ThinkFast: October 21, 2008
ThinkFast: October 21, 2008
After watching conservatives usher in the biggest expansion of government since FDR, the Washington Times asks, “Is limited government passe?” The concern for some conservatives “is that America may no longer care about the government’s size, scope and role.”
Yesterday, U.S. Special Counsel Scott Bloch announced his intention to resign when his term ends in January. Bloch, tasked with protecting federal whistle-blowers, is currently under investigation for retaliating against “employees who opposed his policies.” The FBI raided his home and office last year “amid allegations that he destroyed evidence and potentially lied to Congress.”
“Despite his stated desire to close the American prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, President Bush has decided not to do so, and never considered proposals drafted in the State Department and the Pentagon that outlined options for transferring the detainees elsewhere.” Bush is assuming that Guantánamo will remain open not only for the rest of his presidency, “but also well beyond.”
“More families with children are becoming homeless as they face mounting economic pressures, including mortgage foreclosures, according to a USA TODAY survey of a dozen of the largest cities in the nation.” Local authorities report an increase in families needing help in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, and New York, among others.
14 days to go: Barack Obama holds rallies in Lake Worth and Miami, FL. John McCain is in Bensalem, Harrisburg and Moon Township, PA.
Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) “admitted during his corruption trial that he used his Senate staff for personal duties, a possible violation of ethics rules according to experts.” Stevens and his wife Catherine said that one of his aides “coordinated the couple’s finances, paid their bills and helped monitor the home remodeling project central to the charges against him.”
The majority of states are now either in or are “dangerously close to recession.” Mark Zandi of Moody’s Economy.com says that 27 states are in recession and another 14 are near recession.
“John McCain’s campaign has directed $175,000 to the firm of a Republican operative accused of massive voter registration fraud in several states.”
A federal appeals court Monday blocked the release of 17 Chinese Muslims from Guantanamo Bay into the United States, saying it needed to hear further arguments. On Oct. 7, a federal judge had ordered the immediate release of the detainees, who the Bush administration no longer considers to be enemy combatants, and who have been held at the prison for seven years.
Even though the new GI Bill passed by Congress is called the “Post-9/11 GI Bill,” the new legislation “won’t take effect until Aug. 1, 2009 — eight years after” the 9/11 attacks. By that time, some who served in Iraq or Afghanistan will have already graduated from college. “And because the bill is not retroactive, it won’t help [them] at all.”
And finally: In recent weeks, conservatives have been aggressively attacking the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), saying that it is “destroying the fabric of democracy.” However, Roll Call notes that “the effects of those attacks have been spilling over to other similarly named groups.” Five local papers near Los Angeles, known as the “Acorn newspapers” after the oak tree nut, “even had to write an editorial clarifying that they’re not THAT Acorn.”
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In other news, angry gangs of Republicans, armed with torches, set fire to groves of oak trees in parks and forests across the country.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:08 amIf you like small governent, vote Democratic.
Government grows more under Republicans than under Democrats. Two Democratic administrations--Truman and Clinton--actually made the Federal government smaller.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:09 amHow will those be helped that have already lost their homes in this current economic turmoil? By the time Obama gets sworn in (assuming the voting is not too badly fixed as we have seen already) how many more will lose their homes?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:11 amAfter watching conservatives usher in the biggest expansion of government since FDR, the Washington Times asks, “Is limited government passe?”
Here's how it works:
Socialism for the wealthy.
Capitalism for the poor.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:11 amBush is assuming that Guantánamo will remain open not only for the rest of his presidency, “but also well beyond.”
Can you say 'out of touch'?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:12 am#1 LOL...758,000 recently unemployed formed bucket brigade's to put the fires....Blessings
October 21st, 2008 at 9:13 amAnd what's with McIIIrd campaigning in a state he's down by 12 in>? Shouldn't he be in VA, NC, CO, IN, WV???
OR has he actually given up and wants to become a penguins/steelers fan?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:14 amBush is assuming that Guantánamo will remain open not only for the rest of his presidency, “but also well beyond.”
