ThinkFast: August 27, 2008
ThinkFast: August 27, 2008
“There’s quiet buzz in Washington this week that convicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and several colleagues — including scam-artist Michael Scanlon — will be sentenced soon for their roles in the 2005 tribes-and-bribes scandal.” The sentences “could come as early as next week, during the Republican convention.”
Though “President Bush has invested heavily in trying to forge a strong bond with key foreign leaders,” the Washington Post writes today that “new crises in Georgia and Pakistan are underscoring the limits of Bush’s personal diplomacy.” Bush “misjudged Putin” and when it was shown “his initial assessment of Putin was wrong, [Bush] tended to dismiss it,” said Stanford University professor Michael A. McFaul.
Embattled Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens “won the Republican primary in his home state” yesterday, “soundly defeating six Republican challengers.” Stevens, who “was indicted by a federal grand jury for concealing more than $250,000 in gifts from an oil services company” last month, will now face Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich in November.
New Orleans is rushing to complete a memorial to the victims of Hurricane Katrina “by Friday’s third anniversary of the storm.” The slow progress on the $1.2 million project has been “seen as another example of the sluggish climate that has characterized the city’s rebuilding from the 2005 storm that killed 1,600 people.”
On the trail today: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has no public events. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will talk with veterans and military families in Billings, MT. Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) and former President Bill Clinton will speak tonight at the Democratic National Convention.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney attacked Barack Obama for making an issue out of John McCain’s homes, arguing McCain earned his homes and Obama didn’t.
“Afghanistan’s opium harvest has dropped from last year’s record high, the United Nations announced Tuesday. … Poppy cultivation has dropped by 19 percent since 2007, and has fallen beneath 2006 levels as well.”
Sheila Bair, the chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation warned yesterday “that the outlook for the ailing banking industry was bad — and getting worse.” Bair said “the swelling tide of toxic home loans is proving to be even more worrisome than initially feared,” adding that “we haven’t seen the trough of the credit cycle yet.”
International researchers said yesterday that “Arctic sea ice has shrunk to the second-lowest level since record-keeping began three decades ago” illustrating “how rapidly climate change is transforming ecosystems in northern latitudes.” Because the ice usually “reaches its minimum level in mid-September, researchers warned that a new low might be recorded within weeks.”
And finally: Former Clinton campaign communications director Howard Wolfson may have a new job as a Fox News commentator, but he’s also started another media venture. Wolfson is now writing about indie rock on his blog GothamAcme. Wolfson says music is his “real passion” and he’s been “an avid reader of music blogs for a long time.”
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One thing’s for sure: no one’s asking why they didn’t attack McSame today.
NIGHT TWO: THE GLOVES COME OFF
From NBC’s Lauren Appelbaum
Unlike last night, speakers at the Democratic convention this evening took off their gloves, attacking McCain and linking him to President Bush.
Using McCain’s words against him
Meanwhile, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano used McCain’s words against him. On the stump, McCain often jokes about former Arizonans who failed in their attempts to become president, saying mothers in the state have almost given up on telling their children they can do anything, even become president. Napolitano said not so fast, McCain.
“Arizonans are also proud of their political tradition. From Barry Goldwater to Mo Udall to Bruce Babbitt. Now, there’s a pattern here. There’s a pattern here. Barry Goldwater ran for president and he lost. Mo Udall ran for president and he lost. Bruce Babbitt ran for president and he lost. Now speaking for myself and for at least this next election, this is one Arizona tradition I’d like to see continue.”
Napolitano continued, attacking McCain once again using his own words. “Just as I am proud of Arizona, I like to be positive about my fellow Arizonans. So I wanted to say something positive tonight about Senator McCain. When I heard him say that the economy is not issue he understands as well as he should, my problem was solved because I can say to you tonight positively that John McCain is right. He doesn’t understand the economy as well as he should.”
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm went after McCain specifically about her state. “Senator McCain came to Michigan, and he told those who had been laid off, he said well, ‘Your jobs are gone and they are not coming back.’ Well, I tell you what, if he’s president, he’s probably right. If Senator Obama and Joe Biden are president and vice president, we will create manufacturing jobs in this country.”
Said New York Gov. David Peterson: “The question in this race is which of the candidates will make the change that will restore the promise of America. Is it John McCain?,” Peterson asked, enticing loud no’s from the audience. “No? I’m shocked. Maybe that’s because John McCain continues to claim that President Bush’s policies have been great for the economy. In 2007, John McCain voted with the administration 95% of the time. So if he is the answer, the question must be ridiculous.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/27/1296230.aspx
Hat tip to NY Governor David Peterson about John McCain, for the quote of the day “So if he is the answer, the question must be ridiculous” Priceless…..
August 27th, 2008 at 9:05 amconvicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and several colleagues — including scam-artist Michael Scanlon — will be sentenced soon for their roles in the 2005 tribes-and-bribes scandal.” The sentences “could come as early as next week, during the Republican convention.”
Irony………..So………thick, choking…….Gaaa!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:06 amMitt Romney attacked Barack Obama for making an issue out of John McCain’s homes, arguing McCain earned his homes and Obama didn’t.
Earned?
