Thinking Right

By Sigh....

July 13, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Memo to those who believe all the “it’s a bright and shiny new day in Iraq” propaganda from Fox, Rush or Hannity and ignore the objective media and public opinion polls: Get a clue.

By Rod

July 13, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

Typical RACIST Jim Wooten!!! Your comment about the gang related assault outside of Six Flags. You state: “By the way, wonder how many of the gang have fathers in the home?” Why, because they’re black – they must not have fathers? Why does the AJC put up with your KKK supporting opinions?

You say you want to leave Iraq when “our military commanders say the conditions on the ground are right.” So, you don’t ever want to leave Iraq?!?! When will you blow-hole, self-righteous Republicans ever admit that BUSH SCREWED UP. Now, he’s covering up everything he’s ever done. What a disgraceful president.

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. I have not enjoyed sufficient coffee to create my list of words and phrases that ought to be banned, but I hold no serious objection to Jim’s starter list.

As to President Bush and the press conference, I agree with Jim’s perspective, but I would be dishonest if I failed to note Peggy Noonan’s disagreement in today’s WSJ online (tomorrow’s paper.) I don’t think Peggy sustains her argument – it reads much as the Bush derangement syndrome she claims to condemn. WSJ also publish a Brookings essay – yes, the leftist group, pardon me “progressive” – that addresses the merits of “metrics” in analyzing war; on balance the tone “praises [metrics] with feint damns.” I disagree with that perspective broadly. Metrics are valuable for analyzing, with an eye to altering, strategies, but not in answering, “shall we surrender?” The only question that matters is, “Does an offensive war against the Islamists, currently gathered in Iraq, make us safer or less safe?” I think that question still mitigates in favor of the war in Iraq; until someone can articulate why the Islamists will give up the battle on the event of our departure, we need to continue to make life as miserable for them as possible.

I would wish that Democrats would also be champions of open records and government in the sunshine. I think my daily allegation, that the Democrats are pro big-government, is not subject to serious contest; opacity in government machinations totally undermines any moral legitimacy in Leviathan. Surely even our most leftist friends agree.

I am unfamiliar with the backroom dealings in the government of Milton, but I sense that somebody in an influential position has a boyfriend or girlfriend building a practice as a therapist. So cynical, Osama Obama would be disappointed in me.

I don’t think I want to go out on a limb praising the good general. “Pakistani history” is what you find when you check the dictionary for “duplicitous.”

I suspect harold and I may be the only ones on the blog to endorse the Smart car for interstate travel, on the assumption one can peddle them fast enough.

Is the novel, “When Good People Do Stupid Things,” available for pre-sale on Amazon?

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Freudian slip, peddle should be pedal.

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Typical Racist Rod @ 8:08, your correlation of the blackness of the gang with the nature of the violence is unfounded, but typical of “progressives.” There may well be a valid and non-racist correlation between fatherlessness and violence.

By Anonymous

July 13, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Wooten’s absolutely right about Bush ignoring “politics” (i.e., what the American people want). Why should an elected official care about the wishes of the people who elected him? I mean, what IS this, some kinda democracy?

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Good argument, Anonymous @ 8:21. Our founding fathers were rightly suspicious of the fickleness of the rabble, and thus gave us a representative republic form of government instead.

By Dusty

July 13, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Go, Jim, go!! I watched Olympia Snowe on Lehrer News Hour explaining her “spinelessness”. She looked like a little girl caught stealing cookies. If she had a “hankie” she would have been twisting it in her lap. Of course she said in very contrite tones something about “the people” wanted a change.

I haven’t heard “the people” call for any spinelessness. In fact, I think they would like this Democratic-led Congress to do something other than investigate some group they hope will smear Bush.

Contrary to what Democrats declare, if Congress would stand up and say outright that they support this country and the war we are in—the people of America would feel they are represented.

How can you appreciate a Congress that is busy investigating some little political advisor in the Bush Administration while our troops are fighting the meanest and most cruel people in the world anxious to kill us.

You folks in Washington, DC; get busy. Like Jim wrote about Congress and in this case, timid Republicans, “GET A BACKBONE”.

By Sigh....

July 13, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Amazing that when a conservative vote is cast which aligns with public opinion polls (gay marriage, eliminating taxes, building more roads), Mr. Wooten praises those politicians for responding to the people and having their finger on the pulse of the nation. But shameless is the politician who responds to a poll which goes against the grain of conservative ideology. Suddenly those politicians are “spineless”. Make up your mind, Mr. Wooten. Are polls only sacred and useful for guiding policy only when they fit within your worldview? Or should we ban them and expect our policians to actually be leaders and do the right thing, regardless of what the polls show? Personally, I would choose the latter. Sometimes, the majority is flat-out wrong and makes self-destructive decisions which aren’t in the best interests of themselves or the nation (Exhibit A: the 2004 election).

By Rod

July 13, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

jbmlaw - what are you smoking? He’s talking about a black “gang” - and questioning their “fathers”. Have you ever read any of his columns on here? He constantly makes racist comments toward blacks. It’s part of what he does - all the time. Yes, for the dimwits such as yourself, that means he’s racist. And BTW, I’m white and even I can see it.

By Captain Freedom

July 13, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

*Republicans should be champions of open records and open government. *

The Captain releases a long sigh of sadness as Mr Wooten once again goes all wobbly in his support of the True Conservative Cause. Why does Mr Wooten insist upon attacking Our Leader’s approach to governance?

By Mr Wooten’s reasoning, the Honorable Mr Cheney should be required to release his deliberations over energy policy, or perhaps his participation in never-was-a-crime-despite-all-evidence-to-the-contrary Plame affair (a witch hunt perpetrated by the ultra-liberal CIA and Dept. of Justice).

In Mr Wooten’s world, Our Leader could not invoke Executive Privilege (which is not only Constitutionally sound, but Biblically mandated…you can look it up!) over such issues as who is responsible for the so-called purge of renegade Islamoloving prosecuting attorneys. Our Leader would be stripped of his necessary right to dictate whether or not private citizens are required to answer subpoenas issued by the Star(r) Chamber that is the Demoislamic Congress. This way lies chaos and anarchy, and I for one will not stand for it.

Under Mr Wooten’s increasingly namby-pamby non-Right Thinking, there would be none of the protections necessary to ensure the continuation of Our Leader reign, which is of course the only physical manifestation on Earth that can keep us safe from the rampaging hordes of dancing q-tip Islamoterrorists who threaten our very way of life and liberty with every breath they take. The ba$tards.

Get with the program, Mr Wooten. Transparency in government is very nice in THEORY, but as you should know, the horrors of 9/11 changed everything. Principles that may have seemed essential at one time (transparency, respect for rule of law, adherence to the Constitution) are now luxuries, quaint relics of a time when we did not face the most awesomest threat to Western Civilization in the history of this Universe, and all other Universes not yet discovered.

9/11!!

9/11!!!

