Mike Luckovich

By ron

June 25, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

Today’s cartoon is thought provoking,but I’ve decided that my opinion will not change.

By Funny morons®

June 25, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Hmmm. No LuckoDullard. How refreshing.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Good one Mike! Very multi-layered! Keep up the great work!

By shadrivers

June 25, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

The “fired lawyers” investigation may lead to the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget mismanagement. Several of the lawyers fired were working on Indian cases. Interesting.

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

The Native Americans were royally screwed by the Europeans — “Manifest Destiny” is a policy that may come back to bite us in the butts someday.

There is evidence that our Native Americans came here to live more than 10,000 years ago, which is way more time before when Jamestown was settled by the Europeans:

And it was from these “out-of-Africa” populations that the first immigrants into the Americans came, reaching North America about 12,000 years ago by means of a “land bridge” between Asia and North America.

By steve-o

June 25, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Great cartoon!

Bosch,

Henry is going to Barcelona!!!

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Steve-O - I heard that about Henry. I don’t know quite how I feel about that, I like Barcelona, but I LOVE Arsenal. He’s a great player, I hope he’s making a fortune!

Did you watch the U.S./Mexico game yesterday? I had a lot going on and didn’t get to see it, I’m sure they will replay it (at least 100 times). I came in from running errands and my son told me they won (I knew they were down 1-0 at half).

For those of you who don’t know, or who even care, the U.S soccer team won the Gold Cup yesterday—that’s a big deal.

United States Wins Fourth Gold Cup

USA,USA,USA,USA — GO USA!!!!

By @@

June 25, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Aaahhhh! The original Native Americans ml? A culture greatly appreciated by ALL AMERICANS. Some of us don’t “USE” them for a political advantage though. They deserve greater respect.

Now THIS is a funny toon.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

One of life’s little ironies —

Europeans wipe out a population of native people (genocide) so they can have their lands (greed).

Now, everyone wants to be a Native American because they think it’s cool, OR because they want a claim in their casinos (again, greed).

The White Man’s greed, it never ends.

Pretty sad.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

@@, Yeah, our great-great-grandfathers really appreciated their lands enough to wipe them off the planet.

Have you ever visited a reservation? No, I wouldn’t call that being “appreciated.”

By Midori

June 25, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

I’ve visited plenty of reservations in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

Reservations are nothing more than ghettos.

Sad.

so very sad.

speaking of sad, what did you guys do to Andy? :)

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Midori, Good morning! I don’t know what happened to Andy, it’s kind of weird, isn’t it? I hope you had a good weekend.

Maybe he got out of the house for a while and went on vacation. Maybe the fresh air will be nice for him.

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Bosch— thanks for the good news @ 9:28. I think it would be great if America joined the rest of the world and had a better appreciation for the game of soccer. My boyfriend in my junior-senior years of high school played on the soccer team then, and I really loved to watch ‘em play… I especially loved their uniforms— they were just too cute in those shorts and knee socks!

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Goldie, Yes, soccer players have the best legs! :-)

I couldn’t agree with you more - they don’t call it the beautiful game for nothing.

By georgia 74

June 25, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Midori, There are no reservations in Oklahoma.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Georgia74, That’s a matter of semantics. Whatever. You are just trying to start a really stupid argument here.

It doesn’t matter what you call them, they are impoverished hell holes that our government created because of their own greed.

By Midori

June 25, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Georgia74,

my baby brother was stationed at Fort Lawton, Oklahoma. I visited him there while I was living in El Paso, Texas.

During my visit, he took me to what appeared to be an indian reservation.

I’ll never forget it because we went up this winding road, and right there at the top of the hill, in the middle of the road, was the biggest, meanest looking buffalo I’ve ever seen.

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Here’s some info re: Oklahoma reservations — certainly some Americans today could stand to educate themselves better about life on the reservations:

Oklahoma Indian Reservatons

By @@

June 25, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Bosch:

Have I visited “a” reservation?

How about many?

The reservations in the Four Corners area of the southwest, some in Florida; several here in Georgia as well as Tennessee. Native American culture is not a newly acquired passion for me, but a life long passion grounded in the roots of my Mother’s family.

They are a people not wanting sympathy or pity. They are a proud people capable of many organized accomplishments but comprised of individuals who fall victim to weaknesses within our society just like you and I.

Some live on reservations not because they are forced to, but because they choose to and because they are a communal culture.

I’m not one of those people who chooses to “feel better” by painting them as “victims” on a blog. I actually respect who they are and what they’re capable of doing.

I find you to be very multi-layered yourself Bosch. A gracious participant here one moment and then a “very condescending” individual the next.