Since when did marrying a millionaire get bundled with
‘Earned’
WTF????????????
August 27th, 2008 at 9:07 amHarriet Miers Must Testify, Judge Says
A federal judge denied the White House’s last-ditch attempt to block a former aide from testifying before Congress as part of the investigation into the U.S. Attorney scandal.
Today’s ruling by Judge John Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is expected to pave the way for former White House Counsel Harriet Miers, who returned to her old law firm in Texas, to testify before Congress in the coming months. It also urges the White House to turn over documents subpoenaed from former chief of staff Joshua Bolten.
“If the government is trying to run out the clock on the 110th Congress, today’s decision suggests that Judge Bates won’t let them,” said Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at American University. Rep. John Conyers, Jr., D-Mich., chair of the House Judiciary Committee, praised the decision and pledged to schedule a hearing for Miers shortly. “I am heartened that Judge Bates recognized that the public interest in this matter is best served by the furtherance of the Committee’s investigation,” he said in a statement.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5661658&page=1
Bates does get a little sarcastic in his opinion denying the stay- but it is so justified -here is what Bates had to say:
“But even assuming that the Executive’s proposition were correct — which it is not — its reliance upon that point is misplaced. The D.C. Circuit has explained that the stay pending appeal inquiry looks to the likelihood of success on the merits of the appeal itself, see Philip Morris, 314 F.3d at 617. Here, however, the denial of the Executive’s motion to dismiss is not presently subject to appeal because it is not a final order.”
“The Executive’s argument boils down to a claim that a stay is appropriate because the underlying issue is important. But that is beside the point and does not demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits. Simply calling an issue important — primarily because it involves the relationship of the political branches — does not transform the Executive’s weak arguments into a likelihood of success or a substantial appellate issue. Hence, the Court concludes that this prong of the stay pending appeal analysis cuts strongly in favor of the Committee.”
But I’m very skeptical that this will lead to a testimony anytime soon. I also agree with Kagro X who points out over at DailyKos: “Bates’ opinion, while ostensibly dealing with the Miers and Bolten cases, was clearly written with the Karl Rove contempt freshly in mind as well.”
August 27th, 2008 at 9:07 amAfghanistan’s opium harvest has dropped from last year’s record high, the United Nations announced Tuesday. … Poppy cultivation has dropped by 19 percent since 2007, and has fallen beneath 2006 levels as well.”
Yes, but is their childrens learnin?
August 27th, 2008 at 9:08 amEmbattled Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens “won the Republican primary in his home state” yesterday, “soundly defeating six Republican challengers.
Wow, the Republicans in Alaska must be drinking too much antifreeze.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:11 am**shakes head**
Will Biden blow the top off the DNC Convention tonight?
Dem Governors did a good job comparing reality to McCain last night. I hope Biden can elevate the passion even more this evening. Not sure what Bill Clinton will do, though. I don’t understand his lingering doubts about Obama, & now is the time to work through or past that and deliver a message of unity.
$10,000,000.00 = Indian Casino revenue siphoned by Abramoff.
18 months = Time in prison awaiting sentencing
Sentencing during RNC Convention = Priceless
August 27th, 2008 at 9:15 am“There’s quiet buzz in Washington this week that convicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and several colleagues — including scam-artist Michael Scanlon — will be sentenced soon for their roles in the 2005 tribes-and-bribes scandal.” The sentences “could come as early as next week, during the Republican convention.”
The Republicans will say “Jack who?”
hahahaha
This should also bring up the subject of why McCain never called Ralph Reed to testify before the committee when he was chairman. Yeah, that Reed who has been underhandedly raising funds for McCain.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:15 amSince when did marrying a millionaire get bundled with‘Earned’
Far be it from me to defend McNumbNuts but perhaps Mittens knows something we don’t know.
Could be that being married to a high-maintenance, drug-addicted b*tch like Cindy is hard, hard work.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:16 amFBI saw threat of mortgage crisis
A top official warned of widening loan fraud in 2004, but the agency focused its resources elsewhere.
Long before the mortgage crisis began rocking Main Street and Wall Street, a top FBI official made a chilling, if little-noticed, prediction: The booming mortgage business, fueled by low interest rates and soaring home values, was starting to attract shady operators and billions in losses were possible.
“It has the potential to be an epidemic,” Chris Swecker, the FBI official in charge of criminal investigations, told reporters in September 2004. But, he added reassuringly, the FBI was on the case. “We think we can prevent a problem that could have as much impact as the S&L crisis,” he said.
Today, the damage from the global mortgage meltdown has more than matched that of the savings-and-loan bailouts of the 1980s and early 1990s. By some estimates, it has made that costly debacle look like chump change. But it’s also clear that the FBI failed to avert a problem it had accurately forecast.
Banks and brokerages have written down more than $300 billion of mortgage-backed securities and other risky investments in the last year or so as homeowner defaults leaped and weakness in the real estate market spread.
snip
Now that the problems are out in the open, the government’s response strikes some veteran regulators as too little, too late.
Swecker, who retired from the FBI in 2006, declined to comment for this article.
But sources familiar with the FBI budget process, who were not authorized to speak publicly about the growing fraud problem, say that he and other FBI criminal investigators sought additional assistance to take on the mortgage scoundrels.