9/11!!!!

By thera

July 13, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

Hey, Wooten, who are you “servicing” at the AJC to keep your job? Maybe that should be what your so called next book can be about. You have been living under the protective umbrella of conservatism too long. What are you going to do for work when your john at the AJC moves on? I doubt you could make it on the streets. I’ve seen your picture. Even people paying for it have standards.

By Anonymous

July 13, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Boy, you can always spot a talk-radio drone by their reaction to the dangled bait of the word “democracy.” They always snap at it and go into a pompous mini-lecture on How Bad It Would Be for the people to actually have a say in how their government operates. JBM doesn’t disappoint.

Good dog. Here’s your biscuit!

By Captain Freedom

July 13, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

dear Mr/s Sigh

Your argument is that of a typical bedwetting Lefty.

Representative government is fine in theory (cf. my brilliant post above), but it falls to the ground when the people get it wrong. At that point, it is incumbent upon the Wise Men of our Leader Class to correct the public’s errant impulses and do what is right for us, even if we do not want it. Noblesse oblige, and all that.

So, gay marriage…it makes no difference whether a majority of the public favors allowing the rump rangers and donut munchers to establish legal unions. Such a stance is offensive to those select few of us who realize that this represents one of the greatest threats to Western Civilization in the history of the Universe. Our Leader and his Wise Men will keep us safe from the tyranny of the majority by denying these unnatural anti-Breeders basic legal rights. Um, I mean special legal rights.

Further…depsite the fact that 70% of the public appears to favor abandoning the brave Purple Fingered Democract of Iraq to the predations of bearded, crazy-eyed religious fundamentalists from the Middle East (no, I do not mean Jesus, you smart-a* liberals!), it is necessary that Our Leader stand strong in the face of overwhelming public disapproval — and contrary to any so-called “common sense” recognition that we have clearly “screwed the pooch” over there —and force us to continue our Noble Crusade until we achieve the Final Victory.

9/11!!!!

9/11!!!!!

By Dusty

July 13, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Captain Freedom,8:31

Your ship of fools is sinking. Not only from over verbosity but the sheer weight of excess superficiality. May you go down with the ship as you ram your rudder into the rocks of political ribalry and the subtileness of submerged motives.

9/11 is not your political funtime playtoy. A little respect for the departed please. We honor them by promoting the means to stop further fanatical killings in our country and in the world. Try and join us in that effort.

By RCH

July 13, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

Yesterday I mentioned as a jest ,to take debbiedoright to the Freedom concert. To all of you here as you surmised she declined. My bad luck. However, this brings up an interesting point I would like to explore. The “Freedom Concert” was designed to collect funds to send children of fallen soldiers to college. Certainly a noble cause. Yet you heard no mention in the general media. At the same time, there was a concert to make one aware of the environment. It raised no money at all, contributed to pollution, yet received all the press. Has Bush hating become so deep that we resort to this type of division. If we have fallen so low that we cannot agree to support such a worthy cause, how do we expect ever to fix the multitude of problems that face our nation today?

By DebbieDoRight

July 13, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

The problem with hate crime legislation is demonstrated by the unprovoked assault by 10 or more thugs on young Joshua Martin outside Six Flags Over Georgia. All are the same race, but suppose otherwise. So when is it a hate crime? By the way, wonder how many of the gang have fathers in the home?

WTF are you talking about Jim? How did a HATE CRIME BILL get jerry rigged with a GANG FIGHT? Did you remember to take your medication? OOOPS my bad, of COURSE you didn’t.

Republicans should be champions of open records and open government

FINALLY you’ve said something that makes sense, (Gold Star for Jimmy-Boy!!) I guess now you will champion for Cheney, Scooter, Dumbya, Gonzalez et al. to step up and tell what they know on the record.

By Captain Freedom

July 13, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

As the Captain finally arrives at the meaning and intention of Dusty’s post (clearly she has been taking creative writing lessons from her faux-Brit boytoy of many names…note the tortured alliterations alongside the impossible-to-decipher illiteracy), he is forced to query:

Why does Dusty hate America?

This notman person clearly does not understand that 9/11 has been bought and paid for by Our Leader and his heir apparent, Don Vito Giuliani. These bold patriots made 9/11 their own, the ready answer and irrefutable justification for any action or decision they might make. That you fail to understand that my own post stands four square in support of this proprietary ownership shows your shallow penetration of the burning issues of the day.

You claim to support Right Thinking, but your efforts do nothing but betray the paucity of veracity behind True Belief. Further, your public parading brings contumely upon yourself and your Husband, and violates the God-given Foundation of Our Democracy. Back to the kitchen with you.

By hah

July 13, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

When I saw the title of today’s column I thought it was going to be about all republicans.

By sct

July 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Sen Dole is another one of them scared Republicans. Did anyone hear her cowardly remarks last week? Notice a trend here? FEMALES

Our female Senators shouldn’t be concerned with their backbones. They need to grow a set! That’s right you heard me. Testies for all.

This is what happens when we let the others in. Historically this country has been led best by white rich men. Its time to go back to a better time in our history. The good ol days

By Redneck Convert

July 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

I might of knowed the libruls on this blog would beat up Wooten over pointing out that the thugs that beat up that kid at Six Flags was Those People. You can’t say nothing these days without the libruls getting their panties in a wad. Good white people can work every day of the week and pay taxes and never get a mention from the libruls.

I saw a picture of that smart car. It looks like you could just pick it up and lay it in a parking spot. Maybe in the little space between two reglar cars that are parked next to each other. I’ll just keep my Ford 250 with the double wheels on the back, thank you very much. If the future of the USA is going to be driving a kids toy then I want out.

And My President is right not to follow the polls. Unless the polls agree with him. If you let this country do what most of the people want it to do then pretty soon you have a commie country. We don’t elect a president just to turn around and let the people dictate what we do. The people didn’t get elected president. My President did. So I say just keep slugging away at the towel heads till we are down to one or maybe two people that support the war. And if the people left are somebody like getalife, then keep on with the war anyway.

Glad to see Captain Freedom is back giving it to the libruls. I agree with him a hundred %. He uses too many big words but he gets his point across anyway.

I keep watching Fox News to see if maybe that God Hates Trash guy has had a big axident in England. We are bound to have some good news some day. Maybe if he is crippled up enough we can work out a trade. God Hates Trash for poor TFTT. Who has been off his meds for several days straight now. And I’m glad to see Sister Dusty is weighing in already this a.m. Us good conservatives got to keep the librul traders in their place.

Well, have a good weekend everybody. I’m busy stocking the beer in all the stores and bars the Baptists go to on the weekend. We got a bunch of places that are laying in extra cases. It keeps a fellow busy but its good for my job. Looks like all the people that go to church will be pretty lit up before the preacher does his spiel on Sunday.

