ThinkFast: November 18, 2008
ThinkFast: November 18, 2008
The Bush administration is pushing a last-minute proposal to “grant sweeping new protections to health care providers who oppose abortion and other procedures on religious or moral grounds.” Three officials from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission “said the proposal would overturn 40 years of civil rights law prohibiting job discrimination based on religion.”
“Just weeks before leaving office, the Interior Department’s top lawyer has shifted half a dozen key deputies — including two former political appointees who have been involved in controversial environmental decisions — into senior civil service posts.” The move will “deprive the incoming Obama administration of the chance to install its preferred appointees in some key jobs.”
Over 100 retired generals and admirals called Monday for the “repeal of the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell‘ policy on gays so they can serve openly.”
“The Pentagon spent about $600 million on more than 1,200 Iraq reconstruction contracts that were eventually canceled,” reports the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, adding that “42% of canceled contracts were terminated because the contractor either failed to deliver or performed poorly.”
The “triple-whammy of injury, unemployment and waiting for disability claims to be processed has forced many veterans into foreclosure, or sent them teetering on its edge, according to veterans’ organizations.” Veterans’ housing troubles are particularly hard to measure because there are no foreclosure statistics “singling out veterans and service members.”
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) announced yesterday that “he would advance a bill early next year calling for universal health care.” Kennedy, who was making his second appearance on Capitol Hill since he began treatment for a malignant brain tumor in June, said that “the president-elect has indicated that this is going to be a priority, and I certainly hope it will.”
Americans are divided on whether the federal government should give “financial assistance to the Big Three U.S. automotive companies,” according to a new Gallup poll. Forty-seven percent of respondents said they favor providing aid while 49 percent oppose it. A slight majority would favor assistance if one or more of the “Big Three” were certain to fail without it.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is “challenging the idea that the expanded Democratic majority and its leaders will make a hard left turn,” the Hill reports. According to the prepared remarks for a speech at the National Press Club, Hoyer will argue today, “For the first time in decades, we are a true national majority party–and if we want to stay that way, we must govern like one.”
Two advisers to President-elect Barack Obama say his administration is “unlikely to bring criminal charges against government officials who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists” during the Bush administration. As Spencer Ackerman notes, the 2005 Detainee Treatment Act preemptively barred nearly all such prosecutions.
The government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki “is systematically dismissing Iraqi oversight officials, who were installed to fight corruption in Iraqi ministries by order of the American occupation administration.” Officials estimate that anywhere from “a handful to as many as 17″ of the 30 ministry inspectors general have been ousted, while several “agreed that seven to nine…had already been dismissed or forced into retirement.”
And finally: Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is ready to settle old scores. His book, “Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement That’s Bringing Common Sense Back to America,” hits shelves today and is “filled with sharp words for his fellow Republicans who frustrated his bid for the party’s nomination.” For example, Huckabee writes that former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s record was “anything but conservative until he changed the light bulbs in his chandelier in time to run for president.”
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Congress COULD prevent or prohibit such machinations, if they would. They have the tools, if not the will.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:06 amNice write-up on TP in Bloomberg.
Who knew you guys were an "idea factory" for Obama... I thought you were in the tank for Hillary... /sarc off
November 18th, 2008 at 9:06 amHouse Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is “challenging the idea that the expanded Democratic majority and its leaders will make a hard left turn,” the Hill reports. According to the prepared remarks for a speech at the National Press Club, Hoyer will argue today, “For the first time in decades, we are a true national majority party–and if we want to stay that way, we must govern like one.”
At the same time Ted Kennedy is calling for universal health care.
Way to step on each other's dicks, guys.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:07 amSen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) announced yesterday that “he would advance a bill early next year calling for universal health care.”
__________________________________________________________
Thank you, Senator. Even though you have issues of your own at this time, and even though you have the best health insurance program available in the country, you haven't forgotten about the rest of us. I wish the rest of our representatives were as thoughtful, dedicated, and had your vision.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:08 amThe Bush administration is pushing a last-minute proposal to “grant sweeping new protections to health care providers who oppose abortion and other procedures on religious or moral grounds has provoked a torrent of objections.” Three officials from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission “said the proposal would overturn 40 years of civil rights law prohibiting job discrimination based on religion.”
