Mike Luckovich

By AJC Management

March 21, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

The State Department is “Republican” now?:

{{{{The Obama campaign denounced the accessing as “an outrageous breach of security and privacy, even from an Administration that has shown little regard for either over the last eight years.”}}}}

I’m thinking Klinton holdovers.

We’ll see.

~~~~~~

Hey, the latest Harry Reid tape is out:

{{{{“By their support, they are considered partners to this horrible crime,” Mr. Reid said of Arab leaders who have backed the Mideast peace talks.”Palestine will not return to us with the negotiations by the submissive rulers, their conferences nor by demonstrations and elections,” he said. “Palestine will come back to us if we awaken from our ignorance and adhere to our religion and sacrifice our lives and means to it.”}}}}

Oh, I’m sorry, did I say Harry Reid? I meant to say Has Been Laden.

It’s hard to keep the two of them straight.

~~~~~

I found an old one from Steyn that just says it all:

{{{{But Mirsky’s ‘chickenhawk’ sneer is surely sauce for the dove, too. He thinks I’m in favour of war only because I don’t have to live with the consequences of my warmongering, as ordinary Iraqis do; but he’s only opposed to war because he doesn’t have to live with the consequences of his moral posturing, as ordinary Iraqis do. (Just for the record, I would have been happy to go to Iraq, but they didn’t ask. I’m not much in demand these days.)}}}}

We stopped a genocide in Iraq that the liberals were content to let continue.

~~~~~

Keep up the anti Iraq whining, you morons:

{{{{It gets worse for Ku Klux Rodham and Barack Obambi. Nearly two out of every three Americans surveyed (65%) believe “the United States has an obligation to establish a reasonable level of stability and security in Iraq before withdrawing all of its troops.” The reason is self-interest. Almost the same number of Americans (63%) believe al Qaeda “would be more likely to use Iraq as a base for its terrorist operations” if the U.S. withdraws.}}}}

Living in your own little world.

By AJC Management

March 21, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

{{{{THE TRUTH IS THAT the African-American establishment benefits from the current system of affirmative action and racial preferences. They feel ennobled by their victim status. White liberals like this arrangement, too, because the cultivation of victimhood and the arousal of guilt feelings is their stock in trade — practically their raison d’etre. The New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof sought to excuse Pastor Wright’s mendacious claims that the U.S. government engineered HIV as a death-dealing weapon against blacks. Maybe 30 percent of blacks believe that, Kristof wrote, in extenuation. Perhaps it’s time to expose the lies that black leaders spread within their own communities, and not excuse them.}}}}

~~~~~

The costs of government intereference:

{{{{With the economy stalling and capital markets looking like sludge, this red-tape roll out makes no sense. The Small Business Administration calculates that the total cost in 2005 of complying with 145,000 pages of federal rules and procedures was $1.1 trillion. This is the rough economic equivalent of imposing a second federal income tax on the economy.}}}}

~~~~~

{{{{Many Republicans who viewed Mrs Clinton as the easier candidate to beat in November are now reconsidering that opinion. Mr Wright’s comments are so appalling, they believe, that they are a political gift that will keep on giving if the Illinois senator becomes Mr McCain’s opponent. It is a fact Mrs Clinton’s aides are privately impressing upon the Democratic party’s so-called super-delegates — the congressmen, senators and officials now likely to determine the nomination.}}}}

Why is it that only Republicans find Obama’s preacher’s “comments” appalling?

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

I racked my brain to figure out how this idiot came to be a “leader” of the free world.

By @@

March 21, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

but you didn’t ml.

You need a vacation.

IN THE (HUSSEIN) NEWS:

After reading your paranoia yesterday, so do you buddy.

By reebok

March 21, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Hope you’re enjoying soaring deficits, an endless war, and “leadership” that can’t be bothered to remember the difference between Sunnis & Shiites…because McCain is promising more of the same.

By Glenn

March 21, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

@@,

Good morning, blogthrob. Got your msg re the Clayton position. There was quite a lot of discussion about it at Jim’s place yesterday. I’m very interested to hear what you think of my perfectly serious, if necessarily eliptical (given the ‘goylish venue) proposals.

By @@

March 21, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Glenn:

I loved ‘em. Your cultural approach was right on target - not only from a wider (societal) perspective, but from a niche perspective as well.

It’s O.K. to be black.

It’s O.K. to be white.

But entering life unprepared is just plain stupid and that ain’t O.K.

I’m off to work. Have a good one.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Condi Rice needs to resign today!

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

We had 52 consecutive months of job GROWTH in this country. That is a record, not even matched in the 1990s. The unemployment rate is still ONLY 5.4%, historically low, and by the criteria of the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Bill passed during the Carter Administration, that is approaching ‘full’ employment. We have 12 million illegal aliens in this country. They would not have risked coming here except for the fact that we have had an EXCESS of jobs. They also came because this is the freest contry in the world. This blog is evidence enough of that. Not one of you who complains about the government and who hurls insults daily at the President, the Vice President or the governor has been censored or place in irons!

By the way, as usual, the cartoon really sucks.

By Rice

March 21, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

The employees fired by the State Department were contract employees. Even Susan Estrich has said that this is a complete non-issue. Also, passport files are about the driest documents there are. I cannot imagine that even a fraction of 1% of passport holders could possibly have anything in their files which could either hurt or held a political campaign.

By Paul

March 21, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Goldie

You aren’t inferring so she can run as VP, are you?

:-)

BTW - saw on the Fox morning show - had a segment on Obama’s “typical white person” statement - one of the anchors took the position “cut him some slack. All anyone does is parse the words instead of looking at his larger message, especially in light of his grandmother’s generation.”

Another anchor took the opposite tack (and mixed up his speech remarks with his interview remarks, which the other anchor corrected) but the other anchor didn’t back down - said Obama’s message was getting missed in all the soundbites. I’ll wager that doesn’t get video linked by MoveOn -

Yup, I said Fox morning show. BOR defends Hillary. Fox anchor says the Obama controversy is silly - especially after the pic of Pres Clinton with Rev Wright. Great campaign season, eh?

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

This cartoon is sad - I guess GWB thinks all this is funny?

Now, I don’t believe that, but I also don’t know how the man looks at himself in the mirror at night, or anybody else in Congress too for that matter.

Today’s Good Friday, we’re supposed to be somber, but hey, maybe the economy will resurrect itself and we’ll work out this war, it’s always good to have hope, right?

By Good Joke

March 21, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Hillary Clinton to her magic mirror in the morning:

H - Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the witchiest one of all?

M - You are witchy, this is true, but Michelle Obama is witchier than you

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Paul,

It’s an Easter miracle!

Mr. Headcase/First Amendment/Army/now Devil,

Seriously, changing your name while typing the same drivel, doesn’t fool anyone. It’s still the same drivel.