They ended up with fewer resources, rather than more.
In 2007, the number of agents pursuing mortgage fraud shrank to around 100. By comparison, the FBI had about 1,000 agents deployed on banking fraud during the S&L bust of the 1980s and ’90s, said Anthony Adamski, who oversaw financial crime investigations for the FBI at the time.
The FBI says it now has about 200 agents working on mortgage fraud, but critics say the agency might have averted much of the problem had it heeded its own warning.
read it all:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mortgagefraud25-2008aug25,0,6946937.story
**Someone should write about agent warnings ignored by the powers that be. How about the Minneapolis agent warning about known terrorists taking flying lessons? How about Sibel Edmonds who is still being ignored? And we are supposed to feel more secure? Are we comfortable about economic terrorists? Google FBI warnings ignored and take a look at the results. This is crazy!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:16 amJoe Scarborough just repeated the lie on his show that there “hasn’t been an attack on American soil since 9/11″.
Nevermind the ANTHRAX letters
Nevermind the DC Snipers
Nevermind that we provided them live targets in Iraq
What an asshat
August 27th, 2008 at 9:17 amThis is off topic and I apologize in advance but I have to vent my spleen.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:18 amYesterday was local elections and it is estimated that voter turn out was around 16% for the area. The polling place was like a ghost town.
I VOTED!
Where was everyone else?
Putin’s got his KGB.
America has it’s CGB…Cheney / George Bush.
Did Cheney setup the Georgian attack on South Ossetia?
Don’t bother keeping your eye on the ball…keep you eye on Cheney.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:20 amI am usually not a rah rah man, when it comes to politics or sports. Meaning, I don’t attend the pep rallies, until my team (or candidate) wins the championship.
That being said, last night I came across Hillary’s speech while channel surfing.
What a great f’ing inspirational speech!
I was proud of the way she handled herself and her devoted followers, as well as her criticism of McSame.
I think she may scare the beejezus out of the right, as she “ain’t going anywhere”.
Yes, I have been critical of her in the past, including calling her (R)-Lite. But her non grudge holding speech last night showed that “party before self” is more important now then ever.
Democrats. Progressives. Independents. True Moderates. Young adults. We cannot have 4 more years of this $hit.
Vote! Absentee, if needed!
VOTE!
Signed, a true Obamahead (proudly displaying his support in his yard) DRxJ!
PEACE!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:21 amFreedom Rebel Says:
One thing’s for sure: no one’s asking why they didn’t attack McSame today.
I for one though Hillary did an awesome job with her speech, hitting McCain hard on everything from the economy, health care, veteran issues, oil company pandering and becoming a Bush clone to try to get elected.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:22 amCouldn’t have said it better myself
Some days, Republicans just put a smile on your face, despite the stupid/evil conundrum.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan said the team of nearly two dozen staffers at the opposition headquarters will be “fact-checking” statements made by the Obama campaign and by speakers during the convention.
“Just consider this the Ministry of Truth,” quipped Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party.
Well, I was going to anyway, but thanks for the invitation.
http://pandagon.net/index.php/site/comments/couldnt_have_said_it_better_myself/
The Ministry of Truth is one of the four ministries that govern Oceania in George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. As with the other Ministries in the novel, the Ministry of Truth is a misnomer and in reality serves an opposing purpose to that which its name would imply, being responsible for the falsification of historical events; and yet is aptly named in a deeper sense, in that it creates/manufactures “truth” in the newspeak sense of the word.
The Ministry of Truth is involved with news media, entertainment, the fine arts and educational books. Its purpose is to rewrite history and change the facts to fit party doctrine, for propaganda effect.
I thought I would inject a little humor, this one had me ROTFL.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:23 amFormer Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney attacked Barack Obama for making an issue out of John McCain’s homes, arguing McCain earned his homes and Obama didn’t.
McCain “earned” his homes by sleeping around with the rich heiress of a beer fortune before divorcing his wife. Those kind of “earnings” make McCain a man-whore.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:28 amI noticed the line up for the Republican Convention next week in Minnesota.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:29 amMonday: George Bush. (Well, so much for McSame distancing himself from the Worst President Ever)
Tuesday: Rudy Giuliani. (Great. “9/11″ meets “POW”. Won’t that make for an interesting drinking game all across college campuses.)
Wednesday: Cindy McSame (drug hazed trollopy c*nt? Hate to say it, but I actually may watch this night, drinking anything but Budweiser)
Thursday: McSame (McBush. ’nuff said!)
tom Says:
Dang it, you beat me to it. Romney obvious knows something about Cindy the rest of us don’t.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:32 amWayne Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
One thing’s for sure: no one’s asking why they didn’t attack McSame today.
I for one though Hillary did an awesome job with her speech, hitting McCain hard on everything from the economy, health care, veteran issues, oil company pandering and becoming a Bush clone to try to get elected.
I was impressed Wayne. Hillary covered all the bases, I completely agree with you. She did such an awesome job to unite the party, I was really proud of her. She even made me shed a few tears when she was talking about specific people she had met while campaigning.
I hope Obama gives her a cabinet position.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:33 amRomney obvious knows something about Cindy the rest of us don’t.
