to be made in funding right-wing boutique imprints modeled after the Washington-based Regnery, which has made a small fortune stoking the hard-right furnace with combustible prose. Corsi’s book is published by Threshold Editions, a division of Simon & Schuster, which hired right-wing political operative Mary Matalin to edit the imprint. Random House has a similar imprint in Crown Forum, and Penguin Group USA has Sentinel. Their business model — and this is all about business — is predicated on the existence of an echo chamber of right-wing radio and television shows willing to promote these publishers’ products — however noxious. Beyond that is a network of conservative book clubs and organizations willing to place the sort of advance bulk orders for controversial books that will guarantee them a place on the bestseller lists.”
No, this beastie is a product of wingnut welfare, as well as the publisher’s desire to placate the Republicans and McCain in particular — as our own David Neiwert noted, McCain’s campaign has allegedly gone round and threatened to punish any newspaper, radio or TV network that so much as mentioned The Real McCain, much less reviewed it.
http://firedoglake.com/2008/08/24/a-tale-of-two-books/
It was not on prominent display in my bookstore. I asked at the time if the book was selling and they told me “no”, it was not selling at all. In fact, last time I was there I couldn’t find Corsi’s book anywhere. **Footnote- I admit I was bad. My friend needed a vege shredder and we couldn’t find one anywhere, she knows I’m boycotting Wal-Mart but asked if I would go in with her to get one. So I went in the book section to see if Wal-Mart had Corsi’s book in. They did of course, three copies, so I proceeded to take them from their place at the beginning of the isle and walked to the back of the isle and buried the books on the bottom row in the romance section. The rebel came out in me and I just couldn’t help myself.**
August 25th, 2008 at 9:01 amTitle: Gene X Portraits of a Liberal Blogger
Author: James Saville Row
Publisher: TTOTT
Date: August 08, 2008
ISBN: 978-0981878713
Correspond with the Author: C/O TTOTT, Box 10303, Chicago, IL 60610-0303
Gene X Portraits of a Liberal Blogger
TODAY’s CONTRIB:
A CONE FOR THE DEMVER ASSEMBLY
May the ghosts of the 1968 and other tenuous conventions be laid to rest.
May the hearts of the Denver police be sweetened with the disposition of the dancing policeman. With great love songs pouring through the every facet of their minds, may they go about their duties with a reassuring smile so folks who are there to exercise their CONSTITUTION-given right to protest or otherwise assemble will sing praises of the manner in which the police handled their duties.
May the devious intentions of agents of discord be watered down into thoughts of support and strength for our presumptive candidate and his newly-chosen veep as the tally of delegates is solidified.
May the acceptance of our candidate by the people be complete through to the January 2009 inauguration.
And may thence be a re-dedication to the doctrines that has made us great in the eyes of many. And may that greatness of a proud peoples once again be transparent in the eyes of many.
JOE BIDEN
Have we marked the hedges in readiness for the resurgence of the “plagiarism” issue? Joe has not being without his own scrape with the reprisals of such a charge. An earlier presidential campaign Joe embarked upon was single-handedly torpedoed by this “plagiarism” issue.
Otherwise, the choice shows a solid drift in the direction of a surge in Foreign Affairs, we direly need to allay the endlessly spacious crocodile smiles of yesteryears, than in the direction say, of a southern state candidate and etc. Now peg Reich as the economic guru again with Rubin and the other Clinton crew coming along and lets go fix the economy. China is using our asses to wipe the floor in the global economy theatre. Joe Biden sounds even better from a diplomacy surge perspective.
Now, in one might, lets all go on out and score-up a mighty think-up to deliver them both safely and smoothly into the crucible of the 44th, 1600-Penn oval-sanctum sanctorum! Amen.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:04 am“And finally: Filmmaker Spike Lee was engulfed by a horde of reporters as he hit the town yesterday evening in Denver. When one reporter identifying himself as a correspondent for Fox News tried to ask Lee a question, the actor responded, “I don’t do Fox News,” and immediately disappeared into a restaurant.”
Heh – Faux Snooze is taking some pretty good hits recently. This is a good one too:
August 25th, 2008 at 9:05 amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDGhs_LN7Fk
Settlement Reached in Suit Challenging Unreasonable Delays in Granting Citizenship
The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA), and the law firms of Stoel Rives and Ropes and Gray today announced that they have reached a preliminary settlement agreement with the federal government in a landmark class action lawsuit.
The case, Roshandel, et al. v. Chertoff, et al., challenges the Department of Homeland Security’s unlawful delays in processing the applications for naturalization of hundreds of legal permanent residents in Western Washington. Under the preliminary settlement, the government has agreed to complete the citizenship process for hundreds of individuals in time for them to register to vote in the November general election.
“The government’s failure to act fairly had left many people in limbo. Now they will be able to vote and participate fully in civic life,” said Sarah Dunne, legal director of the ACLU of Washington.
Under federal law, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is required to make a decision on citizenship applications within 120 days of the naturalization interview. DHS routinely failed to comply with this timeframe, however. The Department has disregarded this deadline in order for the FBI to conduct “name checks” that are not required by regulation or statute, and even though the applicants have already been cleared through separate FBI criminal background checks. As a result, many applicants have been waiting for years to become citizens, for no good reason.
In granting class certification, Judge Pechman rejected the government’s arguments asserting that the inability to vote does not prevent individuals from fully participating in our democracy: “This suggestion that Plaintiffs should be resigned to participate vicariously in civic society is shocking, offensive, and wrong. It echoes the sentiments of those who challenged woman’s suffrage, suggesting that women should be content to participate in the political process vicariously through their husbands’ votes.”
http://www.aclu-wa.org/detail.cfm?id=899
“Under the settlement agreement, the cases of 283 lawful permanent residents will be finalized by September 19. This group will be able to register to vote in time for the regular mail-in registration deadline of October 4.” My friend’s husband waited seven long years to become a citizen. I’m glad the ACLU stepped in and is making strides to fix this completely broken down system. It is a true outrage and I’m sure all 283 citizens will be voting for Obama and the change this country so desperately needs.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am“In northern Greenland, a part of the Arctic that had seemed immune from global warming, new satellite images show a growing giant crack and an 11-square-mile chunk of ice hemorrhaging off a major glacier, scientists said Thursday.”
So, Mother Nature is finally mooning us for our bad behavior… I think a giant Ice Age might be more effective.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:08 amAnd finally: Filmmaker Spike Lee was engulfed by a horde of reporters as he hit the town yesterday evening in Denver. When one reporter identifying himself as a correspondent for Fox News tried to ask Lee a question, the actor responded, “I don’t do Fox News,” and immediately disappeared into a restaurant.