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Dear Rod @ 8:29, your whiteness does not exempt you from an allegation of racist pandering. As Jim logically noted, the crime was race-neutral but incredibly vicious; contrasted with most “hate” crimes, this one was far worse, but well below the radar of our collectivist racial apologists. I believe that double standard, coupled with the mindlessness of “hate” crime laws, was the object of Jim’s ire; certainly that would be the logical inference of his words. I am more gravely troubled by your perception that blackness had something to do with the evil, than by Jim’s express concern that fatherlessness had something to do with it.

Dear Anonymous @ 8:44, perhaps I should abandon this life and pursue the joys and riches of the world of broadcasting. Although I have not enjoyed the privilege of listening to Boortz or Limbaugh more than a day each in the past couple of years, I hold their entertainment service in good regard (although I am advised they pursued the wrong course on immigration.) Certainly my high-pitched whiny voice would set me apart from the rest. (no, that would actually place me in competition with Hannity, wouldn’t it?) As to your governance philosophy, I agree it is difficult to distinguish the merits of leftist political philosophy from the governance strategy of Robespierre.

By Captain Freedom

July 13, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

The Captain must leave for a while, as that damned Mr Patel has caught me using his computer again, and now I have to go and clean the grease trap before the lunch crowd arrives. The swarthy little $not, he really Lords it over me. I can’t understand why he doesn’t give me the respect I so richly deserve.

Well, I’ll probably just drop a dime to INS and have most of the wetbacks here arrested and sent back to whatever God-forsaken backwater they crawled out from. That always makes the Captain feel better, and it helps keep our Democracy safe, too. It’s a win-win!

And that’ll show Patel, the jerk, and he’ll have to wash dishes himself. Hah!!

By catlady

July 13, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Seriously, someone please tell me what the difference is between the consultants hired back before the new Grady CEO took the job and the NEW consultants? The old ones wasted—what?—$240,000 a month? Are the new ones more closely connected to this CEO? and what about the consultants before that?

No county should CONSIDER giving Grady anything till it stops these games and GETS SERIOUS about doing its job, which does not include supporting the consultant du jour. Also, there is no reason not to have some minimal expectations of all folks using the services, even if it is $5 or $10, even if it is deducted from welfare or child support.

And Grady needs to think LONG and HARD about billing counties nearby for services given the indigent in their counties if those other countys’ hospitals are providing indigent services for Fulton and Dekalb residents. (Sauce for the goose, etc). Fulton and Dekalb may need to send some of “Grady’s money” to Kennestone or North Gwinnett Medical Centers instead of to Grady!

By catlady

July 13, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

*he new north Fulton city of Milton is paying a therapist $6,400 and claiming “doctor-client privilege” to help City Council members with “conflict resolution.” *

Sounds like what a comedian said about using coke: somone has got too da*%$! much money.

By blah

July 13, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

“By the way, wonder how many of the gang have fathers in the home?” You’re a journalist right? Why don’t you do some reporting and find out, instead of spewing knee-jerk diatribes.

“Our politicians fail, they sip latte” … or they get presidential libraries in Crawford, Texas.

Finally, on vehicles and congestion: Every time you speak/write on this subject you sound more and more like you are senile and/or overcompensating for personal inadequcies. Drive your big SUV to therapy.

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Pretty good, Catlady, intelligent and funny rants today.

By the stopper

July 13, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Jim, your choice of word—“Spinelessness”—indicates that there’s something courageous about those who continue to spend blood and treasure on utter futility.

There isn’t. It’s not courageous, it’s stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

We are still in Iraq because of some stupid men’s vanity. No other reason. Most sane people recognize this.

And speaking of stupidity, it takes a thimble-sized intellect to imagine it’s somehow safer for a smaller vehicle on city streets than on an interstate.

By O Captain! My Captain!

July 13, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

By Mr Wooten’s reasoning, the Honorable Mr Cheney should be required to release his deliberations over energy policy, or perhaps his participation in never-was-a-crime-despite-all-evidence-to-the-contrary Plame affair (a witch hunt perpetrated by the ultra-liberal CIA and Dept. of Justice).

Thanks for making this point so well. “Open government” UNLESS you’re above the laws of the land, like the “Go Eff Yourself” thugs in the White House who explain to us daily that they make their own rules, and those who believe in honest representative government can just go suck it.

By Dusty

July 13, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Captain Freedom,9:08

You are now blowing bubbles as your ship sinks below the horizon of perpetuated fabrications. What a depressing load of libelous latitude (more alliteration) you unload as your sunset sinks into the sea.

Spare us the details. Go spar with your lesser half, RedNeck Convert. You are brothers in the falsity of deceitful predators, secretly yearning to depose all Republicans.

Oh but I am inspired to quote poetry about my favorite predator as written by William Blake:

Tyger! Tyger! Burning bright

In the forests of the night,

What immortal hand or eye

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

OH, it goes on so beautifully. Sorry about that. But “Tyger” is one of my favorite predators. You are not one of them.

By deegee

July 13, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Imagine what we could have accomplished in Afghanistan if we had stayed the course and not gone into Iraq. Here is strong evidence that a military solution to fighting terrorism isn’t going to work. BTW, how many of our beauty pageant politicians would be running for office if they had to alter the route they take to the office every day?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19734160/site/newsweek/

By DebbieDoRight

July 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Wooten: You seem intent on ignoring the fact that this administration is deliberately destroying the constitution and rewriting the legal duties of the Executive Office.

If we allow this to happen, a total decimation of our Constitution — disintegrating the rights that Americans have had for hundreds of years, fostering a theocractic Oligarchy; that, by histories teachings, will be uprooted in a massive overthrow by the same people you’ve tried to subjugate — then you have sat back and allowed America The Great to slink towards the same type of autocratic governments that we Americans have fought against since our inception.

If we allow this president and this administration to get away with the total destruction of America’s foundation via the Constitution, then what will we allow the next president and their administration to do?

We’re fighting a “war” in Iraq for Iraqi freedoms (supposedly), but we are steadily loosing American freedoms here at home. You call yourself a journalist, but in fact what you are is a political pundit — bought and paid for with as much deference as a $2 tramp.

You are much like the party you serve, your obtuseness, arrogance, and stubborness knows no shame — you give lip service to a god you say you serve, all the while holding out your hand for the 30 pieces of silver in order to betray that same God’s teachings the first chance you get. May you and your ilk pay in the next life for the blood, fallacies, half truths, distortions and LIES you create each day in this one. And for the once great country you are determined to destroy, for what? More wealth? May it bring you as much joy as it did Midas.

All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present but neither see nor feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse. Benjamin Franklin

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Speaking of backbones, or the lack thereof, Mr. Wooten, once again your credibility is sorely lacking and your proud hyper-partisanship most obvious. This time by the omission of one very important clause.

“Though they have championed the very opposite for the past 40 years” should appear immediately prior to your ironic statement that Republicans should be champions of open records and open government.