When Mittens was a practicing polygamous Mormon, I think that Cindy was either his second or his third wife.
How appropriate. McNumbNuts is getting “sloppy seconds”.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:34 amDRxJ Says:
I noticed the line up for the Republican Convention next week in Minnesota.
And a truly exciting lineup it is. I can scarcely contain myself.
But where is Traitor Joe? Could it be that his name is left off because he’s actually the VP nominee?
August 27th, 2008 at 9:35 amFor all our Republic friends…
When arriving at the Mpls / St. Paul airport, be sure to stop by Larry Craig’s campaign booth.
Senator Craig’s office is right in the airport terminal. Just ask the attendant to show you to stall #6, right side of the aisle.
You won’t be greeted with a fist tap, however. Republics prefer foot taps as greetings.
Mr. Craig’s wide stance on greeting RNC Convention attendees is much appreciated by his Party.
If you pass by his stall, look for his cell # on the wall.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:37 amMcStink needs LIEberman just like “Charlie McCarthy” needed Edgar Bergen.
McLoser doesn’t know a Shiite from a Suuni.
jeesh.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:42 amBut where is Traitor Joe? Could it be that his name is left off because he’s actually the VP nominee?
Then the campaign can be officially dubbed:
“Grumpy Old Men”
August 27th, 2008 at 9:42 amIolair Says:
McCain “earned” his homes by sleeping around with the rich heiress of a beer fortune before divorcing his wife. Those kind of “earnings” make McCain a man-whore.
My sides are hurting and I almost ruined my keyboard. That’s what I get for drinking tea and reading comments…
Thanks for the laugh Iolair :)
August 27th, 2008 at 9:42 amEmbattled Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens “won the Republican primary in his home state” yesterday, “soundly defeating six Republican challengers.”
That just goes to show that the Republicans in Alaska care more about the pork that Stevens brings home than they do about the ethics of their Senator.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:43 amBrad Friedman – the S&R Q&A
MS: You’re the guy to ask: have you seen any progress in election certification on a national scale, or is it strictly regional improvements, or are you not seeing any improvements at all?
BF: I would pretty much say no improvements at all. And I hate to say it. On a federal level, there is sort of an incremental improvement, in that the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has put in place a new certification process which is much more stringent than the previous one. That said, apparently it’s so stringent that none of the machines have passed testing. And yet, one of the two Democratic appointees to the EAC, Gracia Hillman, wants to do away with that testing, wants to say “forget about this new procedure and let’s just let the machines work anyway.” And this is a Democrat, a Democratic appointee. So no, it’s not good. There have been incremental changes: states like California, you got a better secretary of state; Ohio, better secretary of state. But then you get Colorado here, and you got this yutz Mike Coffman who’s forced by a judge to test all of the machines, finds that none of them works, so he decertifies them and then he recertifies them. So you guys are in the same mess you were in four years ago here.
Read this entire interview:
http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2008/08/26/brad-friedman-the-sr-qa/
**I had read about this at Bradblog.com and, again, can’t figure why no coverage. You really need to visit Brad’s site once a day — especially now with the elections so close. Brad Friedman has been a tireless warrior to protect our voting rights!
August 27th, 2008 at 9:43 amRomney obvious knows something about Cindy the rest of us don’t.
When Mittens was a practicing polygamous Mormon, I think that Cindy was either his second or his third wife.
How appropriate. McNumbNuts is getting “sloppy seconds”.
And, if McNumbNuts selects Smokin’ Joe as his running-mate, he will elevate the meaning of “sloppy seconds” to a whole new level.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:45 amFreedom Rebel Says:
The Ministry of Truth is one of the four ministries that govern Oceania in George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.
What is so scary is that it seems the GOP has used 1984 as a blueprint for the last eight years. We cannot possibly survive 4 more years of these people and keep our Democracy.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:46 amOn the trail today: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has no public events.
I thought that McBush only took weekends off. This has been happening more and more lately with him taking off during the week too.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:46 amJimAK/Wilke must be SOOOOOO proud of his Teddy Boy!
Why should indictments keep a Repug in Alaska from running for office? That is just ‘business as usual’ there.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:47 amThere’s quiet buzz in Washington this week that convicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and several colleagues — including scam-artist Michael Scanlon — will be sentenced to attend the Republican Convention. Their lawyers plan to challenge the sentence on constitutional grounds, as it amounts to “cruel and unusual punishment”.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:47 amFormer Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney attacked Barack Obama for making an issue out of John McCain’s homes, arguing McCain earned his homes and Obama didn’t.
McBush “earned” his homes how? By marrying a Sugar Mama? And how does he think that Obama didn’t earn his home? What a tool Romney is. And he should be staying way away from any discussion about owning homes since he owns three luxury homes.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:48 amNow that I think about it, being married to Botox Cindy must be pretty difficult, so maybe McBush did earn his homes after all.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:48 am#16 LOL, the Republican walked right into that one. However, if the dimwit has ever read 1984, he may well think of it as a how-to book.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:49 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
On the trail today: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has no public events.
I thought that McBush only took weekends off. This has been happening more and more lately with him taking off during the week too.
