ThinkFast: January 9, 2009
ThinkFast: January 9, 2009
A 21-member bipartisan investigative committee of the Illinois House voted unanimously yesterday in favor of the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D). The move “cleared the way for an impeachment vote by the full House, expected Friday. A majority vote there would send the matter to the State Senate for trial, where two-thirds approval would remove the governor.”
CentCom commander Gen. David Petraeus said yesterday that Afghanistan will require a “sustained, substantial” commitment from the U.S. and other nations to stop the spread of violence and the rise of the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Petraeus added that Iran has common interests in Afghanistan and “hinted that such interests might make talks with Iran feasible.”
“Intent on blocking organized labor’s top legislative goal,” corporations are pouring money into lobbying groups like the Workforce Fairness Institute and the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace as part of “a multimillion-dollar campaign” aimed at “killing legislation that would give unions the right to win recognition at a workplace once a majority of employees sign cards saying they want a union.”
The Congressional oversight panel charged with monitoring the Wall Street bailout slammed the Treasury Department in a new report. The report states the “U.S. Treasury has failed to reveal its strategy for stabilizing the financial system, not answered questions asked by a government watchdog, and has done nothing to help struggling homeowners.” It also cites “significant gaps” in Treasury’s ability to track the $700 billion financial rescue package.
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate agreed on a voice vote to a non-binding resolution in support of Israel’s attack on Gaza. The House was expected to pass a similar resolution. See the draft text here.
Aid groups are increasingly critical of Israel’s military operations on the Gaza Strip. Yesterday, the UN “declared a suspension of its aid operations after one of its drivers was killed and two others were wounded.” After discovering “four emaciated children next to the bodies of their dead mothers,” the Red Cross said, “the Israeli military failed to meet its obligation under international humanitarian law to care for and evacuate the wounded.”
Yesterday, outgoing DNC Chairman Howard Dean was conspicuously absent from a press conference at which Barack Obama announced Gov. Tim Kaine as the new chairman. “If he had been asked to go to that event, he would have been there,” Jim Dean, the chairman’s brother, noted twice in an interview. Steven Benen writes that Dean “deserves his due.”
Yesterday, Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson for the first time called on Congress to enact a carbon tax, saying that it is a “more direct, a more transparent and a more effective approach” than a cap-and-trade system. In 2007, Tillerson “said he didn’t support any particular policy for curbing carbon-dioxide emissions.”
And finally: For one night, U.S. soldiers in Iraq are getting a “taste of home: football and beer.” On Wednesday, Gen. Ray Odierno issued a waiver, allowing troops to have two alcoholic drinks on Super Bowl night, marking “the first time all American service members in Iraq will be allowed to break the ban on liquor in combat zones without risking being court-martialed.”
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Jobless rate jumps to 7.2 percent in Dec., highest since '93, as employers cut 524,000 jobs
Great Job, dubyah!!!!!! Time for more tax breaks to corporations!
January 9th, 2009 at 9:02 amGive your life and freedom(s) for King George.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:06 am'Cast Lead not limited by end Bush term'
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231424895629&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
January 9th, 2009 at 9:16 amYesterday, Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson for the first time called on Congress to enact a carbon tax, saying that it is a “more direct, a more transparent and a more effective approach” than a cap-and-trade system. In 2007, Tillerson “said he didn’t support any particular policy for curbing carbon-dioxide emissions.”
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And it also pushes the burden of lowering carbon emissions directly onto the consumer, without affecting ExxonMobil at all. Is that his game?
I mean, a cap-and-trade system would force the oil companies to change the way they do business, whereas a carbon tax would allow them to sit back, tack on an extra few cents at the pump, and let them blame Congress and the Democrats when prices inevitably rise again and customers start complaining.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:18 am“Intent on blocking organized labor’s top legislative goal,” corporations are pouring money into lobbying groups like the Workforce Fairness Institute and the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace as part of “a multimillion-dollar campaign” aimed at “killing legislation that would give unions the right to win recognition at a workplace once a majority of employees sign cards saying they want a union.”
This should be a real litmus test for the Obamanauts. Are they willing to expend significant political capital OPPOSING the interests of their primary most influential constituency? I'm betting not...anybody wanna gimme points or odds or anything?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:25 amI can't believe how far congress has it's head up it's a**! They're taking votes in SUPPORT of Israel's bombing of Gaza?? No discussion? Do they realize that many Americans are appalled by Israel's actions?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:27 am"A 21-member bipartisan investigative committee of the Illinois House voted unanimously yesterday in favor of the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D)."