Just in the past couple of months:

• Harriet Miers as a no show

• John Kyl placing a “secret hold” on The Open Government Act to promote transparency in government

• the Bush administration fighting in court to keep secret who visits Vice President Dick Cheney at home. (White House spokesmen say the secrecy is necessary in order for Cheney to receive “candid advice.”)

• the RNC not complying with requests made by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for materials relating to the possibly illegal use of RNC emails by White House staff members

• Sen. Ted Stevens putting another secret hold on the Coburn-Obama bill that ultimately passed after pressure from the blogosphere

• Sen. Mitch McConnell (with help from NC Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr) who is working hard to block a bill that would require creating electronic filing for Senators’ campaign finance reports that detail who gave them political contributions!

So though I concur with the Captain’s last tongue-in-cheek paragraph at 8:31, the GOP learned exceedingly well from both the Nixon CREEPs and Reagan’s and Ollie’s Iran-Contra scandal gang in the WH basement and has a long and sordid history of dirty back room politics, paranoia and secrecy. (Some of which actually didn’t break the law!) From Washington to now Atlanta.

BTW, does your reference to the word “snitch” also apply to Fred Thompson who leaked info to the aforementioned Nixon gang about the status of the Watergate investigation?

Just curious.

By jm

July 13, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

I am all for open government and open records. To bad Mr. Wooten only seems to believe in that at the state level, since he seems awfully quiet on the shroud of secrecy that W the incompetent has placed on the Executive Branch.

Regarding President/Dictator Musharraf, the first rule of being a dictator is to remain in power. Those of the Red Mosque were a threat to Musharraf’s power, hence he acted against them.

I wonder where those refugee’s that the President of Lebanon is fighting against came from, perhaps Mr. Wooten would care to enlighten us.

By Ms. Writer

July 13, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Isn’t all crime motivated by hate—hatred of someone or something whether it be a race or an institution? Just a thought…

I don’t hink that Jim’s mention of the boys not having father’s is racist, and I am black…most juveniles who get into trouble and commit violent crimes don’t have a father in the home….people need to stop discounting the influence of a male role model…

By RCH

July 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Ms. Writer

I have longed preached that hate crimes are nothing more than politicians pandering to some special interest group. When there is a murder or some other crime, all you hear is we want to know why they perpetrated this act. I don’t care. The fact is they have done this act. The why does not matter, or as you have stated the reason for the “hate” does not either. Murder is murder, no matter why, who, or any other reason.

By spaceman109

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

i am entirely convinced that the iraqi government does not want u.s. troops to leave….ever!!!

why?

because the iraqi government wuold then have to spend their own money and take personal responsibility for the security of their own country. we certainly cannot have that.

our troops in iraq should be concentrating exclusively on hunting muslim terrorists. at no time were they ever meant to be everyday policemen or nation builders.

so long as the bush national security team (described by no less than kenneth adelman, a key proponent of the 2003 invasion, as “among the most incompetent” of the post-war ear) continues to put ZERO pressure on the iraqi governemt to get its collective act together (specifically, the passage of a law which would share oil revenues nationwide), our soldiers will continue to die and be wounded for a nebulous ideal.

perhaps we should all just relax and realize that u.s. troops will be in iraq until the end of eternity.

By Steve

July 13, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

The problem with the war is the American people believed the war could be won with little or no effort. This was reinforced by Bush prior to the war commencing. Now, that it is obvious the war requires a substantial commitment the American people do not want to stay especially since the primary people who will benefit are the Iraqi people.

The American people like most moderns lack any will to sustain any sacrifice which doesn’t result in immediate gains.

Bush made two mistakes, one he lead the American people into a war which required a sacrifice much greater than they were willing to make which is not much. Second, he was not correct in how much sacrifice was required to win the war.

If Bush has low poll numbers, he is the one most likely at fault or do the Republicans not believe in personal responsibility anymore.

By Mid-South Philosopher

July 13, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Jim,

I am waiting patiently for General Petraeus to report in September. I suspect I already know what he is going to say. That belief is strengthened by the actions of the several Republican leaders that you have questioned as to the state of their spine.

Being politicians, methinks, they are positioning themselves away from the catastrophe that is about to be what remains of the Bush Administration.

Lo…is that the sound of the last helicopter leaving the top of the U.S. Embassy in the green zone that I hear in the distance?

By Redneck Convert

July 13, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Well, I see this RCH guy is still trying to get Debbie to go to a Republican rally with him. I sure hope she don’t. She would probly loose her Virtue after he got her drunk.

One thing us people on the Right got to admit. A Republican would find the wh-re in a stadium full of angels with halos. If they didn’t vote Right I would be for turning them all out of office.

Anyway, I sure hope Debbie don’t go with this guy. Not just because she’s the wrong color.

By Dusty

July 13, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

deegee@9:53

You do know that NATO took over Afghanistan after we ousted the Taliban, don’t you? We are only a part of the military stabilizing force there.

DebbieDoRight9:54,

I see the veil of happiness you maintained yesterday has vanished during the night. All is bitterness and preaching today.

Pieces of silver, please! Liberals are not noted for biblical references.

Would you give us a few facts (and I am sure you will) about the rack and ruin of our Constitution by this administration? Was it the pardon of Libby? (totally justified in a non-crime case) Was it the war you don’t like and don’t support? Homeland Security (who’s listening?) in war time (oh yeah, enemy fighting time) that you don’t like? Harriet Miers (does your lawyer tell other people the details of his clients’ conversations)??? PLease explain your morning outburst. I’ll be back later.

jm 10:00

Do you EVER read the news? Have you ever heard of Hezbollah, a terrorist group strong in Lebanon? They kidnapped an Israeli soldier and Israel attacked them in return. That part of Lebanon was virtually destroyed and became a refugee camp without supplies for ravaged citizens.

Meanwhile, Syria has supported terrorism in Lebanon to maintain their influence there. There are only three ministers left who support the real non-terrorist government of Lebanon. The rest have been assassinated. Those are the difficulties that President Lahoud of Lebanon faces. Perhaps you can see what Jim Wooten is writing about.

By getalife

July 13, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

“[T]here’s a senator from Louisiana, David Vitter, admitted he’s been dating prostitutes. And he was very generous with one girl—-he paid her with a new highway project in her home state. … One thing I’ll say for this guy from Louisiana, this David Vitter, at least he went to a professional and left the congressional pages alone.” —-David Letterman

Then there is this:

“Suck it baby. suck it”

And this :

GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation

Geez.

By Adam

July 13, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Predictably the Libs are all in full rage again today. Regardless of the day or topic they are perpetually Angry, Offended, Outraged etc, etc. What a joy it must be to live life like them.