Bilbo,
At his age, you need to conserve your limited energy for those 3 AM calls. But in his case, it is to get up and go pee, with that enlarged prostate and all.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:49 amgummitch Says:
——————————————————————————–
And a truly exciting lineup it is. I can scarcely contain myself.
But where is Traitor Joe? Could it be that his name is left off because he’s actually the VP nominee?
August 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am**Wow! Never crossed my mind. Very astute! I hope you are right. Joe would provide the Dems with so many reasons NOT to vote for McInsane!
Bair said “the swelling tide of toxic home loans is proving to be even more worrisome than initially feared,” adding that “we haven’t seen the trough of the credit cycle yet.”
I’m sort of confused as to how this is happening. These people start out their loans with teaser rates and then when they expire, the banks raise their rates into usury territory, sometimes as high as 15-18%. The banks have to know that will cause the homeowner to default. Why don’t they raise their rates to a rate comparable to what is out there today. Then the homeowner could keep their home and the bank still gets paid.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:50 amIs Cheney going to show up at 2AM? — just like all vampires?
August 27th, 2008 at 9:51 amFreedom Rebel Says:
Harriet Miers Must Testify, Judge Says
A federal judge denied the White House’s last-ditch attempt to block a former aide from testifying before Congress as part of the investigation into the U.S. Attorney scandal…
But I’m very skeptical that this will lead to a testimony anytime soon.
_________________
Well Holy Shi-ite… what is Miers worried about? All she has to do is show and say over and over again that she can’t remember anything. The Dems will then issue yet another harshly worded letter. Conyers will then personally serve the ice cream and cookies as Botch presents Miers w/ her very own, personal Medal of Freedumb™, which in this case will be creamy milk chocolate covered w/ gold foil.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:51 amMitt Romney “earned” his fortune by being born.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:51 amMutt Rummey owns at least 4 luxury homes — and I go by one of them in Belmont, Massachusetts everytime I go out to eat to my favorite Italian restaurant in Waltham
August 27th, 2008 at 9:53 amI’m am very, very proud of Hillary Clinton. Now THAT was a great speech, cheapens the republican ads of looking back to our agonizing primaries. It also cancels out the agony.
I say, Hillary for either Secretary of H&HS or Labor.
Note: I noticed RHF was spewing it real hard last night. Make no mistake — RHF is a McCain voter and he is very demeaning toward Obama and his supporters. His fury was unleashed extra hard on party unity night, so that should tell you something. I need to write Faiz about this psycho so he doesn’t continue to crap on our threads. He’s good for making some comments worth recommending and attacking the trolls, but he’s full and irony and you don’t know when he’s going to explode. I’ve also noticed he’s more comfortable staying on the attack when he knows the poster is a woman. Otherwise he drops his load and slithers away. I hope it gets the mental help he needs.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amshoeless Says:
Mitt Romney “earned” his fortune by being born.
_____________
What’s really obnoxious here is that rich twits like Mittens actually believe that sort of gibberish. I’ve known some pretty rich folk and some of them do indeed believe that the fact that they were born rich means they deserve that money.
I’m not kidding.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:57 amWayne Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
The Ministry of Truth is one of the four ministries that govern Oceania in George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.
What is so scary is that it seems the GOP has used 1984 as a blueprint for the last eight years. We cannot possibly survive 4 more years of these people and keep our Democracy.
Wayne, Exactly it is their instruction manual. People have to start doing research into this. They would be totally shocked. I agree we can’t possibly survive anymore of this trashing of the constitution.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:59 amThis from Yahoo “Mark Warner got back to the old, fully forgettable keynote rhetoric.”
Same old pathetic sh*t from the Democrats, christ I need another party!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:00 amPerhaps when Mitt says McCain “earned” his homes he is referring to how he managed to turn his Senate salary into 10 homes on 8 properties. It takes a lot of work to get that much income in bribes.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:00 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
Why don’t they raise their rates to a rate comparable to what is out there today. Then the homeowner could keep their home and the bank still gets paid.
Pure unadulterated greed, Bilbo, pure unadulterated greed.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:04 amSo, let me guess. The Rethuglican Convention will be all about the issues.
hehehe.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:05 am(can’t stop laughing!)
Actually, I believe our beloved Mittens has 7 houses, same as McSame.
Did he ‘earn’ them?
Hmmm, let’s see…Daddy was CEO of American Motors Co., right?
Little Mittens was overwhelmed when Daddy let him see ‘people working’. Seeing people actually working was a little like going to the Circus for Mittens. He could see freaks sweating, women wearing pants and even kids his own age working. Wow! What a sight.
Mittens was in awe of Daddy. He had no idea Daddy ruled all those people.
Indeed, Mittens earned his 7 houses. Housed of the Holy, he likes to call them. Of course, nobody sweats in them; that would be bad taste.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:06 amWillard Romney: Born with a Silver Spoon in his mouth and a Bible in his Right hand.
re: Hillary Clinton’s speech
There were two points that she made that stuck with me after the speech
1-”The Supreme Court (is) in a right-wing headlock”
2-”To..make our government an instrument of the public good, not of private plunder”
She also broght something to the table that has been lacking in the Obama campaign to date. Witty bumper-sticker style sound bites. These seemingly inocuous tid-bits have been a great asset to the GOP and are something we need to see more of if we hope to garner the LIVs.