I’m off to catch up on the news. I’ve been out of town and offline for several days.

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Andrew Jackson is another southern American who had raging genocidal tendencies:

Andrew Jackson argued that the solution to this problem was to move all these five tribes to Oklahoma. When Andrew Jackson gained power he encouraged Congress to pass the 1830 Indian Removal Act. He argued that the legislation would provide land for white invaders, improve security against foreign invaders and encourage the civilization of the Native Americans. In one speech he argued that the measure “will separate the Indians from immediate contact with settlements of whites; enable them to pursue happiness in their own way and under their own rude institutions; will retard the progress of decay, which is lessening their numbers, and perhaps cause them gradually, under the protection of the government and through the influences of good counsels, to cast off their savage habits and become an interesting, civilized, and christian community.”

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

{{A gracious participant here one moment and then a “very condescending” individual the next}}

A very appropriate description of yourself, Boobs. Why don’t you tell us all again how the black Americans should support the Repugnant Party in greater numbers than they do today???

By Dusty

June 25, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Goldie,

I read your link and the main line seemed to be that”four or five different genetic populations” were the earliest Americans. You zeroed in on the “out of Africa” line. This population was genetically diversified from the beginning.

To others,

This scattering of “I once visited a reservation” seems a bit presumptive to give negative reactions.

I have worked with Native Americans in their healthcare facilities for ten summers. I met American Indian doctors, nurses, administrators, counselors and many veterans who had fought for this country.(I heard a speech by a “CodeTalker” for one.) I met Indians working on their PhDs. (Larry Morningstar was on a work study project at WhiteRiver on the White Mountain Apache Reservation through the direction of Johns Hopkins.)

That is not to say everything was perfect. Not anymore than the non-Indian population. Alcoholism, drug abuse, pre-natal health care, diabetes and other health problems are being attacked at all centers.

Some reservations have more natural resources than others. Reservations are governed by the Indian officials of that tribe. Most health facilies are provided by the US government. Indians get first choices on all available positions. The Navajos have a hospital run by their tribe. And of course, some tribal governments are better run than others.

Do any of you “visitors”even know the size of prominent reservations? The Navajo Reservation is the size of WEST VIRGINIA. The Papago Reservation (now known as the Toho’no-o-otam) in southern Arizon covers some 2,773,357 acres.

To picture these artistic, perservering and proud people as a scaggly ignorant bunch for political purposes is pure misinformation and prejudice. I hope all of you will travel, study and enjoy our Native Americans. They are always a pleasure for me and I abhor this ugly presentment made by Luckovich.

By Paul

June 25, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Bosch 9:24

[[Now, everyone wants to be a Native American because they think it’s cool, OR because they want a claim in their casinos (again, greed).

The White Man’s greed, it never ends.]]

“Greed” is not limited to solely to the “White Man” when it comes to money. The difficulties within the Cherokee nation regarding casinos attest to that. Same issue applies with other tribes - once the promise of money rolling in starts.

9:02 tried another “lawyers fired because working on Indian cases…” Those cases - determinations of monies owed - have been going on for decades. And slow-rolled and ignored. Early on in the first Bush term Interior got some marching orders, then like so much else with this administration - received little ongoing oversight. But the ball got rolling with some good results:

Link: Indian Trust: Cobell vs Kempthorne

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

{{I hope all of you will travel, study and enjoy our Native Americans. They are always a pleasure for me and I abhor this ugly presentment made by Luckovich.}}

Of course you do, Dust-For-Brains. Mike L. does not tow your Party’s dictates and therefore he earns your scorn here every Monday thru Friday. We are all aware of how much you despise about 70% of America these days… you’re a very sad, pathetic person.

By Funny morons®

June 25, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

With Bush plummeting further and further in the polls and Iraqmire being more disastrous than ever, our “leaders” have come up with a new spin. Since the public is still rightfully concerned about al Qaeda — Presto! Every enemy combatant that we’ve killed or captured in Iraq is now a high-ranking member of al Qaeda.

Isn’t that great? We’re winning! Freedom is on the march! At this rate we’ll be capturing Osama bin Laden any day now.

Without any changes in military strategy or any new intelligence information, yesterday’s “insurgents” have suddenly become today’s al Qaeda members. If you can’t win, the next best option is to redefine all the terms.

By getalife

June 25, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

I visit an Indian reservation all the time.

It is the closest casino and they are doing really well here.

They all get a check every month and living well.

Their schools and buildings are brand new and the best in the area.

They are very happy people.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

@@, When did I say anything negative about the Native American people themselves? I said that reservations are impoverished hell holes, because, well, they are.