With apologies to jbmlaw, I don’t think the term “Progressive” fits with their mindset. For example, Rod @8:08 starts off the day railing against the Racist host for questioning whether an absence of fathers in the home may have been a factor in the gang attacks. Unfortunately, Rod is stuck in the stereotype thinking of the early civil rights era. Rod may not have been keeping up with the news, but there has been hard statistical data indicating a much higher incidence of fatherless homes within the black community. There has also been hard statistical evidence of this being one factor in the higher incidence of crime in the black community. A “Progressive” would keep up with the times, be able to recognize trends and be willing to discuss implications. Not the Libs. Don’t confuse them with facts they are not about to let go of their feelings, stereotypes of blacks as helpless wards of Liberal protectors, and the Lib’s sense of moral superiority.

Then we have jm @10:00 saying I wonder where those refugee’s that the President of Lebanon is fighting against came from.. JM also is stuck in the time warp of old sensitivity and Lib concern for the poor refugees driven out by evil Israel. It isn’t the refugees Lebanon is fighting. As Jim clearly states, Lebanon’s President Emile Lahoud, whose troops are in a bloody fight with al-Qaida-inspired Islamic militants who have taken over a refugee camp.. Again times have changed and Muslim terrorists are now the source of unrest, but “Progressive” thought seemingly can’t keep with the news. Times have changed but their stereotypes haven’t.

Libs don’t seem very “Progressive” in thier thinking.

By RCH

July 13, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Sir.,

By Redneck Convert

July 13, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Well, I see this RCH guy is still trying to get Debbie to go to a Republican rally with him. I sure hope she don’t. She would probly loose her Virtue after he got her drunk.

I didn’t consider the “Freedom Concert” a Republican rally. The “Progressive” always cry about supporting the troops. Here is their chance. By the way, I would treat Debbie with respect and as a lady. She most likely can drink me under the table.

By Anonymous

July 13, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Adam: Not angry at all… more amused and a little bit sorry for Bush’s few remaining deranged supporters.

They still think he’s in charge—but then again, so does Bush himself. Funny, funny stuff—but a bit sad, too.

By jm

July 13, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Dusty@10:42 - I seem to recall that hezbollah came into existence to repel a foreign occupier. since I obviously don’t read the news, I can’t recall who the occupier was, but I do know that during prior invasions and at the start of that invasion, there was no hezbollah. You reap what you sow.

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

spaceman 109, you’re right about the Maliki “government” not wanting US troops to depart the immediate area any time soon.

The inhabitants of said country? Not so much.

Last September - A strong majority of Iraqis want US led military forces to immediately withdraw from the country, saying their swift departure would make Iraq more secure and decrease sectarian violence, according to new polls by the State Department and independent researchers.

In Baghdad, for example, nearly three-quarters of residents polled said they would feel safer if U.S. and other foreign forces left Iraq, with 65 percent of those asked favoring an immediate pullout…

This spring - a poll of Iraqis shows that only 21 percent think that the US troop presence improves security in Iraq, while 69 percent think it is making security worse. And only 22 percent of Iraqis support the presence of coalition troops in Iraq.

Perhaps the Iraqi people know less about what is better for them than does the Bush administration. But why wouldn’t anyone look at these numbers and wonder, what the hell are we doing dying and being maimed there, if the vast majority of the people want us gone! It simply flies in the face of logic against the argument for this grand failed experiment to export a western democracy to the Middle East.

BTW I find it ironic that the numbers are nearly identical to the numbers in this country. Only 1 in 4 or 5 now think our presence there is helping or is even warranted.

By jbmlaw

July 13, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Dear Adam @ 10:46, no apologies are ever necessary, I’m thick-skinned. Well-argued. By way of partial explanation, my term of choice for our collectivist friends has always been “leftist,” but a couple of weeks ago one of the collectivists politely asked me to use “progressive” instead. I’m an accommodating sort of guy, and it’s the ideology that is so repugnant to America, not the label, so that was an easy change for me. I suppose if I use “progressive” long enough, that will start to sound like an epithet also. It may seem odd to you, but I like to identify with those 18th century small government classical “liberals,” but the 1960s corrupted-version has so stained the name that I cannot embrace the label without provoking gales of laughter.

Dear jm @ 10:00, I would not wish to pile on, especially since others earlier made the same argument as you, but let’s talk about “open government.” The whole purpose of the concept of “government in the sunshine” is to ensure integrity in the decision-making process. Where an individual is responsible for the decision, the decision itself is sufficient for judgment – thus our leftist, pardon me, “progressive” friends justly hold President Bush responsible for the (in my mind, proper and intelligent) decision to invade Iraq and depose the despot.

However, a long traditional dodge, initially proffered by the big-government types, and regrettably embraced lately by non-conservative Republicans, is deferral and referral of decisions to committees, panels, boards, and other “collectivist” groups, thus to avoid personal responsibility. Here government in the sunshine is essential, to ensure we know towards whom we should hurl rocks.

That is why inquiry into the decisions of an individual, such as the President or Vice President, is wrong – they are obviously responsible – but is entirely proper for administrative boards, legislative bodies, and anything else that looks like collective avoidance of personal responsibility.

By the stopper

July 13, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Adam gave us:

Predictably the Libs are all in full rage again today.

Yeah, imagine that? And all that just because Jim called everyone opposed to the cluster-foxtrot in Iraq “spineless.”

And set race-bait.

And implied that the only financial support GA democrats receive is from shysters.

And sang the praises of a dictator.

And revealed, once again, his penis-envy-driven phobia against anything fuel-efficient.

So you’re saying, anyone to the left of you should just lie back and enjoy it when they’re being smeared…Right?

By Jackie

July 13, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Typical neo-con tactic that tries to blame everyone else for their failings. The Dems control Congress without the luxury of a veto-proof Senate. They Dems are accused of being pro big government. The Dems could never spend as much as Dubya and his legislative mob; largest government, largest deficit,greatest political and military debacle in American history, biggest political and criminal cover-up in our history.
The list goes on and on and the neo-cons continue to support those policies. The new talking point is “backbone” and as is their usual practice, they do not offer facts to support their argument. As usual, the neo-cons bark out the orders “to the rear march!”

By ron

July 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

The Smart Car slides along at about 75 miles to a gallon of diesel.Not bad.Would rather have a Japanese mini-truck though.I don’t hate anyone,however,there are a few that I dislike intensely.Will the dead at the Red Mosque become the darlings of Rosie and her ilk?I drive a Ford Ranger myself.

By WTF

July 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

“Poll-watchers Sens. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Gordon Smith (R-Orgon) and others” do have a backbone — they finally stood up for what they really believe. I guess backbone is only when you agree with Bush/Cheney/Wooten?

By time for the truth

July 13, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

HA HA HA … HEEE HEEEE … SNIGGER SNIGGER

the amoeba brained snivelling MoRoN rod is back - puking up its nauseating leftist pandering in despicable defence of hippety hop lovin’ black yooofs/thugs who disproportionately commit VASTLY MORE violent crime in the Atlanta area than naughty whites. Just watch WSB TV news night after night after night after night after night!!