I would love to see Hillary Clinton nominated for Supreme Court Justice. What better move to piss off the GOP for years to come than to have a Clinton hold a life-long position of power and influence for the social betterment and judicial equality of our Nation? Unless, of course, Senator Obama has a “Health Czar” position in mind for her in his cabinet.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:07 amrocks911 Says:
This from Yahoo “Mark Warner got back to the old, fully forgettable keynote rhetoric.”
Same old pathetic sh*t from the Democrats, christ I need another party!
The Democrats aren’t running just for you. They are running for this country. And most people in this country would like to see a little bi-partisanship in order to fix the things that are broken. You, on the other hand, would love to see our political system continually in all out war.
I think that the Democrats came out with a good balance last night. Plenty of McBush bashing but also some reasonable appeals to the voters.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:07 amHonestly, You should be confused. Its meant to be confusing. The reason the banks dont lower those rates is because they’ve already sold the debt. It used to be that ACTUAL banks issued loans that they were reasonably sure could be repaid.
The problem now is that in addition to REAL banks, there are mortgage banks that don’t give a damn about any sort of due dilligence. Why should they. They make their money off throwing a lot of mortgages into a bucket and selling them to a third party. This frees up their reserves so that they can issue more mortgages.
These bundles of mortgages are then tranched and sold to investors as Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS).
So to answer your question, the bank doesnt care about the terms of the loan and the investors get caught holding the small stick (unless you’re Bear Sterns and you’re ‘too big to fail’)
If you think this was a catastrof**k waiting to happen, next episode Ill discuss the retardedness of CDOs…
August 27th, 2008 at 10:09 amKay Says:
Is Cheney going to show up at 2AM? — just like all vampires?
I am wondering if Cheney is going his Alice Cooper act, biting heads off puppies and kittens, then throwing them to the crowd, giving the other undead snacks. Daryll will probably be in the mosh pit showing his tits, lol
August 27th, 2008 at 10:10 amMitt Romney attacked Barack Obama for making an issue out of John McCain’s homes, arguing McCain earned his homes and Obama didn’t.
Anyone who thought mannequins have brain power should be fired for letting one on the air.
For starters, Obama qualified for the mortage of that home with his job and Michelle’s, both top positions which were attained through hard work.
As to who earns the money to pay it off, McCain didn’t earn that money, and Cindy inherited her fortune and continues to draw an easy salary in the family business. I’m sure she rarely puts in a hard day’s work.
Obama is making money off his books because they tell the story of someone who’s had to WORK TO EARN everything he’s got.
Got news for your Mittens, nobody smart considers hedge fund enterprising to be real work.
I hope you’re picked, Mitt. You’re a real joke for a debater. I need to see Joe Biden rip you to shreds so that it will have a lasting effect on you beyond your party’s loss in November.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:12 amMittens and GDumbya are a lot alike in at least one respect.
They were both born on third base . . . and grew up thinking that they hit a home run.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:12 amThe Republic of Stupidity Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
Harriet Miers Must Testify, Judge Says
A federal judge denied the White House’s last-ditch attempt to block a former aide from testifying before Congress as part of the investigation into the U.S. Attorney scandal…
But I’m very skeptical that this will lead to a testimony anytime soon.
_________________
Well Holy Shi-ite… what is Miers worried about? All she has to do is show and say over and over again that she can’t remember anything. The Dems will then issue yet another harshly worded letter. Conyers will then personally serve the ice cream and cookies as Botch presents Miers w/ her very own, personal Medal of Freedumb™, which in this case will be creamy milk chocolate covered w/ gold foil.
I agree she really doesn’t have much to worry about, because she will just invoke EP to the questions she doesn’t want to answer. Plus this is going to be tied up in appeals and extensions. I bet Meirs won’t have to appear til about December or Jan.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:14 amFreedom Rebel Says:
I bet Meirs won’t have to appear til about December or Jan.
Right… December, 2009, or 2010… Shiiiiiiiiit… we’ll prolly, actually be gone from Iraq before she testifies…
Mission Accomplished!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:18 amWayne Says:
Daryll will probably be in the mosh pit showing his tits, lol
___________
Oh geez, Wayne… t’anks A LOT for that little visual. You just set my clock back at least a couple of hours w/ that one.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:20 amIndeed, I am looking forward to Joe Biden tonight. Every time he speaks, the republicans will be scrambling.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:21 amYou know, I understand your cynical outlook on this. After all ollie walked and so will many of these crooks but I have to believe that so much criminal activity will eventually result in some of these people having to take the fall….miers is a perfect candidate to be thrown under the bus.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:22 amMcCain earned those houses in the Wedding Chapel, Mitt.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:24 amThe Republic of Stupidity Says:
——————————————————————————–
Freedom Rebel Says:
I bet Meirs won’t have to appear til about December or Jan.
Right… December, 2009, or 2010… Shiiiiiiiiit… we’ll prolly, actually be gone from Iraq before she testifies…
Mission Accomplished!!!
Exactly, what is the point….