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Can't some enterprising person just take matters into their own hands and do away with him already? I would try if I was within the sphere. They would have an instantaneous hero status and legacy.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:10 amIf Bush was to take his own life now, he COULD eek out a modicum of positive legacy, especially if he took out Cheney at the same time. Like making sure Deadeye stood on the other side of his vacuous, melon-like head while he pulled the trig on his 357 magnum against his temple. Does planning the suicide of Heri Stupid count toward NSA points?
Oh I can only hope.
As a 31-year veteran of the Department of the Interior I can say with some confidence that this should not come as a surprise to anyone because its done whenever an Administration leaves office. Converting Schedule C appointees to Civil Service jobs is almost a tradition not only in Interior but throughout government. I'm not saying that its right, but it is legal. I would rather TP and other news sources point out the absurdity of Interior policies like grazing cattle on National Wildlife Refuges, or permitting uranium mines next door to National Parks. Those things make a difference. Stacking the ranks with Schedule C's doesn't. If the past is any indication most of these creeps will move on to a lobbying job outside of government in a year or two any way.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:12 ambarfly Says:
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is “challenging the idea that the expanded Democratic majority and its leaders will make a hard left turn,” the Hill reports. According to the prepared remarks for a speech at the National Press Club, Hoyer will argue today, “For the first time in decades, we are a true national majority party–and if we want to stay that way, we must govern like one.”
At the same time Ted Kennedy is calling for universal health care.
Way to step on each other’s dicks, guys.
It is not stepping on each other's dicks, it is proving that Universal Healthcare is a MAINSTREAM topic, and no longer a left issue. Get with the program.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:13 amre GM - we have a system in the U.S. for companies which cannot meet their debt obligations (and GM can't) - it's called bankruptcy. GM will not disappear. Stockholders will be wiped out (as they should be) and creditors will emerge with 30 cents on the dollar and ownership of some pretty wonderful assets.
Bailing out GM in almost any manner will merely delay what will certainly be a positive development - a leaner company which can get back to designing and building cars, and just maybe letting the engineers have a say in the future.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:13 amAnd finally: Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is ready to settle old scores. His book, “Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement That’s Bringing Common Sense Back to America,” hits shelves today and is “filled with sharp words for his fellow Republicans who frustrated his bid for the party’s nomination.”
Way to turn the other cheek, there, Rev.
Taking bets, as to who swings back first.
My money's on Gingrich.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:14 amIt is not stepping on each other’s dicks, it is proving that Universal Healthcare is a MAINSTREAM topic, and no longer a left issue. Get with the program.
Da, comrade.
Please do not inform the Directorate of my slight indiscretion.
I beg of you!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:15 amSo much for the "Obama secret plan" of gaining office and prosecuting the bast*ards in the worst administration on US history. The horrors of Gitmo, Abu Ghraib and more likely every other bush abuse will not be pursued.
"Change" that republicans can believe in...meet the new boss...
November 18th, 2008 at 9:16 amAs a 31-year veteran of the Department of the Interior I can say with some confidence that this should not come as a surprise to anyone because its done whenever an Administration leaves office.
So who was/is the 'Monica Goodling' at Interior, the person in charge of ensuring the ideological purity of new hires?
And don't tell me there wasn't one. Of COURSE there was...
November 18th, 2008 at 9:17 am“Change” that republicans can believe in…meet the new boss…
It just speeds up the Hague prosecution clock.
A good thing.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:18 amThe move will “deprive the incoming Obama administration of the chance to install its preferred appointees in some key jobs.”
_____________________________________________________________
Under what circumstances would Obama or his staff be able to terminate the employment of such an appointee? Obviously, if a Bush appointment committed crimes, Obama could do so (and prosecute!) -- and this would be a departure from the current situation, where Bushbots are not only permitted to commit crimes, but are encouraged to do so.
If a Bush appointee doesn't commit actual crimes, but makes decisions that directly oppose the Obama agenda, that's another matter.
Would Obama be permitted to can somebody who had done no wrong in order to make room for someone who's on his side? This is exactly what the Justice Department did with U.S. Attorneys under the Bush watch. I trust Obama won't operate that way, and will find another way around obstacles that impede his objectives.
I take comfort that Bushco has a limited amount of time left. I just pray they can't do too much more damage in that time.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:19 amHouse Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is “challenging the idea that the expanded Democratic majority and its leaders will make a hard left turn,”
Why? What is it with these people? It's like they've just turned over the football and instead of putting the offense onto the field they are punting on first down.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:22 amHanshiro,
It's not up to Obama. Congress granted them immunity from prosecution for war crimes back in 2005. The Constitution prevents Congress from going back and criminalizing behavior - no ex post facto laws allowed.
