Thinking Right

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

April 30, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Hi Jim,

I think the uptick in cynicism has to do with the fact that politicians elected under our current system are pretty much complicit in corruption. Because in order for them to get elected in the first place, they have to sell themselves. And then once they’re up there, they basically have to remain on their knees so that they can keep getting money from their corporate benefactors - so that they can maintain their position and continue serving their masters. And those corporate benefactors are’t operating with the country’s best interest in mind…they’re only concerned about their bottom line. And that bottom line is three months away.

Oh…and not only that. A small minority of people in this country are participating in the politcal process. Most of the others are too busy watching all the flak that the media are sending up to focus on the issues that really affect them and their well being.

Either that or they’re just not interested.

I’m impressed how you managed to cherry pick out a single instance of pork to illustrate this vast problem, and then use it to gneneralize all of the country’s problems on to the Democrats.

By Redneck Convert

April 30, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Well, I see the libruls are up to their old tricks trying to stop the war. No decent southren person would do that. We need that war to keep the troops busy. And if we stop the war we give up our oil supply. I’m all for the war going on many years as long as it don’t last till my grandson Sonny Zell George has to go serve. I don’t know the people that is being kilt, so that ain’t a big deal with me.

Me and my buddy Jim Earl drunk beer and watched NASCAR yesterday. Now it’s back to the beer run. The Baptists sure do drink up a big supply on the weekend. I guess if I had to set thru all those sermons I would do some powerful drinking too. Sister Dusty goes to every service and all she can write about is cut-and-run. I guess her brain has went dead from all the preaching she hears.

Now that Markus has went back to his truck driving job I reckon the rest of us can say some things on this blog. We don’t hear from him during the week but he sure does cuss up a storm on the weekend.

I guess TFTT must be locked up in the mental hospitle for good. Its too bad but I knowed it was coming. The poor man was always kind of sick and I guess it finally got the best of him. Or maybe his boss caught on he was spending all his time on this blog and not doing any work. I just wish the English would send us some normal people for a change.

I have gave up my run for president. I didn’t recieve a nickle from anybody, not even enough to pay for my bumper stickers. So people will be stuck with Giuliani or McCain or some other librul pertending to be a Republican. They deserve what they get. Here I am saying what all the good conservatives in GA are really thinking but not saying outright and I’m treated like some guy that made a butt-noise in church. I’m so desgusted I may just vote only two times in the next election.

By Dennis

April 30, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten writes, “Instead of a timetable, Democrats are expected to set benchmarks that order the Iraqi goverment to achieve results in allocating oil resources and in showing evidence of broadened popular support.”

What Mr. Wooten doesn’t say is that in this instance, the Democrats are just picking up where the Republicans left off. The U.S. national policy regarding Iraq’s oil is going to be the same no matter which party is in power.

May I refer you, Mr. Wooten, to an online available article, “The Rip-off of Iraq’s Oil Wealth” by Greg Muttitt. www.carbonweb.org.

And then, “The President won’t accept a bill that punishes Iraq if the government fails to meet Congressional benchmarks, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday.”

“Punishes Iraq”. (Pardon me), DAMN, if that’s not a hoot! The Congress sets some bench marks but Bush doesn’t expect Iraq to meet them? And so we set another and another and another and all the meanwhile we loose more American troops and more innocent Iraqis are killed and this war just goes on and on an on, “world without end, Amen?”

Mr. Wooten writes, “If you ever wonder why Americans are growing more cynical and disenchanted with politics, look no farther. What you see now in Washington in the drafting, and the redrafting, of the troop funding bill is all the evidence the country needs.”

You are arriving a little late, aren’t you Mr. Wooten? Half of the nation was “cynical and disenchanted with politics” when George W. Bush was appointed president. But even more so as you and the mainstream media led the warhoop to attack Iraq based on such flimsey evidence that an ordinary American knew the whole buildup was nothing but a big lie from the beginning.

What’s pathetic is that even now after all of the revelations of one lie after the other, and even former administration officials coming out of the woodwork admitting those lies, you and other neocons still go on like nothing wrong has happened. Amazing!

Has it ever occured to you, Mr. Wooten, that Americans aren’t interested in establishing a global empire?

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By Mid-South Philosopher

April 30, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Jim,

As I have said for years, it doesn’t matter which of pack of dogs one lies down with, it is just a question of time before one arises with fleas.

If the Democrats truly believed that they were right…and if they had any guts and gonads…they would not fund the war any longer and the President would be compelled to withdraw the troops.