You’ve typed almost the exact same comment several times this week.

Changing your name doesn’t make what you’ve typed real - I hate to break this to you, buddy, but the Easter Bunny isn’t real either.

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Bob Barr for president?

I never thought I’d say this, but that is something I could get my head around. Bob actually makes some sense - he isn’t in a blinded rabid anti-Clinton rage now.

Maybe Chuck Hagel could be his running mate.

By Paul

March 21, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Now, this is clever -

Link: Obama Questions His Questioners

N-GA

The one on Mar 24 is for you -

By don't bother

March 21, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

taking a vacation bosch. yours is perpetually mental like news spew’s.

By Glenn

March 21, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Goldie, pardon the interruption, but “Condi Rice”? As in “Barry Obama”? Not as in “Secretary Albright” or “Dr. Kissinger”?

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Mr Headcase/First Amendment/Army/Devil,

“don’t bother” too?

Which identity do you like best? I’ll be glad to accommodate, that’s too much typing.

Is your vacation causing an identity crisis?

You know, I decided once to quit a job while on vacation, maybe this could be good for you - come up with a new permanent identity?

You know, this weekend is all about renewal and rebirth if you are a church going guy, so I wish you luck on your endeavor.

If your not a church going guy, the eggs and bunnies also represent rebirth and renewal, so just keep it all in perspective.

Good luck.

By funnyz bunnyz

March 21, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Cartoon idea:

Show Obama in “wide stance” taking a dump in a Iraq shaped toilet singing “plop plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is”.

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Mr. Headcase/First Amendment/Army/Devil/don’t bother,

(seriously, that’s a bit much to type)

I usually find that when people are searching for a new identity or a new appearance on the outside, they are actually conflicted on the inside.

So, my advise to you on this new journey of yours is to look inward, it will help with your quest for a new outward identity.

Hey, by the way, weren’t you calling for me to be banned yesterday? So much for your First Amendment persona. I’d scratch that one as a possibility.

If you have that much of a problem with those that disagree with you, then you obviously have issues with the First Amendment.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Bosch - I don’t know about whom you are writing, but I did not start blogging here until the other day. And I don’t know about any vacations. I’ve been on one since my 61st birthday.

By Bill

March 21, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Aww, Bosch, give our rightwing dandies of multiple names here a break. After all, it is Good Friday. They need to keep their deeply religious minds off the fact that they’ll soon enough be joining Buckley and Jerry Falwell, scrubing toilets in Hell.

I don’t think they really have an “identity crisis” tho. Hard to have a crisis - since they have no real identity.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Bosch - Again, you are painting with a broad brush. I have never called for anyone to be banned from antyhing. Please get a reality check. My guess is that you have a lot of people whom you have ticked off. I guess if this continues I will be one of them.

By funnyz bunnyz

March 21, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Better cartoon idea:

Show Obama in “wide stance” taking a dump in a Bill shaped toilet screaming “Show me the money! Show me the money!”

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Bosch @ 9:15 — I’m with you about today should be somber, as it is “Good Friday”… I asked my mom when I was a youngster about why it’s called “good”, when it seemed like such a sad day to me. She told me the usual BS about it being “good” because Jesus was finally able to prove his creds to non-believers once he arose from the grave. What a sales-job that was! I still feel sad every year when “good” Friday rolls around.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Paul @ 9:11 — every 4 years I think to myself that “this is the craziest political season”, but this one’s got to top ‘em all!

By Tony

March 21, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Devil. Nothing wrong w your age of 61. Nor McCain’s age of 71. The ludicrous and disgusting part is to possess such gross stupidity at those ages. Totally wasted lives - just having taken up needed space. Pity.

By Unity

March 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Senator Clinton and Senator McCain are reading from the same political playbook as they attack Barack on foreign policy. They have both criticized Barack’s commitment to act against top al Qaeda terrorists if others can’t or won’t act.

But most of all — after five years of overwhelming evidence that we are less safe, less able to shape events abroad, and more divided at home — Senator Clinton and Senator McCain are failing to address the consequences of a war they both supported that should have never been authorized and never been waged.

We need a leader who had the judgment to oppose this war before it began and who has a clear plan to end it.

But Barack is facing a two-front battle against Senator Clinton and Senator McCain. Make a donation of $25 to support this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/twofronts

Senator Clinton’s campaign, with her chances of winning dwindling and our delegate lead even larger than it was before her so-called comeback on March 4th, has adopted a “kitchen-sink” strategy to throw everything they can at us. Her campaign has made it clear they will do and say anything to win this nomination.

Senator McCain, now the presumptive Republican nominee, is already running his general election campaign. He’s so eager to justify another 100 years of war in Iraq and drum up conflict with Iran that he and his campaign have been making sloppy and woefully false assertions about links between Iran and al Qaeda in Iraq.

Yesterday, Barack laid out a clear plan to make America more secure and end the war in Iraq.

Today, he laid out the economic costs of the war that Senator Clinton and Senator McCain supported.

In both speeches — and in his speech on race in America earlier this week — Barack Obama demonstrated that he is the candidate with the courage and judgment to tackle the challenges we face.

The choice Americans have in this election is clear — and your support right now sends a message to those who support the status quo that it is time for a new kind of leadership.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Tony - the real pity is that certain people never learn common courtesy or how to have an honest disagreement without being totally disagreeable. Look in a mirror young man, you probably take up much more space than I.

By Shawny

March 21, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

funny toon. inaccurate, but funny. The prez has little to do with the economy. Just like Clinton had nothing to do with the run up and deflation of the techno bubble, nor the huge supply vs. demand of oil at the time that kept the price around $9.

Q: Why are we bailing out subprime lenders? Are they going to pay this back with interest? Doubt it. Did we bail out techno companies that did not produce anything, like banks? stupid policy

By luckovichisaheadcase

March 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Bosch - you got two of them right. I did use First Amendment once or twice. The others, I don’t know who they are. Sorry.

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Mr. Devil,

Well, then please forgive me, but when I read comments like these from Monday,

By luckovichisaheadcase

March 17, 2008 11:19 AM “we are attracting (illegal) foreign workers by the bushel because we have had an excess of jobs”

followed by this today:

“We have 12 million illegal aliens in this country. They would not have risked coming here except for the fact that we have had an EXCESS of jobs”

and Mr. Headcase’s rants were chunked full of irrelevant stats that prove nothing as yours were this morning -

well, it’s only human to make assumptions, but I’d be hypocritical to make such assumptions because I hate it when people do that to me.

Or, did you hear that from Rush?

As I asked Mr. Headcase Monday or Tuesday, can’t remember -

What KIND of jobs are growing?

Goldie,

I agree. Today’s church service is pretty damned depressing if you ask me.