The only possible jurisdiction rests in the international courts.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 amCurlew,
Thanks for putting things in perspective.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 amThe Bush administration is pushing a last-minute proposal to grant sweeping new protections
Ok, why is Bush doing these kind of things? He knows that Obama can and will reverse them, so why is he doing it? He's like a little boy throwing a hissy fit. But, that's how he's been since the start, so I guess we shouldn't be surprised.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:26 amThe move will “deprive the incoming Obama administration of the chance to install its preferred appointees in some key jobs.”
Rove cut his political teeth in the Nixon years, as a college republican, and knows the value of a dependable mole. The McGovern campaign was riddled with them. Any such appointees should be viewed in just that manner. They must be isolated from any decision-making, policy-formulation, or tactical discussions.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:27 amhanshiro Says
November 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
So much for the “Obama secret plan” of gaining office and prosecuting the bast*ards in the worst administration on US history. The horrors of Gitmo, Abu Ghraib and more likely every other bush abuse will not be pursued.
____________________________________________________________
I, probably as much as anyone else, would dearly love to see these criminals who've been in power for the past eight years brought to justice.
However, I also recognize that even Obama has a finite amount of political capital to spend during the critical beginning of his administration, and I figure he can spend it initiating programs that will benefit all Americans at a time when we badly need them, or he can spend it whacking the heads of our last regime.
It's not a good choice to have to make, but I'm assuming Obama will choose to move forward, working on issues such as our economy, health care, and the environment. There's a great deal of crap to undo here.
But it still galls me that a number of criminals will get off scot-free because the mess they made has made it impractical for the clean-up crew to hold them accountable.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am# 12. Her name was Gale Norton, the first Secretary of the Interior in the Chimp Administration. An attorney schooled by James Watt himself, her job was to cleanse the agency of all non-conformists. I remember once being in the Interior library waiting to get an award from her. She had returned the day before from her first trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge which she described as "a vast wasteland teeming with oil." From that she went on to tell the assembled employees how concerned and dedicated the Bush administration was to environmental protection. I fought back the urge to vomit, told my supervisor I couldn't take it any more, and left the ceremony.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 amThe easiest way to undo this is to have job cutbacks and the new appointees can be the first to go. Another way to deal with this is to appoint an Obama supporter as the Bush appointees manager who then can "encourage" these people to leave by using less than stellar performance reviews. This is technique is common in Corporations.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 amOver 100 retired generals and admirals called Monday for the “repeal of the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell‘ policy on gays so they can serve openly.”
Equal human rights for all humans. Get used to it.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:31 ambarfly Says:
And finally: Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is ready to settle old scores. His book, “Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement That’s Bringing Common Sense Back to America,” hits shelves today and is “filled with sharp words for his fellow Republicans who frustrated his bid for the party’s nomination.”
Way to turn the other cheek, there, Rev.
Taking bets, as to who swings back first.
My money’s on Gingrich.
No, I reckon Gingrich will embrace a lot of what Huck says. An attack on the Rev might be seen as an attack on the Xtian Right, so my money would be on someone who openly detests the Fundies (Bueller? Anyone?) or someone who's too much of a simpleton to figure the implications from attacking Huck (Oh Sarah, where art thou?).
Romney's smart enough to avoid the trap, expect him to pose as a Club for Growth alternative to Huck, he will be Corporate America's sunshine boy in 2012.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:31 am“Just weeks before leaving office, the Interior Department’s top lawyer has shifted half a dozen key deputies — including two former political appointees who have been involved in controversial environmental decisions
Obama is going to have his work cut out for him weeding out the nest of vipers Bush is leaving behind.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:31 amKudos Curlew.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:32 amRe: GM,
They have spent big money for a long long time on lobbyists fighting the very thing that could have saved them, improved milage standards.
Dr. Deming offered his knowledge and perspectives a long time ago to our automobile industry leaders but they would have none of it. He instead went to Japan where he revolutionized their perspective and hence created the 300 pound automobile gorilla that the Japanese automobile producers are.
Arrogance, complete and utter arrogance by the big three executives, check that, aristocracy, has led us once again to the place where we lament that "they cannot be allowed to fail". These self absorbed cashers-in of the American dream at others expense never seem to lose
November 18th, 2008 at 9:33 amThe “triple-whammy of injury, unemployment and waiting for disability claims to be processed has forced many veterans into foreclosure, or sent them teetering on its edge, according to veterans’ organizations.” Veterans’ housing troubles are particularly hard to measure because there are no foreclosure statistics “singling out veterans and service members.”