The Republicans are no better. They have had four years to win this thing, but the President’s inability to understand strategic tactics and his reliance on Donald On the cheap Rumsfeld’s advice has milked the support of a lot of American people away from the effort.

The best course of action, in my judgment, is to rely on General Petraeus. He seems to me to be the only one in a position of prominence who has any idea of what the hell is going on. I will cast my lot with him.

I believe by September, if Petraeus believes the war is winable he will tell “Georgie”. By the same token, if he thinks it is lost, I believe he will tell him that, too. I don’t know whether George Lost in Alabama During Vietnam Bush has sense enough to understand what the General will tell him, but I believe that, at the very least, he will get the truth. And it is about damn time for that!

By Jack

April 30, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

We the money, for the money, by the money.

You don’t have to be a blind liberal not to see it, just an ignorant one.

By deegee

April 30, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Here is why Bush knows what everyone else knows, that benchmarks are a waste of time with Iraq. We have met all of the initial benchmarks. This game of pretending has to stop. We need an exit strategy.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18386897/

By getalife

April 30, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

A new way to deal with our trolls: Hug A Hater

Warning: some harsh language.

By Rod

April 30, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Bottom line: Bush doesn’t have the balls to admit his mistake and pull our troops out before another thousand or so are killed. If his daughters were in the service (getting drunk of course), we’d have pulled out long ago.

By JK

April 30, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

One might ask, “If there’s a timetable, what’s to stop the bad guys from waiting it out and striking afterward?” OR… one might ask, “If there’s NO timetable, why should the Iraqis ever step up and take control of their own destiny?”

OR… one might ask, “How does a partisan hack whose never-ending broken record blames the Democrats for everything — even though the REPUBLICANS made this mess and put us $9 trillion in debt in the process, (or is it $10 trillion now) — call himself a Journalist?”

By Dan

April 30, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

We do need an exit stratetgy but clearly we cannot have a publically aired pull out date.
As for all of these add ons, a truly objective journalist would consistently be calling out that kind of nonsense (regardless of the party in power)why are such disparate items on the same bill anyway

By Aquagirl

April 30, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter whether Gen. Petraeus tells the President what he thinks about the situation in Iraq. He doesn’t listen to anyone who isn’t on his crazy page of reality.

You want to feel disenchanted? Just remember how Bush used Colin Powell to sell his war, and then toss him aside when Powell refused to be a yes-man to him, Rumsfeld and Cheney.

That’s a lot better evidence of what’s going on in Washington now. The reality that the executive branch is seriously deficient in morality or realistic thought.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

It is not a war.

It is a fraud occupation.

Pay attention to the Waxman hearings and you will see the proof.

By Will you be honest?

April 30, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Jim, will you be honest and admit that the same disgusting partisan posturing the Democrats are doing is also practiced equally by the Republicans? If not, you’re part of the problem.

By jm

April 30, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Gee, I wonder why people are cynical, maybe it was this press release from four years ago: President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended

By jbmlaw

April 30, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. President Bush will get the military spending bill he desires, with no meaningful restrictions. There are still some strategic thinkers among our leftist friends, who understand that an early termination of the Iraq war will have long-term adverse political effects within our borders. The last thing they want is an attack three years from now, with Republicans able to claim, with some legitimacy, that “but for the Democrats, we would have gotten them in Iraq.” That would destroy the party for an entire generation of voters. As Germany has moved toward the Bush position, and now France is poised to do the same, my guess is that our leftist friends would not wish to hold a position that would be isolated in the world.

By jm

April 30, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

jbmlaw@10:14 - see any French or German troops heading to Iraq? Even the Brits are heading toward the exit.

By jbmlaw

April 30, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Dear jm @ 10:22, I think what you may see is the French lamenting the American democrat strategy of cut and run. They will lament it because they are now suffering from the Islamist insurrection.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

How do you surrender a fraud occuptaion?

Turn yourself in?

Geez.

By Craig

April 30, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

“punishes Iraq”?

What an amazingly foolish statement. They are fighting a civil war, and will continue to do so with or without the deaths of our sons and daughters.

And of course, all the Bushies and their shills like Wooten really have left is fear mongering - “fight them there or they’ll come here”. What nonsense.

By Van

April 30, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

I have gotten cynical because of all the political infighting between the parties and the factions within those parties.

We are stuck with people that will run as one kind of (enter party here) and after elected shift back to where they were before.

We have liberals acting like moderates, we have moderates acting as conservatives and we have conservatives acting moderates and a whole host acting as people with half a brain.

