Mike Luckovich

By Duh stands for Democrat

September 19, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

Won’t that be a blessed day?

~~~~~~

The Atlanta Urinal Constitutiton, in cooperation with the Sadr Brigade, is pleased to bring you this blessed message from Mookie, who has taken time off from his busy schedule of blowing up innocent women and children:

{{{{Al-Sadr’s office in Najaf said the government should nullify contracts of all foreign security companies, branding them “criminal and intelligence firms. “This aggression would not have happened had it not been for the presence of the occupiers who brought these companies, most of whose members are criminals and ex-convicts in American and Western prisons,” the cleric said in a statement.-Urinal}}}}

Yes, and let’s replace them with all sorts of Iranians, right AJC?

~~~~~~

Surprise, surprise, Queen Pinko pulls out the race card:

{{{{Racism was also a factor. The flight of Atlanta’s largely white middle class began in the early 1960s, several years after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down segregated schools. White flight accelerated after the city elected its first black mayor, Maynard Jackson, in 1973. By the 1980s, the city’s population was about 67 black and disproportionately poor, with nearly 50,000 of its residents —- one in eight —- living in public housing.-Urinal}}}}

Now I know why Atlanta was such a wreck, it’s Whitey’s fault, why of course, it probably never had nothing to do with misguided liberal government programs that reduced whole people’s into dependency and took away all of their motivation to succeed, no it was the White man that brought all of this down.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 19, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

IF I were going to vote republican this year, and IF I wanted to vote for a TV personality it sure wouldn’t be Fred Thompson.

I’s throw my support behind Fred Flinstone!

Now here’s a real family man. Married once. Devoted to his lovely wife and charming daughter.

He’s a regular guy. Working class man. Get’s up early, working hard in the quarry every day.

He even lets his pet ride in the car, not ON the car.

He has important friends in the Hollyrock crowd - like Stoney Curtis and Ann-Margrock - leading the charge on the left coast.

Flinstone ‘08.

If you are going to vote for cartoon Fred, pick a good one!

By @@

September 19, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

O.K. ml, I haven’t ruled Thompson out but if I were his campaign manager I’d toss the speeches and let Fred’s “natural” appeal come through.

On another note, how in the heck can the liberals find a way to blame this on Bush?

Union Fund Embezzlements ‘Epidemic,’ Analyst Says

“There is rampant corruption — it’s persistent,” Boehm said. “It’s largely embezzlement, but it is no longer limited to what they call the ‘historically corrupt’ unions — Teamsters, Laborers, and so forth. One of the biggest corruption cases involved the teachers union in Washington, D.C., with close to $5 million embezzled.”

Indeed, misuse of union pension funds is being conducted on an increasingly grand scale. Boehm pointed out that in one West Coast case, union officials embezzled $200 million from a pension fund.

“The biggest tragedy of all is that Congress recently cut back the amount of funds being used to investigate corruption, presumably for political reasons,” he added.

“George Bush’s Labor Department protects worker’s rights the way George Orwell’s Ministry of Truth portrayed propaganda,” she said. “This is an administration that attacks working people, and it attacks them through the unions and this what the Labor Department is doing.”

Unbelievable!!!!!!!

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

Respect and Revere Holy Islam.

Have you hummed a hymn with a Imam today?

Have you hugged a mullah today?

Celebrate our diversity. Join together our human bond. Observe God.

The cartoon today was okay. The Fred Flinstone bit was fun to read. Thompson isn’t electable, is he? He would have to show some speaking or debating ability far beyond his acting chops, and so far……he’s no Bonzo.

By Last week we were having PROGRESS in Iraq

September 19, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

NOW…..U.S. Suspends ‘Land Travel’ Outside The Green Zone For Civilian And Diplomatic Officials

By FIRE (bomb) SALE

September 19, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Bush Administration Flooding Iraqi Black Market With Billions Of Dollars In Weapons

By the stopper

September 19, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

“Union Fund Embezzlements ‘Epidemic,’ Analyst Says”

That “Analyst” is a paid hack from the National Legal and Policy Center. And your story is from Cracker News Service.

This all you got? Pathetic.

By Source Watch

September 19, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

a bit about @@’s source…..

and it’s founder Brent Bozell

Just so you know…..

By Shawny

September 19, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Sad toon today. It is promising, though, to see a caricature taking the presidential oath that is not Hillary.

By Only the Shadow Knows

September 19, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

To the great satisfaction of the war industry, before Rumsfeld resigned he took the extraordinary step of classifying private contractors as an official part of the US war machine

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Travis Smiley Debates: If wooten has his ear to the ground, then he should hear the rumblings of social revolution as the corporate puppets string voters along proving the left’s knottiest claims about the isolated ruling class.

By Olyv e Oyle

September 19, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

More whine from Shawny. Is that all you know?

By Paul

September 19, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Fire Sale 8:32

ThinkProgress misleads again. They make an assertion (Bush Administration Flooding Iraqi Black Market with Billions of Dollars in Weapons) and then wander off into several different stories.

Let’s see. The headline asserts there’s a conscious, directed effort by the Bush Administration to “flood” a “black market.” It’s like saying the Administration is “flooding the American black market with unregistered, illegal weapons.” Sound a bit off?

Then it goes on to describe a foreign military sales contract. That’s flooding a black market? Or is the assertion the arms could find their way to a black market? Evidence of a future likelihood (past performance does not guarantee future results…).

Then it references past lack of accountability of equipment during a war. Really? Didn’t we just have a discussion about US troops who lost track of their own equipment? And the outrage expressed when the gov’t wanted to hold them accountable?

Then a comment on a decision to arm militias.

So, how exactly is the Bush Administration directing an effort to flood a black market?

Which is why ThinkProgress gets paid by advertisers - and can’t sell its “analysis” to people or institutions who rely on such information to make US policy.

By Shawny

September 19, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Sad toon today. It is promising, though, to see a caricature taking the presidential oath that is not Hillary.

By Shawny

September 19, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Sad toon today. It is promising, though, to see a caricature taking the presidential oath that is not Hillary.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Moveon.org has just recommended a new general for the Iraq War…….Barrabus!

By Shawny

September 19, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Apparently it is all I know, and that I can’t post with this crappy website hanging up.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

C’mon Mr. Luckovich - you’ve already done this with the current Pres. At least you didn’t do the “ear” thing with Thompson.

Fred Thompson (read: Republican) is stupid. Dual undergraduate degrees: philosophy and history. Law degree from Vanderbilt. Special Counsel to the Senate Intel Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. Advised Sen Baker during Watergate hearings. Couple terms as a US Senator.

That’s a dummy?

@@

Well, just based on comparing credentials, maybe it should have been Hillary in the ‘toon. With MoveOn in the background?

And no, from what I’ve seen, I’m not a Thompson supporter.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

What do Islamists want from us? We crucified Christ for them…..

What more can we do? I mean, if that’s not good enough, then I dont know what is……nuke iran, comeon, it’s what we’re all thinking.

It’s like OJ. The whole world was just waiting 4 this guy to screw up, and now we can get him. (in spite of the oj luck! Main witness has heart attack? There cant be a god.)

Well, Iran has only to look dirty at the UN and we’ll have the right to nuke them. Just like OJ!

By Weapons "R" Us

September 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Iraq’s Arms Bazaar How firearms intended for Iraqi security forces are winding up in the hands of extremists across the region.

By Midori

September 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Paul,

I’ll take one Think Progress over thousands of your NewsMax’s, Town Halls, or Weekly Standards.

By Bang Bang

September 19, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Black-Market Weapon Prices Surge in Iraq Chaos

By Fred ain't stupid, just too lazy to do his homework

September 19, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

“Gosh, no one has told me that there’s any major reserves in the Everglades, but maybe that’s one of the things I need to learn while I’m down here,” Thompson said after talking over state issues with Gov. Charlie Crist.

By the stopper

September 19, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Paul gave us:

“ThinkProgress misleads again.”

Aww. Wotta shame. Hey, here’s an idea…Well, why don’t you go over there and post something to counter this “misleading” stuff?

y’see, ThinkProgress, unlike virtually every conservo-fascist online-pundit forum, actually allows comments. Even from knuckle-dragging RWers, who show up every day and embarrass themselves.

By And the TRUTH shall get your butt kicked

September 19, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Iraqi Report Says Blackwater Guards Fired First

By Paul

September 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Midori 9:06

Uh, I don’t have any “NewsMax’s, Town Halls, or Weekly Standards.”

Point was, my impression is ThinkProgress sacrifices what may be a legitimate story on the altar of another weak slam against the Bush Administration. If they’d have written “Bush Administration going ahead with huge arms sales to Iraqi government in spite of weak controls and risk of diversions” they could have advanced the story. I’m just not sure any of their staffers are capable (or desirous) of researching and writing such a piece.

Stopper 9:12

(Yawn). Attack the messenger. Never, ever refute an idea or advance a new one. Such tactics and lack of discussion are why I don’t comment on such sites - ultraleft or ultraright.

You’re learned well.

By Ze Impressionist Movement

September 19, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

””“”my impression is ThinkProgress sacrifices what may be a legitimate story on the altar of another weak slam against the Bush Administration. “”“”“

Vell, it eez my impressione that you may be incapable to recognize a legitamate news story.

Zee evidence?

You still zupport zee Bush Administration.

(posted with a very bad french accent)

air revore

By Getting my kids "de-bunk" beds

September 19, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Pentagon, State Department Debunk Bush Fabrications on Iran

By steve-o

September 19, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

{{{{Surprise, surprise, Queen Pinko pulls out the race card:}}}

Duh,

You idiot. That’s not playing the race card, that’s stating fact. You’re just to much of a sally to face up to it.