Ok, where's the first troll talking out of his ass about "hard work" and "personal responsibility?"
November 18th, 2008 at 9:35 amAmericans are divided on whether the federal government should give “financial assistance to the Big Three U.S. automotive companies,” according to a new Gallup poll. Forty-seven percent of respondents said they favor providing aid while 49 percent oppose it.
That's because we have so many low-information voters in this country. If they realized the repercussions of allowing our auto industry to fail, many more would realize we really have no choice but to help the auto industry.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:36 amNo, I reckon Gingrich will embrace a lot of what Huck says. An attack on the Rev might be seen as an attack on the Xtian Right, so my money would be on someone who openly detests the Fundies (Bueller? Anyone?) or someone who’s too much of a simpleton to figure the implications from attacking Huck (Oh Sarah, where art thou?).
If you've listened to Gingrich lately you'll find he's trying to blunt the evangelicals' righteous sword in the party. He still thinks he's got a shot at '12, if Obama can't deliver, and as a twice-divorced "christian," Newt doesn't have a chance with them, anyway.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:37 amThe retired auto workers who drove the real estate and housing bubble in northern Michigan were not union members.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:41 amThey were the management level who retired with their fat packages, bought up all the lakeshore properties and put up gates to keep everyone off their beach.
Now they whine over their cheese and crackers about how expensive it is to heat their massive structures exposed to the winter winds whipping off the lakes, and that their labor force has all left.
Shifting appointees to civil service grades leaves three tactics available. 1) reorganization; 2) prosecution; and 3) bureaucratic force.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:48 amTHe one we'd like to see is prosecution, but these entrenched bureaucrats can have their departments stripped and new ones set up run by the proper people. The Bushites can also be ordered to implement policies anathema to them and then fired for cause if hey don't obey orders. They can either find themselves in Office Space hell (I hope you got the memo that the pink copies of the DS-12 forms are to be routed to Personnel and the yellow forms routed to Budget", or being given the choice to implement progressive policies or be fired.
A sufficiently mean bureaucratic head (like, oh, Rahm Emanuel) can wipe them out pretty quickly.
Briseadh na Faire Says:
Hanshiro,
It’s not up to Obama. Congress granted them immunity from prosecution for war crimes back in 2005. The Constitution prevents Congress from going back and criminalizing behavior - no ex post facto laws allowed.
The only possible jurisdiction rests in the international courts.
My understanding is that the laws passed by Congress which would allow these criminals to escape punishment are ex post facto laws themselves. I don't believe the "War Crimes Act" was ever cancelled, and still stands as the original law. Unless Bush pardons everybody, I assume there may well be Constitutional challenges to the refusal to prosecute. If Bush does pardon everybody...well, I guess there's the international courts.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am"Americans are divided on whether the federal government should give “financial assistance to the Big Three U.S. automotive companies,”
But...but...wasn't the Bankster Bailout supposed to unfreeze credit so that businesses could borrow again?
November 18th, 2008 at 9:53 amWhy aren't the Big three asking THE BANKS and investors for the money?
cavjam Says:
re GM - we have a system in the U.S. for companies which cannot meet their debt obligations (and GM can’t) - it’s called bankruptcy. GM will not disappear. Stockholders will be wiped out (as they should be) and creditors will emerge with 30 cents on the dollar and ownership of some pretty wonderful assets.
So, how is a company that is in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy going to get the money they need to continue to operate. Who is going to buy a car from a company that is in bankruptcy.
Besides, you know that filing for Bankruptcy will give them an excuse to break their union contracts.
The only real solution is loaning them the money to keep them going coupled with requirements that they build fuel efficient cars and probably firing all the CEO's that got them into this mess in the first place, since they were hurting before the economy imploded.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:55 amHenry Paulson wrote an op-ed that appears today in the NYT. Self-serving, as usual. This guy needs to go.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/18/opinion/18paulson.html
November 18th, 2008 at 10:01 am#misshusseinmolly Says:
I, probably as much as anyone else, would dearly love to see these criminals who’ve been in power for the past eight years brought to justice.
However, I also recognize that even Obama has a finite amount of political capital to spend during the critical beginning of his administration, and I figure he can spend it initiating programs that will benefit all Americans at a time when we badly need them, or he can spend it whacking the heads of our last regime.