With so many politicians swaying with the polls, I sometimes get a little sea sick.

In the future, I would like to see a candidate submit to psych examines and administered a standard I.Q test. Those that pass get to run for office.

We subject our military officers to more rigorous criteria than we do our elected officials - Why?

By Dusty

April 30, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

jbmlaw @ 10:14,

Our “leftist friends”? What leftist friends? From what I read here quite often is a bunch of people wanting to run like crazy from Iraq, ruin funding for the troops, smear and insult the president, tell frequent lies and distortions, celebrate every failure in Iraq, accuse and investigate any move made by Republicans and try for convictions on any effort, squeal about impeachment, and even throw in a few phony conservatives such as RedNeck Convert and Captain Freedom.

These MAY be American citizens but I would hardly call them friends. Certainly not friends of the USA. You know that overworked but sadly true line, “With ‘friends’ like this, who needs enemies.”

By Rod

April 30, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Dusty - What? You say the “leftists smear and insult the president.” It’s not insults and smears when it’s the truth - and it is. George Bush is an egotistical idiot who hasn’t got the first clue what to do. That’s not an insult. It’s just a statement of fact, like today’s Monday.

Your inane logic that you’re not a friend of the USA unless you support the war is a crock. A “true friend” tells you when you’re wrong - not just sit by and watch you kill yourself.

By tft t'aint dead

April 30, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

She’s just become liberals are verminous SCUM. Scumsucker denies it, but it is so. It’s the same drivel with a different screen name.

By Aquagirl

April 30, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

RedNeck Convert and Captain Freedom aren’t “phony”, unless you have a very small head. They’re satirists. That may be legal in Georgia, despite Republican efforts to the contrary

And Dusty, you deign to allow Kevin Tillman citizenship but don’t consider him a friend to the United States? All he did is go fight. Not nearly as important as KeyBoard Warfare in your book? You need to rub your two brain cells together and see if you can get a spark going.

By tom Robinson

April 30, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

You can’t spell DEFEAT with out the D from Democrats

By Dennis

April 30, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

By Dusty April 30, 2007 10:55 AM “… smear and insult the president, tell frequent lies and distortions….”

It would seem the alternative is to let the “president tell frequesnt lies and distortions” and all Americans should be as deceived as you and Jim Wooten.

(You’re not really Jim Wooten in disguise, are you)?

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By jm

April 30, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

jbmlaw@10:25 - you equate french lamenting with support? That is a bit of a reach.

By ron

April 30, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

The approval rating of Congress,[both parties],is exactly one point better than Bush’s approval rating.36 and 35% respectively.Neither of them is doing the job that people expect them to do.They are all a sorry bunch.Neither party can govern at the moment because they don’t have the votes.Expect game playing until one or the other gets a clear majority.The Republicans had a majority and look at the mess they made.One more thing.Antone that voted for George Bush in 2000 KNEW then that he was going to Iraq.That’s what he was elected for and that’s what he did.

By Busting a gut

April 30, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Oh, oh, oh … Tom Robinson … that was so clever and funny, I, I, I’m hysterical. Can’t stop laughing. Probably won’t be able to all day. Oh, man.

Not.

By Dusty

April 30, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Van@ 10:50,

The only criteria for politicians now is their loyalty to the party. That is obviously true when I look at Democrats in Washington.

The war in Iraq is difficult like most wars so President Bush is called every name in the book and a few that can’t be published. The real killers, terrorists, are seldom mentioned because that is called a “scare” tactic.

President Bush was a military officer and has a master’s degree from one of the top universities in the USA. But weak-kneed Americans want to dump and run and point fingers. In other words, Americans at home are getting so spineless they make terrorists look brave. (Some have even said so, claiming terrorist bloodletting shows conviction.) Even the President’s daughters are included in personal attacks.

I hope Americans who have their heads on right will overcome these pitiful ingrates. Unfortunately, the ungrateful are represented in Washington.

It is a sad day for Americans and the troops who have to listen to the maudlin cries and moans of Democrats in Congress and in the country. They have that right. Unfortunately, they are using that right to ruin the country. That was not the intention of the founders of this country.

By Dave

April 30, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Democrats are still acting like the minority. Rather than going about getting their agenda by directly legislating, they are enacting sneaky legislation so what they are really up to is not evident to 90% of America who does not pay attention to politics. They base their agenda on what it will do to the headlines. This is with an understanding that the media will not call them out on this. I suspect it will work, but its a weasel’s way of getting things done.
Problem is that people who have a direct interest in how this turns out ( the military) can easily see what is happening.