Presumably snivelling MoRoN rod also sees the Clayton Plod’s long overdue raid the other day on a trailer park looking for dozens of wanted hippety hop gangbanging scum/thugs as “racist”. NOT too many (actually none that I saw) naughty criminal white faces in the Urinal’s photo shoot of the raid snivelling MoRoN rod - eh bubbaturd? Face it bubbaturd its a certain element of blacks and (illegal) mexican type yoofs and younger black/mexican type men that are the most organised, predatory thuggish scum in this metro area. And its the non-white areas that overwhelmingly have the worst crime problems. Its a cultural selfish vicious predator attitude amongst hippety hop thugs that drives this. Law abiding decent blacks are disproportionately the innocent victims of these scum … and black racist bigots like Sharptongue and Jackasson do bugger all about this decades long problem - so long as they can get on TV and racebait about whitey and the GOP.

The despicable atack on the young black yoof victim at 6 Flags was hardly what proto-lefty lemming like wankers like you dishonestly dub ‘racism’ - it was just yet another sickening example of feral animalistic black yoofs having some vicious bullying “fun” in what passes for their sick depraved cowardly lynch mob world!!!

And pandering liberal vermin like you snivelling MoRoN rod help to perpetuate and enable this black on black crime, because you and your ilk lie and distort and dissemble and blame almost everyone but the actual black/mexican type criminals because you simply will not face the actual unsavoury, awkward “multi-culti” truth!!

now GFY …. and thanks very much for finally “listening”.

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

I omitted one other set of particularly distressing numbers as regards the Iraqi people.

Overall, 47% of the Iraqis FAVOR attacks on American troops.

The breakdown of that 47% - 16% Kurds, 41% Shia, 88% Sunni.

The war/invasion/occupation/quagmire in the Middle East has become our new national nightmare.

By Katharine

July 13, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

You want war, you pay for it. Taxpayers like me who believe war and killing are wrong, no matter who does it, shouldn’t have to subsidize other people’s brutality.

If you want to find terrorists, look in the mirror.

By time for the truth

July 13, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Funny how the two should have been aborted racist leftist dogturds inbred rednekkk and L Cpl Syphilis continue to puke up their explicit racism on here - with the vile hypocritical lefties sullenly silent about their KKK like hate.

Syphilis disgustingly sneers at a fictional/stereotypcial managerial Indian chap called Patel and talks of “wetbacks” and inbred continuously hammers away like the Aryan Nation racist dogturd it is about blacks.

Hopefully both of these worthless human scum will very swiftly run into their respective worst non-white nightmares and be treated accordingly. I suggest a near fatal very violent moped jacking in Syphilis’ case and a virtually fatal, even more violent beer lorry jacking in inbred’s case!

By Jackie

July 13, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

The neo-cons have put absolute faith in the path followed by Dubya. I think they have come to realize that they have jumped off a very high cliff without the thought of having a parachute to bail them out. Think of this neo-cons, it is not the fall, but the sudden stop. OPPS!!!!!!!!! “To the rear march!”

By getalife

July 13, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

The latest report on al Qaeda said they are stronger than before 9/11 because w cut and ran to invade Iraq.

w has lost the war on terror.

What the hell are the gop running on?

Family values?

Hate?

Torture?

Geez.

By Anonymous

July 13, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

GetaLife: D) All of the above.

By ga farmer

July 13, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Anyone who works or lives in Metro Atlanta is probably in need of some type of therapy. Any elected oficial in need of conflict resolution therapy should have researched the job before running for it. Resolving conflicts is at least 60% of the reason for the body they serve on to exist.

By Craig also

July 13, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Senators Domenici, Snowe, and Smith have gotten something better than a backbone - they have a brain. They’re capable of seeing the damage that Bush’s war in Iraq is doing to our freedom and our safety. If only Georgia’s dim bulb Senators had the same level of courage and intelligence. But I won’t hold my breath.

By WTF

July 13, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I meant to say earlier, that with regard to the issue of “backbone”, there is no shame in admitting you were wrong and then doing the right thing — in fact, it is generally viewed as being an attribute of a strong character.

By no answer

July 13, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

The kids from Columbine,Daniel Peek,Eric Rudolph,Timothy Mcvay,Benoit,Paris Hilton,all had fathers in the home,come from a middle-to upper class neighborhoods in the suburbs,so what happened to them?whats their excuse?Speaking of snitches,I wonder how many Police officers snitch on each other when they see one of their own doing something illegal?And since so many of you people are so concerned about the “Black community”,and all the young Black males growing up without a father,then why don’t you go to the closest ghetto and volunteer your time to the Boys & girls club,the PTA in that neighborhood,Big brothers & Big sisters program,YMCA,etc.Aren’t we all Americans?aren’t we all “Christians?”.But I doubt if any of you will do that,you would rather type on your computer in your suburban home and complain about the “Black community”

By RCH

July 13, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

WTF

Poll-watchers Sens. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Gordon Smith (R-Orgon) and others” do have a backbone — they finally stood up for what they really believe

Or is it they are up for re-election?

By WTF

July 13, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

RCH — If you’re thinking holds, and the “poll watchers” changed their position because they are up for reelection, then aren’t they doing what they were elected to do? As in representing the views of their constituents????

By DJS

July 13, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

The war in Iraq is such a fiasco that it isn’t even worth talking about anymore. Just get it over with, clean up the mess, and hopefully go forward. What a sad period in our history this administration has been. And it just keeps getting worse and worse. Not just Iraq. Everything.

By time for the truth

July 13, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

no answer

I see you conveniently forget that virtually all of your “whitey” list of killers/wankers were or are taking or using various drugs etc for ADD, depression, using steroids etc. NOt sure about McVeigh but the rest of that crowd, including a number of Klinton era school shooters were/are such users. The vapid sluttish slapper Hilton is on various prescription drugs for something like ADD/depression. THIS drug use/abuse obviously DOES NOT in any way EXCUSE any of their behaviour/murderous crimes. But its an important factor in their various mental states. After Columbine the big pharma companies feverishly scrambled a PR team to go and run interference … its lazy. indolent incompetent lefty teachers who threaten to exclude kiddies if they don’t take ADD drugs that keep adding to this huge problem of self absorbed whiny brattish kiddies who are being ruined by evil stuff like ritalin - which incidentally even the briefest use of means a life long bar on US military service.

The average/poor black community does NOT want ‘interventionist’ whites anywhere near it’s kiddies and teens as “big brutha’s and sistah’s. Your pathetic racebaiting arguments don’t even rise to the level of specious bollocks!!

By Stewie Gilligan Griffin

July 13, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Did you see the article about one of the suspects in the Six Flags beating? His mother and aunt were in court, no mention of a father. If it were my kid, I’d have been there. Go Jim, you’re always right.

By Stewie Gilligan Griffin

July 13, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Did you see the article about one of the suspects in the Six Flags beating? His mother and aunt were in court, no mention of a father. If it were my kid, I’d have been there. Go Jim, you’re always right.