Six months into Obama's presidency, half of Bush's "policies" (strategery more like) will be erased. Guess he doesn't understand that the next President will inheret his "special powers" too. Silly god-complexed Chimperor...
In four years, the only legacy W will have left will be WORST PRESIDENT EVER.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:14 amshoeless @#! Nice. Heh...
October 21st, 2008 at 9:14 am“More families with children are becoming homeless as they face mounting economic pressures, including mortgage foreclosures, according to a USA TODAY survey of a dozen of the largest cities in the nation.”
The majority of states are now either in or are “dangerously close to recession.” Mark Zandi of Moody’s Economy.com says that 27 states are in recession and another 14 are near recession.
Sounds more like what I've read about the Great Depression - Hooverville and breadlines - than any Recession.
They can put lipstick on their pig all they want, but it's still been a Recession for everyone except the top 10% for the last year.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:16 amSorry, #6 missing OUT. not enough coffee..Blessings
October 21st, 2008 at 9:17 amFive local papers near Los Angeles, known as the “Acorn newspapers” after the oak tree nut, “even had to write an editorial clarifying that they’re not THAT Acorn.”
I've begun to wonder how many of those ACORN signatures were obtained or created by Republicans looking to create a Democratic scandal for the sake of diverting from all of theirs...
October 21st, 2008 at 9:17 amRUCerious Says: And what’s with McIIIrd campaigning in a state he’s down by 12 in>? Shouldn’t he be in VA, NC, CO, IN, WV???
I saw that he's given up on Colorado. Colorado!
I agree, unless they steal this one BIG, there will be a landslide on the 4th. And if they steal it big, and Obama questions it, there could be a good chance that they screw that up too and get caught.
But I won't hold my breath that the Supremes will serve justice and fix it...
October 21st, 2008 at 9:22 am“More families with children are becoming homeless as they face mounting economic pressures, including mortgage foreclosures, according to a USA TODAY survey of a dozen of the largest cities in the nation.”
Wait a minute, didn't Perino tell us that there is only a recession in a few parts of this country?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:24 amThe concern for some conservatives “is that America may no longer care about the government’s size, scope and role.”
Okay, so when 120+ million Americans come out to vote next month, we should infer that they are doing so to register their lack of care about what the government does...
This just goes to show how utterly out of touch conservatives are.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:25 amO.T.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:25 amYesterday I was at business that happened to have cnn on one of their tubes.
They were showing flippy mcspin with a large caption at the bottom of the screen stating 'Right Where He Wants to Be'.
Kind of sent a shudder.
Especially after hearing Spoonamore.
...his wife Catherine said that one of his aides “coordinated the couple’s finances, paid their bills and helped monitor the home remodeling project central to the charges against him.
Oh, I get it. Now it's going to be this hapless employee's fault that they didn't notice that they weren't getting bills for the work done on their house.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:25 amI just read that Obama's grandmother is ill -- and he has canceled campaign events on Thursday and Friday in order to fly to Hawaii to spend time with her. No details have been released about her illness as a mark of respect for the family's privacy, but it's reported that her illness is very serious.
This is a woman who helped raise Obama, and whom he credited during his DNC acceptance speech as having "poured all of herself into me". My thoughts and prayers go out to the Obama family at this time, and I sincerely hope that this woman will be able to hang on long enough to see the man she "poured all of herself into" be elected President of the United States.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:28 amEven though the new GI Bill passed by Congress is called the “Post-9/11 GI Bill,” the new legislation “won’t take effect until Aug. 1, 2009...
So how in the hell did that happen? I was under the understanding that it would be retroactive to everyone who had served in Iraq. Wonderful. By the time this bill goes into effect we will be pretty much out of there. So everyone who served there, lost body parts, have PSD, aren't going to get diddly squat. Someone needs to do something to fix this.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:29 amListening to Randi last night, something like 30% of the biggest corporations in America pay 0% in income taxes.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:29 amSocialism for corporate fascist America, bread lines for the rest of us.
Threatening Packages, Messages Received Following Brunner's Legal Tussles With State Republicans
Website Set to 'Static Mode' Due to 'Security Breaches'; Investigation Launched by State Police...