By Van

April 30, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Dusty @11:29

You fill up my senses.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Yep, Jim is upset because the Dems want to fund Peachcare (poor guy hates poor children, a lost soul if you will) and fund the troops.

Make no mistake, all the money needed to prolong the fraud of the Iraq occupation is there and then some.

At least some this money goes to Americans and not a blank check to the fraud like the gop have done for years.

You could argue that Jim is a failed American and paid political hack.

This argument is dead right.

By jbmlaw

April 30, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Dear Philosopher @ 9:44, I read Gen Petraeus the same way you do – if it is not working, he’ll say so. We still have to win in Iraq – the potential for al Qaeda to regroup and recover is too great otherwise - so if the surge does not work, an alternative strategy will have to be developed, probably something to destabilize Iran or Syria.

Dear Dusty @ 10:55, all of our friends wanted to comment on your comment to me, but the accuracy your post gave me a pleasant Monday chuckle, thanks. Perhaps I ought to use “friends” with the scare quotes around it, kinda like when the judges tell the bailiff to bring in the “guests” (meaning the prisoners already in lockup.)

Dear jm @ 11:17, (I think you mean apposite) you are correct in your thrust – there surely is nothing worse than for the French to call someone a coward.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Tenet is pimping a book.

He could of spoke out when he got his fraud medal.

He is responsible for this fraud with the rest of them.

They should man up and turn themselves in to face the consequences of their actions in a world court.

That is how you surrender to a failed illegal occupation.

By Jack

April 30, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Thank you Van. Now I’ll be singing John Denver all day!

By Dusty

April 30, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Dennis,

Are you Osama in disguise?

AquaGirl,

Quit blowing little blog water bubbles. I have never mentioned Kevin Tillman. His behavior reflects only grief, not the sacrifice his brother made willingly for this country. Also, Most Democrats are satirists. They make a farce of politics and convictions.

Rod,

You fill all the requirements for a good Democrat. How are the anti-war protests going?

By SB

April 30, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Back in December, Paul Mirengoff at Powerline admitted to having a poor memory. “I may be missing someone,” Mirengoff said, “but the only high-profile administration official I can think of who has faced criminal charges or had to resign in the face of scandal is Scooter Libby, who worked for the Vice President and who is not accused of corruption.”

At the time, there were nine Bush administration officials who fell under the “indicted/convicted/pled guilty” category, and 13 more who fell under the “resigned due to investigation” category.

Over the weekend, Powerline’s John Hinderaker followed up on this point, lowering the bar a bit further. Hinderaker seems willing to acknowledge that there have been a series of Bush administration scandals, but he offers a straightforward explanation: they don’t matter because they aren’t real scandals.

The interesting thing about the Bush administration’s scandals is the variety. We’ve seen the more mundane crimes (shoplifting, prostitution), the more serious offenses (lying about Abramoff connections, Hatch Act violations), the much more serious offenses (perjury, obstruction of justice, soliciting sex from a minor, Cunningham-related corruption), to crimes that undermine democracy (lying a country into a war, using the Justice Department as a tool to elect Republicans). All from the administration that vowed to return “honor and dignity” to the executive branch.

Just for good measure, I thought I’d add that Bill Clinton, who was rumored to lead a scandal-plagued White House, fares much better in this category that his successor. The only Clinton official indicted or convicted, after all of those multi-year, Republican-led investigations, was Asst. Attorney-General Webster Hubbell, who was convicted of embezzlement — a crime he committed before joining the Clinton Administration. FYI.

By jbmlaw

April 30, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Silly SB @ 11:47, the Clintonistas fired all of the independent US Attorneys the day they were inaugurated – of course there were no more convictions. Your observation merely proves the efficiency of their purge.

By Mark

April 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

jbmlaw at 11:52,

I hear you. All U.S. attorneys that Clinton hired were, no doubt, leftist moonbats. But the worst of all was that leftist freak, Kenneth Starr. He was a leftist moonbat’s leftist moonbat — it’s no wonder the Clinton administration got away with murder.

(Oh — and don’t forget that leftist Republican House and Senate that, with the power of subpoena, could have proven a thing or two — if only they had tried hard enough.)

By Dusty

April 30, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

jbmlaw@11:36,

Now you have made me laugh thinking of the French. I do hope the pro-American conservative Sarkozy is elected President. That would be such a treat that I might even try eating snails to show support.

Must go now. Hold the fort and all that stuff!!

By Rod

April 30, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Dusty - I appreciate your compliment to me at 11:46.