Let’s hope this begins a new trend. You know the Average American is far more inclined to know what Spike Lee says than any politician.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:10 amFreedom Rebel Says: They did of course, three copies, so I proceeded to take them from their place at the beginning of the isle and walked to the back of the isle and buried the books on the bottom row in the romance section. The rebel came out in me and I just couldn’t help myself.**
I continue to maintain that liberals cannot be tolerant of intolerance, which is what Corsi’s book is, not to mention pretty much anything that comes out of the mouths, or keyboards, of the Conservatives. Lies, intolerance and deception are the only way they can ever win.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:13 amI haven’t come across the book either, Freb. LIBERAL MEDIA MY ASS.
Good morning to you! Thanks for yet another exhibit of the media speaking (or defeaning silence) for the worst Americans looking to maintain their talking points feeder in the WH. We wouldn’t want them to start reading up on neutral material and easing themselves into reality.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:13 amFilmmaker Spike Lee was engulfed by a horde of reporters as he hit the town yesterday evening in Denver. When one reporter identifying himself as a correspondent for Fox News tried to ask Lee a question, the actor responded, “I don’t do Fox News,”
Way to go Spike!! I wish more people would give them the cold shoulder also. Send a message that they are Not a reliable source for any kind of worthwhile information.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:15 amFreedom Rebel Says: Settlement Reached in Suit Challenging Unreasonable Delays in Granting Citizenship
I have a friend who is from Mumbai, living in San Francisco, where he’s waiting for his Green Card to process. He came here on a student visa and stayed. Every year since he graduated 7 years ago, he’s had to pay thousands of dollars in fees for his visa, on top of thousands more for his Green Card. They keep delaying his approval even though he’s a tax-paying contributor to our country. It’s appalling.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:19 amThe Financial Times writes that McCain’s inability to recall the number of homes he owns “makes the choice of Romney more risky.”
I do hope McCain picks Romney. And I do hope that Obama’s team comes up with a strong ad, digging up Chimpy’s speech when he referred to the “haves and have mores… my base” and ties those two permanently to Bush.
But they didn’t ask me…
PEACE
August 25th, 2008 at 9:22 am#8 McWars Says:
I haven’t come across the book either, Freb. LIBERAL MEDIA MY ASS.
Good morning to you! Thanks for yet another exhibit of the media speaking (or defeaning silence) for the worst Americans looking to maintain their talking points feeder in the WH. We wouldn’t want them to start reading up on neutral material and easing themselves into reality.
Good Morning McWars :) Corsi ticks me off so bad. I just can’t believe anyone with half a brain would consider reading that book. In Borders it didn’t do well at all . I’m not sure if it even sold a single copy. They were so busy last time I went I didn’t get a chance to ask them.
In my opinion, what a waste of perfectly good paper. Have a good day McWars.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:23 amGeez, I forgot the best line “some call you the elites…”
link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn4daYJzyls
I need my coffee fix this morning.
PEACE
August 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am“Tax and accounting loopholes that largely benefit rich taxpayers and companies cost the U.S. government $20 billion a year even as the pay gap between chief executives and employees has widened,” according to a new report by the Institute for Policy Studies and the group United for a Fair Economy.
This is why we have to effectively manage the growth in the accounting sector. Sarbanes-Oxley is creating, as many of you may know, record expansion in the accounting sector. Even the surge in the number of students majoring in field can’t keep up with the new jobs available. This is good news.
What we don’t want, is the bulk of these students lured to the corporate sector to serve on staff as loophole-finders wherever they can to get away from government legislation to the allure of top management, over adhering to accountancy in the truest sense of the word in business: Ensuring the fair payment of all taxes and the proper disclosure to shareholders and regulatory agencies.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:27 amAs far as Romney having too many houses, I think that’s dangerous territory to criticize, especially in light of Sen. Kennedy speaking tonight.
I don’t care if a politician has 812 “homes.” What matters is the degree to which he/she serves “the common man” through words, purpose, plans and policies.
The Kennedy family has quite a lot of money and property, as did the Roosevelts. However, their commitment was to social justice.
Those two words — social justice — are the deciding factor for me, which is why McCain’s flippant attitude toward his own wealth and his fellow Americans’ struggle to make ends meet make his ignorance abhorrent.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:27 amSpike Lee, “I don’t do Fox News,”
Hey Spike, always…do the right thing!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:27 amF@CK FAUX NEWS!!
Corsi does better with his kiddie porn:
http://pssht.com/biography/jerome_corsi.html
August 25th, 2008 at 9:29 amgood_golly says:Fox must have had him mixed up with someone relevant.
… yeah, cause all black people look alike, right?
August 25th, 2008 at 9:29 amIgnorance is bliss.
Spike Lee said he doesn’t “do Fox News.” I’d like to hear more of that from persons/politicians in the news — boycott Fox news and leave them talking to themselves.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:30 amNow THAT would make a pretty picture.
#7 unbelievable Says:
I continue to maintain that liberals cannot be tolerant of intolerance, which is what Corsi’s book is, not to mention pretty much anything that comes out of the mouths, or keyboards, of the Conservatives. Lies, intolerance and deception are the only way they can ever win.
Well said as always unbelievable :) It really makes you sick when the likes of the Associated Press DC Bureau Chief Ron Fournier is such a lap dog for McCain. They really made a mistake in hiring him. It’s time they corrected that and kick him to the curb.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am17. good_golly6 Says:
______
GooGravy logic 101:
The Bee Gees sold millions more recordings than John Coltrane.
Ergo, the Bee Gees are important musical geniuses.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:31 amgood_golly6 Says: 17 movies with an average gross of just over $20 million. Lee’s best grossing movie ever sits at # 396 in the all time box office rankings. Why would anyone want to talk to this money pit? Fox must have had him mixed up with someone relevant.
That’s still less than John McCain has…
August 25th, 2008 at 9:33 am1,700 posts with a total gross of $170 (that’s .10 per post). GG’s best post got a ranking of 1 “recommend” (from some other knuckledragger). Why would someone want to talk to this dellusional sicophant? The RNC must have it mixed up with someone relevant.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:33 amThe msm is doing a great job as water-carrier for John McCain. As part of their “news” they are playing McCain’s attack ads every few minutes as a counter to any news about Obama, Biden or the Democratic convention.
I have already written to CNN/TV and to the CNN embodiment of Ted Baxter, John Roberts.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:34 amal-Maliki’s dissatisfaction with the accords underscores the continuing, arrogant dismissal of real Iraqi sovereignty by the Cheney-Bush-Rice cabal.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am“Tax and accounting loopholes that largely benefit rich taxpayers and companies cost the U.S. government $20 billion a year even as the pay gap between chief executives and employees has widened,”
But wait a minute. Don’t the righties tell us that the top 2% of taxpayers pay something like 80% of the taxes?
Corporations have their ways of not paying taxes and the very rich have their way. We, on the other hand are screwed.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:35 amgood_golly6 Says:
——————————————————————————–
good_golly says:
Patty Says:
… yeah, cause all black people look alike […]
August 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
_______________________
Racist.
ummm, not so much, good_golly. I was pointing out the inherent stupidity in your comment. Reminds me of Archie Bunker, who couldn’t perceive the racism in his own remarks, even when it was pointed out to him.