I’m not painting them as victims NOW, they have just as many opportunities for success as anyone else, but you have to admit, what happened to the entire population of Native Americans was a very dark part of our history.

You and Dusty have given great examples of successful Native Americans, but I find it really hypocritical sometimes that our society glorifies these people now, when just 150 years ago (which isn’t that long ago in historical context) our government was doing everything in it’s power to destroy them. I think that’s a matter of extreme guilt because everyone knows what our government did was WRONG.

I also especially find it hypocritical when we will celebrate the cultural success of the Native Americans so openly and freely now, but will not do the same for other culture groups.

Yes, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who would say anything negative about a Native American today, but I remember back in February during Black History Month, I read many negative remarks and comments regarding the purpose of having such a celebration, and heaven forbid, why in the world should we have Hispanic Appreciation month (in September?).

I, like you and Dusty, find Native American culture very fascinating, and I’m really glad that you have a passion for your ancestry, many do not.

Sometimes I think if world leaders today would sit around and smoke a peace pipe, we wouldn’t be in many of the messes we are in today!

By @@

June 25, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Where ‘ya been Goldie girl?

{{A gracious participant here one moment and then a “very condescending” individual the next}}

A very appropriate description of yourself, Boobs.

Displaying your diversity under another ID here? Multiple IDs?

I’ve been missin’ ‘ya, but not too much.

News is good coming out of the Middle East. It just may be history in the making. Egypt has stepped up; let’s see what Saudi Arabia has to offer at the next summit.

I found this little tidbit of info interesting.

US House bans aid to Saudi Arabia

Out to the pool.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Good morning Paul - I hope your weekend was filled with many fine ales.

I agree with you on that. That statement was just my philosophical musings. Those casinos are corrupted, while I think the intentions of their creations were well-intended, the promise of easy and large amounts of money could lead the most well-intended astray.

But then again, you have folks like Ralph Reed and Jack Abramoff with their hands in the pot. Casinos are an ugly business.

By getalife

June 25, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

w and cheney are not cut and run cowards:

w and cheney are not cut and run cowards:

Because the Constitution needed shredding.

Because the rule of law is quaint.

Because all those lies that got us into the war have been proved worth it.

Because the war should never end.

Because being an international pariah is kind of cool.

Because international law is silly.

Because torture is fun.

Because ignoring all the screaming alarms before 9/11 was prudent.

Because New Orleans wasn’t all that great, anyway.

Because the people of New Orleans and Iraq were expendable.

Because our military personnel deserve to suffer unprecedented abuse at the hands of their own government.

Because it’s exciting knowing we’re all being spied upon.

Because we missed out on all the fun that was life in the Soviet Union.

Because the Department of Justice is meant to be used as a political weapon.

Because the way to get rid of election fraud is to get rid of elections.

Because every national regulatory agency should be run by former lobbyists from the industries each agency regulated.

Because corporate executives were underpaid and their employees were coddled.

Because our government should be of, by, and for the fossil fuel industries.

Because billions of dollars needed to be funneled from hardworking taxpayers through off-book, no-bid contracts to corporations owned by members of the Administration, and their friends and relatives.

Because our minds just aren’t beautiful enough to appreciate a war president commander guy unitary executive.

Because Congressional lawmaking authority was meant to be nullified with the stroke of a signing-statement pen.

Because Rococo art was actually pretty amazing, so the Divine Right of Kings must also have been.

Because global warming doesn’t exist.

Because people suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis are less important than single cells in petri dishes.

Because we need to set a precedent that presidents have impunity.

Because Democracy was a failed experiment.

Because the backlash against President Clinton’s impeachment proved that the public has no taste for impeachment- no matter the extent of the high crimes and misdemeanors.

Because Congressiona

By Bosch is a moron

June 25, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Bosch—Would you please provide a link to EVEN ONE comment saying there shouldn’t be a recognition of black history?

What a freaking moron you are.

By Paul

June 25, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Bosch

Not even one this weekend. Had family visiting, not much time to sit and relax (the manner in which those ales should be consumed).

I agree about the casinos - but the profits aren’t a panacea. Tribes determine the split - I was at the Pala reservation last summer - a block from the casino were ramshackle trailers with junker cars out front. Sad.

Similar to the lottery? Who gets suckered into playing large sums as it’s seemingly the only chance to get ahead in life? And in many states - look at the proceeds. Florida got suckered, while the proceeds went to education, the Legislature and governor let general fund support decrease by an equal amount.

This entire business about gov’t “needing” money for this or that is absurd. “Gov’t” has a voracious, unending appetite. Especially when it comes to establishing programs to buy votes.