He may not have a choice. If the whistle blowers come out of the woodwork after January 20, then the Bush crimes are going to be front-and-center. Obama may not be able to ignore the.
Sy Hirsch, our favorite and probably only investigative journalist left, was quoted as saying that most people he talks to say "Come back and talk to us after January 20. There are a lot of people in the government who want to be heard, but the threat of losing their jobs, benefits and maybe even their lives has kept them quiet.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:02 amHouse Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is “challenging the idea that the expanded Democratic majority and its leaders will make a hard left turn,” the Hill reports. According to the prepared remarks for a speech at the National Press Club, Hoyer will argue today, “For the first time in decades, we are a true national majority party–and if we want to stay that way, we must govern like one.”
Just where have you been keeping that impeachment table, Steny? Of note, "hard left" will be needed to iron out the damage done by the hard right. You govern can govern as if you're afraid of republicans, but history has shown they don't return any favors. Lighten up, the GOP is a third party now.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:02 amrocks911 Says: Dr. Deming offered his knowledge and perspectives a long time ago to our automobile industry leaders but they would have none of it.
One of the really crazy things about the Big three is that through their European divisions they had and still have "turnkey" solutions to reverse their market losses due to competition and the new energy/economic climate.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:14 amSen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) announced yesterday that “he would advance a bill early next year calling for universal health care.” Kennedy, who was making his second appearance on Capitol Hill since he began treatment for a malignant brain tumor in June, said that “the president-elect has indicated that this is going to be a priority, and I certainly hope it will.”
This is wonderful. I am glad to see Teddy return to the Senate and I hope he is recouped and well-rested.
A remodeled health care system is badly needed. Republicans and blue-dog dems will complain of the costs of implementing such a program, but I'd rather see the government take on the debt than see that debt burdening individuals who, in turn, lose their homes, their savings, and face skyrocketing premiums and deductibles. Government spending can pay for itself (a healthy populace able can work, provide for themselves and for their families and pay into the system). The government has more muscle to take on loads of debt, though it's never advisable, and most individuals do not.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:15 amNote to Rachel Maddow: Rachel, if you're reading this, please, do not use Huffington as your fill in when you aren't there. Thank you.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:01 amApparently Obama can't cover for the republicans fast enough.
First the telecom capitulation, then the drilling cave, now indifference to republican's war crimes. Obama is turning his back on the bush charnel house and the butt-kissing supporters can't make excuses for him fast enough.
Torture, blowning children to bits, roving deathsquads, billions unaccounted for, rape, murder, experimenting on low income children, Katrina's murderous incompetence...
Nice of the Obama suck-ups to absolve our "new" boss of his responsibility to bring the bush war criminals to accountability; the most horrifically ruthless individuals this side of Ed Gein.
Obama hasn't taken office yet, (yes, I voted for him) and he's already signaling that he isn't interested in holding serial criminals responsible, just sweeping the last 8 years under the rug, thinking that ignoring it is the same as starting fresh.
What an unqualified disgrace.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:08 amThe move will “deprive the incoming Obama administration of the chance to install its preferred appointees in some key jobs.”
So whatever happened to that "serving at the pleasure of the President" crap...?
November 18th, 2008 at 11:12 amAlan Keyes has filed a lawsuit challenging Obama's citizenship. How pathetic and desperate.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:16 amThe M&A boys are positioning themselves for health care:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Strategic-Buyers-Private-Equity-Players/story.aspx?guid=%7B8E862031-330F-4B5B-B5DC-69DE4F7056A8%7D
The Carlyle Group will have a speaker on the moderated panel. They meet a week after Obama's inauguration.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:34 amTerrific article by Scott Horton in December Harper's called "Justice After Bush" on just how to go about it without Obama risking too much too early. He is an attorney in New York and seems to have though it through. Sorry, I don't have a link as I read the print copy.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:38 amMarketWatch has a piece on America's financial future. It's well worth the read:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Well-Great-Depression-2-2011/story.aspx?guid=%7BB28B49B5%2DEFD1%2D4941%2DB57E%2DA2BA1545BA09%7D&dist=SecMostRead
November 18th, 2008 at 11:49 amBreaking news on CSPAN:
Senator Joe Lieberman to keep Chairmanship of Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:57 amRahm Emanuel meet with CEO's in a Wall Street Journal sponsored event:
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/11/18/determined-not-to-make-news-emanuel-speaks-of-era-of-reform/
November 18th, 2008 at 11:49 pm