Thank you.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Flip flopping on France (freedom fries bs) is not the topic.

Focus on the war mongers playing the blame game and distancing themselves from the illegal Iraq occupation.

Wake up from la la land and face reality.

Geez, you poor, poor souls.

By ckt

April 30, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Jim-

I am continually amazed at how far removed from reality you appear to be. The bill sent by the Democrats to Dubya is supported by approximately 60% of the population in the latest polls - how is this the “anti-war” left? You continue to denegrate a majority and refer to it as a minorty because you’re too dimwitted to modify your opinions.

As far as the democrats being the reason for our cynicism… have you been awake the last 6 years? This congress has passed a minimum wage bill 70% of Americans are for. They have implemented all recomendations from the 9/11 report, they have tried desperately to shift the incompetent policy in Iraq, and are SUPPORTED BY THE MAJORITY. The previous 6 years, dominated by one party with the ability to pass ANYTHING was characterized by… well.. nothing but incompetence and corruption. We have the weakest GDP we’ve had in decades, our support around the world has been destroyed, the military has been collapsed for a generation, and our budget deficit is approaching 1 trillion dollars.

You then proceed to support the administration view that we can not punish Iraqi’s for meeting timetables. So, the idea appears to be this: send more troops and state timetables, then call this a “new direction”. If neither works, say that the surge still works, because fulfilling obligations will apparently “embolden terrorists”. It’s almost stunning that you would support the view that we can not even make Iraqi’s live up to requirements - if we don’t, we will never leave. Maybe Dubya will have to enstate the draft, and then this will become much more real to a lot of people… we’re in the fight of our generation, right?

I understand that your job as a conservative columnist is to toe the party line.. that’s fine. But do you think that occasionally you could inject a little bit of truth, honesty, and reality???

By The French

April 30, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Dusty, do not resort to cannabilism on our behalf.

By DebbieDoRight

April 30, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Wow what a day!! Great posts from a lot of people. Could someone please post the Republican Contract with America? I especially want to read again the part about “THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT” and what about the part about “To restore accountability to Congress. To end its cycle of scandal and disgrace. To make us all proud again of the way free people govern themselves.”

Can someone post that again? Anybody? I need to compare it with the Republican Track record of the last 12 years….

By ckt

April 30, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Jim!!!

AhHAHhA. I just read the title of your post as my previous comments were being posted. “Politics first, then troop funding.”

Boy, you’re brilliant! Perhaps you should remind your readers that the reason Dubya needs the 120 billion in supplementary funding is because he DID NOT INCLUDE IT in his yearly budget.

Why, you may ask? Because that would show an increase in the deficit, and Dubya is doing all he can to try and proove he’s a fiscal conservative.

Poltics first, Mr. Wooten. No kidding - look your own party in the eye - with a bit of honesty and responsibility in the 2007 budget, we would not be having this debate. Fault lies where it lies, at the feet of an incompetent president.

By The Truth Hurts

April 30, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Wooten wtits, If you ever wonder why Americans are growing more cynical and disenchanted with politics, look no farther.

You mean no farther than no-bid contracts to Cheney’s old buddies? Or putting inept cronies in key posts, playing politics instead of good business (you’re doing a heckuva job, Brownie!). Or playing politics with 911. or exposing CIA agents as payback for their spouse’s critisism. Or having the VP and others in the Administration claim that people who critisize are unpatriotic. Or firing AG’s for political reasons, then lying about it. Or staging townhall type meetings, but only allowing supporters in - even throwing people in jail if they have a anti Bush sticker on their car or on their shirt. And on and on and on and on and on…………..

Nah, all that wouldn’t make people cynical or disenchanted, now would it?

By jbmlaw

April 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Dear Mark @ 12:02, I would have used “sychophants” or “typical democrats” rather than “moonbats,” but otherwise I can agree with much of what you wrote.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

The illegal occupation for oil and defense contracts was going to happen and 9/11 gave them the green light to commit this fraud.

Our troops deserve much better than this bulls-hit, dying for the war profiteers. It a pathetic shame and what is worse is the wingnuts cheering on this crime.

Amazing.

Watch the Waxman hearing to get a dose of this reality.

By Sandman

April 30, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

You know, I have to admire Aquagirl from afar, because Mrs. Sandman admires me from down my neck and on my back.

Well, that and the fact I am so hideously ugly, she would immediately blow chunks upon seeing me.

By Jack

April 30, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Be thankful for what you have for she may be taken away any day.