An example of playing the race card is OJ Simpson’s murder trial, Lee Atwater’s Southern Strategy and use of the Willy Horton ad, Nifong and the Duke case, etc.

But “white flight” in the 70s and 80s was a cold hard truth that is fortunately starting to reverse itself.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Maybe, just maybe, if Fred Thompson can come across as a Fred McMurray, (lovablly, bumblingly competent, then he can win.

He answered perfectly if that’s the act he’s selling.

He’s approaching the polls as if he were Jack Benny doing standup. The persona rules all the topical spin.

We ARE just dumb enough……..it…….could…..WORK!

By Paul

September 19, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Ze Impressionist

Manet just rolled over in his grave.

I did recognize a legit story - or did you post before my 9:23 appeared? I believe ThinkProgress did not advance the story in a meaningful way - they wandered about with a series of thinly-related stories.

And I “support” the Bush Administration, how? I suppose one would have to define “support.” For example, if the Bush Administration is in favor of continuing the Food Stamp Program and emissions standards for automobiles, and you do also, does that mean you support the Bush Administration?

By Steve-o is racist

September 19, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

In other words, Steve, its only race card playing when white people do it, right?

Doom

By Steve-o is racist

September 19, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

what about “black flight” in the 90s and 00s?

Doom

By Paul

September 19, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

[[By Getting my kids “de-bunk” beds September 19, 2007 9:36 AM Pentagon, State Department Debunk Bush Fabrications on Iran]]

“using the Quds Force to turn Shi’ite militias into a “Hezbollah-like force” does not “contradict” “the Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, had in essence left Iraq.”

Using an entity to turn another entity into a certain style of unit is a //training// mission. When the mission’s over, the trainers leave.

Jimminy, Alternet must have the same writers as ThinkProgress. Or, more likely, MoveOn.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Who could we pick to crucify to satisfy Osama Bin Laden? Okay, christ is taken, if only there was a second coming then we’d at least have a chance…..

No, somebody really good….is mother therasa available…….DAMN!……..Billy Graham? Nah, just another corporate collar. We cant rush into this… these things must handled delicately.

(oz)

By Blacks flew to the suburbs for the same reason

September 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Doom is going to leave this blog now. I must go and prepare myself for Obama’s speech at the Georgia World Congress Center. I will fill all of you in upon my return.

Doom

By Shawny

September 19, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

WARNING: The following toon is graphic in nature and should only be viewed by individuals with strong intestinal fortitude (it may make you naseuous).

By Dancing with the DIM stars

September 19, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Some folks need a definition of supporting the Bush administration?

Some folks should read their own posts over the last few months.

Some folks just can’t accept what Americans in the majority want.

Some folks should just be honest and admit to be a Bushbot.

Jiminy, some folks must still be drinking the Kool Aid. They think that drinking it out of the coffee cup hides it.

By Shawny

September 19, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Here is a good one about Fred’s shortcomings.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

This is why many are attracted to Obama and are tired of the ‘leadership’ epitomized by Rev. Jackson.

Link: Jackson criticizes Obama

By Paul

September 19, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Dancing with DIM stars

and some take shots at me for using so many words and saying so little of substance…

When some accuse others of “support” it’s reasonable to ask the accusers what they mean by the term. Usually it’s narrowly constructed to Iraq. Rather myopic.

Shawny 10:02

Actually, it sounds like he’ll continue to fit right in in Washington -

By All the evil they could possibly want right here....

September 19, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

These people must be dangerous

By Goldie

September 19, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

OMG, Lucko— this would be a nightmare scenario for America, Freddie getting sworn in for ‘09… thank God the American voters are too smart for that! There’s no way that the voters will elect another know-nothing, war-mongering empty suit for the White House!

But Lucko’s caricature of Freddie is spot on!

By Dusty

September 19, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Thank you for your sensible “corrections” on the propaganda presented here so often.

Fred Thompson is a marginal candidate for me. He’s too casual about the whole thing. I get the impression that it is sorta like a golf game he would like to win if he feels like it.

I am truly impressed with Gates every time I see him. Unfortunately, he does not seem to be in the picture of Republican candidates. I really wish he could be “pulled” forward. We are going to need someone very strong as the next President. I see Gates as the kind of person we need.

By Ain't it funny when...

September 19, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

the neocons and bushbots hide their loaded boxing gloves under pretty white gloves?

Like they never attack.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

General Wesley Clark is now on the Diane Rehm show (NPR - can listen over Internet) discussing Iraq and private “military” contractors.

Link: Gen Clark’s interview

Dusty

You’re welcome. I’m continually amazed at what passes for “real information” to form the basis of a discussion.

Ditto Thompson. I like some of the things I hear from Gates - as far as “strong” - the Dem candidates attempts to show “I’m tougher” seems a pretty muddled effort to me. Especially (witness Hillary’s latest dodges) when asked to defend a serving 4-star and denounce a campaign money machine.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Is it over for Sharapova?

By getalife

September 19, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Lazy fred is a moron like his only supporter duh.

He does know the issues, like drilling in the everglades for oil in Florida.

Rudy will be the gop candidate backed by where Paul gets his information faux opinion and BO.

Rudy is liberal.

Geez.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Dusty

This is one of the more momentous stories we’ve seen. Finally. This is long, long overdue. We’ve had past efforts but they’ve been rather disjointed and ad hoc. This could easily be as critical to future warfare as the remote sensors now being employed. Indeed, done correctly - use of such a force could avert traditional military action.

Link: Air Force activates provisional Cyber Command

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Polly Prepuce,

It’ll nevah be ova for Sharapova.

Dusty,

One of Thompson’s biggest strengths to me is that he fully understands that Iraq is only a part of the war against Islamofascist Jihad and abandoning the Iraqis is not an option. Rudy is the same way on that issue and whichever one of them adds the FairTax to their agenda will go a long way toward gaining my support.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Good morning - Yes, what a nightmare scenario for American if Fred wins -

Mrs. G - you are my hero - you are hilarious.

I want Sam Nunn to run. I don’t agree with all his decisions, but I like the guy and I want him to run - I could vote for him.

RW, If you are here today, this is a response to your last post from yesterday -

Have you ever seen the “polls” they have on CNN during the Lou Dobbs hate fest around 6:00 or so? Those polls are so absolutely absurd, they are almost comical. They word them so that if you dared voted against the question you would look like a sociopath. They ask questions like (and I’m exagerrating here):

Do you believe that middle class people deserve a normal and happy life?

Their questions are completely ridiculous.

Okay, I’m covered up today, I’ll check back later! Happy morning!

By getalife

September 19, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Iran has drawn up plans to bomb Israel if attacked.

Cold war rhetoric but very dangerous for Israel.

Should tone down the warmongering and blaming Iran for w’s Iraq disaster.

Malarki has banned private security contractors. This will help get our troops out of that hell hole.

By David

September 19, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

It is typical that are country’s executive office is run by bubble-gum politicians.

By Short Story or Story Shorted?

September 19, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Fred Thompson “tells his life story on the campaign trail in about a half-hour and a dozen or so roles: farmworkers’ son, graveyard-shift factory worker, teenage dad, prosecutor, Watergate Republican counsel, accidental actor, U.S. senator,” the Miami Herald reports.

“Invariably missing: lobbyist.”

“Asked why he omits public mention of his long and lucrative career, Thompson chuckled: ‘Nobody asked me the question.’”

By Paul

September 19, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Well, well, well. In response to a caller’s question (“I’m concerned about the Bush Administration’s assertions about Iran - it’s more of the same) Gen Clark said Iran’s our biggest problem, it didn’t originate in the VP’s office, our European allies and Middle East allies tell us the same thing, and we can’t live with a nuclear Iran.

I can’t wait to see those clips on MoveOn and ThinkProgress!!!

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Yep, it’s just racism to bring up this poor innocent black man that was supposed to be in prison for life with no possibility of parole. To admit otherwise would be to face facts and that isn’t something the steve-0s of the world are willing to do.

{{{{{On October 26, 1974, Willie Horton and two accomplices robbed a gas station attendant in Lawerance, MA, and stabbed him nineteen times, and left him to bleed to death in a trash can. Horton was sentenced to life in prison.

Then governor Michael Dukakis, and his lieutenant governor, John Kerry, supported the Prison Furlough Program that allowed convicted criminals, including violent criminals and murderers, to be released for a period of 48 hours, unsupervised, on the honor system. Willie Horton was released onto the streets under this program on June 6, 1986. Horton never returned to the Concord Correctional Facility.

Less than year later, on April 3, 1987, Horton was in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where he attacked 28-year-old Clifford Barnes, stabbing him 22 times. When Barnes’ fiance Angela Miller returned, she was gagged and raped twice by Horton. 6 months later on October 20, Horton was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus 85 years. The Maryland court system would not send Horton back to Massachusetts, out of the fear his being furloughed back onto the streets.}}}}}

By the way, Dukakis refused to even meet with Cliff and Angela afterward.

By Duh stands for Democrats

September 19, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Hillary Care!:

The wait to see dentists is so long that some Brits pull their own teeth. Dental tools: pliers and vodka.

Geezus.

{{{{“People line up for care; some of them die. That’s what happens,” Canadian doctor David Gratzer, author of The Cure, told “20/20”. Gratzer thought the Canadian system was great until he started treating patients. “The more time I spent in the Canadian system, the more I came across people waiting. … You want to see your neurologist because of your stress headache? No problem! You just have to wait six months. You want an MRI? No problem! Free as the air! You just gotta wait six months.”}}}}

Duh.