The website of the Ohio Secretary of State is being set to "static mode" following a recent series of "security breach" attempts, as well as suspicious packages and a number of death threats sent to the office, according to a press release issued late this afternoon. (Posted in full at end of this article.)
The threats against Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office come in the wake of a rash of recent burglaries and vandalism at ACORN offices in Massachusetts and Seattle, as well as death threats delivered to a number of their workers following much-hyped media reports of "voter fraud" by the community organization. The attacks against the group escalated following the Republican Presidential nominee John McCain's comments about ACORN "voter fraud" at a recent rally, and his extraordinary allegation that ACORN was "on the verge of maybe perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history in this country, maybe destroying the fabric of democracy" at last week's Presidential debate.
Notably, there has been no actual evidence of any such "voter fraud" by ACORN, simply allegations by many on the right.
The recent threats against Brunner and her office follow on criticism from state Republicans, who have launched a number of legal suits against her during the final weeks leading up to this November's election...
Brunner's announcement notes the OH SoS website has been temporarily placed into "static mode with limited functionality as a precaution," while an investigation has been launched by her office and state police into the recent threatening incidents.
"Unfortunately, [the attacks on the website are] not the first instance of direct assault on the operations of the Secretary of State's office," the press release states. "In recent weeks, phone lines and e-mail channels have been barraged, even in the business filings section of the office, with menacing messages and even threats of harm or death. Last week, a suspicious package covered with threatening messages and containing an unidentified powder was mailed to the Secretary of State's office via the previous location of the Client Services Center. "
Brunner, a Democrat, has been in a recent series of legal clashes instigated by the Ohio Republican Party and a number of their surrogates. She most recently won a decision at the Supreme Court concerning GOP allegations of fraudulently registered voters in the Buckeye State.
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6539#more-6539
**Verbal threats and challenges are one thing but actual attacks are something else. Things are really over the top right now. McCain campain and RNC have given money to a group that has been accused of destroying any Dem registrations and only turning in repukes. Brad blog also has much about the man who was arrested yesterday near L.A. He is suspected of "slamming" Dem voters and secretly registering them as repuke. I guess desperation makes people do things they otherwise might NOT do??? Nah, these crooks would have done this anyway.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:29 am“John McCain’s campaign has directed $175,000 to the firm of a Republican operative accused of massive voter registration fraud in several states.”
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Would somebody please explain why voter registration fraud by Democratic operatives destroy the fabric of democracy, but voter registration fraud by Republican operatives is an accepted way of life?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:31 amRUCerious Says:
And what’s with McIIIrd campaigning in a state he’s down by 12 in>? Shouldn’t he be in VA, NC, CO, IN, WV???
Since his campaign is no longer about winning, but is now aimed at vilifying Obama so that when he takes office he will be weakened in his ability to get things done. I believe, though, that the Republicans are misjudging Obama's ability to bring people together and to inspire them.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:32 amObama opens 8-point lead over McCain
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrat Barack Obama has opened an 8-point lead over Republican John McCain two weeks before the U.S. presidential election, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Tuesday.
It was the second consecutive day that Obama gained ground on McCain as the two head into the final sprint to the November 4 election.
Obama, an Illinois senator, expanded his lead among two key swing groups. His advantage with independent voters grew from 11 to 15 points, and his edge with women voters grew from 8 to 13 points.
"Maybe this is the Powell effect," Zogby said. "That wasn't just an endorsement, that was a pretty powerful statement."
LINK
October 21st, 2008 at 9:32 amBush's War on Whistleblowers will soon be over.
With investigative journalism six feet under, whistleblowers are the public's main source for Bush's crapping on laws and the Constitution.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:32 amI bet McCain either says something stupidly insensitive, or tries to 'one up' him:
October 21st, 2008 at 9:33 am
#misshusseinmolly Says:
I just read that Obama’s grandmother is ill — and he has canceled campaign events on Thursday and Friday in order to fly to Hawaii to spend time with her.