By RCH

July 13, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

WTF You would think so but views change as quickly as the direction of the wind. What then?

On the issue on Iraq, many of you treat this battle of ideology as if it is in a vacuum. Iraq is only a small battle in the war. Retreating now sets up only a bigger battle somewhere else. How many times will we be able to “cut and run” before the battle is at our own doorstep. If you thought 911 was bad ,wait and see what hits us next. The terrorists are again massing for their next strike. Do you think they sit around all day debating if they can win? If they read this blog, read the papers, and listen to our politicians they know they already have.

I ask &debbiedoright the other day if she was given all the resources of the USA if we could win, she said NO. Then I stated that with my resources I would vaporize Iran, Syria, and any ware terrorist hide. I would unleash every biological and chemical weapon known to man and kill every single living thing in that region ,making it uninhabital for the next thousand years. With my intelligence agencies, I would hunt down and assassinate any suspected terrorist or those who aided them. Now do you think I can win?

In between the two extremes of doing nothing and the above lies victory.

By time for the truth

July 13, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

disproportionate levels of black crime and mindless killings is a huge problem in many black (dominated)cities … like Philly … now they’ve got to 217 already this year!!!

http://cbs3.com/local/localstory194065026.html

liberals and blacks must truly hate America because they are doing F. All TO STOP THIS genocide which is happening in mostly liberal run, usually sanctury cities.

Here’s the very recent LA Times Homicide blog map of the black on black and mexican type killings from LA … look at the dozens and dozens and dozens of names listed, each with a death spot marker.

http://cbs3.com/local/localstory194065026.html

By time for the truth

July 13, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

map of black on black and mexican type killings in just last 6 months in LA

http://www.mapbuilder.net/users/mqteclo5043/38003

By jm

July 13, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

jbmlaw@11:15 - actually, I am willing to give the occupant of the oval office some leeway in keeping his “war making” decisions under wraps. However, the little cabal that the vice president met with to formulate the energy bill, that I would like to see open to public scrutiny from two points, as a citizen and as a possible shareholder (most energy companies are publicly traded).

By jm

July 13, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Adam@10:46 - I would like your answer as to why refugee camps are still needed for an event that took place almost 60 years ago.

By getalife

July 13, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

O’Reilly takes on Tony Snow, ‘You can’t win’ in Iraq.

Duh.

By jm

July 13, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

rch@1:09 - assuming you follow your scorched earth path, where would you replace the oil that is now inaccessible for the next 1000 years. Also, scaling back your scenario a bit, how much are you willing to pay for a gallon of gas if there is a major reduction in the amount of oil coming from the middle east due to increased hostilities there. Before you say ANWR, remember, it will be several years before any oil from there becomes available even if drilling starts today.

By Redneck Convert

July 13, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I wish TFTT would shut up about black crime. If we leave it alone pretty soon they will each other off and we can get our two House seats back and that Hillary woman won’t get elected neither.

Anyway, I see Wooten got my last post all mixed up with somebody elses. But I forgive him. The poor man is probly all worried about loosing his job in the big cutback at the AJC. I think the warehouse job is already filled now so there is no help for him there. I can’t blame him for mixing a few things up. An old guy like him is going to have trouble finding something else.

I see this Woman of the Street in New Orleans is ratting out Sen. Vitter that he was a customer of hers. The libruls will do anything to smear a good conservative. Anyway, the story said this all happened before he got ratted out by that D.C. woman, so that makes it all right. Long as he votes for Fambly Values he is OK in my book. At least he is against gay marriage and that other twisted stuff.

By Eddie

July 13, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Who said that the beating at Six Flags was a hate crime? It was an attack by a group of thugs who all need to go to jail for at least 20 years. So why did you feel compelled to bring up hate crime legislation which is totally unconnected to this story? Are those dementia patches ready yet?

By RCH

July 13, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

jm My point of this demonstration is to show debbiedoright,getalife, ad others that you **can win. The question is at what price and are you willing to pay.

Rather than taking the defeatist attitude of many and implementing a strategy such as above blog( and the terrorist knew you were serious), I wounder how fast the situation would resolve itself?

By spaceman109

July 13, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

amvet….i am aware that the inhabitants of iraq want u.s. troops to leave. unfortunately, the iraqi people cannot get this spineless limp-wristed leader of theirs to want the same thing.

my point still stands that the iraqi government does not want us to leave. furthermore, i would speculate that certain bush administration personnel are encouraging the iraqi government to drag their feet so that bush administration war-lovers can continue to justify our troops’ presence there.

no one in this administration has the courage to put pressure on the alleged iraqi goverment to put their house in order. the blatant lack of anything approaching leadership in iraq is 10,467 times more insulting to our troops than anything the leftwing moonbats could say.

By Captain Freedom

July 13, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Well, those INS agents showed up right quick, but that damned Patel now has the Captain washing the dishes. A terrible case of dishpan hands will forestall any further Keyboard Warrioring by the Captain for a while.

I wonder if I could get Homeland Security interested in Patel?

By jm

July 13, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

rch@2:24 - the problem with “winning” the war in Iraq depends upon which of the reasons du jour used for the initial invasion. I have a very simple way of deciding on whether or not to support a war, is it something I am willing to give my life for. Overthrowing the taliban and invading Afghanistan met that standard. Overthrowing Saddam and invading Iraq did not.

By getalife

July 13, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Iraq is a gop mess and Luger/Warner has an amendment to withdraw in October.

The report in September will show the do nothing Iraq government took August off and nothing will be done.

Snowjob said it is 130 degrees in Iraq and that is why the government is taking a vacation while Americans get blown up and another 12 billion wasted like their lives.

It is time to stop destroying the ME and start rebuilding from this disaster. We need to get rid of the failed gop leadership.

Geez.

By Simply despise liars

July 13, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Jim, you piece of shiite! I would buy into your comments if I thought that we were ACTUALLY fighting a war on terror. Let’s stop kidding ourselves. Even Geo Bush (no pres/ he was never elected) has trouble believing that lie now. How can he attest to not listening to the political machine, when he IS controllong the machine itself?! What an imbecile, however I digress.

As for the Six Flags situation… I agree, deplorable regardless of gender, race, type of shoes, car driven. Who cares!? But I have difficulty hearing the argument regarding “how many have fathers present?” In no other (racial) situation does it become an issue/question of where is dear ol’ dad until it is black kids. Of course there are bad seeds in any family, any ethnic group, etc., and it often has no bearing on what the parents attempted to do. The truth is ANY parent can do there dead-level best and still have a kid go astray. Ask Mr/Mrs Hilton. Nobody asked where was her father. Britney Spears? Lindsay Lohan? John Mark Karr? Ted Bundy?