Again, if ignorance is bliss, you must be ecstatic.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:35 amA suicide bomber killed at least 25 people in the Iraqi city of Abu Ghraib Sunday, detonating explosives during a neighborhood celebration for a man who had just been released from detention.
More proof the “surge” is working.
:P
August 25th, 2008 at 9:37 am“Americans who lack health insurance will spend about $30 billion out of pocket on medical care this year, according to a new report from George Mason University and The Urban Institute.
And they pay that money at the expense of their family. My daughter who recently became a bankruptcy attorney, says that the bankruptcies they do are mostly split between people who are upside down on their mortgage and people who have spent their life savings on medical bills and can no longer afford to pay them.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:37 amFreedom Rebel Says: Well said as always unbelievable :) It really makes you sick when the likes of the Associated Press DC Bureau Chief Ron Fournier is such a lap dog for McCain. They really made a mistake in hiring him. It’s time they corrected that and kick him to the curb.
Howdy :)
They are all criminals on that campaign – from lobbyists to war-profitters. Birds of a feather…
The media has lost its objectivity and professionalism. After Larry King last night (Bill Maher was on), Rick Sanchez started talking about CNN’s new ability to connect with viewers via Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. I thought “How internet of you”, but then remembered who owns them, and that just because people are speaking to them doesn’t mean they will list or air it…. It’s just a new gimmick to get higher ratings.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:38 amHi spencers mom, the political action committees would find Romney-McCain 2 for the price of 1. I remember there was once a good deal in favor of the people 16 years ago: 2 Clintons for the price of 1.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:39 amDemocratic Party Fires Shot Across Atheists’ Bow
I have made no secret of opposing the DNC’s decision to include the first ever interfaith religious service at the convention in Denver tomorrow or to place it in the hands of a Pentecostal. I find it appalling that the progressive party would set aside the framer’s clearly secular intent and embrace superstition and religious delusion. I am not at all swayed by the argument that the Democrats are simply trying to wrestle Christianity away from the Republican Party. This strikes me as the worst kind of pandering because it involves elevating the status of those who are more deserving of mockery than admiration.
At a time when the majority of Americans believe that religion should be kept out of politics, this is a desperate move by a confused party. I have heard the arguments that they are simply trying to reclaim the symbols of Christianity from the Republican party. This is a bad mistake because it betrays the progressive values the party espouses.
Sure, it has been frustrating to see how the Republicans have claimed to be the party of Jesus while increasing the gap between rich and poor, preaching hatred of gays, attempting to restrict the reproductive rights of women, and pushing theocracy. I do not blame Democrats for wanting to change this. But up until the 2008 campaign, I have generally admired the Democrats refusal to pander in this way. It has been a big part of what gave the party their appeal. With the DNC convention, however, they are in danger of losing that appeal.
Efforts by atheists to request inclusion at the service have failed, as have requests to halt the service altogether. Disappointing but hardly surprising. But it gets worse. We now have an unequivocal statement that we atheists have no place in the Democratic Party of 2008.
[...]
But even Obama’s confusion could not have prepared us for the shot just fired across our bow. Rev. Daughtry, the Pentecostal minister in charge of the interfaith service, made it clear from the beginning that she did not know what do to with nontheists. Never mind that the interfaith service has been promoted as a unity event. Daughtry now says:
Clearly, the millions of atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, and other freethinkers who reject the notion of religious faith are not valued by the Democratic Party of 2008. So much for unifying the party.
http://www.atheistrev.com/
August 25th, 2008 at 9:42 amIraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki “is demanding changes to a draft deal on the status of US forces beyond this year.”
It’s nice to see Iraq finally standing up for themselves and telling it’s occupier to get the hell out.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:42 amDon’t worry, everybody. The “liberal” Media will scrutinize McCain….SOMEDAY.
Meanwhile, the free pass McCain received from the press while Clinton and Obama slugged it out in the primaries continues to this day.
Journalists Predict Scrutiny of McCain . . . Some Day
August 25th, 2008 at 9:42 am
good_golly6 Says:
No Patty, your pulling out the race card only proves your ignorance and racism.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:37 am
What is racism to you, goon? Challenging the superiority one feels through his whiteness?
August 25th, 2008 at 9:45 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says: But wait a minute. Don’t the righties tell us that the top 2% of taxpayers pay something like 80% of the taxes?
All the time… Just like all their other false assertions, sucking up to rich people because they think they will one day be one. LOL. Silly morons.
Just think – with the rich paying their fair share, we wouldn’t be trillions of dollars in debt to the Chinese and Japanese…
August 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am35. unbelievable Says:
_____
As a long, long-time dirty ol’ atheist, I really don’t give a rip about that. You don’t go to the carnival actually thinking you’re gonna win a cheap stuffed bunny.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am“In northern Greenland, a part of the Arctic that had seemed immune from global warming, new satellite images show a growing giant crack and an 11-square-mile chunk of ice hemorrhaging off a major glacier, scientists said Thursday.”
What’s it going to take for the global warming deniers to wake up and realize that we have a serious problem on our hands. This is another very big reason why we need the Democrats in charge. Our planet may not have another four years to waste before we can turn this around, if it’s not already too late.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:46 amWhen one reporter identifying himself as a correspondent for Fox News tried to ask Lee a question, the actor responded, “I don’t do Fox News,” and immediately disappeared into a restaurant.
Good for Spike Lee. Now I wish that more Democratic legislators would follow suit. They still appear on Faux Noise at their own peril.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:47 amSen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) will speak during tonight’s opening of the Democratic National Convention, NBC reports. A convention tribute to the senator “will include a film by documentary producer Ken Burns, along with remarks from Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s daughter.”
I will be watching every minute. I can’t wait, Ted Kennedy is one of America’s remaining positive influences in the broadest sense.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:48 amgoon_golly6 Says:
17 movies with an average gross of just over $20 million. Lee’s best grossing movie ever sits at # 396 in the all time box office rankings. Why would anyone want to talk to this money pit? Fox must have had him mixed up with someone relevant.
I continue to underestimate goon_golly. Just when I think we’ve plumbed the depths of her ignorance, she comes up with a wowser like this one to remind me that the depths are an abyss of astonishing no-nothingness.
jonny has it right. Goon, big box office means mass appeal; it says nothing at all about art or significance. I think it’s safe to guess, though, that you’ve never actually seen a Spike Lee film.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:48 am38. good_golly6 Says:
_____
Wait’ll the right-wing quotes about McSame roll out. Most of the wingnuts still hate his guts — because they were told to, by POX Spews/swastika radio.
But good luck with yer Biden stuff — you’re winnin’ hearts ‘n minds already (snort.)
August 25th, 2008 at 9:51 amObama must have struck a nerve on Saturday, goony. I don’t sympathize, but you shouldn’t take laxatives for headaches. I’d recommend ibuprofen. (Now look at what you’ve done, you’re having the runs on our thread!)