I am curious as to why TP didn't report this last night. As a matter of fact, now that I think about it, they really don't publish anything that directly relates to Obama. Is that a hold-over from their Hillary backing or does it have something to do with their tax status?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:35 amACORN ARRESTS FOR VOTER FRAUD = 0
REPUBLICAN ARRESTS FOR VOTER FRAUD = 1
its your to lose dems.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:36 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says
October 21st, 2008 at 9:24 am
Wait a minute, didn’t Perino tell us that there is only a recession in a few parts of this country?
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You have to understand that "few" is defined a bit differently in Bushland. There it means "not all". And they know it's "not all" because there's no recession INSIDE the White House.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:36 amGrandmothers across the nation are seeing what a wonderful grandson Barak Obama is.
This will do 2 things politically:
#1 it counters the 'scary black man' meme they are trying to push via robocalls
#2 it reminds the racists that he is half white - I've always said they should vote for the white half
Hope Defeats Hate in 2008:
October 21st, 2008 at 9:39 am(the video giving Repubs heartburn and Dems the warm fuzzies)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfZxP3hOCcc
Progressive Jazz (with RantingTommy on piano):
http://ere.digi-one.com
Bilbo Hussein Baggins Says: I am curious as to why TP didn’t report this last night. ...or does it have something to do with their tax status?
TP can just follow the church's lead.... preach from the pulpit, while telling the govt to go fu*k themselves under the cloak of patriotism.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:39 amHate-mongering has become the last, desperate tool of the failed Republican machine!
October 21st, 2008 at 9:40 amAnd the beat goes on Says:
**Verbal threats and challenges are one thing but actual attacks are something else. Things are really over the top right now.
It's just a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or even killed in this hateful climate the Republicans have created. And when it happens, McCain/Palin will say "It's not our fault, we didn't tell people to go out and do that".
I read an article about a TV reporter who had a minor role in the movie W who was found severely beaten in her home. Any bets on that being retaliation for her appearance in the movie?
October 21st, 2008 at 9:40 amThe concern for some conservatives “is that America may no longer care about the government’s size, scope and role.”
I think it's the role of government and not so much the size. Large or small, an efficient government works best. A non-example of efficiency is our defense budget exceeding the operating budgets of x countries combined, with $1 trillion unaccounted for. Take from the 3rd and final debate: If John McCain opposes throwing money at the cause of education, why is he not speaking of the wasteful mismanagement at DoD? Defense is an initiative like any other in the government, does throwing money at his favored department automatically bolster our safety? Would his spending "hatchet" freeze include gutting out waste at the defense department?
When government works against the people (e.g., warrantless wiretaps and blacklisting, arcane no-fly lists) they're not looking at whether government as a whole is "too big" they're usually singling out the departments/agencies of concern.
A big, efficient government is better than a small, hostile government that looks the other way of civil liberties and positive societal development.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:40 am#Fan of Man Says:
TP can just follow the church’s lead…. preach from the pulpit, while telling the govt to go fu*k themselves under the cloak of patriotism.
And you will notice that the government isn't doing squat about it. Just another mess for Obama to fix.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:41 amDieNowForPeace Says: Obama opens 8-point lead over McCain
I spoke to a former co-worker yesterday who is a life-long Southern Republican. She's voting for Obama. She only had two concerns. She still thinks he's a Muslim, and she's worried that his election will give 'the blacks' a sense of superiority over whites.
I reminded her that I work at a predominantly black college and that I can attest to the fact that black people are no different than white people. Because nothing has happened to me in the five months that I've worked there, she was convinced that there's no underground black revolution brewing.
However, she still thinks he's a Muslim...
October 21st, 2008 at 9:43 amFan of Man Says:
ACORN ARRESTS FOR VOTER FRAUD = 0
REPUBLICAN ARRESTS FOR VOTER FRAUD = 1
its your to lose dems.
Fan: Don't perpetuate the error that the Republicans are making. It's not "voter fraud", it's "voter registration fraud."