Bill,

I like to think that sometimes it’s a good thing to try and help those conflicted. We are, after all, on this planet together — all on this spiritual path together. :-)

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Shawny - at last a voice of sanity. Thanks.

By Unity

March 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hillary’s Nasty Pastorate by Barbara Ehrenreich

There’s a reason Hillary Clinton has remained relatively silent during the flap over intemperate remarks by Barack Obama’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. When it comes to unsavory religious affiliations, she’s a lot more vulnerable than Obama.

You can find all about it in a widely under-read article in the September 2007 issue of Mother Jones, in which Kathryn Joyce and Jeff Sharlet reported that “through all of her years in Washington, Clinton has been an active participant in conservative Bible study and prayer circles that are part of a secretive Capitol Hill group known as “The “Fellowship,” also known as The Family. But it won’t be a secret much longer. Jeff Sharlet’s shocking exposé The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power will be published in May.

Sean Hannity has called Obama’s church a “cult,” but that term applies far more aptly to Clinton’s “Family,” which is organized into “cells”–their term–and operates sex-segregated group homes for young people in northern Virginia. In 2002, Sharlet joined The Family’s home for young men, forswearing sex, drugs and alcohol, and participating in endless discussions of Jesus and power. He wasn’t undercover; he used his own name and admitted to being a writer. But he wasn’t completely out of danger either. When he went outdoors one night to make a cell phone call, he was followed. He still gets calls from Family associates asking him to meet them in diners–alone.

The Family’s most visible activity is its blandly innocuous National Prayer Breakfast, held every February in Washington. But almost all its real work goes on behind the scenes–knitting together international networks of right-wing leaders, most of them ostensibly Christian. In the 1940s, The Family reached out to former and not-so-former Nazis, and its fascination with that exemplary leader, Adolf Hitler, has continued, along with ties to a whole bestiary of murderous thugs. As Sharlet reported in Harper’s in 2003:

During the 1960s the Family forged relationships between the U.S. government and some of the most anti-Communist (and dictatorial) elements within Africa’s postcolonial leadership. The Brazilian dictator General Costa e Silva, with Family support, was overseeing regular fellowship groups for Latin American leaders, while, in Indonesia, General Suharto (whose tally o

By Paul

March 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Tony 10:15

You another one of those unity and do away with the nasty rhetoric guys we hear about at the Obama campaign?

By Tony

March 21, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

There, there now DEVIL. I’m older than you, lad. I don’t respond to this nonsense but will make an exception with you, given the nature of This Day, et al. One of your previous “posts” referred to you possibly getting “ticked off” at poor Bosch - or any of us. That is why we are just terrified of you at the moment. What sorts of things do you do or commit when you are driven psychologically to become “ticked off”? Please explain and help us ease our fears. Please! Meanwhile, chills run up and down my spine. And I don’t even have Alladin’s lamp with me.

By Unity

March 21, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

(whose tally of several hundred thousand “Communists” killed marks him as one of the century’s most murderous dictators) was presiding over a group of fifty Indonesian legislators. During the Reagan Administration the Family helped build friendships between the U.S. government and men such as Salvadoran general Carlos Eugenios Vides Casanova, convicted by a Florida jury of the torture of thousands, and Honduran general Gustavo Alvarez Martinez, himself an evangelical minister, who was linked to both the CIA and death squads before his own demise.

At the heart of The Family’s American branch is a collection of powerful right-wing politicos, who include, or have included, Sam Brownback, Ed Meese, John Ashcroft, James Inhofe and Rick Santorum. They get to use The Family’s spacious estate on the Potomac, The Cedars, which is maintained by young men in Family group homes and where meals are served by The Family’s young women’s group. And, at The Family’s frequent prayer gatherings, they get powerful jolts of spiritual refreshment, tailored to the already powerful.

Clinton fell in with The Family in 1993, when she joined a Bible study group composed of wives of conservative leaders like Jack Kemp and James Baker. When she ascended to the Senate, she was promoted to what Sharlet calls the Family’s “most elite cell,” the weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast, which included, until his downfall, Virginia’s notoriously racist Senator George Allen. This has not been a casual connection for Clinton. She has written of Doug Coe, The Family’s publicity-averse leader, that he is “a unique presence in Washington: a genuinely loving spiritual mentor and guide to anyone, regardless of party or faith, who wants to deepen his or her relationship with God.”

Furthermore, The Family takes credit for some of Clinton’s rightward legislative tendencies, including her support for a law guaranteeing “religious freedom” in the workplace, such as for pharmacists who refuse to fill birth control prescriptions and police officers who refuse to guard abortion clinics.

What drew Clinton into the sinister heart of the international right? Maybe it was just a phase in her tormented search for identity, marked by ever-changing hairstyles and names: Hillary Rodham, Mrs. Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton and now Hillary Clinton. She reached out to many potential spiritual mentors during her White House days, includin

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mr. Devil,

And, by the way, Mr. Headcase never responded to my questions about what kind of jobs are growing.

Here’s a chart I posted:

30 occupations with the largest employment growth

Not real high paying jobs there.

Also, am I supposed to get from you that the fact we have a huge influx of illegal aliens flocking to this country is somehow a positive indicator of job growth in this country?

By Shawny

March 21, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

ok, now someone comes on here campaining for big O, with the ‘unity’ id nontheless. You don’t know how O would have voted in the US senate back then. Heck, practically all them voted yet. He would make a fine Monday Morning Quarterback…not sure about a prez, though. And his speech on race was a sham…stay tuned.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Bosch - I guess it’s a case of great minds running on the same track. However, I cannot remember what you posted yesterday, so I am not going back and archiving everything that everyone said and compare it. If I did I would swear that there was only one liberal blogger in the entire world!!! I take that back, maybe two. Yesterday I vaguely remember getalife implying that she is a Hillary supporter and all of the other stuff I read here is decidedly pro-Obama, although I really cannot discern any actual policy differences between the two. Both are pretty much far left, big-government liberals, in the mold of George McGovern.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Bosch— as a recovering Baptist (and living with all the trauma that entails), I view “good” Friday as another sales-job from the Romans… they crucified Jesus and then sold us on the idea that it was a good thing to do — “we really did it for your own good!”

By Bruce, Colorado Springs

March 21, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Great cartoon! Thanks to Mike Luckovich for another fine piece of work. It is amazing how few comments here have to do with the cartoon. People of Atlanta, do you realize you have the best political cartoonist in the country working for your paper?

By Shawny

March 21, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

O’s Speech, the Disaster

By Shawny

March 21, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

and lastly, assuming the others will eventually post, is this one.

nice summary.

By Unity

March 21, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

New Mexico’s Richardson endorses Obama

Hispanic governor says presidential hopeful a ‘once-in-a-lifetime leader’ Jeff Geissler / AP file

SANTA FE, New Mexico - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, America’s only Hispanic governor, is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for president, calling him a “once-in-a- lifetime leader” who can unite the nation and restore the country’s international leadership.