Don’t worry, mannequin sales might increase when McCain names HOT STUFF as his running mate. Grrrrwl.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:54 amgood_golly6 Says: Joe Biden quotes:
You should be more worried about McCainisms (yes, just like the similarly idiotic Bushisms):
“I think — I’ll have my staff get to you. It’s condominiums where — I’ll have them get to you.” –after being asked how many houses he and his wife, Cindy, own, interview with Politico, Las Cruces, N.M., Aug. 20, 2008
“I think if you’re just talking about income, how about $5 million?” –after being asked by Rev. Rick Warren to define “rich,” Lake Forest, California, Aug. 16, 2008
“In the 21st century nations don’t invade other nations.” –on Russia’s military action against Georgia, Birmingham, Mich., Aug. 13, 2008
“I’m running for president of the United States, because I want to help with family values. And I think that family values are important, when we have two parent — families that are of parents that are the traditional family.” –interview on “This Week,” July 27, 2008
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/johnmccain/a/mccainisms.htm
August 25th, 2008 at 9:55 am#32 Bilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
And they pay that money at the expense of their family. My daughter who recently became a bankruptcy attorney, says that the bankruptcies they do are mostly split between people who are upside down on their mortgage and people who have spent their life savings on medical bills and can no longer afford to pay them.
Good Morning Bilbo :) I’m not surprised by what your daughter is seeing. Mike Moore did such a fine job pointing that out in his movie SICKO. It is such a tradegy and injustice what so many people in this country have faced just to get the medical treatment they needed. It’s pretty bad when a man has to decide which finger he wants to save because of the cost.
But the right-wingers will say they don’t want to wait in lines or for months to get an appointment, if we go to the single-payer program. Nothing like twisting the facts so that the truth can’t see the light of day.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:55 am22. jonny Says:
Well put.
And like I’ve said, just because “Achy, Breaky Heart” was a top 10 hit does NOT mean it isn’t the biggest pile of shit disguised as music.
But we must not hold Billy Ray liable, since it was a cover tune originally written and recorded by The Marcy Brothers.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am17. good_golly6 Says:
It’s baaaccckkk!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:56 amjonny Says: As a long, long-time dirty ol’ atheist, I really don’t give a rip about that. You don’t go to the carnival actually thinking you’re gonna win a cheap stuffed bunny.
You should. It’s why people like Bush get elected and deficate all over the Constitution.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:57 amgood_golly6 Says:
Fox must have had him mixed up with someone relevant.
You must have mixed up FOX with real news organizations.
Good news is, we don’t mix you with being anyone relevant though.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:57 amgood_golly6 Says:
Racist.
You are right, you are. Good for you for getting it right for once.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:58 amThank you Mr. Obama for not picking Hillary Clinton as your running mate. You just made this race a lot easier.
That’s not what Limpballs and Ingraham said. They had their opponent-fixing drives…and failed.
But you can presume success when you were clearly destined for failure. Sorry, not buying, goony.
Biden is clearly fine-tuned and ready to rip you to pieces.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:58 amGoon golly 6 is trying hard to become #7.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:58 amLets help the goon out, flag at will.
Hey there…let’s settle this whole Spike Lee thing, shall we?
Spike Lee is an indie director who makes controversial movies that aren’t mainstream, therefore he doesn’t make a lot of money like the usual Hollywood eyecandy.
“good_golly6″ made the statement that because Spike Lee doesn’t make a lot of money, he isn’t important enough for newscasters to seek out their opinion.
Therefore, “good_golly6″ didn’t bring up race at all… they were just being a Troll and demeaning the value of someone’s opinion based upon their financial status in order to get a rise out of us because they have nothing more productive to do with their lives.
So can we get over it now and get back to actual serious discussions, please?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:00 amFreedom Rebel — I proceeded to take them from their place at the beginning of the isle and walked to the back of the isle and buried the books on the bottom row in the romance section. The rebel came out in me and I just couldn’t help myself.**
Sorry Freb, didn’t immediately read that part. Thank you for serving your country by tampering with the inside of your local Mal-Wart.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am… While “there were stretches without hydrogen fueling stations when the vehicles were carried on flatbed trucks,” one goal “was to demonstrate the need to build more fueling stations if the nascent technology is to develop.”
WHERE’S MY GODDAMN HYDROGEN FILLING STATION!!?
Honorable Mr. Inslee, I’m talking to YOU and the rest of the legislators in the federal government.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:02 amHammoud said on Friday that the deal provides for all American combat troops to pull out of Iraqi cities by next June ahead of a complete withdrawal from Iraq by 2011.
But White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said any dates in the agreement under discussion were “aspirational timelines” rather than formal deadlines.
Gee, whatever happened to….
“It’s their government’s choice,” the president said during a Rose Garden news conference. “If they were to say leave, we would leave.” (Bush, May 24 2007)
August 25th, 2008 at 10:03 amBiden couldn’t even get 2% of his own party to vote for him.
What’s more shocking is that you somehow remember to breath.
With Hillary and Obama and Biden all vying for the nomination, is it no wonder he didn’t get more support.
The Dems wanted Hill or Oba.
You’re a goddamn flaming idiot, just sayin…
August 25th, 2008 at 10:03 amWelcome troll “flag day”.
Don’t forget to make your contribution…
August 25th, 2008 at 10:04 amgood_golly6 Says: Biden couldn’t even get 2% of his own party to vote for him.
Rush Limbaugh and jis ilk were going to vote for Hillary Clinton over John McCain.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:05 amunbelievable Says:
I have made no secret of opposing the DNC’s decision to include the first ever interfaith religious service at the convention in Denver tomorrow or to place it in the hands of a Pentecostal. I find it appalling that the progressive party would set aside the framer’s clearly secular intent and embrace superstition and religious delusion.
Clearly, the millions of atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, and other freethinkers who reject the notion of religious faith are not valued by the Democratic Party of 2008. So much for unifying the party.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:42 am
_______
You know, the framers also warned against the factionalizing of the nation into political parties as well. Moreover, their objection was to the collusion of state and church. It’s not that church and state should refuse to recognize the existence of the other, but that when the two become too closely tied, dangerous things happen. Theocracies happen. That’s why they enshrined the freedom of religion into the First Amendment – to ensure that Congress would not interfere with the establishment of religion or create an official state religion.
That’s different, however, from a party recognizing all faiths – including atheism and agnosticism and secular humanism and bokononism. It’s unfortunate that Daughtry has to limit her definition of faith to only religions involving a deity, but I think ultimately it will be helpful to the Democratic party to not be seen as “anti-religious.”
August 25th, 2008 at 10:07 am#Freedom Rebel Says:
But the right-wingers will say they don’t want to wait in lines or for months to get an appointment, if we go to the single-payer program. Nothing like twisting the facts so that the truth can’t see the light of day.