October 21st, 2008 at 9:43 amThe scum of the scum are being called out of their private reserve units to arms by General McCain. You're wearing this McCain, I don't care what hateful duties you delegate to your sociopath shit veep nominee. The southern types are plagued with taking orders only and never think for themselves.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:52 amRE: BEATGOESON @#21
October 21st, 2008 at 9:55 amThe republican party fringe, in their desperation to hold onto power, are becoming domestic terrorists.
unbelievable Says
October 21st, 2008 at 9:43 am
However, she still thinks he’s a Muslim…
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This may actually be a good sign -- if she thinks Obama is a Muslim but is voting for him anyway. Perhaps being a Muslim isn't all that bad in her book.
And that's as it should be. Being a Muslim isn't any worse than being a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, a Buddhist, or an atheist. It's sickening that the Muslim label is used as some kind of slur.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:59 amDoc Rock Says
October 21st, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hate-mongering has become the last, desperate tool of the failed Republican machine!
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While I agree that hate and fear are probably all the GOP has left, I'm not so sure they reserve these as their "last, desperate" tools. The hate and fear machine is what drives them even when things are going well for them.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:02 amI reminded her that I work at a predominantly black college and that I can attest to the fact that black people are no different than white people. Because nothing has happened to me in the five months that I’ve worked there, she was convinced that there’s no underground black revolution brewing.
Good morning, unb. Thank you for doing your part to combat the caveman nonsense. If we can have a qualified president who happens to be black, this will lift the spirits of minority communities who can rest assured that the oval office can look like America.
The fear comes more, I think, from "revenge" from all the civil rights lapses, but I think the African American community, so frequently held to a high standard that whites, have already done so much to bury the hatchet. Anger and cynicism is still reasonable.
Why all the outrage in response to the simply cry for mobility and the best that democracy has to offer? Black Americans have done too much for us -- teaching, inspiring, entertaining, nursing, representing, across all occupations -- for us to disregard their contributions. Sure, there are problems still disproportionately affecting the populace, but why not solve problems instead and demean? I want the best recovery for the AA community, and for AA children to grow up better educated and confident than ever before.
Again, good morning and great post.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:05 am“More families with children are becoming homeless as they face mounting economic pressures, including mortgage foreclosures, according to a USA TODAY survey of a dozen of the largest cities in the nation.” Local authorities report an increase in families needing help in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, and New York, among others.
In Virginia, there's a home buying frenzy in Prince William Co. Care to venture a guess of who makes up most of the buyers? Slimy investors rounding up the properties of evicted families.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:11 ammisshusseinmolly Says: This may actually be a good sign — if she thinks Obama is a Muslim but is voting for him anyway. Perhaps being a Muslim isn’t all that bad in her book.
Unfortunately, she would be voting Bob Barr if Obama were Muslim. I think it's the skepticism that lets her look the other way, and not tolerance.
The South really still is behind the rest of the country when it comes to buying into the fear and division. And the fact that yong people here hate to read concerns me.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:12 amMcCain Leaving Campaign Trail To Be With Obama's Sick Grandmother
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Republican presidential candidate John McSame is canceling nearly all his campaign events Thursday and Friday to fly to Hawaii to visit his suddenly adopted and gravely ill 85-year-old grandmother, his communications director said. McSame said, "I can deliver the change she needs better than my opponent."
October 21st, 2008 at 10:15 amMcWars Says: Good morning, unb. Thank you for doing your part to combat the caveman nonsense. If we can have a qualified president who happens to be black, this will lift the spirits of minority communities who can rest assured that the oval office can look like America.
Hi there :) Excellent points!
I agree. I think that letting white Americans who've never really known anyone with brown skin get to know Obama, we will at last see the death of racism in America.
Now if we can just do the same for sexism, ageism, religiousism, etc... :)
October 21st, 2008 at 10:16 amCZ-1 Says: McSame said, “I can deliver the change she needs better than my opponent.”
That's freaking hilarious!
October 21st, 2008 at 10:18 amMcWars Says:
In Virginia, there’s a home buying frenzy in Prince William Co. Care to venture a guess of who makes up most of the buyers? Slimy investors rounding up the properties of evicted families.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:11 am
______
Prince William County? Pah! That's "fake Virginia."