Way too early to get spun up! I’ve been at work since before 6 - this was my break - later!

Oh yeah, congrats to USA with the defeat of Mexico. Payback for those chants not too long ago?

getalife’s been nitjacked - he doesn’t write that much in a day. He makes his points in a few succinct sentences. Not in a treatise.

Later-

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Specifically what I was talking about in an earlier post was a blog or comment section I visited during Black History Month in the AJC. There were a lot of negative comments in that blog. If anyone who is better at finding archived material will look for it, I’d appreciate it, otherwise, you’ll just have to take my word and memory that I read it here in the AJC.

Also, if you are going to be so childish as to call me a moron, be an adult and use your real name.

By getalife

June 25, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

From the producers of an excellent documentary on Vietnam, “The Fog of War”, there is another one out this summer filmed by the troops

By getalife

June 25, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

That was me.

Here is the link

By Dusty

June 25, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Goldie,

Have you ever had a happy moment in life? Doesn’t sound like it.

I enjoy Native Americans because I have worked with them with pleasure. Why that has evolved into a hate program that you think I have is your own imagination working.

I disagree with many liberals because I believe they are harming the country. I have the same attitude toward this country as I do for my children. I have great love for them and I will protect them from harm as much as I possibly can. When they make mistakes, I try to help them do better. I do not hate or magnify their mistakes.

Your snide remarks may be your effort to help the country. I think that screaming about everything you disagree with in our government is exactly what our enemies want to hear and elaborate on.

There are better ways to help our country than helping our enemies. Use freedom of speech to enhance our country, not tear it apart.

Bosch,

I don’t find anyone glorifying Native Americans. Take Luckovich for example. Because I enjoy their culture and get great pleasure from their company is not to be called “glorified”. Skip that word.

I do not see any inhibitions on Black Culture celebrations in Atlanta. Quite the opposite. I am not black but I have the impression that many black citizens come to this city because they can expect a “fair shake”.

As to Hispanics, I will check with a family member on that one. He gave us a Spanish blessing at the hamburger birthday bash. We forgot to tell him about “Spanish” prejudice and he seldom mentions any. I guess it is all in what you look for.

By In other words

June 25, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t find anyone glorifying Native Americans.

But I sure love going to Braves games and waving my Styrofoam tomahawk!

I just wish I was a Cleveland fan so I could wear a t-shirt with that racist caricature on it.

Go you red warriors!

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Dusty, I happen to live in an area of the state where there is a very high concentration of ignorant rascist rednecks. I hear rumblings about BHM and “them Mexicans” all the time. I don’t think that many of the Mexican-haters around here even know there is a Hispanic Appreciation Month.

I remember when the Bosch children were little and their school received a grant to hire a Spanish teacher to teach Spanish to K-6 students at their school - Oh, the controversy about that!

Getalife, That was you that called me a moron? Well, that’s okay, I hope you didn’t mean it.

By Funny morons®

June 25, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Last week RW was asserted that Cheney was wrong when he stated that the Vice President was not a part of the Executive Branch. When i provided proof via the official White House web site RW responded with some gibberish about the White House web site not being able to trump the Constitution.

Today I thought I’d provide proof in a form that RW just might be able to understand.

You see, RW. The President is in the Executive Branch of our government. Does it really make sense for his number two to be in a different branch?

I suppose it would make sense to you if you were the type to believe everything Cheney (or Bush) say.

By Funny morons®

June 25, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I have to wonder why RW would refute something so easily researched.

By getalife

June 25, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Bosch,

No, sounds like something RW/BD would type.

“Neal Boortz, he popped us pretty good,” said Lindsay Mabry, a spokeswoman for Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., who shifted from qualified support to opposition to the bill in recent days. She said Chambliss consulted with Boortz on immigration even though the senator was not an on-air guest during the debate.”

Geez.

By Funny morons®

June 25, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Due to several edits the first sentence of my 12:18 is totally out of whack:

Last week RW asserted that Cheney was correct when he stated that the Vice President was not a part of the Executive Branch.

Sorry for any confusion.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Getalife, When Buy Danish or RW call me a moron, they usually use their name! ;-)

Did you just say that Chambliss consulted with Neal Boortz on immigration? Did I read that right?

Be back later ——

By georgia 74

June 25, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Go to www.answers.com/topic/indian-resevations-2 this gives a good explanation of the status of Indian reservations. I worked and lived in Oklahoma, several my co-workers were Otoes and two were Osage. There has not been any reservations officially after 1934.

By getalife

June 25, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Bosch,

They use many names. Trolls.