That’s one I never understand. I have fairly good insurance. And unless I’m really sick, I have to wait a month or more to see my doctor. And I don’t think my experience is unique. If I thought that it would allow everyone to be insured, I would be happy to wait another month for a routine appointment with my doctor.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am52. unbelievable Says:
You should. It’s why people like Bush get elected and deficate all over the Constitution.
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C’mon. I’m in your corner, but this is U.S. politics. It ain’t like one o’ them jaded civilized countries.
All I’m sayin’ is that Imaginary Friends is part & parcel of the carny ballyhoo here. Hell, it’s part & parcel of damn near everything here. You ain’t gonna change it at a party convention. Getting mad at that tripe is like getting mad at astrology. Doesn’t do anything except raise your blood pressure.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:10 amgood_golly6 Says:
Based on the statistics, most people haven’t. Come on. You libs like polls, as long as they are skewed in your favor, that is. With movies, the only poll that matters is the box office where people vote with their dollars.
More evidence from the goon – about her ignorance.
Think, goon, think. What else is a “poll” that matters? Hmmm.
But, really, in your own tiny terms, if Spike Lee is irrelevant, why was FoxNews trying to interview him?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:12 amGoony,
You forgot this part of my post in your cut-n-paste:
You’re a goddamn flaming idiot, just sayin…
August 25th, 2008 at 10:12 amMcWars Says:
But you can presume success when you were clearly destined for failure. Sorry, not buying, goony.
Biden is clearly fine-tuned and ready to rip you to pieces.
Actually, it is very telling that the only thing they can find to throw at Biden is his words. And words are easy to retract. Just look at McBush and see how many times he has had to retract his words.
All Biden needs to do is to say that at one time he didn’t think that Obama was ready to lead, but Obama has proved himself more than capable of leading this country. I’m sure that Biden is capable of doing what a rightie never could, say “I made a mistake, I’m sorry”.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:13 amdaryll, GET BENT.
YOU CAN LEAVE NOW AN GO SEE GOD ANYTIME YOU WANT, NO WAITING.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:14 am59. good_golly6 Says:
Biden couldn’t even get 2% of his own party to vote for him.
_____
McSame wasn’t good enough for the Gropin’ Old Perverts in 2000. Hell, he wasn’t good enough in 2008, until 4 other right-wing clowns sh!t the bed.
Now, chances are, 5th-choice McSame is gonna choose one of those losers — unless he can come up with a less important clown in the GOP, Quayle-style.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:14 amhussein toasterhead Says: That’s different, however, from a party recognizing all faiths – including atheism and agnosticism and secular humanism and bokononism. It’s unfortunate that Daughtry has to limit her definition of faith to only religions involving a deity, but I think ultimately it will be helpful to the Democratic party to not be seen as “anti-religious.”
40% of Democrats are secularists. To exclude non-believers is going to create more problems for them than if they remained neutral, which was my point in posting the article. By excluding people outright, it puts third party candidates into play which is actually a vote against their candidate. If our nation weren’t at stake in this election, I would vote for one of the other candidates to make a statement. Unfortunately, integrity isn’t an option for me this time, and I must vote for the lesser of two anti-secularists.
The choices for the Democratic Party aren’t just limited to ‘embrace religion’ or ‘reject religion’, although I know too many Average Americans cannot see middle ground (which is almost always the better way to govern).
I still think a Parliamentary system would have been truly representative government, rather than the bi-cameral system we have that really has become two sides of the same corrupt coin.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:15 amgood_golly6 Says:
Maybe we should just have the government run healh care the way they run the DMV. Very efficient. Next window please. Please take a number. Smile for the camera. Pleae wait over there. No, that’s the wrong form. Next.
As usual, it knows nothing about which it prattles on. Government run health care works very well, and is very efficient. Medicare operates with a 10% overhead whereas for-profit health insurance companies operate with a 50% overhead. The only thing wrong with Medicare at this time is that Bush has starved the system systematically for 8 years. He has starved the physicians to the extent where few can afford to take on Medicare patients.
I have said it many times in the past. My sister lives in England and she will never come back here because she doesn’t want to give up her health care and other benefits she gets from a government that looks at their citizens as an asset rather than as a liability. She lives in a country that considers basic health care to be a right and not a privilege.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:16 amSame Genre: The Santa Claus 2 and Shrek 3 are obviously much more significant than Citizen Kane, Easy Rider, A Clockwork Orange, and Apocalypse Now.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:16 amunbelievable Says:
They are all criminals on that campaign – from lobbyists to war-profitters. Birds of a feather…
The media has lost its objectivity and professionalism. After Larry King last night (Bill Maher was on), Rick Sanchez started talking about CNN’s new ability to connect with viewers via Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. I thought “How internet of you”, but then remembered who owns them, and that just because people are speaking to them doesn’t mean they will list or air it…. It’s just a new gimmick to get higher ratings.
I watched that show too. I really like Bill Maher, he just tells it like it is. My favorite shows are when he goes after politicians and their stupid bills they are trying to pass.
This is one of my favorite quotes by Bill; “We need more people speaking out. This country is not overrun with rebels and free thinkers. It’s overrun with sheep and conformists.”
August 25th, 2008 at 10:17 amgood_golly6 Says:
Maybe we should just have the government run healh care
BTW goony, why don’t you ask McBush what he thinks about the government run health care he receives. I’m betting you that he has no complaints.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:17 amWhen was the last time you had to go down to your Health Insurer’s office?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am69. Daryll Says:
Just because you hate Jesus ….
_____
Speakin’ for myself, I don’t hate Jesus. Don’t hate Elvis, neither. They’re both way dead.
Their fans creep me out, though.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:18 amWho’s the real wuss, feckless and not suited for leadership:
LINK
August 25th, 2008 at 10:18 amDaryll Says: Just because you hate Jesus does not mean that others have to do the same. If they want to worship God, let then worship. Get saved.
It’s not Jesus that I hate, but you insane Jesus-freaks who act nothing like the moral compasses you claim to be.
Explain to me, Darryl, why 68% of Americans claim to be Christian, but 76% of people who’ve been convice of violent crime are, while 16% of Americans are Atheists but only 0.2% of us are in jail for all reasons combined. Hmmm?
I am saved. Saved from a life of lunacy and delusion. Start thinking. It hurts less.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:19 amgood_golly6 Says:
Biden couldn’t even get 2% of his own party to vote for him.
One contest at one time. This is actually one against you, since our race was packed with talent and hard fought. A lot of great candidates were turned away.
You’re very scared of Biden, goon. I can tell in the rapidity of your posting this morning. You must know he is the perfect antidote in respose to the right-wing psychobabble. A lot of pent-up frustration there.