By Fun Facts

April 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

The average US annual firearm fatality rate is 10.6 per 100,000 population which is more than the entire industrialized world combined.

By Dennis

April 30, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

By ckt April 30, 2007 12:30 PM

Jim!!! AhHAHhA. I just read the title of your post as my previous comments were being posted. “Politics first, then troop funding.” “Poltics first, Mr. Wooten. No kidding - look your own party in the eye - with a bit of honesty and responsibility in the 2007 budget, we would not be having this debate. Fault lies where it lies, at the feet of an incompetent president.”

He does make you wonder how anyone ethical could write the stuff he writes as though it was the gospel truth, doesn’t it?

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By Fun Facts

April 30, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

When the White House recently asked five retired four-star generals to serve as a so-called “war czar” overseeing our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, all five declined.

By TW

April 30, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

wouldn’t need a ‘war czar’ if we had a commander in chief…

By getalife

April 30, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

On a lighter note

At least they are looking for him.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Jim,

Remember this?

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

April 30, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hi Jim,

Serve your master! Serve him!.

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

April 30, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Cynical? Me?

Serve your master you ho’s. Serve!

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

April 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

This one’s for you Jim:

Serve your Master Pelosi! Serve him

It’s like Sodom and Gomorrah up there.

Lots o’ servin’ masters.

By Fun Facts

April 30, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Based on data compiled by the U.S. intelligence community’s National Counterterrorism Center, a State Department report says there were 14,338 terrorist attacks last year, up 29 percent from 11,111 attacks in 2005 (the figures for are limited to attacks on noncombatants and don’t include strikes against U.S. troops).

By Jackie

April 30, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

The neo-cons(fascists) will say anything to justify their positions. They have an acute case of cognitive dissonance and want the rest of us to believe they are not mentally ill.

By Aquagirl

April 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Sandman, for sparing me an apparent bout of violent nausea, followed by a meeting with the business end of Mrs. Sandman’s shotgun. I guess that would at least cure the throwing up part in favor of the bleeding out option.

Out of all the unpleasantness on this blog, it’s nice to run across a good old-fashioned gentleman.

By Disgusted

April 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

The last thing I remember before I was hospitalized after suffering a severe case of amnesia was the image of our president in a flight suit aboard an aircraft carrier. Overhead was a huge banner that read “Mission Accomplished.” He looked so bold, so decisive, so authoritative. “Ah,” I said to myself, “We have won yet another war!”

You can imagine my surprise, then, when I read Wooten’s column, just after being discharged from the hospital, about funding the troops for continuing combat in Iraq. Combat operations are still going on in Iraq after all these years? More than 3,000 of our troops, numerous civilian contractors, and tens of thousands of the Iraqi people have been killed in what amounts to a civil war? Tens of thousands of our troops are maimed and yet not getting the medical services we promised them?

Exactly what “mission” did we accomplish?

My doctor has now advised against my reading or listening to any news. He is considering rehospitalizing me, this time for post-traumatic stress disorder. I have persisted in my view that it is idiotic to worry about imposing deadlines for troop withdrawals at a time when we are still fighting a war that was apparently won four years ago. My doctor views my attitude as indicative of disordered thinking.

I would write more, but there are some medical personnel and at least one police officer in my hallway, waiting for me. I may be in a parallel universe right now. But I shall return.

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

April 30, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Jackie,

Cognitive dissonance…that’s a great term, but unless you’re suggesting that GW is somehow conflicted over all this, then I’m not sure it applies.

Personally, I don’t believe he’s conflicted at all. He has a syndrome that is most popularly associated with George Costanza: if you believe the lies, then they are true.

Not sure what this is called, but it’s pretty scary to see the syndrome manifesting itself with someone who was “elected” by a free peoples.

By catlady

April 30, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Deb and Aquagirl, please see my recent post on HOPE update on this blog from Friday.

By DJ

April 30, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Ironic that the Bush administration is chastising Congress for trying to dictate the way our military leaders conduct the war, considering it was the very same Bush administration which dictated the (disastrous) way the war has been conducted (not to mention started) up until this point. The war has been entirely a political exercise for the failed ideologies of the neo-cons. Does anyone here even think Bush knows the difference between the Sunnis and Shiites? Without Dick or Condi whispering it in his ear I mean. Worst president in modern history - maybe worst ever. And how many Republicans who are running for president are looking forward to inheriting this mess? (John McCain doesn’t count because… well… he just doesn’t count anymore). Pathetic. And probably criminal.