October 21st, 2008 at 10:19 ami can't believe TP didn't mention that OBAMA is leaving the campaign for a few days to visit his ailing grandmother in hawaii...
here is my message from last night:
i just want to ask everyone to gather all the good vibes and well wishes and prayers we can all muster and send them madelyn dunham’s way so that she will get and be well enough to see her grandson inaugurated President of the United States…
don’t worry barack, we’ll have your back! hurry home to see your gramma… be safe!
October 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am#33 Bilbo says:
It’s just a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or even killed in this hateful climate the Republicans have created. And when it happens, McCain/Palin will say “It’s not our fault, we didn’t tell people to go out and do that”.
It's started already. Thank goodness she wasn't seriously injured! From Huffington Post:
Nancy Takehara, the Chicagoan who was assaulted while canvassing for Obama in Caledonia, Wisconsin, was contacted by the candidate himself on the day of the incident. By the time Takehara had returned home, there was an answering machine message from the campaign. She called the number and Obama spoke to her personally with words of moral support. Takehara said this morning, "All I have to say is Mr. Obama is a wonderful man" who was very supportive.
On Saturday, Takehara was going door to door in Caledonia with another canvasser when she was verbally assaulted and then grabbed by the hair on the back of her neck and reportedly pounded on the head. (Watch a news report here.)
**First time I tried the "LINK" option. Hope it works!
October 21st, 2008 at 10:20 amUnb.:Now if we can just do the same for sexism, ageism, religiousism, etc… :)
October 21st, 2008 at 10:16 am Recommend (0) | Report Abuse
Darn right! The democratic party will never back down from finding a cure for any ill!
October 21st, 2008 at 10:23 amkaty Says:
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i can’t believe TP didn’t mention that OBAMA is leaving the campaign for a few days to visit his ailing grandmother in hawaii…
**Think anyone will attack him for his "family values?" This campaign has just gotten so ugly.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:23 amThere, fixed that for you TP.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:23 amunbe,
My kids (1st and 2nd grade) came home from school to tell me that most kids (parents) in their class are for McCain (this is Texas for God's sake.)
Then I heard them whispering to each other that the other guy has brown skin, which has never been an issue with my family.
Fcuking stupid Repukes are nothing if not racist-baiting, cowardly shit-heads, and they're passing it down to their kids-which is beyond sad.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:28 amI can't remember the source now, but someone posted a link to a story about reporters being assaulted at McCain events. Basically some M/P supporting knucklehead didn't like the fact that a reporter was laughing about some kids blasting a pro-Obama song from their windows at a McCain rally, so he decided to kick the back of the reporter's knee and knock him to the ground.
This sh!t is only going to get crazier...I really hope that if Obama wins he immediately assembles his own Secret Service detail of people he personally vets...and that he plans on wearing a bullet-proof vest when he gives his inauguration speech. I just can't shake the feeling that some crazy sh!thead is going to try and shoot him or worse if he does win.
Sorry for the morbidity, but we're so close to end of this campaign (finally!) and I just get this feeling that we've actually had it easy up until now and that something drastic is about to happen. I hope I'm wrong, but when this many wingnuts, crazies, bigots, racists, fascists, and just plain MORONS get energized about the things that make them what they are (bigotry, fascism, et al) something is bound to go very, VERY wrong.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:29 amAND, like typical fu(king Republicans (as evidenced by the religious right) they're making sure they pass it on to YOUR kids as well. Children are not born with any kind of racism, violence, hatred, or prejudice in them. Those things are TAUGHT and LEARNED, and I'm damn sure they didn't get that from you, DNFP, I hope that's clear. I'm sure you had a stern talk with your kids when you heard that.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:31 amDead bear covered with Obama signs found at school
CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Police at Western Carolina University and wildlife officials were investigating the discovery early Monday of a dead bear cub draped with a pair of Barack Obama campaign signs.
Leila Tvedt, associate vice chancellor for public relations, said Monday night that maintenance workers found the 75-pound bear cub shot to death in front of the school's administration building at the entrance to campus. The Obama yard signs were stapled together and placed over the bear's head, Tvedt said.