August 27th, 2008 at 10:24 amA Patriot Acting Says:
Unless, of course, Senator Obama has a “Health Czar” position in mind for her in his cabinet.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:07 am
_____
Ugh. Can we retire the whole “czar” thing already? Somehow the idea of invoking Russian/Slavic monarchy for an unelected and unappointed high government position seems to me just a bit undemocratic.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:26 amFreedom Rebel Says:
I bet Meirs won’t have to appear til about December or Jan.
Question: If Meirs, Bolten, Rove are successful in running out the clock, and King George issue blanket pardons before any specific charges have been leveled? And if so, how can that be constitutional? (sorry, that’s actually not meant to be as funny as it reads…)
PEACE
August 27th, 2008 at 10:27 amand…how has anything during past year during this Criminal Admin adhered to Constitutional principles?
Of course, neither was the FISA Amendments of 2008…
August 27th, 2008 at 10:30 amtom Says:
Mittens and GDumbya are a lot alike in at least one respect.
They were both born on third base . . . and grew up thinking that they hit a home run.
Except, as noted last night in Denver; Bush stole SECOND!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:30 amoops. #67 I meant past 8 years.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:30 amI fear that the tone of the convention and history will confirm FR and RHF’s predictions. I think the democrats will move forward and try to fix the mess just as they have always done in the past.
I also think this is a mistake…..just my opinion. I just think that if there had been consequenses in the iran/contra, s&l, etc. that those same crooks would not have surfaced again to continue the damage to our once great country.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:32 amFreedom Rebel Says:
Exactly, what is the point….
August 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
______
Prosecution of political doesn’t end just because the politicians leave office. Alberto Fujimori was just recently sentenced to prison for crimes committed while he was president of Peru eight years ago. Augusto Pinochet was indicted in 2006 for kidnapping, murder, and torture while he was president of Chile from 1973-1990 (though he died before justice could be served). And Charles Taylor is on trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity during his 1997-2003 reign in Liberia.
There’s precedent for indicting and trying a former president, for crimes committed during his administration, years after he’s out of office. January 2009 isn’t the closing of a door – it’s the opening of one.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:35 amPlease, Mittens ! ! ! ! ! ! Come on board! ! ! ! ! !
Window shops will love the extra business! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
August 27th, 2008 at 10:39 amFirst sentence should’ve been “Prosecution of political criminals doesn’t end just because the politicians leave office.” Oopies!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:40 amspencers mom Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
I bet Meirs won’t have to appear til about December or Jan.
Question: If Meirs, Bolten, Rove are successful in running out the clock, and King George issue blanket pardons before any specific charges have been leveled? And if so, how can that be constitutional? (sorry, that’s actually not meant to be as funny as it reads…)
PEACE
Good Morning spencers mom :)
I agree it’s not. But with the way things have been progressing the democrats needed to jump on this issue alot sooner. Plus the DC Circuit is going to be involved, from there you get 60 days to appeal, plus I know they will apply for an extension on to that.
Addington I’m sure is upset and scrambling because of this decision but the clock is ticking. On this partical issue, I have become very skepitcal because how this has been handled.
If it were me, I would slap them with a contempt charge and get the US Marshal’s to bring them both in.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am#68 Except, as noted last night in Denver; Bush stole SECOND!
Actually, BushCO stole the first (election) and the second (election)
August 27th, 2008 at 10:40 amBilbo, those teaser rates are predicated on the owner refinancing before the balloon payment comes due–or flipping the house.
It was turning everybody into speculators.
What did the banks care? They would write the mortgage and immediately resell it. What did it matter if the family couldn’t pay? The reinsurers didn’t ven glance at the loan, let alone inspect it.
And they bundled these bad loans into creative new financial instruments and resold them.
The banks quite honestly didn’t feel they were screwing the little guy–they were screwing the reinsurers and making billions.
But then the music stopped, and people had to hold on to the hot potatoes instead of handing them off at a profit.
It’s precisely like the crash of 29, with all sorts of wheeler dealers sitting there with stocks no one would be–except that people this time are living in them.
And of course Wahington elite’s reaction is ,”Oh! Those poor speculators! We must do something!”
August 27th, 2008 at 10:43 amMcCain earned his home by marrying a millionaire. Care to detail exactly what services he provided to his wife, Romney?
Obama earned the bulk of his money by writing books. Last I checked that was considered a reasonable way to earn a living.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:46 am#71 hussein toasterhead Says:
Freedom Rebel Says:
Exactly, what is the point….
August 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
______
Prosecution of political doesn’t end just because the politicians leave office. Alberto Fujimori was just recently sentenced to prison for crimes committed while he was president of Peru eight years ago. Augusto Pinochet was indicted in 2006 for kidnapping, murder, and torture while he was president of Chile from 1973-1990 (though he died before justice could be served). And Charles Taylor is on trial at the Hague for crimes against humanity during his 1997-2003 reign in Liberia.
There’s precedent for indicting and trying a former president, for crimes committed during his administration, years after he’s out of office. January 2009 isn’t the closing of a door – it’s the opening of one.
I agree with you under normal circumstances completely. :)
But, the reason I feel this way is because nothing would surprise me if Bush doesn’t hand out blanket pardons if they don’t run out the clock on this matter.