Richardson, who dropped out of the Democratic race in January, is to appear with Obama on Friday at a campaign event in Portland, Oregon, The Associated Press has learned.

The governor’s endorsement comes as Obama leads among delegates selected at primaries and caucuses but with national public opinion polling showing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton pulling ahead of him amid controversy over statements by his former pastor.

Richardson has been relentlessly wooed by Obama and Clinton for his endorsement. As a Democratic superdelegate, the governor plays a part in the tight race for nominating votes and could bring other superdelegates to Obama’s side. He also has been mentioned as a potential running mate for either candidate.

No primaries are scheduled until Pennsylvania’s on April 22, a gap in time Obama hopes to use for such announcements to assert that he is the front-runner for the nomination.

‘Once-in-a-lifetime leader’ “I believe he is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America’s moral leadership in the world,” Richardson said in a statement obtained by the AP.

“As a presidential candidate, I know full well Sen. Obama’s unique moral ability to inspire the American people to confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad in a spirit of bipartisanship and reconciliation.

Richardson’s endorsement also could help Obama pick up support among Hispanics, who are the nation’s largest and fastest-growing minority.

Clinton has been the favorite of Hispanics in primaries and caucuses, according to exit polls. She won the New Mexico caucus in early February with a nearly 2-to-1 advantage among Hispanics.

Richardson backed Obama despite his ties to Clinton and her husband, the former president. He served as ambassador to the United Nations and as secretary of the Energy Department during the Clinton administration. Last month, R

By Paul

March 21, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Goldie,

If I may interject, I don’t really think the Romans cared one way or another. The Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) wanted him gone but did not have the power of capital punishment. They sent Jesus to Pilate, who said “not guilty” and sent him back. Sanhedrin still agitated, Romans put forth to let him go in the tradition of the holiday, crowd called for the release of Barabbas, a murderer (a symbolic contrast between one who gives life and one who takes it?). Pilate said “whatever” and was done with it.

Anyway, theologically speaking, it was Jesus’s life to give. Foretold in Old Testament, necessary for resurrection, completion of atonement, etc etc etc. The method and by whom done were somewhat incidental.

Just my two cents’ worth. But I agree, I find a bit of the Sunday, Maundy Thurs and Fri services a bit of a downer with how certain aspects are portrayed.

Anyway, Sunday brings new life, resurrection and hope. Like the current political parallels in that, too? (Hope I don’t take a lightning strike for that -)

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Goldie,

And don’t forget those sales jobs of the Romans making the Christian holidays on the same days as the pagan holidays - made the transition a little easier.

Mr. Headcase,

Whew, I’m glad you cleared that up for me, I was beginning to worry about your mental state.

Mr. Devil,

I’ve often thought that there was only one or two conservative bloggers too!

Great minds thinking alike? I find that hard to believe, more like repeating the same thing Rush or other neo-con heroes say. Original ideas are a blessing.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I recall that Senator Obama was one of the Dems making several pleas to Congress to not give Dubya his authorization to invade Iraq. And Obama did not mention this as a passing reference — he made SEVERAL speeches which were of great length, trying to educate the Dems on why it was SUCH A BAD IDEA. And I don’t think he even had access to read the NIE Reports back then, and those reports gave a clearer picture of Saddam Hussein’s capabilities and weaknesses.

What I do know is that 20-something Senators (23? 24? Paul, you ususally know these numbers?) DID READ THE NIE REPORTS and they were the ones who voted “NO!”… America needs more leadership like what we got from Obama and those other fine Senators— one was even a Repug Senator, a true conservative named Lincoln Chafee, who is now supporting Obama because of his prescience about what we were getting into in Iraq!

Too bad that 70-odd US Senators bought into the “cake-walk” scenario painted by Dubya and Darth Vader back in ‘02… and Hillary being one of them. That’s the kind of “lifetime of experience” that America can do without!

By Midori

March 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Shawny,

can you stop griping about Obama and trying to deconstruct him long enough wipe that dribble from your chin?

I know nothing gets you people excited more than hate mongering.

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Yes, Bruce, we do realize that - that’s why we visit the site.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Bosch - I will respond. Most of those are what we call entry level positions. That is very good that they are growing quite healthily. However, there are quite a few on your list that are growing by leaps and bounds. You also are making assumptions about certain occupations that are not very accurate. Many of these jobs depend on the local market as to what they pay. Starting pay for an RN in large markets is around $50,000 now. I know, my neice is one. Retail salespeople often make quite a bit. I know because my brother owns a small chain of middle to high end shoe stores. The same goes for food service/waiters. Many make quite a bit of money.

Maintenance and repair workers are on the list and all I can say is: Have you called a plumber or an electrician out to your house lately?

Management Analysts and others in financial services make quite a bit, although that might be slowing down a bit because of the banking mess. We will see. Again, my nephew-in-law is in that field and he startd out at $60,000 with a B.S.

The fact remains that the economy has produced many good jobs over the last few years. Had that not been the case, it would never have grown at all.

By the way teachers make a good bit more - especially per hours worked in a year - than most people think. I know this from looking at my own paycheck for 25 years in the state of Georgia. I left 5 years ago making over $70,000 a year and working just 190 days. Agreed, that was combat pay, but the salary did help make it easier to walk in there in the mornings.

I could just go and get pay stats for all of these jobs, but I think you get my point.

Now your question has been answered.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Bruce from Colorado — yes, there are many of us here who know how fortunate we are to have Luckovich’s talent here in Atlanta! Hang around here more often and you’ll see more of the gratefulness posted to balance against the ugly stuff from the right-wingnuts — Luckovich truly drives them nuts… they seem to be much like Pavlovs dogs!

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Jesus had a script (the Old Testament) - he martyred himself for the cause.

If you get struck by lightening, I think it will get me too.

I think Christianity is in transitional mode.

By Jesus

March 21, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

IMPEACH BUSH NOW!!!

By luckovichisaheadcase

March 21, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Bosch - for the very last time, I don’t listen to Rush Limbaugh. Maybe you do. I don’t know what he is saying on his show. I do listen to NPR when I am in my car. I need to know where you are getting you talking points. That is why I listen to NPR and, sure enough, that is what you are spouting.

By Paul

March 21, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Goldie

Best guess is 22. Many relied on briefings. Remember what I keep saying about going to source documents - and even about questioning them, too?

Good article and more fun with numbers here:

Link: Few Senators Read the NIE before War

By mm

March 21, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

All wingnut bloggers read from the same cue card.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

{{Anyway, theologically speaking, it was Jesus’s life to give. Foretold in Old Testament, necessary for resurrection, completion of atonement, etc etc etc.}}

Paul — like I posted: SALES JOB!