The bear had been shot in the head, Tvedt said.
"Western Carolina University deplores the inappropriate behavior that has led to this troubling incident," Tvedt said. "We cannot speculate on the motives of the people involved nor who those people might be. Campus police are cooperating fully with authorities to investigate this matter."
University police called in state Wildlife Resources officials to remove the body and help in the investigation.
Bear season is under way in western North Carolina.
AP Story
**I am trying not to be frightened for Obama's safety.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:31 amMcWars Says: Darn right! The democratic party will never back down from finding a cure for any ill!
I still think we're gonna need to evolve even bigger brains in order to do that ;)
Or we as a nation could just stop teaching children how to hate...
October 21st, 2008 at 10:32 amOctober 21st, 2008 at 10:34 am
DieNowForPeace Says: Fcuking stupid Repukes are nothing if not racist-baiting, cowardly shit-heads, and they’re passing it down to their kids-which is beyond sad.
I once suggested that we should ship them all to Alabama and let them form their own country. Maybe Texas should go too? :)
October 21st, 2008 at 10:37 amliberal traitor Says: These sick fu(ks are so evil they have to kill innocent animals to make their “point.” That poor cub, never did anything to anyone.
Makes me sick that someone could kill a baby bear and then call themselves 'pro-life'. Utterly despicable!
October 21st, 2008 at 10:40 amrepublicans have an illogical disconnect when it comes to killing.. It seems that they think it's sporting to shoot wolves from a helicopter....
October 21st, 2008 at 10:50 amAnd the beat goes on Says
October 21st, 2008 at 10:23 am
**Think anyone will attack him for his “family values?” This campaign has just gotten so ugly.
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No, I think Obama will just get attacked for "fleeing" to an "exotic" and "remote" location -- showing his "elitism". And his grandmother will be blamed for not becoming gravely ill in a part of "real America" -- like Kansas.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:58 amI’m sure you had a stern talk with your kids when you heard that.
Not so much, they're really well grounded so far with friends of every size, color, creed, etc., although I did stress to them to NEVER make an issue out of how somebody "looks" - we all have our own style and opinions which matter!
Then we talked about the excitement of having the first African American running for President, and that regardless of what he looks like or how he dresses, he's the best man for the job.
Of course, my daughter was *convinced* Hillary was the best - go girl power, huh?!
At least they both showed great enthusiasm for voting someday!
October 21st, 2008 at 11:05 amAnd the beat goes on Says:
**I am trying not to be frightened for Obama’s safety.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:31 am
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Why not? You should be.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:06 amClimate changing 'faster, stronger, sooner'
One of the most concerning aspects of recent data is evidence that, in some places, the Arctic Ocean is losing sea ice 30 years ahead of current IPCC predictions.
Summer sea ice is now forecasted to completely disappear in the summer months sometime between 2013 and 2040 -- something which hasn't happened for over a million years.
The report's author, geoscientist Dr Tina Tin told CNN: "Arctic sea ice is melting much faster than everybody had been expecting. Why? Well, maybe it's because the positive feedback mechanisms have kicked in much quicker than we have been able to quantify."
LINK
October 21st, 2008 at 11:09 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
No, I think Obama will just get attacked for “fleeing” to an “exotic” and “remote” location — showing his “elitism”. And his grandmother will be blamed for not becoming gravely ill in a part of “real America” — like Kansas.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:58 am
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I think this will be the true litmus test for how much McCain has sold his soul. I'd like to believe that McCain and Palin will both take the high road and lay off Obama for a few days while he's with his grandmother. But if they continue to attack, I can guarantee that the voters will punish them for it. If they wanna brag about small town values and family values, they'd better practice some of what they preach.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:09 ami am pretty sure that the Pukes WILL take to the streets with ropes, guns and dogs, hunting down libruls, blacks, ay-rabs and fags, if their guy doesnt get the nod...
It'll be a stealth campaign, indisitnguishable in its ways from terrorism...
It's coming, i feel sure...