It is about time! I'm glad to see this process moving along. Impeachment is a critical part of our Governmental system. The failure to invoke it at a Federal level in the past 8 years will haunt us for many years to come. It is good to see that Illinois was not as squimish as Pelosi.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:32 amWell, what did Congress expect when it gave the Bush administration $700,000,000,000 to spend as it chose? Can anyone name any instance where Congress gave the Bush Administration billions in emergency funding and received any accountability for the money?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:33 amWilliam Burns, the current number three in the State Department, is also expected to keep his position as the head of political affairs. His portfolio within the agency includes Iran policy, as he was the US representative sent to a meeting between EU officials and Iranians to do with the latter's nuclear program last summer. The New York Times reported that it was unusual for someone to stay in that position across administrations, but State Department staff were pleased that Burns, a well-regarded career diplomat, was slated to stay on.
Now Change means, No Change from W.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:35 amReich-wing paranoia continues: Chaffetz Cosponsoring Bill Against Reinstating the Fairness Doctrine
But, at least the reich-wing admit that Faux news is not fair and balanced and is indeed a reich-wing outlet:
January 9th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Conniptionfit, unfortunately the number of outraged Americans isn't as large as one might think for an enlightened democracy.
A new Pew Research Center poll on the ongoing conflict found Thursday that a slightly greater percentage of Americans think the media have not been critical enough of Hamas than say the same about coverage of Israel (30% to 25%). In comparison, fewer think the press has been overly critical of Israel (16%) or overly critical of Hamas (8%).
In addition, more Democrats (28%) than Republicans (15%) say that the media have not been critical enough in how they have covered Israel's actions, while Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see the coverage as too critical of Israel (21% versus 12%).
January 9th, 2009 at 9:36 amHillary Clinton and General Jones supported a change in strategy on Gaza in early December. At least, Tony Blair said such in his Haaretz interview.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:38 amstateofthedivision Says:
His portfolio within the agency includes Iran policy, as he was the US representative sent to a meeting between EU officials and Iranians to do with the latter’s nuclear program last summer. The New York Times reported that it was unusual for someone to stay in that position across administrations, but State Department staff were pleased that Burns, a well-regarded career diplomat, was slated to stay on.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:35 am
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I don't see why keeping him on is a bad move - the guy is a foreign service officer, not a political appointee, and he's obviously in favor of diplomatic engagement with Iran. What's wrong with this?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:40 amtroll special:
watch ann coulter
get owned by senator al franken.
(this is for you tim valcalikadic,
good luck on your job searach!)
:)
h/t C&L
*
January 9th, 2009 at 9:42 amstateofthedivision Says:
"Conniptionfit, unfortunately the number of outraged Americans isn’t as large as one might think for an enlightened democracy.
A new Pew Research Center poll on the ongoing conflict found Thursday that a slightly greater percentage of Americans think the media have not been critical enough of Hamas than say the same about coverage of Israel (30% to 25%). In comparison, fewer think the press has been overly critical of Israel (16%) or overly critical of Hamas (8%).
In addition, more Democrats (28%) than Republicans (15%) say that the media have not been critical enough in how they have covered Israel’s actions, while Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see the coverage as too critical of Israel (21% versus 12%). "
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Since the vote was unanimously in favor of Israel, doesn't that mean that more of the dems are thinking like repubs than we know?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:42 amReich-wingers either obsess over the New Deal or Ronny Raygun. What a simple bunch of "people".
January 9th, 2009 at 9:48 amInteresting story in the NYT today about a sheriff in Alabama who starved his prisoners, and pocketed the change. I lived in Alabama for a short time many years ago (like 1968), and it doesn't look like much has changed. Let's not forget that it's these folks that supported McCain/Palin in the general election. It makes me think, at times (snark) that the South should have been allowed to secede. On the other hand, now would be a good time for that to happen.
DECATUR, Ala. — The prisoners in the Morgan County jail here were always hungry. The sheriff, meanwhile, was getting a little richer. Alabama law allowed it: the chief lawman could go light on prisoners’ meals and pocket the leftover change.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/us/09sheriff.html?_r=1
January 9th, 2009 at 9:50 amIsrael staged more than 50 air strikes in Gaza which killed 12 civilians, taking the death toll since the campaign began to almost 800.
Ten Israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed in combat or rocket attacks into Israel over the same time.
Israel has been strongly criticised by UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other aid groups. A UN Security Council resolution demanded an "immediate, durable" ceasefire leading to the "full withdrawal" of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Fourteen of the 15 council members voted in favour. The United States, Israel's main ally, abstained but refrained from vetoing the resolution.
Neglectful fiddling by Bush&Co for 8 years has allowed this volatile situation to escalate. Yet, they continue to be obstructive in the peace process.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:52 amUN: IDF officers admitted there was no gunfire from Gaza school which was shelled
By Barak Ravid and Akiva Eldar, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: UN, Israel News, UNRWA, Gaza
The United Nations is claiming Israeli military officers have admitted there was no Palestinian gunfire emanating from inside an UNRWA school in Gaza which was shelled by an IDF tank.