Lots of myths and superstitions going on in the Old Testament… and my Jewish friends tell me that crucifixions would never be done on a Friday because of the Sabbath, much less for the “crime” of blasphemy. Total Roman concoction!

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Mr. Devil,

Nope, not quite.

You know about retail sales because your brother owns some shoe stores? He owns them, his workers don’t. I’ll bet they would disagree with you. Hardly indicative of the industry. Go to your local mall and ask the retail sales people how much they make.

Food service workers and waiters making a lot of money? Fast food workers and food service workers usually make minimum wage and waiters make less than minimum wage - their income is based on tips, which with people having less disposable income, it directly affects the tips.

Yes, it does depend on the market, but in general, these are not high paying jobs for a majority of the people who work in them.

Now, I will agree with you about plumbers/electricians. I have them on speed dial. They are like a monthly utility bill in my home.

The other Bosch is a teacher, and if you put an hourly rate to the salary, it’s below minimum wage. The whole notion of teachers getting the summer off isn’t true either. They go to school, work in their classrooms, fill out paperwork, make lesson plans, etc.

$70,000/year? Geez, what school district did you work in? I’m moving! Because teachers around the state don’t make that kind of money.

By Paul

March 21, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Goldie

Sure, there’s always a mix of myth with reality, keeps things interesting.

I don’t believe Romans were all that concerned with violating local religious customs, if insurrection wouldn’t result. They were pretty accommodating in their rule. There’s been a lot written on the date - but if it was Friday the text indicates death occurred the ninth hour (count forward from sunrise, about six in the morning, so it’d be about three in the afternoon) - Jesus died relatively quickly (crucifixion was a ghastly death that could go on a long time) and the rush to get the body was because the Sabbath began at sundown.

So part of this is historical, part is myth - but the overriding theme is spiritual - however obscured it gets by the writings and interpretations of history.

IMHO -

By moonbat betty

March 21, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

ahhh yess! this toon. this glorious toon!

i can stare at it for days and eat it with a spoon.

thank you luckovich. thank you thank you thank you!

makes me swoooooon like an obamiac buffoon.

By President George W. Bush

March 21, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Not only did IRAQ the economy, IRAN the country into the ground. Teehee. At least I’ll be FINNISH in November.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Please look at a pay scale for teachers. After a certain number of years with a Masters one makes quite a bit. I just looked it up on the Atlanta City site and a teacher with 12 years experience will make $70,000 a year in that system. Now I do agree that is hell. But in Newton County a teacher with 12 years experience will make $61,000 a year. These are not poor wages.

As for what you said about my brother and retail, you really betrayed yourself as a knee-jerk liberal-leftist who thinks that all business owners do is exploit the workers. These folks are paid on commission and they do quite well. Many are college graduates who have stayed for that reason. Also, those jobs would not exist had my brother and my father before him had not taken on quite a lot of financial risk and had not worked very hard in those businesses. That is why I decided to teach. I did not want to work that hard, and I assure you they work longer and harder hours than any teacher I know!!

By JTG

March 21, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Mike,

Dude, are you suffering from comic’s block? Your unending schtick with George W. is soooo passe. Ypou would think that with all the political fodder out there, you might come up with some consistent fresh ideas. But no, just keep on going to the same stale old well again and again and again. Not funny, not clever. A Pulitzer winner who is still working should not rest on his laurels. Obviously, you haven’t got that message. Find something fresh will you please? You hate George W. - we get it already.

By AJC Management

March 21, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

{{{{By Goldie March 21, 2008 10:40 AM Bosch— as a recovering Baptist (and living with all the trauma that entails), I view “good” Friday as another sales-job from the Romans… they crucified Jesus and then sold us on the idea that it was a good thing to do — “we really did it for your own good!”}}}}

Golduh: Think “Good” as in Holy.

You know, how God is the embodiment of all that is good.

On this most holiest of days, God sent His Son, the Word made into Flesh, to die on the cross so that we may live.

He went to His Death willingly, he wanted to die for us.

It seems as though you could take one day from your world of hate schedule to at least not mock Him.

You know what I mean?

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

AJC Management - Amen to your 11:32

By President George W. Bush

March 21, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Who says I have no plans. In eight years Laura is going to run for president. I can assure you SHE won’t have to contend with a black opponent challenging her in the GOP.

By Bosch

March 21, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Mr. Devil,

I’m on my way out, and don’t have time to respond, but I will later.

Teacher pay is mediocre at best if you break it down hour by hour. I don’t know what kind of teachers you were around, but the teachers I know work harder than anyone I know. Newnan is practically part of Atlanta now, and $70,000/year in Atlanta isn’t that great.

Also, in order to make those higher wages, you have to get additional degrees which when you take out student loan payments or tuition, well that brings your income down just that much more.

We can discuss more later.

Have a great afternoon.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Bosch - I find it hard to believe that you believe what you are saying about teacher salaries if you have ever worked the long, hard hours required in retail, medicine, accounting or many othe professions. I have a young friend who is a lawyer making $70,000 a year and he works around 60 hours a week. He is 40 years old and has NO LIFE! I just don’t know any experienced teachers who live like that. There is plenty of time off and the salaries in Georgia are pretty good. Also, I think that even in Atlanta, someone can live comfortably off of $70,000 a year. Plenty of people do it for a whole lot less.

Hope you have a good afternoon too. I’m gone.

By MomCat

March 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

By Bosch March 21, 2008 11:14 AM Go to your local mall and ask the retail sales people how much they make. Food service workers and waiters making a lot of money? Fast food workers and food service workers usually make minimum wage and waiters make less than minimum wage - their income is based on tips, which with people having less disposable income, it directly affects the tips.

Good point Bosch. Those who wish to verify averages for different occupations should access the Department of Labor website for this information, which is available to the public! Yep, those fast food workers and retail sales clerks are really raking it ($) in! Those who wait tables usually make a very small salary (not minimum wage), and the employer is required to make up the difference if the employees’ tips don’t add up to minimum wage. I’m sure some will go over minimum wage, whee!!! I’ll copy from a few others this morning and say, “I know a couple teens who have worked restaurants…..” Perhaps some of our concerned bloggers (when they lose their jobs), will be happy to join those waiting on corners to be picked up by employers and transported to those EXCESS laborer jobs the employer has available. Perhaps if them and their family pool their resources, they can rent a house or apartment. Just a thought….

By Mike

March 21, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

So Mikey makes a lame joke and manages to blame it on Bush? Get him a Pulitzer!

Thanks for “speaking truth to power”, Mikey.

By MomCat

March 21, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

By MomCat March 21, 2008 12:07 PM Perhaps if them and the

What a bad typo MomCat! I intended to state, “Perhaps if they….” Have a great week end all! MEOW!