Chambliss was for the bill before he was against it.

Sound familiar?

It is okay if they flip flop.

Geez.

By DebbieDoRight

June 25, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Goldie: a really good view of Andrew Jackson’s highly racist and empirialistic views can be found when you do a search on the Black Seminoles of Florida. Very informative of the mindset of the then upcoming president and country.

http://johnhorse.com/index.html

By Dusty

June 25, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Bosch,

I don’t know what part of Georgia you live in but I do wish you would stop using “ignorant racist rednecks” as a general identification. That is used by imposters, jokers and inciters to try and label Southerners.

Such labels are usually applied by wannabe Southerners who come here because Florida is too expensive, the northern states are too cold, Arizona is too far away or…the company sent them. They immediately begin to demonize the South and it’s hospitality and courtesies.

Don’t do it. It is just another form of discrimination, used against the South where long ago we learned to do much better than most far flung sections.

So much for that. And for goodness sakes, don’t believe much of what you read on blogs. They are informative but also attract the “extremes”.

No more enlightenment!!I am gone for much of the day. Peace!!

By In other words

June 25, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

You don’t know what part of Georgia I live in but I know you must wish I would stop using “liberal traitors who help our enemies” as a general identification. That is something I use as an imposter, neo-con and inciter to label everyone I disagree with.

By Paul

June 25, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Funny Morons 12:18

It’s an Executive Order. The “Executive” is the President. Pres Clinton issued it, Pres Bush modified it. So the Pres can pretty well include or exempt whomever he wishes.

“By the ///authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America,/// and in order to further amend Executive Order 12958, as amended, it is hereby ordered that Executive Order 12958 is amended to read as follows:…”

The EO is here:

Link: EO 12958

The language is all about agencies. It references US Code Title 5, sec 105 “For the purpose of this title, “Executive agency” means an Executive department, a Government corporation, and an independent establishment.” Then, within the EO, General Provisions Part 6 states “b) “Agency” means any “Executive agency,” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105; any “Military department” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 102; and any other entity within the executive branch that comes into the possession of classified information.”

So that could be sticky, if read without reference to the other definitions.

Bottom line: the Pres issues the EOs, he can modify them, he’s already said through his spokespersons how he wants it followed.

The rest is pure politics. Y’know, the longer this kind of stuff keeps up, the lower Congress’s approval ratings will go (is that possible?) as people see them engaging in more posturing while immigration, health care, promises on what they’d do about Iraq, etc, languish.

By Opinionated One

June 25, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of the RED MAN. I am just as much a native American and he/she/it is. I was born here, and THAT make me, a native American also. The red man, came here, just like the rest of us, and took over from someone else. AND to all you black folk, be glad you were brought here, otherwise you would still be running around the jungle, eating bugs and things. With a bone in your nose.

By Midori

June 25, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

LOL — Is that Andy’s “evil twin” @ 1:41?

How can one ascertain which one is “evil”?

By Truths Sister

June 25, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Opinionated One: You are an idiot.

http://www.homestead.com/wysinger/ancientafrica.html

By Funny morons®

June 25, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

That Funny moron® from 1:41 assumes that inhabitants of the African continent run around with bones in their noses eating bugs.

It doesn’t get out much does it?

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Dusty, Thank you, but I’ll use the term “ignorant, rascist rednecks” as much as I want. I don’t think of rednecks so much as a Southern thing, rednecks are everywhere in this country not just the South.

Your enlightenment, “And for goodness sakes, don’t believe much of what you read on blogs. They are informative but also attract the “extremes”.”

Ummmm, Dusty, I know you don’t like it when I claim to “know” something, but yes, I do know that. I know how to think in rational, critical ways. Thanks for your concern though.

Like In Other Words pointed out you throw out general stereotypical labels all the time — at least mine are more accurate.

Oh God, I need a swimming pool! I went for a run and I am about to have a heat stroke!

By AmVet

June 25, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Midori, I personally think it’s Andy’s “nice” twin!

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I think that “Opinionated One” is actually Right Wing Nutjob in Full Glory.

Hey Midori, you just reminded me. Where is our Lucko Buddy?

Has he ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZed off somewhere and can’t wake up? Should we call someone?

By AmVet

June 25, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Paul, good stuff on one of the lesser understood aspects of our government - executive orders.

Not surprisingly, and like much of our federal codification, they are very much a two-edge sword, aren’t they.

Some, like Truman’s integration of the Armed Forces and Ike’s desegregation of public schools have obvious benefits to the nation.

Others like FDR’s delegating military authorities to remove all people (used to target specifically Japanese-Americans and German-Americans) in a military zone seem much more sinister.