By Cindy

April 30, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Bush is a lot like Sadaam. We’ve warned him and given him opportunity after opportunity, but have seen not positive results. He’s told us again and again, but nothing changes. Time to sink some of those US tax dollars into the US rather than in Iraq. Charity begins at home, the Lord helps them who help themselves, etc. Let the Iraqis take care of Iraq.

By Jackie

April 30, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

@Jim’s a Cherry Picker

I am saying that Jim is conflicted.
He and others of his political perspective can not believe that they expect us to believe their lying eyes. Jim, even though he is misguided in his overview of current events, is an Viet Nam vet that wants the best for this country. What his best happens to be is small and contained to accomodate only a few citizens.
I believe Jim looks at all of the ramifications of his decisions, but, he does not actually see what is being laid at ALL of our doorsteps. Therefore, cognitive dissonance is appropriate for the neo-cons.

By Aquagirl

April 30, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Catlady, that’s a good summary of why HOPE isn’t “free”. It’s amazing that people who understand the concept of loss leaders in stores, avoid interest only morgages, etc. suddenly turn off their brains when it comes to HOPE. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Georgia politicians of all stripes have been peddling that, and folks swallow it hook, line, and sinker. I will save your info for the next time I hear “who cares? HOPE is paid for by the lottery”.

By Georgie Boy

April 30, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Vietnam has not been spelled Viet Nam since 1967.

By Tugaloo Bugaloo

April 30, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Last year didn’t the Republicans tack a reckless tax cut to the bill for raising the minimum wage?

It’s Bush whose playing politics with the war, not the Democrats. He’s trying to save his rear end and preserve his legacy, not to mention dumping the problem on President Clinton/Obama/Edwards/Richardson.

And BTW, Jim, I had no idea that you cared so much about “big government” programs to help the sick and the poor. Only if it’s politically expedient I guess.

By Uh, huh.

April 30, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

This just in from The Associated Press:

WASHINGTON - President Bush said Monday he wants to work with Democrats on compromise legislation to pay for the Iraq war even though he’ll carry through on his threat to veto a spending bill that also sets a timetable for a U.S. troop withdrawal.

“I’m optimistic we can get something done in a positive way,” Bush said in a Rose Garden news conference with leaders of the European Union.

By Jackie

April 30, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

@Georgia Boy

Sounds like you are one of the know it all neo-cons.
Where did your lying eyes get that information about spelling and the timeline of when the spelling discontinued?

By Georgie Boy

April 30, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Actually, it’s Georgie. What have you got against proper spelling? Just trying to update you a little. Also, Peking is now called Beijing. And, the capital of Georgia is now Atlanta, not Milledgeville.

By Peter

April 30, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Well this WAR is a total mess, but in all reality, if the US leaves too soon……… we will then be the ones responsible for the “Butchering” of so many innocent lives.

As we all know the WAR is over, we WON the WAR, but the truth is a second WAR started and we can call it the “Iraq Civil War”……… We are now the police there, and without us currently there teaching the Iraq government how to be corrupt, they wouldn’t be getting that great education as well.

It is very interesting to read how slow the whole rebuilding process is going on because of the corruption in the Iraq Government.

So not only have we messed up the entire region, but we will be the ones responsible for the blood bath when we leave, and of course be part of all the criminal activity of the rebuilding process.

I say congratulation’s to Mr George Bush, and the entire Republican party for making America again a true leader in “Thinking Wrong”, then spreading that attitude to the rest of the world!

By Jackie

April 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

@Georgie Boy

Where did you obtain the information to indicates Viet Nam was spelled incorrectly. You have indicated your grasp of spelling is immense; please give us an overview of your what you think of today’s topic. Spell that out for all to review, please!

By Georgie Boy

April 30, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

My information comes from the standard spelling in the United States during the past 40 years. Figured maybe you’d been asleep that long and hadn’t noticed. Apparently that’s the case.

Today’s topic? Old news. The Republicans and the Democrats are both nothing but a bunch of posturing jerks, meaning nothing of substance ever comes out of Washington.

By DebbieDoRight

April 30, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Good Article:

The Price of Condi’s Loyalty to Bush

In his forthcoming biography of Condoleezza Rice, NEWSWEEK’s Marcus Mabry explains the roots—and the consequences—of her loyalty to the president.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368744/site/newsweek/

By getalife

April 30, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Bush will work with Democrats on Iraq

Sign the bill.

“We don’t want to isolate ourselves” from rest of world, Merkel said.

Ouch, hang in there Germany.

Real leadership is on its way.