October 21st, 2008 at 11:13 amEven though the new GI Bill passed by Congress is called the “Post-9/11 GI Bill,” the new legislation “won’t take effect until Aug. 1, 2009 — eight years after” the 9/11 attacks. By that time, some who served in Iraq or Afghanistan will have already graduated from college. “And because the bill is not retroactive, it won’t help [them] at all.”
Supporting the troops, republican style.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:22 amIf so, they are dooming themselves forever. They cannot gain ground on this issue at this point in history and they will lose.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:23 amtokin librul Says:
If this election brings to the surface all of the suppressed racism for everyone to see then so be it. There is never a good time to deal with illogical hate but now is as good a time as ever.
I would support strong legislation to deal with hate crimes such as you mention and if they have to be dealt with as domestic terrorists, guantanamo will soon have vancancies.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:27 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
I sincerely hope that this woman will be able to hang on long enough to see the man she “poured all of herself into” be elected President of the United States.
I was thinking the very same thing last night as I watched KO. How tragic it would be if she doesn't hang on long enough to see her grandson elected President and what, in my opinion, has a chance of being the catalyst for the most healing time in our country's history.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:29 amtokin librul Says:
It’ll be a stealth campaign, indistinguishable in its ways from terrorism…
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Indistiguisible... from terrorism? Huh?
What you're describing IS terrorism, pure and simple.
Expect the KKK to make a HUGE comeback after 11/05/08.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:33 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
You have to understand that “few” is defined a bit differently in Bushland. There it means “not all”. And they know it’s “not all” because there’s no recession INSIDE the White House.
Those repukes sure have mastered the nuance potential of the one-syllable word.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:36 amAcorn's big "crime" is helping poor people exercise their right to vote. Nothing pisses the GOP off more.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:49 amFred says:
If this election brings to the surface all of the suppressed racism for everyone to see then so be it. There is never a good time to deal with illogical hate but now is as good a time as ever.
I agree Fred! Might as well get right to it and tackle that and many other issues that have been neglected.
That's one of the things I like about Obama. He's said that we have a lot of work to do and obviously he's right. He seems to have an ability to rally people to action - action for positive change!
October 21st, 2008 at 12:02 pmDoc Rock Says
October 21st, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hate-mongering has become the last, desperate tool of the failed Republican machine!
sorry Doc, hate mongering has been a tool of the Republicans for the last 8 years.
How many times have you and I heard Republicans call Democrats terrorists and terrorist sympathizers, socialists, communists, Islamo-fascists and other crap over the last 8 years while they were in power?
I have no doubts their racist roots, from all the Dixiecrats that the racist f_ck Nixon welcomed with opened arms, will become more and more out in the open than it is now, as Nov 4th gets closer.
Hate mongering is usually the first tool of the Republicans, as it is the only way they know how to rule.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:04 pmScott Bloch will "resign when his term ends in January?"
What the [insert favorite obscene word here]?
A. Who cares?
B. It is the end of your term, you moron! A resignation is meaningless. Sort of like announcing that you will quit when you are fired.
C. And, what is the alternative? Did you intend to stay, barricaded in your office, defending whatever from whomever?
Not only is Bloch clueless, ignorant and stupid, but he apparently feels compelled to state publicly that he is by issuing this announcement.
Unbelievable. These clowns cannot be gone soon enough.
October 21st, 2008 at 2:40 pmIraqi Cabinet says US pact needs change
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081021/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
October 21st, 2008 at 3:17 pm______
liberal traitor Says:
AND, like typical fu(king Republicans (as evidenced by the religious right) they’re making sure they pass it on to YOUR kids as well. Children are not born with any kind of racism, violence, hatred, or prejudice in them. Those things are TAUGHT and LEARNED, and I’m damn sure they didn’t get that from you, DNFP, I hope that’s clear. I’m sure you had a stern talk with your kids when you heard that.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:31 am
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You assume that there was ill will simply in the mention of the fact that Obama has brown skin? Noticing that a person looks different from oneself is natural in children and does not call for "a stern talk." Treating everyone with respect doesn't mean that acknowledging physical differences is taboo. Not every comment about a racial characteristic is bigotry.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:50 am