The one that predictably I like the most (sarc!) is Bush’s Nixon-like EO 13233 limiting public access to the records of former US Presidents.

(Does anyone but me think W is trying to hide something? I can’t imagine! Well, anything other that the first few chapters of “How I Cooked the Books to Justify the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq”.)

Poor Gerry got a bad rap while in the White House but lately I’m beginning to see that the guy was exceptionally bright and moral.

He said, “I firmly believe that after X period of time, presidential papers, except for the most highly sensitive documents involving our national security, should be made available to the public, and the sooner the better.”

By getalife

June 25, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

This is evil:

“Rumsfeld, Cheney’s longtime friend and mentor, gathered his senior subordinates at the Pentagon in the summer of 2005. Rumsfeld warned them to steer clear of Senate Republicans John McCain, John W. Warner and Lindsay O. Graham, who were drafting a bill to govern the handling of terrorism suspects.

“Rumsfeld made clear, emphatically, that the vice president had the lead on this issue,” said a former Pentagon official with direct knowledge.”

By Paul

June 25, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Dusty

How was the pool? I’m getting ready to get rid of my chlorine system and go not to salt - but to fresh water. Technology’s in from Australia - copper rods and such with ionization. Greatly reduced chemicals (good thing), lots easier care (better thing - the automated system flips the ionization on/off) - no salt or chlorine to add. Ain’t technology great?

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Dusty, BTW, I was born and raised in the South. I’m a true Southerner who loves cornbread, grits (preferably cheese grits with shrimp), fried okra, and iced tea (although I hate sweet tea, I prefer it unsweetened with lemon). I happen to have a weird family mix, really strange family mix, but I am not prejudiced against the South or Southerners. I wouldn’t live anywhere else in this country—there are stupid, ignorant people everywhere.

By getalife

June 25, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

You can voice your opinion on cheney here

Geez.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Paul, To be honest, you were just talking Greek to me, not about the pool, but the Executive Orders. Nice information though.

I have a friend who has non-chlorine pool, I thought it was salt water that is “zapped” somehow and therefore doesn’t need chlorine, not sure of all the techno stuff regarding the pool, all I know is it doesn’t have chlorine, and it is absolutely great!

By Midori

June 25, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Bosch,

nah — he’s probably somewhere torturing houseflies by pulling off their wings with tweezers :)

By Paul

June 25, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

AmVet

Truman did some amazing things, given his background. Sometimes holding the office brings out some pretty fine qualities. Regarding the FDR EOs, well, the beginning of WWII was a pretty rough time for America. I think sometimes the circumstances behind the actions are glossed over. Not saying it was right, but more understandable than many make it out to be. Same thing with the earlier 15th-19th century of natives in N/S America. Much of what’s horrendous to our sensibilities now was frankly normal then.

The records - there are good reasons for some confidentiality at the time, but after a while, open ‘em up.

Remember government “of the People, by the People, for the People?” Wait, forget that. Implication is this government is the fault of… the People?!!?

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Okay, I just clicked onto the front page of the AJC and they have a picture of a guy who is being held for murdering a cop in Utah.

Look at his picture —— as getalife would say, GEEZ!!! Make that a double GEEZ!!!

Scary guy

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Midori, LOL!!! I just took a big swig of water when I read that, and it almost came out my nose!

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Paul, The internment of Japanese and German Americans happened 60-65 years ago. That’s not that long ago. No, that wasn’t right. It’s call hysteria - and although some of the guys in Guantanamo are “enemy combatants” whatever that is, it’s very similar.

By Paul

June 25, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Bosch

That wasn’t that long ago. But the situation was pretty bleak. The Pacific fleet (except carriers) was shattered. We were losing islands in the Pacific. The west coast was essentially unprotected. Japanese invaded Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Yes, there was a lot of hysteria, and racism - but also a lot of uncertainty. But after all that, it’s amazing the US formed Nisei regiments - some of the most distinguished and decorated of the war.

Italian-Americans didn’t escape, either.

‘Nuther lesson - implications if this jihadist thing continues -with noncitizens in this country - but even positing certain scenarios gets some people shouting “fear! fear!” so the policy discussion goes by the wayside -

I’m off for the afternoon - cheers

By Goldie

June 25, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

{{I am so tired of the RED MAN. I am just as much a native American and he/she/it is. I was born here, and THAT make me, a native American also.}}

Opinionated One— I’m sure you agree that the Mexican people are Native Americans as well???

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

“Yes, there was a lot of hysteria, and racism - but also a lot of uncertainty”

Sound familiar?