By steve-o

September 19, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Doom,

Why don’t you re-read my 9:37 post. I gave the examples of the OJ case and the Duke case.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Power tennis beats glamor tennis everytime. I cant believe how tough Henin got. Sharapova has plateaued without a strong serve. She needs a new coach, as the old one has had long enough to fix her serve.

By Dusty

September 19, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Paul @ 10:28

I read your link on Cyber Command and truthfully, I don’t know what they are talking about. Cyber=computers. Airforce=planes. ???? I thought we were already all connected with computers and the Air Force could be alerted at any time to protect the country or whatever. Obviously, this is something different??? But what?

RW@10:28

Your point about Thompson and his view of the Iraqi War is certainly encouraging. I may find him more interesting as time goes on. Glad you reminded me of his strong points.

By getalife

September 19, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

The wingnuts will be more scared now that Christians were bombed in Lebanon. The lgf lizards will be foaming at the mouth.

Geez.

Lara Logan looks at “success” in Afghanistan

She is hot.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Headlines from the foreign press just keep on coming.

Link: Dozens of Iranian and Syrian engineers and military officers killed during chemical weapons test

Those are chemical weapons. Such as sarin nerve agent. Being mounted on a missile.

Soooo, do we reiterate our strategic doctrine (dating back to the Cold War) wherein ANY use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons against the US merits a full nuclear response?

By the stopper

September 19, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

RW gave us: “Yep, it’s just racism “

Not “just” racism, but Lee Atwater himself acknowledged this much:

“In 1988, fighting Dukakis, I said that I ‘would strip the bark off the little b*******’ and ‘make Willie Horton his [Dukakis’] running mate,’” Atwater said. “I am sorry for both statements: the first for its naked cruelty, the second because it makes me sound racist, which I am not. Mostly I am sorry for the way I thought of other people. Like a good general, I had treated everyone who wasn’t with me as against me.”

Lee was coping with terminal cancer at the time of this enlightenment. What’s it going to take to get the likes of you to wise up?

By Paul

September 19, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Dusty

I believe this has to do with protecting America’s computer-related infrastructure from virus-like attacks from our enemies. On the flip side, I would also hope we’d also pursue an offensive capability to cripple our enemies’ computer systems, military, banking, energy, etc. grids.

By Let's support the troops shall we?

September 19, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Webb Slams McCain’s Opposition To His Pro-Troop Amendment: He ‘Needs To Read The Constitution’

{{{{Yesterday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), an adamant opponent of Webb’s pro-troop amendment, urged Congress to reject the measure:

The Constitution of the United States gives no authority for the Congress of the United States to set lengths of tour or lengths of duty in the military and I hope we will steadfastly reject this kind of micromanagement, which would create chaos.

This morning on CNN, Webb rebutted McCain’s assertion that the Senate has no role in troop deployments:

Well, first of all, Sen. McCain, who I’ve known for 30 years, needs to read the Constitution. There is a provision in Article I, Section 8, which clearly gives the Congress the authority to make rules with respect to the ground and naval forces. There’s precedent for this.}}}}

By getalife

September 19, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

[Updated: MoveOn.org Didn’t Invent BetrayUs- The Troops Did!](http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/18/215826/698

Bwa.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

stopper,

Go tell it to Cliff Barnes and Angela Miller and see how they feel about it you stooge.

You could ask Joey Fournier, but Horton was successful in letting Joey bleed to death in a trash can.

By rushncap

September 19, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Can someone, anyone, please explain to me what qualifies Thompson to be a President, aside from his apparent generic aura of “manliness”? I’m honestly at a loss here. Has this country really fallen so far that it’s contemplating electing someone as President because he’s good-looking? Is this a cosmic joke, or are we really turning our elections into an episode of Next?

By wHOSE COUNT CAN WE COUNT ON?

September 19, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Round-up of Daily Violence in Iraq-Tuesday 18 September 2007

Unfortunate that those poor car bomb victims don’t get counted….. Violenc HAS JUST GOTTA be down….

By getalife

September 19, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Updated: MoveOn.org Didn’t Invent BetrayUs- The Troops Did!

Bwa.

McLoser wants the troops to stay as long as he did in Vietnam.

Geez.

By steve-o

September 19, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

{{{Indeed, researchers had focus groups view the Willie Horton ad, then view another one from the Bush campaign in which actors in blue prison uniforms passed through a revolving door, which was meant to symbolize Dukakis’ alleged policy of letting criminals go free. Those who had seen the Horton ad recalled the men in the revolving door ad were black, even though all were white, said Michael Pfau, a professor of political communication at the University of Oklahoma, which has the largest archive of political advertising in the country.

Although Dukakis’ record was a legitimate campaign issue, the ads had the effect — intended or not — of tying him to black criminals with the thick rope of unconscious, but highly emotional, association at a time when crime was rising steeply }}}

RW,

I am by no means defending Willie Horton, but I am saying that Lee Atwater and his associates knew what they were doing by stoking the fears of white folks by expoiting a crime in which a black guy raped and murdered a white woman. It was the classic Southern Strategy.

By getalife

September 19, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Paul,

First they wrote they bombed Syria’s nuclear arsenal and now this.

Got a better source, I am a little skeptical of all WMD claims.

By steve-o

September 19, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

{{{Indeed, researchers had focus groups view the Willie Horton ad, then view another one from the Bush campaign in which actors in blue prison uniforms passed through a revolving door, which was meant to symbolize Dukakis’ alleged policy of letting criminals go free. Those who had seen the Horton ad recalled the men in the revolving door ad were black, even though all were white, said Michael Pfau, a professor of political communication at the University of Oklahoma, which has the largest archive of political advertising in the country.

Although Dukakis’ record was a legitimate campaign issue, the ads had the effect — intended or not — of tying him to black criminals with the thick rope of unconscious, but highly emotional, association at a time when crime was rising steeply }}}

RW,

I am by no means defending Willie Horton, but I am saying that Lee Atwater and his associates knew what they were doing by stoking the fears of white folks by expoiting a crime in which a black guy raped and murdered a white woman. It was the classic Southern Strategy.

By Dusty

September 19, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Paul @11:02

Virus attack? This sounds like something Microsoft would organize. Or did you mean probable sites to bomb that would wreck the enemies cyber systems? Somehow I cannot get the picture of a war on computer viruses.

Yeah, I know. Smoke signals have gone out of style. Something better is now being used!!

By Crispy Saltines

September 19, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Recent 2007 Criminal Enforcement Actions Against Unions

Years preceding 2007

By Right-wing nut job in full glory

September 19, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I am sure that there are liberals out there who are thinking: “Hey why do the Republicans keep electing Hollywood actors, and attacking the so-called Hollywood elite, while we never promote actors as candidates? This seems to be evidence of some sort of intellectually dishonesty.”

Well, I have a response directly from Dick Cheney: “GFY.”

Just because we have elected Reagan, Arnold, Sonny Bono, Thompson among many others doesn’t mean that we can’t be trusted. And even if it does it would be like the 15th thing down the list that shows we can’t be trusted anyway. Get over it.

I just can’t wait for Thompson to stand up with a straight face and attack Hollywood…and lobbyists. I’ll be somewhere saying: “You’re damn right. We can’t trust either one which is why I’m voting for Fred!”

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

steve-0,

Fortunately the white woman was not murdered.

If you can come up with an example of a white guy that Dukakis let out on furlough that was supposed to be in prison for life without parole that went on to stab a guy 22 times and then rape the guys fiance twice while making the guy watch and leaving them tied up to die, which fortunately they didn’t, then I’ll buy your race baiting implications.

By the stopper

September 19, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

“Go tell it to Cliff Barnes and Angela Miller.”

Tell them what? That Lee Atwater admitted what everyone knew—the Poppy Bush campaign used blatantly racist appeals to white voters?

Or should I tell them that some pathetic right-wing schmuck is exploiting their horror yet again in order to… hey, what WAS your purpose in bringing up this 20-year-old issue, anyway?

By Paul

September 19, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

rushncap 11:11

Because he’s at least 35 and is natural born. Frankly, after what we’ve experienced from professional politicians with law degrees, I’d be willing to try a (non-defense, non-energy) business leader.

getalife 11:20

The source for the Iranian/Syrian deaths during a chemical warfare test was Jane’s Defence Weekly, a well-regarded publication. Their publication is subscription-only, so I used the most complete article readily available.

Actually, no one’s saying what Israel bombed in Syria. Latest intel is N Korea offloaded “concrete” from a ship (Syria needs to buy concrete from N Korea?) and the strike occurred a few days later. Notice how there is no protest from any Mideast country over the strike? That’s most unusual.

I understand the skepticism. Share a bit of it, as a matter of fact. But it’s like the boy who cried “wolf.” But the end of that story is, the boy got eaten and the wolf was full. Skepticism is good – outright dismissal (as many do) is risky.

Dusty 11:23

Briefly – as I have to leave for a meeting. Military, government, power infrastructure, are all driven by, dependent upon, computers. Our satellites direct data to a computer bank. The analysis is done based upon programs run by computers. The information routing is done via computer. The weapons targeting is done via computer systems. Power grids are linked, monitored, via computer.

So an outside agency (read: Chinese military, Iranian military) who can break (“hack”) in to the computer system can insert a program (“virus”) to overload the system, cancel programs, or cause the system (transmission of satellite data) to grind to a halt.

I believe the Cyber (computer/internet/web/programs) Warfare center is to defend against such computer/Internet based attacks.