By It's America, Stupid

March 21, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I didn’t like the cartoon either, mike. I dont know what’s going on with luckovich. It’s like what folks been sayin’ ‘bout Mendelson, that if he had been a starving artist, he could have eclipsed Mozart with his compositions. His Octet alone ranks up there with some of Mozart. Maybe Luckovich had too much success too early on, or maybe we’re just jaded. It’s like I hated everything the beatles wrote after 1967. (with a handful of exceptions).

By Georgia 74

March 21, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Great toon Mike, its too bad the REpudlickers can’t see the truth as well as the humor.

By Silly Question

March 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I just took a gander at Dick Morris’ site, vote.com, and the question today is “Will the positions of Rev. Wright affect your decision to vote for or against Barak Obama?”

I will have to answer NO because I was never going to vote for the crook from Chicago anyway!

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Any lawyers out there?

If so, please let me know if and how a regular American citizen can bring war crimes charges against Bush/Cheney/Rice/Rumsfeld/Wolfowitz/Bremer once they leave office and return to being private citizens.

Is there legal precedent?

There must be a way…THERE MUST!!

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Georgia 74 - For it to be funny, there would have to be some truth to it, and of course there is none.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

{{You know, how God is the embodiment of all that is good.}

Does anyone else get the hilarity of DUHHH trying to spout religious doctrine and dogma???

LMAO!

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

First off, DUHHH, that sentence is a comma splice.

A more correct way of sayin g it would’ve been “god is the embodiment of all that is good.”

You really must work at your English, grammar and punctuation!

Your grade is a D.

Any more egregious errors and you’ll be on the short bus by Monday!!

BTW - There is no god!

By getalife

March 21, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

w and cheney get a free ride for destroying our country.

The radical right can STFU about anything a Dem President does in the future just to be fair and balanced.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

{{IRAN the country into the ground. Teehee.}}

I’m with you, Pres. G.W.— Luckovich’s toon is spot on!

Hmmm… maybe if we didn’t have to borrow BILLIONS OF $$$ from China to support G.W.’s occupation of I-rack we might not be in such an economic mess today! The Repugs love their wars and occupations, but they certainly don’t want to pay for any of it themselves!

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Another funny:

Now the State Dept. claims that the breach of Obama’s records was nothing political, simply because they did it to Hillary last year! LMAO!

Oh, my Chardonnary just came out my nose again…

By Lawyer

March 21, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Truthman - I am just speaking as a lawyer. I will not indentify myself any further. I will not say whether or not I agree or disagree with your position on this issue. I hate to disappoint you, but this is settled law. One cannot sue the president for policy decisions, whether or not you believe them moral. This is actually good policy, because no president would ever be able to do anything. And certainly you cannot sue the Vice President because he has no authority to make policy. That constitutional authority lies soley with the executive. Even when they return to the status of private citizens they cannot be sued. If that had been so all of our ex-Presidents would have become exiles upon leaving office.

The good news for you anyway is that there is an election coming up and you can vote and hope that your side wins and in that way you can change the policy you do not like. If you lose, just try again. That is the beautiful thing about a representative democracy.

Try to be more optimistic!! Seething hatred does no one any good. Just take a deep breath and get through it.

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Goldie, two things:

First, aren’t you drinking a little early today?

Second, why didn’t you invite me?

-TM

By AmVet

March 21, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

The news just keeps getting worse for Republicans.

NY rep. Tom Reynolds is cutting and running, making 26 current GOP lawmakers who are calling it quits.

Add in pork barrel Hastert’s demise and the Dems are almost certain to significantly enlarge their lead in the House.

And in the Senate, things also look very bad for the neo-cons.

John Warner’s seat in Va. looks very vulnerable, and Colorado and New Mexico may well change to the Dems as well. And the imploding GOP can’t even field top-tier candidates to try and save seats in Arkansas, Montana and South Dakota.

And on top of the already considerable woes for the GOP, Dems are out raising them financially by a huge margin.

Thanks to President Bush for absolutely killing off this phony conservative ideology.

Was it worth it?

Probably not, but at least we can go forward knowing his uniquely inept style of governance is effectively finished…

OK, off to the submarine races!

Have a blessed (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) weekend all!

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Moldie - they also did the same thing to McCain. I bet if they start looking it happened to quite a few of the presidential contenders. It should not have and Sean Hannity and Susan Estrich and Newt Gingrich all agreed last night on Hannity and Colmes that such a thing never should have happened. I also agree with Susan Estrich (Dukakis’ campaign manager) that this action had nothing to do with the administraion and was not ‘political’ in the way that you are making it out to be. Now find a real issue to be hot under the collar about. I can honestly understand passion about the war or health care, but this one is really too much!

By It's America, Stupid

March 21, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

God lives only inside the human mind. Without man, there is not god, that’s 4sure, that’s 4dangsure.

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Dateline Paris:

McCain meet France’s Sarkozy - They discuss wife-swapping and where to find a good, Jewish divorce attorney!

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Lawyer,

Maybe you should read the entire brief.

I said “once they are private citizens.” I’m well aware of the statutes against bring suit against a sitting president.

Also, it ain’t hate…IT’S JUSTICE, BROTHER!!

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

AmVet - please stop spouting all of the liberal nonsense straight off of the daily KOS. You folks go on and on about folks listening to talk radio, but your talking points come verbatim off of the looney left sites!

By funnyz bunnyz

March 21, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

funny stuff Obama vs. Hillary debate

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Truthman - glad to see that you are an anti-Semite with a bad sense of humor. It’s also too bad that you cannot find any genuine criticism of either fellow.

By AJC Management

March 21, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Oh my, even Ku Klux Rodham’s passport records are secret.

What does this scumbag have to hide?

By Lawyer

March 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Truthman - you must not have read everything I wrote - I did state that even after they become private citizens and I explained the reason for it. I also said that in the end it is a good policy or all former presidents would have to go into exile once they leave office!

By funnyz bunnyz

March 21, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I can see it now…

Truthman running toward the president yelling, “CITIZENS ARREST, CITIZENS ARREST!”

Quickly followed by, “DON’T TAZE ME BRO, DON’T TAZE MEEEEEEE!”

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Criticism of McCain…where do I start?

Supports “100 years of war.”

Supports tax cuts for the rich.

Supports domestic spying and the encroachment of a police state into the private affairs of Americans

Supports Bush.

Enough said!

P.S. You couldn’t carry AmVets jock!! He actually served his country, unlike the “cut and run away” Bush/Cheney/Rummy/Rice/Wolfowitz/Bremer murderer/traitor/basturds!!

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

There will be so many of us “running toward YOUR president,” there won’t be enough tasers on earth to stop us.

Somebody’s going to put a shiv in more than one of them sometime over the next five years. It won’t be me because I have children, but someone will do it.

By don't bother

March 21, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

bosch suffering from the same paranoia news spews is.