By Paul

June 25, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Bosch

That wasn’t that long ago. But the situation was pretty bleak. The Pacific fleet (except carriers) was shattered. We were losing islands in the Pacific. The west coast was essentially unprotected. Japanese invaded Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Yes, there was a lot of hysteria, and racism - but also a lot of uncertainty. But after all that, it’s amazing the US formed Nisei regiments - some of the most distinguished and decorated of the war.

Italian-Americans didn’t escape, either.

‘Nuther lesson - implications if this jihadist thing continues -with noncitizens in this country - but even positing certain scenarios gets some people shouting “fear! fear!” so the policy discussion goes by the wayside -

I’m off for the afternoon - cheers

By nemo

June 25, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I abhor this ugly presentment made by Luckovich. Excuse me! Excuse me. What ugly presentment (what is a presentment anyway?) are you referring to?

By Paul

June 25, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Bosch

Yes - and part of today’s “uncertainty” is still self induced. At least then we could say we were fighting Nazism & Japanese imperialism. How long after 9/11 did it take our leaders to even identify the enemy, not the tactic (“terrorism”) and regularly say we were in a war with Islamic jihadists? And how much criticism did they get for even suggesting such a thing?

Gotta run - bye -

By getalife

June 25, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

“Yesterday, CNN proudly announced that it has scored the first post-jail interview with Paris Hilton. To make room for Paris on Wednesday, CNN canceled its interview with Michael Moore about his new health care documentary SiCKO.”

The dumbing down of America is complete.

Geez.

By Eric

June 25, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

So let’s see… we’ll give the Jews back the land they lost thousands of years ago, but we won’t give back the land WE took from the Native Americans a few hundred years ago.

By Jesus

June 25, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

IMPEACH BUSH NOW!!!

By wtfbbq

June 25, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

No Andy today?

Eric: its pretty easy. We gave Israel back to the jews because it didn’t matter to us - its not our land. There is no way we would give back our own land to the people we stole it from because then we wouldn’t have a country anymore.

By Bosch

June 25, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Oh my God, there is this watery wet stuff falling from the sky? What is this magic?

By Carbon Footprint

June 25, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

One thing’s not said too much, but I think it’s true. The story of our intercourse with Native Americans is the story of all migrating populations into pre-owned territory in the course of all of human history.

That’s what causes war, and why every population since Adam had as it’s first priority a strong military attachment.

You never knew when a migrating population was going to suddenly appear, friendly or not. Eventually war would break out. That’s as certain as sunrise.

It’s in our genes to kill what we dont recognize, because migrations always brought disease. When new peoples peopled a place, suddenly the pre-owners started dieing off, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to put the to events together and then it was “kill the newcomers”.

If our native american friends had kilt columbus and the spanish conquistadors right off the bat, they wouldn’t have been annihilated by disease.

The story of custer’s last stand is the story of it’s ancient self. Custer felt he had full authority and the full support of every living American when he attacked a city of civilian native americans on a traditional camping ground. It’s like he thought it would have been ridiculous for him to presuppose that the indians had a right to peacefully camp by that river.

Similarly, throughout history, when entrenched populations were uncovered by nomadic migrating populations, it was destined that a war would envelop.

It’s our way. We kill. Period.

That’s why this Amnesty Bill is so forboding. The talk radio people are riling everybody up, and setting us on a path to a civil war against the migrating population of Mexicans.

They dont know what they’re doing, people, and you are falling in line, your bloodlust rising from your core, and you dont even know it.

Rush incorrectly shouting “AMNESTY”. Lou Dobbs speculating about disease. It’s all there. We are in deep trouble. How long do you expect the Mexicans to stay calm? How long till some yahoo massacres a group of illegals?

Assimilation, not Apartheid!!

ASSIMILATION, NOT APARTHEID!!!!!

By Right-wing nut job in full glory

June 25, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Since Luck isn’t here I guess its up to me to take up the slack:

First, I’m sick and tired of the AJC’s anti-American attitude with this cartoon. The suggestion that we, white, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, weren’t given this land by God himself, but that it was somehow stolen is ignorant and a distortion of history. If God didn’t want us to have it then why didn’t He give the Indians guns? Why didn’t God make the Indians immune to small pox? God works in mysterious ways and one of those ways is making certain that the enemies of His followers are weak. He has also given us the gift of language which is necessary in the process of dehumanizing the “savages” so that if feels good to kill them. God doesn’t want us to feel bad for doing the right thing. So we have guns and propaganda. They have bows and arrows. We win, or rather, God wins.