McCain’s only strength is now up for grabs: his older voters.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:19 amgood_golly6 Says:
Maybe we should just have the government run healh care the way they run the DMV. Very efficient. Next window please. Please take a number. Smile for the camera. Pleae wait over there. No, that’s the wrong form. Next.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
_______
Good thinking. Perhaps they can run the DMV the way the insurance industry runs health care. Need a driver’s license? You’ll need to either get one through your employer or pay a huge monthly premium out of pocket for one. Oh, and this driver’s license only allows you to make left turns, not right turns. Also, it doesn’t cover avenues and cul-de-sacs – you can only drive on streets and roads.
Oh, wait, I see you had a little fender-bender back in 1997… I’m sorry, that’s a preexisting condition, we can’t give you a license for that. Oh well, I guess you can always take the bus, right?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:20 amOnce again, GiGi shows his/her lack of knowledge regarding single-payer health programs. How many times have you ever used this type of service, Gi? I have several times outside this country, and each time I have received prompt, professional service and was treated with respect and by caring health professionals.
Try to get out of your small little troll world and see how things REALLY are, will do yo a lot of good.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:21 amDieNowForPeace Says:
daryll, GET BENT.
YOU CAN LEAVE NOW AN GO SEE GOD ANYTIME YOU WANT, NO WAITING.
—————————————————-
Thanks for posting this. You got to it before I could. Those were the two words that came to mind right after I read his post. Wish I could give you more than 1 thumbs up for that.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:22 amjonny Says: All I’m sayin’ is that Imaginary Friends is part & parcel of the carny ballyhoo here. Hell, it’s part & parcel of damn near everything here. You ain’t gonna change it at a party convention. Getting mad at that tripe is like getting mad at astrology. Doesn’t do anything except raise your blood pressure.
I just think it’s dangerous for us to be tolerant of those who are intolerant of us. It’s not anger, but about standing up for the Constitution, and our rights as Americans who want freedom from religion.
Actually, the Democratic Convention used to be neutral, and it has changed – for the religious side. I think it’s appalling and plan to speak out about it. All tyranny needs to gain a foothold, after all, is for men (and women) of good conscience to remain silent.
You can remain tolerant of these small usurptions of separation of church and state, but look where that got the Germans in the 1930’s…
August 25th, 2008 at 10:24 amGigi~
August 25th, 2008 at 10:27 amBased upon box office receipts, the universally acknowledged marker of a film’s importance…
The ‘greatest director ever’ is a Canadian, James Cameron, but the ‘greatest American director ever’ George Lucas has declared that Obama is definitely a Jedi! It’s true!
Poor Alice the goon, can’t seem to get a coherent thought out of her rectal cavity this morning.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:30 amOne might actually feel sorry for her, if she wasn’t so pathetic.
Freedom Rebel Says: This is one of my favorite quotes by Bill; “We need more people speaking out. This country is not overrun with rebels and free thinkers. It’s overrun with sheep and conformists.”
Thanks – that’s exactly the point I’m trying to make about the Democratic Party excluding secularists.
I don’t know when we became so afraid of free speech in this country. It’s our first and foremost right, as well as our obligation.
Maher’s new movie ‘Religulous’ should be a riot…
August 25th, 2008 at 10:30 amgood_golly6 Says:
Maybe we should just have the government run healh care the way they run the DMV. Very efficient. Next window please. Please take a number. Smile for the camera. Pleae wait over there. No, that’s the wrong form. Next.
More pent-up frustration. Goon’s strategy this morning is to post so rapidly that no one can keep up with him, thus giving him the default victory by going unchallenged. Or so the troll thinks.
We can do most of our DMV business on the Internets and, when required to go in-person, heed their specific advice of coming in when business is usually slow. It’s not easy for everybody, but I’d rather spend a little more time waiting instead of spending more time paying.
Finding the right form isn’t a big deal, not for literate people anyway, goon.
It’s not bureaucracy just because you want to give it the appearance of bureaucracy.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:31 amEff you Darlyy, Jesus was an OK guy, good message of love, tolerance, peace and self awareness.
Hmmm, I can’t find any of those things in anything you have to say.
Why don’t you follow his example instead of trying to force your narrow world view on others?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:34 amunbelievable Says:
I just think it’s dangerous for us to be tolerant of those who are intolerant of us. It’s not anger, but about standing up for the Constitution, and our rights as Americans who want freedom from religion.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:24 am
_______
Fair enough, and I agree that there’s a danger, but there’s also a danger in being intolerant of the intolerant. When the Secularists and the Evangelicals and the Atheists and the Muslims and the Pastafarians all cloister themselves into their own communities and all look at each other with suspicion, we create and reinforce an “it’s us against the world” mentality that has put us exactly where we are today.
In the words of Michael Corleone, I believe in this instance it’s best to keep our friends close, and our enemies closer.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:35 amDaryll
People are annoyed to the nth degree to have to read a one-liner from you. What makes you think someone will take a chunk of their morning to decipher religious blather, measured by the length of your posting as two clumps of shit?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:37 amHeh.
Looks like goofy goober is a ghost on TP. :D
Keep up the good work, I’m off to school.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:38 amGood luck with the lecture halls, Z!!
August 25th, 2008 at 10:40 amRUCerious Says: Eff you Darlyy, Jesus was an OK guy, good message of love, tolerance, peace and self awareness.
Like all people, whether real or simply characters in a work of ficion, Jesus had a personal dichotomy of saying and doing loving things, and saying and doing non-loving things. Unfortunately, Darryl only has his bible bookmared to the passages that portray the non-loving stuff.
http://www.evilbible.com/what_would_jesus_do.htm
August 25th, 2008 at 10:40 amhussein toasterhead Says: Fair enough, and I agree that there’s a danger, but there’s also a danger in being intolerant of the intolerant. When the Secularists and the Evangelicals and the Atheists and the Muslims and the Pastafarians all cloister themselves into their own communities and all look at each other with suspicion, we create and reinforce an “it’s us against the world” mentality that has put us exactly where we are today.
You have to be discriminating about some things. You don’t want to eat the poisonous red berries, sleep next to the snake pit, or stand outside in a lightning storm. :)
We aren’t cloistering ourselves. We want to be included and accepted. We want to have a voice and be a part of the system. However, we are being excluded, and that’s the difference – and the problem.
The current Humanist movement is more like the gay movement, from which we took our cues to ‘come out’. It’s about speaking out and being visible. Unfortunately, as long as we are seen as being the dividers, we are essentially separate Americans.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:46 amunbelievable Says:
You can remain tolerant of these small usurptions of separation of church and state, but look where that got the Germans in the 1930’s…
_____
Whoa. The Ooga-Booga believers got used in 30s Germany, but they gained no power.
Theocracy is tyranny, but it has nothing to do with the 20th Century fascist dictators. Totally different deal.