Dozens of Palestinians were killed in the shelling.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:54 amRepugniscum are now complaining that the Obama stimulus package will be a burden for our children and grandchildren?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:54 amWTF?
Where were they for 8 years of Bush economic destruction?
Paul Krugman has concerns about the stimulus programs. I respect this guy.
“I don’t believe it’s too late to change course, but it will be if we don’t take dramatic action as soon as possible. If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years.”
So declared President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday, explaining why the nation needs an extremely aggressive government response to the economic downturn. He’s right. This is the most dangerous economic crisis since the Great Depression, and it could all too easily turn into a prolonged slump.
But Mr. Obama’s prescription doesn’t live up to his diagnosis. The economic plan he’s offering isn’t as strong as his language about the economic threat. In fact, it falls well short of what’s needed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/opinion/09krugman.html
January 9th, 2009 at 9:55 amimpeachcheneythenbush Says:
Paul Krugman has concerns about the stimulus programs. I respect this guy.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:55 am
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Well, so much for the talking point that Obama only receives positive press.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:57 am4,223 are dead in Iraq, but who's counting? Who's reporting?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:58 amI heard last night that there is the beginning of re-thinking our strategy in Afghanistan, by some people in the Obama camp.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:00 amCombine Howard Berman's "12 week negotiation" with Iran to get them to end their nuclear enrichment program and Burns staying on to do the do.
Berman is the admitted Zionist (JP summer 2008) who presaged the Gaza operation (December 18 Haaretz). He also crafted the Congressional resolution on the Gaza razing.
The saber rattling clinked yesterday with a littany of Western ex-Defense leaders pointing at Iran. William Perry (NYT) and an Israel Military Intelligence chief (JP) rang the bell.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:00 amMarie Says:
4,223 are dead in Iraq, but who’s counting? Who’s reporting?
January 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am
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Ugh. Iraq is so 2007.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:01 amMarie Says:
I heard last night that there is the beginning of re-thinking our strategy in Afghanistan, by some people in the Obama camp.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:00 am
___________
What, we're gonna stop bombing wedding parties?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:01 amAnd here you thought Congress represented the will of the people.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:04 amWe won in Iraq, time to move to the next threat. Nevermind the 1.2 million Iraqi dead, the 4 million refugees, and the bribing required to tamp down violence.
Gaza, Iran, Southern Lebanon, Syria, North Korea (yes, it's back according to Stephan Hadley)
"And there will be more wars." Thanks to our leaders.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:04 amBarack Obama is being too vague on numbers
President-elect Barack Obama delivered a major address Thursday on the collapsing economy that sounded more like a campaign speech than what the nation really needs: a specific, detailed plan for getting out of this mess.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:26 amThe Congressional oversight panel charged with monitoring the Wall Street bailout slammed the Treasury Department in a new report. The report states the “U.S. Treasury has failed to reveal its strategy for stabilizing the financial system, not answered questions asked by a government watchdog, and has done nothing to help struggling homeowners.”
Sure they have, they just arn't telling you guys. Two days ago Paulsen told the Economic Club of Washington. "Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Wednesday said the best option for the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be for the mortgage giants to be run like public utilities."
And yesterday Kashkari spewed his garbage at the Brookings Instiute.
I guess the oversight committee was not invited. Maybe they can review the transcripts.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:27 amBBC
13:13 GMT Friday
UN ceasefire call goes unheeded
Israel is to keep up its offensive in the Gaza Strip despite a UN call for an immediate end to nearly two weeks of conflict involving Hamas militants.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the latest firing of rockets into Israel showed the resolution was "unworkable".
The Security Council resolution demanded a truce, access for aid workers and an end to arms smuggling.
Israel continued its bombardment during the night and on Friday morning, carrying out at least 50 air strikes.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:28 am7.2% unemployment is the highest in 16 years ----which "coincidentally" happens to be when Bill Clinton inherited the presidency from the first George Bush. He also "coincidentally" inherited record deficits. Clinton consistently took the unemployment down to 3.9%, which George Bush II inherited. Clinton also "coincidentally" and very consistently lowered the deficits until they became record surpluses. Current fiscal year will end with deficit of about $1 Trillion.
Why in the *#@& do people vote Republican?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:36 amLike the detailed speeches bush gave on how he was going to win in Iraq or usher in a new era of prosperity with tax cuts for the rich and deregulation?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:39 amSarah Palin is out making claims that she was treated unfairly by the press... blah, blah, blah.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:45 amWhen did her video to the Alaskan Separatists make headlines in the press, as it should have?
When was she questioned about the reason her son had to join the army -- because it was either that or jail?