Think in term of a person (hacker) who uses his computer, via the Internet, to break into your bank’s system and then directs money from your checking account to their own checking account. It’s basically the same thing. The bank’s computer network defenses are their version of Cyber Command, but restricted solely to the bank’s system.

Later -

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

stopper,

Hit ctrl-f and type Horton into the search box, then you’ll see who brought it up here.

rushncap,

Frankly using your logic, what qualifies Obama, Edwards, or Hillary other than the answer Paul gave you?

By Goldie

September 19, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

{{weapons against the US merits a full nuclear response?}}

Paul @ 10:59 — No, does not merit a “full nuclear response”… what’s da matter wit you???

By Gramma said " What's a nickel for peace"

September 19, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

While policymakers in Washington wrangle over how much progress we’ve made in Iraq, one thing is clear: The war on terror is making some people rich

By 'Course Old Benny ain't no prize either

September 19, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Rice Denied Audience with Pope

By getalife

September 19, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Paul,

One conesequence of w’s occupation for oil is an arms race in the ME.

Business is booming in this field making the world a more dangerous place.

By Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

September 19, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

U.S. Spy Chief: 9/11 ‘Could Have Been Prevented’ Director of National Intelligence Says U.S. Didn’t Connect Available

By DebbieDoRight

September 19, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

[[If you can come up with an example of a white guy that Dukakis let out on furlough ]]

First Dukakis didn’t “let him out”. Yes, he initiated the program; but as the repuglicans like to say about Dubya; “how can he be blamed for something that was not under his direct control?”

Blame the board that let him out — not Dukakis.

Secondly,the repubicans have even ADMITTED, openly that they’ve used racial disharmony to win votes:

Ken Mehlman, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Bush’s campaign manager, delivered several speeches at meetings with African American business, community, and religious leaders in which he apologized for his party’s use of the Southern Strategy in the past. Said Mehlman, “By the ’70s and into the ’80s and ’90s, the Democratic Party solidified its gains in the African American community, and we Republicans did not effectively reach out. Some Republicans gave up on winning the African American vote, looking the other way or trying to benefit politically from racial polarization. I am here today as the Republican chairman to tell you we were wrong.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Goldie 12:11

Oh, just havin’ a bit of fun. Actually, as I thought I mentioned, that was America’s policy all throughout the Cold War. It was known as “Massive Retaliation” - the idea was to deter ANY use of such weapons. And it worked, as both sides had rational leaders who didn’t want to see their countries and peoples incinerated. Not the case now with some of the developing countries - the dynamic has changed.

But I believe that doctrine is still in effect. Seriously, the country does need to look ahead a decade or two and ask “what should our response be if we suffer a nuclear device detonated within our borders?” Tomorrow’s fantasy has an unpleasant way of becoming today’s sad reality.

I’m gone for a few hours - good to hear from you again.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I remember during Reagan’s first election at the Republican Conference there was a woman in the crowd who had on a t-shirt that said, “Why not an actor, we’ve had a clown for the past four years.”

And while I was horribly outraged by that t-shirt at the time (I was 12 and a Jimmy Carter was then, and is still now, my hero), now I can appreciate it.

But if you read how Thompson voted for things as an elected official, you will see that he is just another ultra-right republican.

I heard Bill Maher last night on CNN, and although I don’t typically take my political opinions based on what comedians say, he had a good point about something: How can a Republican candidate who is willing to stay the course in Iraq possibly win the election after they are nominated with 70 percent of the population wants us out?

I mean, I know, Democrats have a long time to mess up, and they will, and the Republicans have a long time to spin their opinions, which they will, and of course, the ADD American population will forget what the candidates say now and will flip flop their opinions to suit public polls, hell, I’m sure there will be another American Idol before the election which will take most of the attention away from the candidates. So why bother with all this now?

All the candidates on BOTH sides will change their views around June/July 2008 - so I’m not worried about it yet.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

getalife 12:23

Quick note out the door - some would argue, given the nature if militant Islam, that the development of nukes would have happened regardless of a US presence.

I agree with you - and if you can listen to Gen Clark’s interview I sourced earlier - we really need to pull out all the diplomatic and economic stops with Iran.

By Seems some of George Bush's friend don't care about black people either

September 19, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

“We sound like we don’t want immigration; we sound like we don’t want black people to vote for us,” said former congressman Jack Kemp (N.Y.), who was the GOP vice presidential nominee in 1996. “What are we going to do — meet in a country club in the suburbs one day? If we’re going to be competitive with people of color, we’ve got to ask them for their vote

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Okay, To change the subject, I watched some news about the whole O.J. thing and is that not the weirdest story ever?

All those people involved are simply greedy thugs with very, very low intelligence.

How bizarre, but it seems O.J. probably won’t go to jail, some good worthy lawyer will do this case for the publicity. He’ll get off.

By getalife

September 19, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Well Paul,

I do listen to Clark, he won his war.

Condi is a failure and we need a new diplomatic team.

Somebody like Richardson to get things done.

This administration does not want peace, they want the profits made off of blood.

By They make me feel SOOOO safe

September 19, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

In the weeks before key government tests of new radiation detection equipment, officials at the Department of Homeland Security helped contractors through repeated dry runs that enabled them to perform better during the examinations, according to government briefing documents obtained by The Washington Post…………Now the Government Accountability Office is telling lawmakers that the new test results cannot be relied on

By steve-o

September 19, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Bosch,

That’s interesting. A coworker of mine said the same thing—that a high profile lawyer will take OJ’s case for free for the publicity.

But on the other hand, I don’t think he’ll get off so lightly, even though all parties involved were punks. If I were on the jury, I would see it as an opportunity to finally send him to jail.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Yale Gallanter has been keeping OJ’s butt out of jail for years so there isn’t much reason for him to change horses now. Gallanter already negotiated bail of $125,000. which is pretty darned light for 11 felony charges including armed kidnapping.

By Pick a target! ANY target! Just don't pick the right one!

September 19, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Reporting on Iraqi benchmarks in mid-September, Bush and his team of Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker sought to pin some of the blame on Iran. Eschewing diplomatic language during his testimony, Crocker boldly said, “Iran plays a harmful role in Iraq.” Gen. David Petraeus added that Iran is fighting a “proxy war” in Iraq by aiding Shiite extremists and providing weapons that are killing American troops. Anyone doubting that Bush is not serious about taking on Tehran should note his words from last month: “We will confront this danger before it is too late.” On September 17 the Telegraph reported that the Pentagon has already drawn up plans for massive airstrikes against 2,000 targets across Iran. The great irony is that while of these accusations towards Tehran are supported by thin evidence, plenty of evidence does exist that another of Iraq’s neighbors, U.S.-ally Saudi Arabia, is supporting resistance groups in Iraq, and intends to continue to do so.

By Duh stands for Democrats

September 19, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Bosch: Yesterday I presented you with 3 cold hard facts about “global warming,” not wild speculations or hysterical theories, and in response to this dearth of evidence, you were only able to ask me “where was my evidence” and call me a fundamentalist.

If I were you, I wouldn’t be pointing out other people’s “very, very low intelligence.”

Just on the off chance that you were unable to comprehend my earlier posts, and you are not really a dullard, I’ll give you one more chance:

1) How can the climate on Mars be rising in temperature the exact same rate as Earth is if we are not on Mars?

2) What was man doing in 1934 that caused it to be the warmest year on record in recent history.

3) If Greenland had no ice in 1300, and the ice came after that killing off a whole entire population of people, why would you libs be worried about it melting now?

Dissemble away.

By raisedanidiot

September 19, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

good day everyone…having computer woes..typing u on my phone..can anyone tell me what the student at fl. st. was asking kerry when he was taken out n arrested n evidently tazzed?

By rushncap

September 19, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

RW — they are all actual, real-life politicians. Not 20 years ago for 1 term. Now. In this day and age. They have not spent the past 2 decades on TV. They have actual experience. Does that answer your question?

By I need a shower after visiting this website...

September 19, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

but I do it for my country!!!

Are Republican Senators Becoming Endangered Species?

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

raisedanisiot,

He asked Kerry why he conceded the 2004 election so soon, why he doesn’t push to impeach Bush now, and if he was a member of Skull and Bones.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Steve-O - I hope what you said is true.

OMG, steve-o, what if I AM your co-worker? :-)

Last night, while I was watching the news coverage of that on CNN, I thought to myself, this is almost like watching a sit-com. It was crazy. It didn’t even seem real.

RW, I don’t know who that guy is, but I wonder how he can afford to keep O.J. out of jail, he has no money, right? Ha ha. I hope that guy is making money because if I had to put up with a client like O.J., I’d make sure I was a rich man for doing so.

Did you read my post earlier about the “poll” questions they have on CNN? They aren’t real poll questions just opinion questions, but they are still really ridiculous.

Just curious.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

rushncap,

Fred served as a US Senator from 1994 to 2003, care to try again?

Bosch,

It’s going to be interesting to see how the issue of money is handled. Anything OJ comes up with is going to be turned over to Fred Goldman. I imagine they’ll set up a defense fund and even if it is OJ’s money they’ll launder it into the fund.

A camera crew caught a glimpse of OJ’s $10,000. Rolex the other day and Fred Goldman went straight to court and was awarded the watch.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Duh, Answers to your questions: 1) I don’t know 2) I don’t know 3) I don’t know

I’m neither:

a) a climotologist b) a physicist c) a scientist at all

I based my opinion on evidence that I found to be credible, but unfortunately I haven’t kept a bibliography of all those reports and readings.

I know you don’t agree with me on this topic, and to be honest, I don’t care, but I will be glad, soon, to look up things for you. When I have more time, I’ll be glad to do that.