Second, it amazes me how Bush can be so perfect in matters of war (I mean he’s like the modern day Alexander of Macedonia), but so flawed when it comes to the fight against the “browning” of America. If it is up to the libs and Bush, our entire culture and heritage (AKA white and proud) will be destroyed. It is bad enough that white Americans are having less kids when you add the influx of the un-American types and their rabbit-like breeding, we are in a lot of trouble. We haven’t yet recovered from the Irish and the Italians coming and now this? The America I’ve known and loved is surely in trouble.

Third, I’ve been pushing for this for awhile and I really think that we ought to discuss it more seriously. It seems that roughly 70% of the people hate America. I mostly blame the media and Hollywood, but the damage is done. (If Congress had passed the law I suggested which was to have Rush Limbaugh blaring 24/7 from public loud speakers across the country, then we wouldn’t have this problem.) The question though becomes what do you do with these awful people called liberals. It has become more and more obvious that the greatest threat to America is from the liberals and I can only think of one solution to the problem and that is death camps.

Why should we continue to try to get these people to see the light when killing them is more certain and effective? We all have to admit that our nation can’t survive their presence and now that they are a majority we rea

By Carbon Footprint

June 25, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Hannity lambasted Tony Snow for charging the the Talk Radio bellowers didn’t know what was in the Immigration Bill. Yet, right after he dissed Tony Snow, a caller complained that the Senators didn’t know what was in the bill and they were going to vote without knowing. Hannity said, “Good Point!”

Well Hannity has no idea what’s in the bill if he thinks it has amnesty in it. The talk radio hosts have simply found a word that gets ratings. Amnesty. For ratings, they are badgering americans dangerously close to civil war.

And I think it stinks.

By Paul

June 25, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

getalife

Someone stole your bong and is passing it around.

geez

By getalife

June 25, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Paul,

To get a life you must hit a bong.

Here is your hero again

Geez.

By Carbon Footprint

June 25, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Bong hits 4 Jesus!

Keep tweaking our Mexican Guest’s noses. Go ahead. See what happens.

Count me out.

They are here. You have a choice. Either it’s war, or we assimilate. We adjust. We accept them and avoid the civil war which we faced when we were flooded with African Americans in 1860.

Dont you think that the Mexicans will defend themselves here? It’s survival for them to be here. They hear Rush and Hannity on the radio, and they’re radar is on, my friends.

You fools are going to send our society into the depths of hell that the middle east is in. I dont care if you dont like brown skin. Too bad.

I think it’s great.

By Deport 12 million scumbags

June 25, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

getalife, I saw that clip and wasn’t a bit surprised. BOR has always been despicable. And that alone is why he is so popular.

Let’s face it anybody who actually doesn’t fall over from laughter listening to O’Reilly, Boortz and Hannity is indeed laughable themselves.

Amazing that anyone finds them credible. Truly amazing. That and the fact that no one YET has kicked his teeth in!

But then the neo-cons like being told what to think.

By Carbon Footprint

June 25, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

“Amnesty” is like “no Child left behind”. It’s a smoke screen for a different corrupt agenda.

No child: This has let the biggest corruption scandal in our education history. Billions to private companies to come up with incompetent measuring standards for writing and reading and rithmetic.

I’ve seen some of these tests and essay prompts. Pathetic. It’s all about getting that federal contract for the billions.

I’m on a mission. Oh wait!

By Paul

June 25, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

getalife

I saw BOR after that segment - someone got on his case for calling the kid a pinhead. His answer to the kid who told him he too encouraged kids to do drugs in his book was along the lines of - I didn’t mean him personally. I meant people who go through my book, or comb the partisan websites and take things out of context. THOSE people ARE pinheads. I think at the end he commended the kid for coming on, said he was a standup guy - told him to read the book, it’d do him some good. Like learning about appropriateness of addressing adults by their first names?

Adults today who act so offended are self esteem wimps. I got called lots worse than that by my high school teachers.

I liked the link from the other day - with the Code Pink founder and the strategist, when he cut the mike on the strategist then kept talking with the Code Pink woman. Lesson: there’s only one way to get in the last word with some women…

If that doesn’t wake up this place, nothing will!

By Deport 12 million scumbags

June 25, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Amnesty. No Child Left Behind. Compassionate Conservatism. Liberators. Weapons of Mass Destruction. Stay the Course. Ira and 9/11 Connection. Iraq/Al Qaeda Connection. We do not Torture. Domestic Spying. Gitmo. Katrina & New Orleans. Social Security Deficits. Middle Class Tax Cuts. Prescription Drug Costs.

And on and on and on.

Worst ever.

No doubt.

By Georgia Comment

June 29, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I love it!

By Georgia Comment

June 29, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I love it!