“”Which identity do you like best?”“

the one i use at wooten’s where substantive discussions take place. i would invite you to join but you lack substance. you and people like you are why i didn’t linger long at mike’s.

when it lags over there i drop in for a quick schlog over here.

By funnyz bunnyz

March 21, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

truthy,

didn’t you once claim to be one of those willing to strap a belt on for the cause…

or maybe that was another kind of strap on?

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

P.P.S. Your side lusts in its killing of abortion doctors, latinos, liberals and black folk, so what’s the diff?

By Truthman

March 21, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

You and Andi are perfect for each other.

Why don’t your mom and his get in touch and you two could have a sleepover complete with your Rush Limbaugh dolls and your Oxycotin!!

Oh, the joy of young neo-con anality!!

By Devastator

March 21, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Rush Limbaugh’s Ties To Illegal Cross-Over Voting Investigation

http://www.alternet.org/democracy/80392/

By Steven Rosenfeld, Alternet Posted March 21, 2008

As the board of election in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where Cleveland is located, launches an investigation into illegal crossover voting in the state’s 2008 presidential primary, a big open question remains unanswered: Will county officials go after the ringleaders of apparently illegal electioneering where thousands of Republican voters swore — under penalty of law — allegiance to the Democratic Party in order to vote for Hillary Clinton?

In case you missed it, Rush Limbaugh, the nation’s top-rated talk radio host, was urging Republicans in Texas and Ohio to skip their party’s primary on March 4 and instead cast a vote for Hillary Clinton in order to prolong the fight between her and Barack Obama. And that Tuesday, as media in both states reported, thousands of Republicans did just what Limbaugh and others had suggested — they changed parties to vote for Clinton.

“I want Hillary to stay in this, Laura,” Limbaugh told Laura Ingraham on Feb. 29, near the start of his Hillary crusade. “This is too good a soap opera. We need Barack Obama bloodied up politically, and it’s obvious that the Republicans are not going to do it and don’t have the stomach for it, as you probably know.”

And on Wednesday, the day after the Ohio primary, Fox News asked Clinton if she owed Limbaugh a thank you. “Be careful what you wish for, Rush,” she replied. Later that day, Limbaugh played the Fox tape on his show and said, “How do you interpret this, folks? She could have said thank you. She could have said thank you! In fact, I was expecting in her victory speech last night to be thanked.

“I helped give Mrs. Clinton the biggest and happiest moment and night of the campaign season so far, maybe her life, and she tells me, “Be careful what you wish for, Rush”? Why, that sounds like a threat, does it not? I’ve got a Democrat presidential candidate threatening your host. Why, I am stunned! After all I did …”

While this all makes for great talk radio and sounds like fun, there is one catch: What Limbaugh encouraged Republican voters to do in Ohio was a fifth-degree felony in that state, punishable with a $2,500 fine and six

By IN THE (Hussein)NEWS

March 21, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

MAN, THIS NEEDS TO REQUIRED VIEWING

Spring is one of our creator’s best ideas.

By IN THE (Hussein)NEWS

March 21, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

CHRIS WALLACE, Good for him!

By Devastator

March 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Stop dodging the issues, Barack!! It’s time to come over to my home and repeat to me everything you’ve ever said, written or thought.

By Mark Bazer

Who is the real Barack Obama? Undoubtedly, he is a brilliant writer, an eloquent speaker, a rock star of a candidate. But, setting aside Sen.

Obama’s charisma and lofty oratory about “hope” and “change,” do any of us know what the man actually stands for — if anything?????

Yes, we do know that Obama opposed the Iraq war from the beginning and that he now favors diplomacy with Iraq’s neighbors, including Iran. And that, if elected, he’d advocate allotting $2 billion or more to help Iraqi refugees. And, oh right, that he’d withdraw one or two U.S. combat brigades each month, with the goal of bringing all combat brigades home within 16 months — though keeping a residual force to protect American diplomats and target al-Qaida.

But do we know the senator’s stance on how to construct a working public-library system in Baghdad? What about his views on establishing an off-track betting site in Kirkuk? And can any of us pretend to know how Obama plans to get Sunnis, Shias and Kurds to agree on a recycling program?

For that matter, can anyone decipher Obama’s ideas on environmentalism here at home?

Sure, the senator may discuss a “market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions” by “80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.” And that he wants to institute a new National Low Carbon Fuel Standard, increase funding for the Conservation Security Program, eliminate traditional incandescent light bulbs by 2014, create a Green Jobs Corps, fight for a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard and blah, blah, blah.

All well and good, but what does Sen. Obama believe should be allowed in the American people’s blue bins? He has been curiously mum about glossy paper.

But let’s not talk about Al Gore-created issues, but about real ones. Like race in America. Turns out Obama’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, has said some pretty awful things about this country.

How can we be certain Sen. Obama doesn’t feel the same as Wright does? Has Obama done anything whatsoever to repudiate Wright’s sermons and articulate his own ideas? Anything at all? Something along the lines of a well-crafted, from-the-heart 40

By Devastator

March 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Pennsylvania Voter Registration SOARS!

Pennsylvania Voter Registration Soars

Posted: 20 Mar 2008 08:06 PM CDT Both CNN and AP are reporting big increases in Democratic voter registration in Pennsylvania in advance of the April 22 primary.

But there’s an interesting and potentially significant tidbit down in the AP story:

_ The nine counties with the biggest percentage increases in Democratic enrollment since last fall — more than 5 percent — are mainly in two tightly contested areas — the Philadelphia suburbs and the state’s vast central region.

I happened to be in Philadelphia to interview Gov. Ed Rendell today, and he mentioned those two areas—the Philly suburbs and Central Pennsylvania—as crucial to Obama’s hopes in the state. Both are affluent and well educated, which fit the Obama demographic. They are Obama’s most likely troves of votes, outside of heavily African-American Philadelphia. Rendell himself carried much of that same territory in his own bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2002. He ended up winning only 15 of the state’s 67 counties, he told me—but still managed to beat Bob Casey, the party establishment’s pick, by a hefty 12 percentage point margin. Rendell, who is supporting Clinton, is determined that Obama not pull off a similar feat this time.

By The Devil You Say

March 21, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Truthman - You really are a piece of work. Your distortions of McCain’s positions are right out of the Daily Kos and moveon.org. He said that if our PRESENCE is required for 100 years then that is okay. We have been in Germany since 1945 and we have been in Korea since 1953, but that does not mean that we are still at war.

As for tax cuts for the rich, I sure don’t consider someone who makes $50,000 a year rich, but apparently Nancy Pelosi and Harry Ried and Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton do! We need to keep those tax cuts because the result will be an even deeper recession.

Also, you have no idea whether or not I served in the military. Don’t make stupid assumptions. Also remember that Grant served in the military too, but it did not make him great. It also did not make him a bad person. He was a drunken fool, period. It had nothing to do with his military service. Much like AmVet!