By Louis

April 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

When Harry Reid said that we have lost the war, he was only partially correct. We did what we set out to do militarily, however the bunch of thieves in power escalated our goal to free Iraq and to install a democratic government.This is an impossible goal to achieve, and Dubya had better find an honorable withdrawal,otherwise,we will tank big time. We went into Iraq with less than truthful decisions, and now we are reaping what Bush has sown. A pretty sorry state,and so many innocent lives affected.Get the troops home now.

By getalife

April 30, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Well, the Iraqi government has decided to take a couple of months off.

They must have learned that from the gop, do nothing Congress.

Just amazing.

By catlady

April 30, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

I have a hard time understanding why we will be faulted for the “butchering”, Peter. I am sure we have done some things wrong, but at what point is it up to the will of the Iraqis to be responsible for how their country is run?

Your son is learning to ride his bike. You explain. You demonstrate. You run along beside, holding on, for miles (years). You cannot continue to run beside him. It is killing you. You let him know you are letting go. You do let go. He (eventally) falls and then says you “made” him get hurt. Everyone in the family is scandalized that you “let” him get hurt. At what point do you turn loose and let the bike fall where it may?

We have provided bike, training wheels, and the steady hand running beside the Iraqi bike for years. In order to for them to ride, we have to get out of the way. If they fall, it won’t be the first or only time a country does not make the most of opportunity. If they don’t fall, well, good for them.

Do we have to save every country from themselves, or is it only oil-rich countries?

By getalife

April 30, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

BTW, Mr. Murtha is telling you what is going to happen.

He has not been wrong yet.

cheney first, then w.

By Stephanie

April 30, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Jim, you are a very stupid, very misguided and very boring cornhole!

By equalizer

April 30, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Stupid punk lawless teens who run from cops and crash and become quadriplegics, 0. Cops, 1. All thanks to the US Supreme Court and a case from Georgia. The only other thing neater than this is watching the thugs get ejected during a rollover. http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/04/30/scotus.chase/index.html

By Jackie

April 30, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

@Georgie Boy

You articulation of your spelling comes from standard spelling in the last 40 years in the United States. Again, you made claims that you can not back up with documentation. Secondly, you indicate that both political parties are nothing but jerks and nothing comes out of Washington. You have not articulated your true beliefs as it appears to me, you have attempted to deflect the subject matter because you have no answer to the question. Please document for me.
Another chicken-hawk response. Please give us the benefit of your superior intellect and be sure my logic and spelling is correct.

By oldpunk

April 30, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Lets start with people with you, Mr Wooten.

Not one single reason given for starting this war has turned out to be true. Why should we trust Bush to do anything?

Also, you disparaged the Iraqi government. Are you saying we should stay forever? Not one thing that Bush has pegged troop reductions to has come about - political stability, troop levels, nothing. If were going to stay forever, we are going to have to have a draft. Yet you dont propose one. Nor are you in Iraq helping out.

Political cowardice? Exemplified by people like you, Wooten.

By rascal

May 1, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Dear Jim, I have a hunch that one of the major unspoken results of the HOPE scholarship program is simply dramatic inflation in the cost of colleges in Georgia. It seems to me to be a jobs program and spending fund for colleges, primarily public, but possibly private as well. Has anyone that you know of at the paper looked into this? I would look into it, but am not sure where to get the data prior to HOPE and since HOPE. It may be an eye opening bit of information. Enjoy your column. Thanks

By catlady

May 1, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Rascal, costs have increased in a dramatic way, but they have all over the country. For costs before HOPE you can google or look on the Univ. System of GA website and there is info on tuition and fees each year from before hOPE to the present. My impression is that the “mandatory fees” have seen the highest rate of increase, especially since folks began howling about how fast tuition seemed to increase after HOPE. So, if we don’t call it tuition, it does not count, I guess. Share what you find out with us, comparing it to percentage increases in other states. I am sure there have been studies done on this, and any higher ed finance group such as Pat Callan’s in California has multi-state data.

By test

May 5, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

test

By For the Record ...

May 5, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Donald Rumsfeld’s question still obtains: are we creating more terrorists in Iraq than we are killing?

My understanding is that a US intelligence assessment states that Middle Eastern — especially Iraqi — terrorist incidents are on the rise. One major recruiting avenue for new Islamic terrorists are “our” Iraqi prisons.

Any intelligent responses from the right?

PS to Mr. Wooten — I have always assumed you are the James T. Wooten who co-authored “Soldier” with Col. Anthony Herbert. Am I correct? If so, have you had any recent contact with him? Just wondering …