Of course, the German fascists were tits-up nuts about Norse mythology, and that’s just more Ooga-Booga, and anti-Semitism in Europe definitely had all of its roots in Christianity — but fascism was a whole lot more cynical about that stuff than even today’s GOP.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:48 amunbelievable Says:
Like all people, whether real or simply characters in a work of ficion, Jesus had a personal dichotomy of saying and doing loving things, and saying and doing non-loving things. Unfortunately, Darryl only has his bible bookmared to the passages that portray the non-loving stuff.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:40 am
______
It’s also really important to keep in mind that the bible we know today was assembled out of a few hand-picked books from among hundreds of other books of scripture that didn’t make the cut and had widely different interpretations of Jesus. And then these books were hand-copied and translated and re-copied and re-translated for well over 1,000 years before being printed in a fixed form, with all sorts of typos and edits and omissions and submissions added in over the years. So for us to say based on these texts what kind of car Jesus would’ve driven or how Jesus would have felt about gay marriage is really pure conjecture.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:49 amjonny Says: Whoa. The Ooga-Booga believers got used in 30s Germany, but they gained no power.
True – they gave their power to Hitler who then used it to do terrible things in the name of his god, while they, now powerless, couldn’t stop him.
Theocracy is tyranny, but it has nothing to do with the 20th Century fascist dictators. Totally different deal.
I disagree. They blind the masses with religion. Know how many religious people voted for Bush in 2000 simply because he was a “man of god”? Might surprise you the power they gave him simply for his religious beliefs alone. And look what he’s done with that power. Dangerous.
Of course, the German fascists were tits-up nuts about Norse mythology, and that’s just more Ooga-Booga, and anti-Semitism in Europe definitely had all of its roots in Christianity — but fascism was a whole lot more cynical about that stuff than even today’s GOP.
Hitler was a devout Catholic. It was what prompted him to kill Jews and other people he found to be objectionable to his faith.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Daryll pontificates:
Just because you hate Jesus does not mean that others have to do the same. If they want to worship God, let then worship. Get saved.
Some of us do not want to be saved by a imaginary god, which started out requiring blood sacrifice of animals, people and sometimes even children, which has shed more innocent blood over the centuries than most bloody dictators put together.
In this country there is freedom of religion and freedom from the tyranny of religious nuts such as yourself.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:00 amhussein toasterhead Says: So for us to say based on these texts what kind of car Jesus would’ve driven or how Jesus would have felt about gay marriage is really pure conjecture.
I’ve read the bible, and I continue to think “This is the best they could do”? There are so many translational errors and contradictions that it’s clearly not a work inspired by any god capable of creating a universe.
But, they put and left that stuff in there. Why would they do that if Jesus was always a ‘perfect’ moral compass? To me, that, combined with the lack of any historical evidence of Jesus, leads me to beieve that there wasnt really a person named Jesus, but rather that jesus represented each authors view of what a Savior should be. To some, he was loving, to others, he ruled with an iron fist.
In the end, the bible is a terrible book that really should be seen as little more than an attempt by a religion to control the masses in a time without much Scientific knowledge or a very high quality of life.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:04 amunbelievable Says:
Hey unbelievable, I agree with you totally. Wonder why people don’t think this should be a deal breaker for us as many have decided to vote for nader on issues of principal rather than support someone who will overall be better than maccain.
I mean if you are going to just vote on principal you can always find a reason not to vote for someone, right?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:07 am96. unbelievable Says:
Hitler was a devout Catholic. It was what prompted him to kill Jews and other people he found to be objectionable to his faith.
“Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord.”
_____
Beg to differ. He was raised a Catholic, but he was never devout about it. His racial attitudes were formed by a whole buncha nutball German-nationalist/mythology crackpots when he was a worthless bum in Vienna. As I said, European anti-Semitism originated with Christianity (both flavors — Luther was way more rabidly anti-Semitic than most Popes,) but these crackpots took it and mixed it up with Wotan & Siegfried ’til it was way more nuts than even the Christians envisioned.
That Hitler quote, BTW, was entirely cynical, just like his pandering to the working class or the GOP pandering to poor ol’ Gomer & Jethro these days. (BTW — this Democratic Convention stuff is the same kind of pandering, on a pissant scale.)
I recommend an old — but first-hand — book by one of the great American journalists — a guy who was there:
http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Third-Reich-William-Shirer/dp/0671728687/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219676799&sr=8-1
Perhaps the seminal volume on this stuff.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:11 amFred Says: I mean if you are going to just vote on principal you can always find a reason not to vote for someone, right?
Absolutely. But, as much as I would like to vote for someone, really, there isn’t anyone who is better than Obama, despite his religious nuttery and FISA vote.
I learned the hard way that life is generally a compromise, and rarely do you get exactly what you want. Obama would be far better than Nader or McKinney who both have more altruistic and noble motives. It’s a luxury in this election to vote for either of them, and it’s also a vote for John McCain.
You notice the polls don’t factor in any of the three other candidates? Could that be because with them, Obama’s lead isn’t as tiny as they like to pretend it is?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:12 amjonny Says:
jonny, you are willfully ignoring the point.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:14 amWe now have an American taliban….the religious right. Try arguing on topic if you can think of anything to say.
jonny Says: I recommend an old — but first-hand — book by one of the great American journalists — a guy who was there:
I prefer the horse’s mouth – Mein Kampf.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Fun Fact for the trollish types: 8 years ago the Bush admin changed the way inflation was calculated to make it look better. If we use the method to calculate inflation of 9 years ago, it would be over 13%.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:17 amGone_goofy:
Here’s the top ten films this week, the second number is last weeks ranking. Can you figure out the relevance?
1
August 25th, 2008 at 11:21 am
102. Fred Says:
_____
Look — I’m just as disgusted by the political Booble-thumpers as you are. I just think that we aren’t helped at all by historical revisionism. That’s the province of “Christian America” Gomers — your American Taliban.
Sorry if it’s OT — but I am responding to/discussing posts and responses to posts on this thread.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:27 amunbelievable:
August 25th, 2008 at 11:28 amThere’s another way to look at “I do not bring peace but a sword” quote, and it’s not just a weaselling out.
We tend to think of families as nuclear families, reasonably weak, reasonably flexible, reasonably voluntary when, in the 1s century Levant, the power of families was overwhelming, and the duties important. What Jesus was saying is that his message does not reinforce contemporary social ties, but forces you to deal with humanity as a whole. It’s much the same message as when he commands a young disciple to ‘give up all you own and follow me.’
Yes, it’s what cultists say, but it’s also what the Buddha said, and what the Sufis say.
It’s by no means the ‘real’ interpretation, but another.
Current rank of Casablanca – 525. You are an idiot GiGi.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:28 amunbelievable Says:
I prefer the horse’s mouth – Mein Kampf.
_____
Shirer is a helluva lot more honest than Adolf ever was. I still recommend his book highly. It’s not the last word on the era, and it ain’t perfect (it was written even before the Eichmann trial,) but it’s the first comprehensive attempt, and as such is a pretty good starting place.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:33 amMorning poster’s, This will be a quickie…If you want to do some good at CNN new’s contact Cafferty….He’s the only one with brain cell’s over there…He doe’s have an email site and deserve’s praise and help…..I stopped watching CNN last year, Do do dodd and blow hard blitzer were to much for me…Off to see the medical wizard’s you all have fun playing with the troll’s……P. B, & J…
August 25th, 2008 at 11:33 ampbg Says: Yes, it’s what cultists say, but it’s also what the Buddha said, and what the Sufis say.