You know what’s kind of funny about all this, Duh, yesterday when I posed those questions to you, I was actually trying to, if ever so slightly, side with you. Like I told you the whole point of my post was not to debate global warming, but to bring up how many have misconceptions about people.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Good for Fred Goldman -

Parents who have had children brutally murdered like that are never the same, it seems like Mr. Goldman, decided to fight, and I like that.

By RE

September 19, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

The question of qualfications for president came up today. It seems to be much more perception than reality.

Rudy Gulianni, this is a guy I have a great deal of respect for as a prosecutor and the mayor of New York. He did an incredible job turning around NY city, and worked from the bottom up as a DA in NY prosecuting tough cases. But how is it that he has terrorism credentials? the enirety of his experience with terrorism is that NY was attacked while he was mayor, and then he left office 3 months later. That isn’t any type of terrorism experience or ability, an event happened on his watch. That’s it. One point, being mayor of NY with a population of around 8 million means more than being governor of most states, very few of which have a population as large as that one city.

Hillary clinton gets credit for her long experience, but she only held elected office in 2000 as a senator. I think she has been an adequate senator, but being someones wife does not in any way give you leadership experience.

John Edwards was a one term senator, again his only elected office.

Fred Thompson was a senator 20 years ago and has showed a “business flexibility” in the clients he represented afterward. I like him as an actor, but he really has very little experience to show he is prepared to be president.

Obama has at least been in elected office most of his life, and his lack of experience is more of a functiion of how young he is.

The only guy out there with credible experience is Bill Richardson. US house of reps, senate foriegn relations, ambassador to the UN, governor of new mexico, secretary of energy….

I got a feeling that the election is more about american idol than american president.

By It's all about the numbers

September 19, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

PARIS: Climate change could be warming Mars four times faster than Earth due to a mutually reinforcing interplay of wind-swept dust and changes in reflected heat from the Sun.

By It's all about the numbers

September 19, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

U.S. in 2006 saw warmest year on record Temperatures close to 1998; tied to El Nino and greenhouse gases

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Did you moonbats get some talking point emailed to you to say Thompson was a Senator 20 years ago?

RE, as I told rushmcap when he said that, Fred Thompson was a US Senator from 1994 to 2003. He was elected in 1994 to fill the two remaining years of Al Gore’s term and then ran for reelection in 1996. He chose not to run again in 2002.

By It's all about the numbers

September 19, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

2005 Was Warmest Year on Record - NASA

By It's all about the numbers

September 19, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Global Warming and Yearly Temperature Rises in the United States In the footrace for the climate change champion of the world and the title Warmest Year EVER (in current records), 2006 was trailing behind 1998 and 1934 by a mere 0.07°F (0.04°C). But in a sudden last minute victory effort 2006, fueled by a very warm December, was declared the victor. Marked as the warmest year on record, 2006 had an annual average temperature of 55°F which is 2.2°F (1.2°C) above the 20th Century mean. Also participating in this race were the last nine years consecutively. Each of the last nine years has earned a spot in the rankings of the 25 warmest years on record. We Have a Winner!! And the winner is…2006! However, according to a year end review released by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), although 2006 is the warmest year so far, the win was a close call. Data even suggests that 1998 may still be the warmest year on record. Although 2006 was ranked as the warmest year for now, it is likely that a photo finish will have to be analyzed.

By RE

September 19, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected RW, sorry about that.

By It's all about the numbers

September 19, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

NOAA REPORTS 2006 WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR U.S. General Warming Trend, El Niño Contribute to Milder Winter Temps

By Duh stands for Democrats

September 19, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

{{{{By It’s all about the number September 19, 2007 1:48 PM PARIS: Climate change could be warming Mars four times faster than Earth due to a mutually reinforcing interplay of wind-swept dust and changes in reflected heat from the Sun.}}}}

So there must be 4 times as many humans on Mars as there are on Earth, huh?

{{{{By It’s all about the numbers September 19, 2007 1:57 PM U.S. in 2006 saw warmest year on record Temperatures close to 1998; tied to El Nino and greenhouse gases}}}}

{{{{U.S. in 2006 saw warmest year on record, close to 1998 ((((((((article from Jan 9, 2007))))))))))}}}}}

{{{{((((((((August 16, 2007))))))))) Error in NASA climate data sparks debate Due to an error in calculations of mean U.S. temperatures, 1934, not 1998 as previously reported, is the hottest year on record in the United States.}}}}

By Lies and whispers

September 19, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

[Congress agreed to give President Bush and the nation’s intelligence agencies extra authority to spy on Americans just hours before lawmakers left for a month-long recess in August. In the legislative session’s final week, news emerged of an impending plot by foreign terrorists to attack the US Capitol, and Republicans pointed to the reports as justification to expand the administration’s powers.

“That specific intelligence claim, it turned out, was bogus; the intelligence agencies knew that,” Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) said at a forum on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act organized by the Center for American Progress in Washington. However, lawmakers did not learn of the claim’s unreliability until “the day” they approved the FISA expansion, she said.](http://rawstory.com//news/2007/Republicanspushedbogusterrorthreatto0919.html)

By RE

September 19, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Why is anyone trying to tell Andy about global warming. This guy does not believe in evolution or that the world is more than 6000 years old, he thinks the flintstones were a documentary. It is pointless.

Really, the whole debate is pointless. No matter what the outcome of the global warming debate is, every barrel of oil that can be extracted will be extracted and burned. There would have to be a worlwide ban on oil, which will never happen. The focus should be on what do we do when oil and coal runs out, which should be in about 30 years, might be a good time to start thinking about that.

CLimate change will happen as well, but we cannot predict what will happen there. Sea levels will continue to rise, flooding will be increased in some areas, and drought will be increased in others. Any region that relies upon melt water for irrigation or drinking will be effected.

By No Source

September 19, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

No believeability

By getalife

September 19, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

October’s NH debates canceled, Thompson didn’t know

Nixon was right, he is an idiot and that is why he is duh’s candidate.

Pot to kettle. Two peas in a pod, great minds think alike, etc……

Geez.

By Say one thing, Do another

September 19, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Criticizing Generals is Just Alright: For Conservatives that is

By Duh stands for Democrats

September 19, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

{{{{By RE September 19, 2007 2:28 PM Why is anyone trying to tell Andy about global warming. This guy does not believe in evolution or that the world is more than 6000 years old, he thinks the flintstones were a documentary. It is pointless.}}}}

RE: At least I’m smart enough to realize that the Ice Age wiped out whole human civilizations and entire species of animals, whereas the warming periods that followed all brought human prosperity and well being.

You go worship the “ozone hole,” your last little boogey man that turned out to be nothing, like all of the others, me, I think I’ll stick with worshiping my Creator.

{{{{By No Source September 19, 2007 2:34 PM No believeability}}}}

It’s “believability,” genius.

You don’t have google, numbnuts?:

Due to an error in calculations of mean U.S. temperatures, 1934, not 1998 as previously reported, is the hottest year on record in the United States.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Duh, By the way, I also don’t appreciate you lying about something I said earlier. I never called you a fundamentalist, but what I did write to you last night after you asked me where my proof was that global warming exists was this:

*”Where’s your proof that global warming isn’t created by man? Just like any “proof” I could find, you could find “proof” to the contrary. It’s a silly game.

I’m not a climatologist - my opinion doesn’t matter in this topic. I believe what I believe and you do to. I base my beliefs on what I feel is credible evidence, and so do you. So who is right? Who is wrong? Neither one of us can say for sure, now can we?

It has always been my practice to never trust anyone who speaks in absolutes - that their opinions and beliefs are irrefutable and always right. That’s why I don’t trust fundamentalist preachers.*

And I still stick by that statement.

By getalife

September 19, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

duh,

What will you tell your creator when he asks why you love war and genocide?

Repent or your maker will send you to hell with the Islam wingnuts and your wingnut friends.

You have chosen the path to hell. Killing in the name religion is the ultimate sin.

By RE

September 19, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

So tell me andy, will oil last forever, or should we look for other options?

By Crap! Duh is right! SORT OF....

September 19, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Because of the corrections to the GISS data 1998 and 1934 went from being in a virtual tie, to being in a virtual tie.. This, of course, has not stopped global warming denialists from endlessly hyping it as a big change

By Duh stands for Democrats

September 19, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

{{{{By Bosch September 19, 2007 2:56 PM Duh, By the way, I also don’t appreciate you lying about something I said earlier. I never called you a fundamentalist.}}}}

I didn’t lie and your own post proves it.

Did you suddenly change the recipient of your babbling manifesto midstream, without informing me or whoever it was that you compared to a fundie?

{{{{I believe what I believe and you do to. I base my beliefs on what I feel is credible evidence, and so do you.}}}}

Your “beliefs” are mired in rhetoric, polar bears and New York City under 20 feet of water or whatever it was your scare movie showed you, that, I imagine is the main reason why, out of thirty paragraphs you have fired at me, none of them contain any hard evidence of your position.

Mine, on the other hand, are the END RESULTS of both warm and cold periods, actual living proof that this is just another phase of increased solar activity and will soon pass into a cooling period, which many notable climatologists have predicted.

Notice how the CO2 scare has quieted down, now that it has been “discovered” by the elites and self proclaimed “authorities” that even methane has more affect on warming than CO2 does, and that they both are minuscule factors when compared to water vapor?