All we heard about her in the negative sense had to to with her own troopergate scandal which her appointees eventually swept under the rug.
I won't go into her private family matters, but if a Democrat candidate had family troubles as she does... ??
She, and she alone, is responsible for her failures -- but typically repugniscum, she points her finger elsewhere and blames "the other guy."
Repugniscum criticism of Obama's plans are so ridiculous they make me laugh -- after 8 years of failure, 8 years of destruction, 8 years of inability to state anything clearly (except maybe "bring 'em on") 8 years of deception and lies bringing woe on America, they have the gall to state that Obama is not supplying sufficient detail and clarity?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:48 amhttp://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3653417,00.html
UN: IDF shelled evacuated civilians
Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says Israeli forces evacuated about 110 Palestinians into Gaza house which they then repeatedly shelled 24 hours later, killing about 30 people. IDF: UN claims unreasonable
AFP Published: 01.09.09, 13:15 / Israel News
The United Nations on Friday cited witnesses saying Israeli forces evacuated about 110 Palestinians into a house which they then repeatedly shelled 24 hours later, killing about 30 people.
It said that "according to several testimonies, on 4 January Israeli foot soldiers evacuated approximately 110 Palestinians into a single-residence house in Zeitun (half of whom were children) warning them to stay indoors. Twenty-four hours later, Israeli forces shelled the home repeatedly, killing approximately 30."
January 9th, 2009 at 10:50 amI am minded of the phrase 'May you live in interesting times'. Of course, if things get much more interesting I can tell you what company to invest in...the one that makes Depends.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:56 amFireball Says:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barack Obama is being too vague on numbers
President-elect Barack Obama delivered a major address Thursday on the collapsing economy that sounded more like a campaign speech than what the nation really needs: a specific, detailed plan for getting out of this mess.
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What should he have just said....
"The foundations of the economy are strong" Isn't that the shit you folks eat up?
January 9th, 2009 at 11:01 amTwo days ago Paulsen told the Economic Club of Washington.
Guess who introduced Hank? Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein. He didn't mention the $153 million in TARP money for Carlyle affiliate BPFH. But he did close the Q & A by asking if Hank would invest his ample blind trust in private equity once he leaves office.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:09 amHoodathunk Says:
I am minded of the phrase ‘May you live in interesting times’. Of course, if things get much more interesting I can tell you what company to invest in…the one that makes Depends.
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Already did. The wingnutters are making me RICH.... heh...
January 9th, 2009 at 11:13 amOnce again, the reich-wing GOPigs turn to the Democrats to fix their failures. How typical.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:15 amKeith Says:
Why in the *#@& do people vote Republican?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:36 am
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Because they think gays are icky.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:15 amhussein toasterhead Says:
Because they think gays are icky.
Except for the Repug Gays, who they think are fine.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:23 amRepublican gays? How could such bastions of moral rectitude, those true defenders of family values and godly righteousness ever indulge in such behavior.
Next thing you know you'll try to tell me about how their VP candidate has a grandkid born out of wedlock.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:48 amBreaking news: Second coal ash pond ruptures
January 9th, 2009 at 12:05 pmDemocrats?especially Obama and his team, should crawl on their hands and knees to ask Howard Dean's?forgiveness and to thank him for their victory. They have gone down greatly in my estimation already even before they got started!!!!!!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:29 pmTime to investigate Paulson and the purloined billions!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:30 pmHoodathunk,
And the current VP has a gay daughter----but they consider it offensive to bring that up.
And the other grandmother sells hillbilly heroin.
January 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pmToxic coal ash piling up in ponds in 32 states
By DINA CAPPIELLO (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated Press
January 09, 2009 3:47 AM EST
WASHINGTON - Millions of tons of toxic coal ash is piling up in power plant ponds in 32 states, a practice the federal government has long recognized as a risk to human health and the environment but has left unregulated.
An Associated Press analysis of the most recent Energy Department data found that 156 coal-fired power plants store ash in surface ponds similar to the one that collapsed last month in Tennessee.
Records indicate that states storing the most coal ash in ponds are Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama.
January 9th, 2009 at 2:16 pmconniptionfit Says:
I can’t believe how far congress has it’s head up it’s a**! They’re taking votes in SUPPORT of Israel’s bombing of Gaza?? No discussion? Do they realize that many Americans are appalled by Israel’s actions?
Can they just not have a resolution either way? Why do they feel it's necessary to weight in at all?
January 9th, 2009 at 2:54 pmDennis Ross appointed as Obama's Special Adviser for the Middle East and Iran. Ross is a neocon and works for a heavily dominated neocon group, the Washington Institure for Near East Affairs.
Bloomberg and the Financial Times have stories on the appointment, for those who don't like Jewish newspapers.
January 10th, 2009 at 5:50 pm