Military service is not a prerequisit to the White House, neither is it a disqualification.

Now you can take your foot out of your mouth.

By funnyz bunnyz

March 21, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

truthy,

you are a perfect dog squeeze of the left.

i hope you act the same in public as you do here.

By It's America, Stupid

March 21, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

McCain will get about 35% of the vote in November. (Bush Base)

By Chaos

March 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Good! Obama will get 65% of the vote in November.(American Base)

By Paul

March 21, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Truthman 2:38

You gotta watch your assertions! Regarding McCain’s 100-year war, recycling this should get embarrassing:

Link: [Factcheck - DNC distorted McCain’s remarks]*(http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/smearorbe_smeared.html)

I don’t care for a 100-year presence. But hey, I don’t care for a 60-year presence in Europe, Asia, and a decades-long presence anywhere else. If okay there, why not okay in Iraq?

“Supports Bush”

Where do you get this stuff? Try: immigration, waterboarding, campaign finance, working with Democrats - is four enough for starters?

your 1:51

BTW - “There is no god!”

Don’t you suppose that depends upon your definitions and point of reference?

IThN 3:16

That’s Chris Wallace?!!?

By GodHatesTrash

March 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

McCain will get about 60% of the Dicksea vote in November.

(Trash base.)

By GMAN

March 21, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

The “cracker factor” rears its ugly head once more during this election season!

By Apocalypse

March 21, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Barack Discusses the War with Iraq Veterans Tonight on MTV Category: News and Politics

..Watch Senator Obama discuss the Iraq war with eight young veterans that have recently come back from serving in Iraq.

This conversation airs tonight at 6pm ET/PT on MTV and will be streamed at chooseorlose.com starting at 7pm ET. ..

This hour long event that was taped in Scranton, PA will be broadcast on all MTV stations (MTV, mtvU, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, and streamed across 1,800 sites of the Associated Press online video network.

Also check out think.mtv.com/BarackObama, one of our newest official social networking sites within the MTV community.

(MTV photo of Sen. Barack Obama and Marine Veteran Chris Weimer)

By Paul

March 21, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Truthman

I hate asterisks!

Here, again

Link: DNC Distorts McCain’s Position

By Glenn

March 21, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

LIE OF THE WEEK:

“Now some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I assure you that it is not.”

TRUTH OF THE WEEK:

“Now some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I assure you that it is not.”

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Let’s see, Paul:

I’ve heard McBush state that he wants to make Dubya’s “tax cuts permanent”. That’s #1 for Bush-kissing!

I’ve heard McBush conflate that Iran is supporting Al-Qaida and training them — all the better to go ahead and bomb the hell outta Iran! That’s #2 for Bush-kissing!

I’ve heard McBush proudly accepting the endorsements of right-wing religious extremists like Hagee, Parsley, Robertson, Bob Jones U et al — That’s #3 for Bush-kissing!

Is that enough for you to love McBush — or do you need more?

By Paul

March 21, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Apocalypse

In all fairness, have to keep in in perspective. “Young veterans” - rather depends on their age, length of service, assignments, etc. They may give a good view of interactions with the people in their sector, changes they have or haven’t seen, but as far as extrapolating to national policy…

Just saying to keep it in perspective.

But it’s an MTV forum, so he’s going for demographics with guests with whom the viewers can identify, I suppose.

By Goldie

March 21, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

{{As for tax cuts for the rich, I sure don’t consider someone who makes $50,000 a year rich, }}

Hmmm… I did not know that “someone who makes $50,000 a year” was in the top 1% income bracket in America!

By Apocalypse

March 21, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Paul,

I really don’t care at this point. Its been really rough being an Obama supporter lately and I’m just glad he’s reaching out.

Hell, they’re voters anyway.

By Bob

March 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

C’mon now, all you neocons. It’s Friday plus Easter weekend. Relax from all this yapping. You gotcha a hole darn weekend of NCAA baskutball action, all day, all night.
Plus a hole weekend of NASCAR stuff as well. Hot damn! Hit don’t git no better’n thet, do it?!? So slip into them ball caps over yore tough-guy shaved heads, dress in yore gangsta shirts and shorts n flipflops, git the pickup keys from Mama, git on the cellphone, feel important, spin gravel, n head on down to thee sportsbar. Indulge yoreseff wif thee rest of thee guys, swear, curse, talk tuff, hate Obama, Clinton, et al, cum on home later n show mama n thee kids what a man you r. This weekend don’t cum but wonst a year. Don forgit to…Praise Thee Lord!

By Paul

March 21, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Apocalypse,

I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a forum used to expand his views. That would be interesting - something new - plus set him further apart from Hillary and McCain. Time to start addressing the “foreign policy experience” issue (nonissue).

Goldie

From voting against the cuts to total acceptance - makes me wonder, even if the reason is the “economy.” I think the House was way off - do away with all - while the Senate was better - keep for lower and middle class (many don’t pay taxes, but the provision was for various credits to get some assistance to them) while eliminating for the very top top top tier. That, I think, is a fair way to go.

A good way to strengthen Ahmadinejad and weaken the reform parties would be to bomb. That would be, I think, a mistake at this point.

Many politicians accept any endorsement that brings a big block of voters. I suppose outrageous comments can be forgiven if they deliver a HUGE block of votes?

Really, I’d like to see the issues kept on issues, not on name associations (Bush/McCain). I heard Obama do that at the rally - it got a big crowd reaction, but frankly, I think a “new way of politics” should shy away from that. I think there’re enough differences between Obama and McCain to make for an interesting campaign.

By @@

March 21, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

I never thought of Good Friday as “somber”…..

humbling but not somber.

By Glenn

March 21, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Holy Saturday—-Upper Room Day—-now that is somber. That day of each year on which Nietsche is, to us, half as right as a broken clock.

By @@

March 21, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Aahh yes…

“Thus Spoke Zarathustra”

Happy “Sonrise” Superman!

and Happy Easter to you Glenn. (ISH)

By Glenn

March 21, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

And to you, @@, a Happy Easter. DaNazIzRiz!

By Andy

March 21, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”

Luke 23:34

By getalife

March 21, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Mike is on NBC News.

By getalife

March 21, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Clean up your desk Mike.

Geez.

Great piece on NBC News.

Much better than fixed noise.

Sorry Paul.

By Sharon

November 12, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Sharon Stone movie sexy

By Sharon

November 12, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Sharon Stone movie sexy

By Sharon

November 12, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Sharon Stone movie sexy

By Sharon

November 12, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Sharon Stone movie sexy

By Sharon

November 12, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Sharon Stone movie sexy