I’m pretty much against all organized religion :) Though, I think Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion since many of it’s followers are Atheists. I, in fact, meditate.
I just have a problem with saviors or godmen in general because they give people a reason not to think for themeselves, and we see how dangerous that is. The Founding Fathers, in private, were very anti-Christianity because they knew it was detrimental to a Democracy that requires people to think.
As for Jesus, he said a lot of other really crappy stuff in support of killing people and following the OT verbatim. I just think that the people who wrote about him wrote about their own ideals, rather than about a real person, which is why Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all tell different stories. If Jesus were who people say he is, those stories might vary a bit, but they wouldn’t be as contradictory as they actually are…
August 25th, 2008 at 11:41 amjonny Says: Shirer is a helluva lot more honest than Adolf ever was.
You’re entitled to your opinion.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:42 amFeel better #1. I always contact CNN about Cafferty too. When he’s on is the only time I’ll watch CNN.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am113. unbelievable Says:
jonny Says: Shirer is a helluva lot more honest than Adolf ever was.
You’re entitled to your opinion.
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C’mon. Sure I’m entitled, but you & I both know that Mein Kampf is a hideous compendium of lies and evil lunacy.
William Shirer, on the other hand, was a contemporary & friend of Edward R. Murrow, and his standards were just as high. Murrow broadcast from London, Shirer broadcast from Berlin & Vienna. You know, back when American broadcast journalism counted for something.
The religious wingnuts have plenty to answer for right here, right now, without attempts to drag Nazi Germany into the mix.
Parallels can be drawn, of course, I’ve drawn’em myself for decades — the mindless belief, the propaganda, the bigotry, the herd instinct — but, as a rational thinker, I can’t really sit by and endorse something that WAS NOT.
That’s the ANTITHESIS of rational thought.
In my opinion, of course.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:59 amgood_golly7 Says:
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ForTruth Says:
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Fun Fact for the trollish types: 8 years ago the Bush admin changed the way inflation was calculated to make it look better. […]
August 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am
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Check your history if you are really interested in the truth. The method of calculating inflation was changed in 1998, under the Clinton administration.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Ahhhhhhhhhh
The “bedrock principles” of a GOP/Chimpy backer :
“Clinton did it/did it first”……..
August 25th, 2008 at 11:59 amgood_golly7 Says:
Check your history if you are really interested in the truth. The method of calculating inflation was changed in 1998, under the Clinton administration.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am Recommend (0) | Report Abuse
Aaand the prize to the first troll who uses the talking point “Clinton did it” today iiiiiss (drums) Gooooooooon Goooollllyyyy! Well, as every day.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:01 pmOh, and regarding the debate “more is better”, who do you believe has a better idea of how high end science works, and who’s judgement is more accurate, the small set of Nobel Laureates, or the rest of the people in the world, as average?
August 25th, 2008 at 12:05 pmBack at ya Shayne,..My neighbor is taking me to the ER as soon as I S,S and shave,,LOL…Thank’s….Loosing the use of my left leg, stumbling around like a drunk…Think I pinched some nurve’s in lower back..Oh Well…No more moving heavy mattresses alone I guess……..Blessings
August 25th, 2008 at 12:06 pmjonny Says:
I judge them on thier actions. christians in America are hypocrits on the order of GOP.
They stood by silently and still do while death and destruction and support for the gop over wedge issues prevail.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:08 pm120. Fred Says:
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I got NO b!tch with that. I agree 100%.
I just wanna slap’em down on their own merits.
You know the drill — Stalinist Russia and Mao’s China wwere officially atheist, therefore any attacks on atheism are sacrosanct.
As if Stalin or Mao ever really gave a sh!t about that as anything but manipulation.
Help me out here, man. I’m all for standing up & fighting, but not with a lotta hogwash — like the opposition. Let’s keep some standards.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:17 pmjonny Says:
Well, thanks for keeping us straigt. How about we hold some criminals feet to the fire for a change.
We know and admit we are not perfect and no need for you to chastise us if we get a little passionate and make a few loose connections.
How about them cubs?
August 25th, 2008 at 12:24 pm122. Fred Says:
We know and admit we are not perfect and no need for you to chastise us if we get a little passionate and make a few loose connections.
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You mean I ain’t part of “we? I thought I was.
And I never thought of keepin’ it honest as “chastisement” (a religious concept, if I ain’t mistaken.)
Maybe I’m just old-fashioned. Could be. I’m gettin’ pretty old.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:34 pmjonny Says:
you ain’t any older than I am I’m pretty sure so why don’t we just move on to something that will work to all of our advantage.
Right now the gop is the opponant in my mind.
I’m an athiest by the way but your tone does sound like you want us to get on board with you, right now. I’m not so inclined, right now. I have another battle to fight first, then on to the issues you list which you seem to think we don’t know about…..we know.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:39 pmFred Says:
… Right now the gop is the opponant in my mind.
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Hep to the re-bop, daddy-o.
And as an aging dirty old atheist, you’ll excuse me if I don’t get all excited about my disbelief as the important order of the day.
The important order of the day is denying any further power to the Gropin’ Old Perverts. We’ve had enough of that sh!t.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:44 pmjonny Says:
cheers and f’n A jonny
We are all in horror of what has become of our precious country.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:48 pm126. Fred Says:
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Amen, brother. };>D
August 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pmHey Daryl,
August 25th, 2008 at 12:56 pmWho would Jesus BLOW?
McCain’s father-in-law, the late Jim Hensley, founded a hugely-profitable liquor distributorship in Phoenix. But the business has a long, well-documented history of connections to bootlegging and organized crime. In fact, Hensley himself was twice-indicted by federal prosecutors and landed a felony conviction.
McCain told Couric that his f-in-law is a role model.
Someone PLEASE! get this out in front.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:57 pmWitch1 take care, I hope you are moving around better soon.. I miss you :)
August 25th, 2008 at 1:24 pmgood_golly6 Says:
Maybe we should just have the government run healh care the way they run the DMV. Very efficient. Next window please. Please take a number. Smile for the camera. Pleae wait over there. No, that’s the wrong form. Next.
Goony, you everflarking moron – that’s ALREADY what we have, compliments of the for-profit insurance industry. That’s how THEY run our health-care system.
I sliced my hand open last week, and I literally spent 45 minutes on the phone and on line looking for an urgent care center that would take my insurance —- with blood dripping out of the 2 inch long cut in my hand.
As it turned out, NONE of them would treat me, so I had to go to the emergency room anyway. Eleven stitches.
And supposedly, I have damned good insurance.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:25 pm