They have gotten away with so much at this point without even a slap on the wrist. I truly wish it were true on this issue as you stated “it’s the opening of one” (door). I’m not usually skeptical but it’s hard not to be when it comes to Meirs.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:50 am“There’s quiet buzz in Washington this week that convicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and several colleagues — including scam-artist Michael Scanlon — will be sentenced soon for their roles in the 2005 tribes-and-bribes scandal.”
Let’s hope these are just two in a long line of rolling GOP heads.
http://progressiveworldreview.com
August 27th, 2008 at 10:51 amSomething’s rotten in Denver:
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/8/27/headlines
August 27th, 2008 at 10:52 amThe weather forecasters are saying there’s a good shot that the Hurricane in Haiti will probably blow right into New Orleans as a CAT 3 hurricane…right in the middle of the Republican Convention.Those folks better be getting out of there RIGHT NOW!!! I worry for all of them. How will they handle THAT again (Bush Admin) ??
August 27th, 2008 at 10:59 amBugging phones in Denver at the DNC?? Someone say, “Watergate”?
August 27th, 2008 at 11:00 amBreaking News:
Abramoff will be the opening night’s keynote speaker…
August 27th, 2008 at 11:02 amTed Stevens will be the second night’s keynote speaker…
Theme:
“Disgrace under Fire”
August 27th, 2008 at 11:04 amThe Republic of Stupidity Says:
Wayne Says:
Daryll will probably be in the mosh pit showing his tits, lol
___________
Oh geez, Wayne… t’anks A LOT for that little visual. You just set my clock back at least a couple of hours w/ that one.
Sorry, hope you have lots of brillo pads handy, lol
August 27th, 2008 at 11:08 amHRC did a good job in her speech last night — the only criticisms I have is that she didn’t hit McCain hard enough, and she didn’t emphasize that Obama is indeed READY!
August 27th, 2008 at 11:14 amRepugs are a little concerned about matching up their Veep with Biden — too bad, so sad.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:15 amFormer Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney attacked Barack Obama for making an issue out of John McCain’s homes, arguing McCain earned his homes and Obama didn’t.
Oh… my… freaking… God…
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
So very, very many naughty (and absolutely hilarious) thoughts, so little time…
August 27th, 2008 at 11:23 amYea, I know its easy to take pot shots at Cindy McCain but, in spite of her appearance and past history, she’s done a lot of good. I’m going to say Mitts was referring to POW POW POW!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 11:25 amWayne Says:
Sorry, hope you have lots of brillo pads handy, lol
__________
Do we know what the phrase “retinal burn” means, Wayne? Huh? DO WE???
August 27th, 2008 at 11:29 amLike what?
August 27th, 2008 at 11:41 amTroops execute Iraq retainees
I’m saddened, but not surprised. After all, this is the administration that not only supports torture, it encourages it!
August 27th, 2008 at 11:46 amAnd let’s be honest, Abu Grhaib was not just a bunch of young kids acting out fraternity pranks.
It was ordered from the higher ups (Rusmfeld)
made a lot of money for Clairol (Bleached Blonde Bimbos)
August 27th, 2008 at 11:47 amhussein toasterhead Says:
Something’s rotten in Denver:
Hey TP, you COULD be reporting on this type of news from the DNC without violating you “foundation status”.
??????
But keep the tit-for-tat topics like “greek columns” used to decorate a political event coming! Everyone enjoys a big meatball once in a while.
??????
(thanks HT)
August 27th, 2008 at 11:49 amFred Says:
shades Says:
Yea, I know its easy to take pot shots at Cindy McCain but, in spite of her appearance and past history, she’s done a lot of good.
Like what?
I heard something recently about Cindy’s work with kids with cleft palates, especially in poor countries overseas.
I think that picking on Cindy for being rich or for being a Stepford wife is tacky. I’m more than willing to criticize her for her behavior if I hear of her being nasty about the Obamas, but criticizing her for being a more-or-less typical Republican politician’s wife? It seems pointless.
I haven’t heard her criticizing others for adultery, which would obviously be hypocritical. In fact, I really haven’t heard anything from her at all, which is what I expect from the Pat Nixon/Nancy Reagan school of politics.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:54 amgummitch Says:
I was just curious as to whether she had any redeeming qualitiies….first I had heard of any republican woman doing anything positive for anyone except themselves. Re: war on drugs, etc.
She has however entered the arena. She is the major source of funding for mccain….
August 27th, 2008 at 12:00 pmCan you believe they took that picture? It’s like a gang of bank robbers stopping to pose for the security camera.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:01 pmHillary Clinton for Supreme Court Justice!!
August 27th, 2008 at 12:02 pmWell when your busy stealing drugs from your not for profit it’s hard work making up lies like Mother Theresa told me to adopt that kid.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pmHi all.
August 27th, 2008 at 1:00 pmSo Stevens won? Sometimes I think the moose in Alaska have more smarts than the voters.
JimAKa Wilkes must have tied one on after his sugar daddy won. I haven’t heard from him yet.
take care
tony and lido
#53,
Bipartisanship requires TWO parties to make concessions, the Republicans don’t, period. Grow up and get real.
August 27th, 2008 at 1:06 pm