This whole debate is ridiculous but that makes complete sense, seeing how you libs are, well, ridiculous.

~~~~~~

{{{{By getalife September 19, 2007 3:04 PM duh, What will you tell your creator when he asks why you love war and genocide?}}}}

al-Gitmo: You are telling me that when the United States made the sacrifices that it did to stop the genocides in Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam (until you surrendered) and now the Middle East, that my Creator will find this to be “loving genocide?”

You got some real issues, my man.

By Does this guy have a clue about anything?

September 19, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

October’s NH debates canceled, Thompson didn’t know

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

These are the kind of people I like to read about:

Environmental Defense

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

“Your “beliefs” are mired in rhetoric, polar bears and New York City under 20 feet of water or whatever it was your scare movie showed you, that, I imagine is the main reason why, out of thirty paragraphs you have fired at me, none of them contain any hard evidence of your position.”

I posted that last post before I read this garbage from Andy.

Andy, HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW WHAT CONSTITUTES MY BELIEF SYSTEM? YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK FOR ME! GOT THAT?

By Paul

September 19, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

getalife 3:04

“Islam wingnuts.”

I like that. I really like that.

:)

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Here’s another:

U.S. EPA - Climate Change State of Knowledge

There’s even a section in there for you Andy, it’s called: “What’s not certain”

By RE

September 19, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Come on Andy, is oil going to last forever, or is it running out?

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Here’s another:

American Meteorological Society

By RE

September 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

“The Senate Finance Committee earlier this month approved increasing the limit on the national debt to $9.82 trillion. That boost of $850 billion would be the fifth increase in the government’s borrowing limit since President Bush took office in 2001.”

Well, there are 5 bills that got through in the bush admin.

Anyone want to keep saying that the debt doesn’t matter. the GOP is bankrupting the country

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

You know, Andy, those are people who actually study the weather. But, in each study, they all say there are some things that they are not certain about, which is usually the case in most research, I certainly would not trust those sources if they did NOT have statements like those.

Big problems like climate change are not a one solution kind of problem.

I care more about environmental stewardship and doing things to help clean up our environment, as I hope everyone else does, regardless whether or not you believe in global warming/climate change.

By Can we get Andy to

September 19, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

take this test?

By Mel

September 19, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Duh, get a life of some kind. ANY kind. Krist, but you’re pathetic. Have you nothing better to do than spend all day exposing uypourself and your so-called twisted beliefs on this blog? You a tough guy, are you Duh?

By AmVet

September 19, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Bosch, you know I respect your opinions and enjoy reading you. (In spite of that “old man” comment yesterday!)

Some years ago, I wrote a letter to the editor expressing how futile it was to try and have a rational debate with irrational people who try to state that creationism is the best explanation for life on earth. (As was assumed by a previous writer).

I noted how their track record was beyond bad and how violent they were to suppress any information contrary to their teachings.

Sadly, but not unpredictably, the anti-science and now the anti-Darwinist crowd have changed only subtly since then.

Yes their power over the misuse of knowledge has been virtually eliminated and their quaint “non-scientific” notions have, by and large, been completely repudiated, though they seem to still pretend there was no Enlightenment or Age of Reason.

Nonetheless, I contend that it is useless to engage those who have made up their minds, regarding anything scientific, solely on the basis of their religious or political “reasoning”.

I think it scares them sh-itless.

Just my two cents worth, bro.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

getalife

Here is the link for yesterday’s Health Care Reform on NPR. It’s advertised as covering all proposals made by all the Presidential contenders.

There are both Real Player and Windows Media options for listening to the archive.

Link: Health Care Reform

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

RE,

Who’s in charge of the Senate Finance Committee?

By RE

September 19, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

OK, little andy doesn;t want to answer, but oil is running out.

No matter what you believe about climate change and mans effect upon it, the fact that oil is running out trumps all other arguements. It does not matter if it is right or wrong to look for alternative fuels, it is neccesary regardless of beliefs.

Oil coal and gas need to be scaled back as they are depleted, new energy sources need to be implemented and use expanded.

By @@

September 19, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

RE @ 1:48:

Rudy Giuliani had the ability to implement conservative programs in liberal NYC. That tells me that he has the ability to perform well in a hostile environment.

He’s also put together a great foreign policy team.

Rudy Giuliani’s New Foreign Policy Team

Paul:

I read a link somebody left over at Wooten’s the other day about the little fly-over in Syria.

Assad’s “big secret” A Joint Iran-Syrian-DPRK Nuclear Program?

Stratfor had mentioned the incident the day off kinda brushing it off but within days, as events unfolded, they have become very interested in what’s going on.

I’ll check into their latest analysis.

By RE

September 19, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Max Bacus, democrat from Montana.

By @@

September 19, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Whoops…one too many “f”s

“off” should be “of”.

I’ll save that extra “f” in case I need to use it on somebody later.

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

AmVet - You know I was just kidding about the “old man” comment.

I agree with what you said, the funny thing about all this with Duh is I was originally trying to make a point that just because you don’t believe in global warming/climate change, it doesn’t mean you don’t care about environmental stewardship.

Just like the common misconception and assumption by some that those who oppose the war don’t care about our soldiers, or think we don’t need a strong military.

It’s been fun talking with Duh today, we both have a common friend now, you know, so we need to learn to get along.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

So why is it exclusively the Republicans on the committee you blame for raising the debt limit?

By RE

September 19, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

@@,

No question gulianni was very effective in NY, I would not take anything away from him.

That was the first time I saw his foriegn policy team, kinda scary. He has the Tel-Aviv all stars advising him. There is already way too much deference to Israel in our foriegn policy.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

@@

Thank you. The Israelis have been remarkably tight-lipped on this. So have the other Middle Eastern countries - no outcry, no condemnations of Israel. Whatever happened, the Syrian air defense system was completely bypassed - no three days of strikes to neutralize them. Do you think, just maybe, Iran gleaned a message?

You might enjoy the Gen Clark interview on NPR I posted earlier. People called in with… the same points we see here. Gen Clark didn’t buy it. Tossed out tidbits known before but not widely reported - including the Iranian notebook computer we “obtained” detailing tunneling diagrams, lab setups, etc. Then he asked, (in response to a caller who said the Iranians already said the nuc program is for peaceful purposes and we have NO PROOF they want to develop weapons) “why dig tunnels for a peaceful nuc program?”

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Oh, I just did one of those things that I HATE - I’m so guilty of this, when you write on a blog you are not TALKING to anyone, you are writing them.

By RE

September 19, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Since 2001, the debt has increased 50% or 3 trillion dollars so far.

GWB exec, GOP congress.

Own up to it, it is a terrible policy to continue deficit spending, we need a dozen years of surpluses to get right again. I would hope in 2008 we might be able to do that.

By Duh stands for Democrat

September 19, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

{{{{By Bosch September 19, 2007 3:36 PM Andy, HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW WHAT CONSTITUTES MY BELIEF SYSTEM? YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK FOR ME! GOT THAT?}}}}

Geez, you don’t have to come uncorked.

Especially over conduct that you have been regularly engaged in yourself, you have done nothing but condescend to me, and it’s a big part of why I don’t take you very seriously.

And on top of that, now you are going to throw the “studies” of government funded agencies, entities that survive on spending tax dollars, in my face?

Are you really that naive?

Do you realize that social security was created to help those who really needed it, not everybody?

Can’t you fathom that SCHIP is trying to expand to “help” the upper middle class?

Government doe not get smaller on it’s own. And this global warming is just another racket for them to request extra research funding.

If our government was some stupid monolith, a sloven mastadon belching the money of hard earners behind it with out the slightest care, if it was even in touch with reality, they would tell NASA and the EPA to go look at a thermometer.

Aren’t you the same harpy that is always bleating about the “deficit?” At the same time that you are full in love with massive bloated, non accomplishment endless and utterly mindless bureaucracy?

And believing every word these leeches tell you?

Why don’t you love the Armed Forces with such passions as you reserve for the EPA?

~~~~~~

{{{{By RE September 19, 2007 4:14 PM OK, little andy doesn;t want to answer, but oil is running out.}}}}

Geez, I can’t leave for a minute?

Google the following, dimwit: Tar sands, ultra deep exploration, ANWAR (hahaha,) and finally, Iraq oil reserves.

Duh.

By Alan

September 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Fred Thompson will be a great president! Click here to help Fred:

(https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=c637caaa-315c-4b4c-9967-08d864cd0791)

By RE

September 19, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Ahh, I see. I guess oil will never run out, we have Iraq. Good thinking, I guess we don’t need to do anything.

By Alan

September 19, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Fred Thompson will be a great president! Click here to help Fred:

(https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=c637caaa-315c-4b4c-9967-08d864cd0791)

By Alan

September 19, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Fred Thompson will be a great president! Click here to help Fred:

(https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=c637caaa-315c-4b4c-9967-08d864cd0791)

By @@

September 19, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Paul:

Sorry for the delay. I can become absorbed in Stratfor. About the silence…

(((So far, Syria has written angry letters to EU diplomats and U.N. members demanding a condemnation. The responses, for the most part, have been either silence on the issue or outright defenses of Israel’s right to keep silent. Syria’s Arab neighbors also are refraining from showing the slightest concern, with Saudi Arabia taking the opportunity to publicly humiliate Syria by saying an allegedly canceled Syrian diplomatic visit to Riyadh was never planned in the first place. Turkey has responded with enough restraint to clear its name from complicity since fuel tanks landed in its territory. And as expected, only Iran has come out in strong defense of Syria.)))

(((Likely spooked by the IAF’s intentions behind the overflight and with only a feeble diplomatic defense against Israel, the Syrians are being extremely cautious not to provoke a military confrontation with the Jewish state. Syria has even refrained thus far from massing troops along the border in response to Israel’s military buildup in the Golan Heights, revealing that Damascus lacks the confidence and capability to risk a fight at this stage.)))

Something on earlier Russia/Syria negotiations to follow.

By Lloyd

September 19, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Please help Fred Thompson take America back from political correctness:

https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=c637caaa-315c-4b4c-9967-08d864cd0791

By RE

September 19, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Please help Fred Thompson hire people with a basic understanding of a blog

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

RE,

From the middle of 2001 to 2003 the Democrats controlled the Senate, the Democrats control all of Congress now. Are you saying that it’s business as usual so let’s blame Republicans no matter what the Dems do?

By the way, the debt ceiling and the annual budget are entirely different things. If the tax cuts stay in place we should have the deficit wiped out in a couple of years even if we maintain current spending levels. Of course I think you know I would whack the Federal spending budget and keep taxes low. Then we could whittle away your precious National debt.

By @@

September 19, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Cont’d for Paul

Stratfor had this article in early August. Russia has approached Syria about setting up a naval base off their coast, but…

(((At most, a Russian naval presence off the Syrian coast would complicate plans to strike Syria. The Russians have pledged to set up sophisticated air defenses around the Latakia and Tartus naval bases that will also provide an air umbrella for the entire Syrian coast and parts of the hinterland. Syria has formally depended on Russia for military supplies and training since the Cold War. While the supplies are nice, Damascus still does not view Russia as a reliable military ally should things come to a head. Al Assad likely remembers well his father’s distrust of Kremlin support during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which both the United States and the Soviet Union worked to ensure the war ended in a stalemate. Syria has also watched how the Russians have strung along the Iranians over the construction of the Bushehr nuclear reactor (now running a decade behind schedule), and has not enjoyed having to grovel for arms sales, particularly during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reign.)))

(((Moreover, the Syrians cannot expect the Russians to show up on their doorstep anytime soon. While Russia could park a handful of surface combatants from the Black Sea Fleet in Tartus or Latakia tomorrow, the construction of more meaningful naval facilities takes time and considerable investment. There is no clear indication that Russia has a genuine interest in making such an investment now, though Moscow has much to gain by talking about it and playing up the threat of Russia’s expansionist desires.)))

Not to worry Paul, I’ve got a discerning eye on Putin.

Looking, but not touching!!!

By AmVet

September 19, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Bosch I know you were just kidding. And though chronologically not incorrect, (I’m working on my second half-century) I still workout regularly and most mistake me for a decade younger. And up until a couple of years ago I could still outrun and out bench most guys half my age.

Being immature doesn’t hurt either!

I admire that even with the other Bosch’s background you are not afraid to question the inerrancy of the dogma. That is not altogether common but refreshing.

I think MOST of us can agree that we care about this planet and want our children to have one that is safe and healthy.

But talk is very cheap. Action is always what sets apart courageous men of vision and leadership. And voting for men who have a pronounced lack of said vision is not helping.

Unfortunately our track record is very mixed. Yes, thanks to the “liberals” and tree huggers, there is now a very vibrant effort to reclaim endangered species and habitats with some stellar successes.

But there are also countless short-sighted men obsessed with avarice who couldn’t care less if 90% of the planet’s rain forests have been cut down. Or the water and air are so polluted that they cannot in many, many, many cases be drunk or breathed safely. Or that innumerable species of animals and plants have been completely eradicated solely because of man’s activities and sheer thoughtlessness, self righteousness and greed. These are the facts and they are irrefutable.

So there is no legitimate question in my mind that we have wrecked tremendous (unrecoverable?) havoc and damage on this planet. If one opens their eyes, even partially, the signs are unmistakable and literally everywhere.

Those who find it a quantum leap to think that man induced pollutants including CO2 are not damaging the atmosphere in the ways described, are IMHO naive or just willfully dangerous deniers with a warped, outdated agenda. But I also believe they will thankfully not be allowed to rule the day.

Again, just my two cents worth, not adjusted for inflation!

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Duh, I don’t care what you believe, and you shouldn’t care what I believe either.

I once heard a very wise many say that if something he said shook up my belief system, then my belief system couldn’t have been that strong to begin with.

We disagree, it’s just that simple.

By RE

September 19, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Well, how it works is, if you have 6 years of annual budget deficits, that difference is tacked on to the debt. As the debt increases, the debt ceiling needs to be raised. It isn’t all that complicated.

And in a couple of years, the annual budget deficit may come into balance, or it may not, but the debt will keep growing. Why do you want the interest on our national debt to be the governments largest expenditure instead of the 4th largest as it is now.

By Ralph

September 19, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Yep, Mel. Duh’s another Repug hero. Another little geek who makes sure he never serves and never will, but loves to send and see the troops in action. The Repub history has been that way for decades, especially leading up to WW II. But that’s another story. He’s a real tough guy alright. Never been out of his neocon closet to see the world. A waste of space, here, there, everywhere.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Who knew that the secret to making a link work was changing your name from Alan to Lloyd?

RE,

{{{{{{Why do you want the interest on our national debt to be the governments largest expenditure instead of the 4th largest as it is now.}}}}}

Why would you respond with that question to someone that just told you if he had his way he would slash Federal spending and pay down the debt?

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Debt to GDP ratios are elliptical not cyclical. They surge and then ebb tide. That’s usually called a drowned cat bounce. Then folks start asking questions, and they stop me. They always do.

So, it’s not all that simple either.

By RE

September 19, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Great, what do you want to cut, defense spending, social security or medicare?

Those are the big budget items, everything else is peanuts in comparison.

By ?

September 19, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Hello. Let me start by saying I am not Doom. I have been commissioned to carry on his work in his abscence.

I am here to support the posts of @@, Bosch, Paul, Midori, and Duh. The rest of you are total morons that will one day bow down to Doom.

Doom is at Obama’s speech at the Georgia World Congress Center. I will be more than happy to field questions or comments you may have.

By Duh stands for Democrat

September 19, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

{{{{By RE September 19, 2007 4:52 PM Ahh, I see. I guess oil will never run out, we have Iraq. Good thinking, I guess we don’t need to do anything.}}}}

RE: O.K, I’ll bite.

What do you propose we do, throw huge amounts of tax dollars at it?

You know, before the rise of liberalism in the country, and it’s attendant bloated bureaucracy, private enterprise was the people that we could count on to research, discover and produce what the American people wanted, like gasoline and the engine that burnt it.

It wasn’t the Department of the Wright Brothers, 3678 K Street, Washington D.C. that invented the airplane, no, it was a couple of brothers in a garage.

Who probably had an education.

But today, we count of the Department of Education, 3678 K Street, Washington D.C, to provide our children with a sensible, well founded schooling, but instead we get the product of focus groups, enthralled in hysteria, turning out useless PC robots full of psychobabble.

The only thing they know how to invent is a new grievance.

Plus, the massive federal bureaucracy has become such a fat, non moving target for research grants and funding, all the motivation a company in search of tax largess has to do is create a huge scare within the mainstream media, and we will shower them with floods of tax dollars.

Why lift a finger to invent anything new when you can survive off of the latest junk science scare mongering?

For instance, last year the harpies in the media saw an opportunity to attack Bush over the flu vaccine shortage, with aid from their toadies in the pinko press, and got the government to go into overdrive, spewing treasure in every direction, making ten times as much vaccine as they needed and wound up throwing most of it away.

So know you got the Department of Flu Vaccine Overproduction, 3678 K Street, Washington D.C, and this year they have launched a massive public service message campaign, costing more money of course, to beg, plead with people to get vaccinated so they don’t have to throw all of it away.

You reap what you sow, brother.

By ?

September 19, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

RW,

You have no place on this blog. Doom dehumanized you months ago, so why are you still here? He told me that you are attempting a comeback but it is useless. Give it up loser.

Hail Doom!

By Bosch

September 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

AmVet, Bravo. I totally agree with your post.

About the other Bosch, dogma was their reason for attending seminary. It’s easier to understand your belief about things when you understand it from a historical context and can apply it your life.

In my opinion, if you don’t actively try and understand the basis of what you believe, then what you believe is based on false reality.

The other Bosch is a very intelligent, kind, gentle, and super analytical person-one that I can’t imagine living without.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

RE,

Peanuts add up, but I would certainly look at defense spending to make sure we were looking ahead to the next war and not always planning to fight the last one. Social Security and Medicare are disasters that probably should be scrapped, but that’ll never happen.

One of the first things I would do is make every spending bill stand on it’s own. No money could ever be added to any other bill and the sponsors of the spending would have to add a statement to the bill explaining exactly why it was more important for the Federal government to spend that money than the taxpayers who earned it.

By ?

September 19, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

What is this “other Bosch” crap? You people need to be unique in your ID choices!

Hail Doom!

By Paul

September 19, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

@@ 5:04

That article illustrates long memories - and a willingness to make minimal investment for short-term gain.

As for your link, just as I clicked on it I thought “uh-oh, this is from @@, hope it’s not another shot of Putin without his…” then the pic came up. Thpppbt.

And women complain about men…

By getalife

September 19, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Somebody has link issues.

Geez.

Look into Putin’s eyes and see his soul @@.

You will see KGB and he is becoming more powerful while we waste away in the ME.

Yes, do watch them and China. It is the same old threat, not the Islamic wingnuts.

By ?

September 19, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Hello getalife.

I am ?. Let me preface my comment by saying I am not Doom. I have been commissioned by him to make your life(if you want to call it that)a living hell. He is at the Obama rally and has asked me to field all questions and comments for him. Please be advised that if you attack him or any of his friends, such as @@ for example, you will pay the price!

Hail Doom!

By AmVet

September 19, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Your tax dollars at work!

US Federal Budget

$544.8 billion (20.90%) - Social Security

$512.1 billion (18.00%) - Defense

$359.5 billion (13.79%) - Unemployment and welfare

$345.7 billion (13.26%) - Medicare

$268.4 billion (10.30%) - Medicaid and other health related

$211.1 billion (8.10%) - Interest on debt

$88.7 billion (3.40%) - Education and training

$70.7 billion (2.71%) - Transportation

$68.4 billion (2.62%) - Veterans’ benefits

$43.1 billion (1.65%) - Administration of justice

$38.4 billion (1.47%) - Foreign affairs

$31.2 billion (1.20%) - Natural resources and environment

26.0 billion (1.00%) - Agriculture

$24.0 billion (0.92%) - Science and technology

$19.1 billion (0.73%) - Community and regional development

$17.8 billion (0.68%) - General government

$2.1 billion (0.08%) - Energy

By RE

September 19, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Bewildering.

Not sure I really followed you but is your point that somehow oil running out is because of the department of education?

Anyway, Private industry often does impressive work. Some things are too big, nuclear energy and weapons were the product of a government program. The TVA, hoover dam were also government backed programs. The government is not always the best solution, but sometimes it is the most effective.

We have to find alternative sources of energy, oil is running out. Private industry is concerned with the next quarters filings, not with 10 years down the road. a responsible government should plan for the future.

RW,

I agree on spending bills, minor detail differences in how to bring it about, but passing massive bills with hidden and wasteful spending is a problem. The most wasteful part of spending is on defense, for example, you get a massive bill with foolish items on it like never work weapons systems, sweethart contracting deals for the home district, and military aid to “friends” around the world. Then you throw in some body armor for the marines and if you vote against that bill, all you hear about is voting against body armor.

By @@

September 19, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Paul:

I believe in equal opportunity ogling. Just ask RW, Getalife and Big Daddy.

I’m bad but I don’t care to see men totally nekkid; from the waist up is fwine.

Putin’s balding…I like balding.

Getalife, I keep telling you…China?

Not so much.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it nice that there are two MySpace websites, the real one and the Wooten Blog?

There’s about five myspacers here making 90% of the comments.

Just a point of order, in case you’re new here. The same five uber-groobers are using aliases to answer their own questions. (and mealy-mouth the board into stupifia).

Every blog degenerates into that eventually. It takes about six months to a year for a blog to implode.

Seems a shame. If you want political condensation, then go to my new website which will be available the night Newt Gingrich has his own super internet night, in about a week.

Just google PoliticalForeskin.com, and you’ll get the unsold truth.

By getalife

September 19, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

@@,

Pinko.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

getalife

I think I’d lump them together. With a difference being - the Chinese and Russians are political realists, concerned about self preservation, motivated by… power? Maybe not so much ideology anymore? But Islamists? Hard-over religious zealots, who value no life other than their “tribe” and who seem to think (paraphrasing SecState Albright) “what’s the use of having a nuclear or chemical or biological weapon if you never use it?”

BTW - towards the end of the health care discussion there was a caller from Sweden - economist - who spoke of the $20 doctor visits. He was asked, aren’t there rather large taxes to support your health care system? He said, why sure. When asked how much people were taxed, he replied, “oh, 40 to 45 percent for people who don’t make that much.”

The panelists said no American politician would propose that. But the question is, if you are going to commit to buying a Lexus 460 but say you want to spend only $35,000, how do you get around the fact that the car costs $61,500? As Medicare/Medicaid shows, the cost increases have no relation to what the politicians want them to be.

BTW - I’m a bit suspicious of the 40-45% figure. Last I looked it was considerably less, but still significant. And - the tax applied to nearly everyone who had an income. I’ve yet to hear any candidate make that clear. So far, everything’s “free.”

By Paul

September 19, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

@@ 5:53

[[’m bad but I don’t care to see men totally nekkid; from the waist up is fwine.]]

Wise choice. In spite of the PR, other direction, generally not very much to see -

By ?

September 19, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Paul,

what are your thoughts concerning Clinton’s helath care plan? Estimates are that it costs $110 billion, much of which will be recovered from Bush’s tax cuts.

Hail Doom!

By ?

September 19, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Paul,

Uh, that’s health care plan.

Hail Doom!

By Fly-on-the-wall

September 19, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

I have a question and hopefully it can be answered without all the silly crap. We in the U.S. spend billions on Defense. We worry about other nations, China is a new up and coming star, spending more of the GNP on their Defense. But I’ve heard that we spend far more money than more, as a percentage, other nations do on Defense. Why? I thought people didn’t want us to be the policemen of the world? Why must we spend so much on our Defense? Don’t we want other nations to defend themselves and to go along with that pay their own way for defense? What purpose do we have in spending as much as we do? Ok, now I’ll wait for the flood.

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Americans pay 40 percent in taxes. When it’s all added up, it’s about 40 percent. what’s your problem.

We deserve healthcare. We demand healthcare. We are going to vote for healthcare and there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop us.

Capiche? (I know, Real Men cant spell capiche.)

By getalife

September 19, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

It is not free health care Paul.

It is still free market insurance based but help for those who can’t afford it.

Her plan is a good plan.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

By ?

getalife asked the same the other day. The NPR discussion - repeated elsewhere - said there were very many similarities between it and Romney’s. Shows numerous means to bring in everyone. Doesn’t trust markets very much. Doesn’t believe competition can reduce costs. I disagree with those assumptions.

The tax cut angle illustrates typical American political tactics - promise everything, say someone else will pay for it. So what happens when the amount received from rescinding the tax cuts is matched by program costs and the costs keep rising?

Rather short, I know, but I think the final product may be another series of compromises that will result in something more middle of the road.

As for your ending, given the political season, listening to the candidates, thinking about what their ideas mean for us, I’m more inclined to end with:

“Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant.”

By @@

September 19, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Getalife:

Pinko! I went to WalMart and bought four sports bras from China yesterday. Three white, one black. No pink. They appreciated my business.

I’ll hook you up with an article on our trade with China tomorrow. It’s interesting, but may cause problems for Fred.

Funny Paul.:-)

(((Wise choice. In spite of the PR, other direction, generally ——->not very much to see<——-

True confessions?

By @@

September 19, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Oops! I meant to put “just kidding” Paul.

No need to reveal…

I’m off to see how the world is unfolding.

See ‘ya!

By Paul

September 19, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

By ?

The “The NPR discussion - repeated elsewhere - said there were very many similarities between it and Romney’s” should have been there were NOT very many Differences between it and Romney’s -

getalife

I’ll say better than several of those proposed -

@@

Ah, what is truth?

By ?

September 19, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

@@,

I am here to carry on Doom’s work. He wants me to tell you that he is hurt that you didn’t respond to his list that included you.

Paul,

That is a good point. That is why Doom is at Obama’s rally tonight. He believes that Obama is not the ordinary politician.

Hail Doom!

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Vini Vidi Vente (I came. I saw. I had a latte.)

By @@

September 19, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Doom in abstentia:

I apologize. I saw your list and was shocked…SHOCKED I say.

I didn’t see all my favorites there. I missed Dusty, RW & Buy Danish AND came in behind Midori?:-)

I’m gone for now.

By RE

September 19, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Fly,

I agree completely. I was told however that if we stop protecting every other nation on earth we will be signing our own “death warrants”

By Duh stands for Democrat

September 19, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Guess who:

But the Democrats (and Fred Thompson) refuse to enact tort reform legislation to rein in these charlatans. After teachers and welfare recipients, the Democrats’ most prized constituency is trial lawyers. The ultimate Democrat constituent would be a public schoolteacher on welfare who needed an abortion and was suing her doctor.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Do your part for energy independence. Ride the S.L.U.T

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

RE,

Lying sos. What Fly on the wall said makes a little bit of sense. What you said was we should withdraw to our own borders and never engage militarily anywhere unless we were personally attacked.

By Paul

September 19, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Duh

I keep waiting for the discussion on who will decide how much doctors will be paid - and what the rates will be.

I also wondered why Edwards didn’t take only a fourth of the multimillion dollar awards, or less, instead of half (after deducting expenses) and give the rest to the victims who won the award and needed support for the rest of their lives.

RW-(the original)

Wonder how many husbands spent the night on the couch after their wives heard them tell a friend “Fridays I usually ride the SLUT on my way home”?

On that happy note - g’night.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Paul,

I wonder what government toad originally came up with the name South Lake Union Trolley.

By RE

September 19, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Good catch RW,

Ride the S.L.U.T.

save the planet.

If not, you are signing your own death warrant

By Paul

September 19, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

RW-(the original)

Years and years ago, as a new hire the company’s headquarters wanted a new name for the COO’s (known informally as the “Chief”) monthly metrics review. I got it past my boss and sent up “Chief’s Resources Appraisal Program.”

The suggestion never made it. Neither did I with that company…

By Political Foreskin

September 19, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Blackwater. There’s the means by which they will follow us home.

Blackwater Militia is coming to a neighborhood near you. They can kill you at will. They have no accountability. Iraq just threw them out. Two guesses where they’re going. here. To shoot at us, if’n they feels like it.

Are we going to stand for Cheney’s Halliburton Militia?

HELL NO!!!!!

By Guess who

September 19, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

RE should set up house in a Hoover.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Paul,

Somehow I don’t think your acronym would have the same marketing potential. I want the “I Rode the S.L.U.T” concession at the transfer station.

By RW-(the original)

September 19, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Some people are just begging for a Darwin Award