By time for the truth

July 13, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Mr Patel will order you, on pain of instant dismissal - as his least fave racist yanKKKee queer - to chop onions and chillis for the ruby murrays with a huge electronic knife with a very loose razor sharp blade for the rest of your shift Syphilis!!!

smirk

By RCH

July 13, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

“rch@2:24 - the problem with “winning” the war in Iraq depends upon which of the reasons du jour used for the initial invasion”

Does it really? Again my question is if you have All the resources of the United States at your mercy can you win? Yes or No?

By Adam

July 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

jm @2:04

Good question. There are “refugee camps” in several of the countries neighboring Israel. I use quotes because most of these “camps” no longer consist of people huddled in tents but have evolved into permanent housing and neighborhoods. These neighboring Arab countries, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria have made little effort to assimilate the Palestinians, some would say because they remain as valuable and symbolic bargaining chips for world opinion and as such remain isolated for political gain by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. During the years Israel held Gaza the efforts of the Israelis to assimilate them were strongly resisted.

It would appear the “camps” are more valuable to their Arab brothers as they exist to rally support. Otherwise, you would think that after 60 years the Arabs could have provided some assistance.

By jm

July 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

rch@2;51 - tell me what you consider victory to mean and I will answer your question. In order to understand what constitutes victory, you have to know what you are fighting for.

By jm

July 13, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Adam@2:54 - Actually, in Jordan, those of Palestinian descent are in the majority.

You can also cite the deliberately vague wording of UN Resolution 242 for their continued existence.

Funny thing about the “Arab” brothers, like those of us here, they are not that fond of “illegal immigration” and would prefer that the palestinians just go home (except of course, there is no home for them to return to, which is also true for many jews kicked out of arab states).

By no answer

July 13, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

So are you saying that because those people are on drugs for depression that makes it o.k?You don’t think living in the projects is depressing?why do you think they smoke weed,crack and drink alcohol?I was just replying to Wootens remarks that those kids commited those crimes because there was no father in the home,I was giving examples of people who had fathers in the home and come from good backgrounds who still ended up commiting crimes.And if you think that black/poor communities won’t welcome you,you can always donate money,computers,school supplies,clothes,etc to those neighborhoods.So whats your excuse now?If you guys hate Blacks so much and we are such violent criminals then why do you live in urban areas that has a lot of Black people?cities such as Atlanta,Philly,L.A,NYC,Chicago,Detroit,etc. are full of crime and Black people,why don’t you live in Alaska,Vermont,Montana,Wyoming,Iowa,etcthat way you don’t have to deal with Blacks,Mexicans,and gays

By Snow Job

July 13, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

“You can’t expect all the benchmarks to be met at the beginning of something. I’m not sure everyone’s going to get an ‘A’ on the first report.”
— Tony Snow, pretending it just started

By woodie

July 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Regarding this child nearly killed at Six Flags…I would not allow my child anywhere near Six Flags after this event. These children who do this stuff definitely don’t have parents paying attention. Children with emotional problems should not be in public without supervision. So definitely a failure on the part of the fathers and mothers. If you have children with these problems, I’d totally appreciate it if you do your job and get a lease on your children.

By Diogenes

July 13, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

To the Rod’s and DebbieDoRight’s and other Wooten-bashers of the world …

Remember, that when a genius shall appear among you, you shall know him by this sign — that a confederacy of dunces shall conspire against him.

By getalife

July 13, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

“My understanding is at this juncture they’re going to take August off, but, you know, they may change their minds,” press secretary Tony Snow said.

Geez.

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

The genius of Jonathan Swift notwithstanding, I have owned for a long time and absolutely love the book by John Kennedy Toole!

IMHO, it is one of the very funniest, wittiest pieces of southern literature ever written.

And though a bit of a stretch, perhaps Mr. Wooten is an Ignatius J. Reilly of sorts.

By Bob Geiger says it all!

July 13, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

….It’s no surprise that Chambliss went to the Senate floor this week to argue against Virginia Democrat Jim Webb’s bill to mandate more time at home for Iraq combat troops before Bush could send them right back into battle. What is amazing is the sheer stupidity of what he said.

“It is an unwise and harmful effort to limit the ability of the President and his military leaders and handicap their use of personnel and resources available to them,” said Chambliss, in arguing for sending troops back to Iraq with insufficient rest and medical care.

Now, that’s just spin and not the really dumb thing — though one could wonder how anyone could at this point rant about how we should let a proven incompetent like Bush manage a game of Monopoly, much less the U.S. military after the mess he’s made of things.

But have a look at what Chambliss said about how troops in World War II were deployed for much longer and how he tried to use that as a stick with which to beat Webb for being “out of step with history” in his efforts to keep military men and women home longer with their families:

“Senator Webb’s amendment would preclude deployment of certain active and reserve forces based on the number of days they have spent at home. Keep in mind these restrictions would apply to the Nation’s most experienced and capable troops during a time of war when we face an unpredictable and highly adaptive enemy.

“Keep in mind that during World War II and other wars of this country, service members participating in those wars deployed for 3 and 4 years with little or no break. With this in mind the current proposal by Senator Webb seems out of step with history and what it has taken to win the wars of this country. I can think of no way in which the Webb amendment will help our Nation succeed in Iraq.”

Leave it to a Republican desperate to bail out Bush, to compare World War II and the gravity of that global conflict with Bush’s war of choice about absolutely nothing.

And here’s the real kicker: Chambliss cynically uses the work ethic of America’s troops as a bizarre frame of reference for how Democrats really aren’t supporting the troops by taking them out of the Iraqi civil war so they can spend more time with their families.

“Public approval ratings for the President and for Congress may be at all time lows, but the admiration of the American people for our military only gets higher. Why? Well, one reason is they take their responsibilities seriously and they train, prepare, and plan to win,” he said. “And we should let them win — not legislate a recipe for failure which the amendment clearly does.”

I’m sure that the average soldier would have a real hard time with that “recipe for failure” when he or she is getting to sleep late with a spouse on Sunday morning or attend their child’s Little League game this summer instead of being stuck in the middle of a firefight in Fallujah.

And I know you’re wondering, given that both Webb and his bill’s cosponsor, Republican Chuck Hagel, are Vietnam combat Veterans, about the military record of a blood-and-guts guy like good old Saxby.

You guessed it — he didn’t do time in the military. He got a student deferment so he could attend law school and was subsequently given a medical deferment because of a bad knee.

But now, that’s really no surprise, is it?

By WTF

July 13, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

RCH, what is your point about whether the US can win if the military has “all the resources” available? I think you’re trying to make a rhetorical point, although I’m not sure what it is, but are avoiding the tangible situation in Iraq. Who knows if the US can win if the military is given “all” of the nation’s resources — only someone who can see into the future. It’s fine to say “yes, the united states is all-powerful and can win anything” but that is cheap jingoistic patriotism that doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground. I don’t think you’ll find many people, even among the dreaded liberals, who want to see the US suffer a defeat, but sticking your head in the sand while holding up you’re “we’re number one!” sign isn’t going to win the war for us. If we are going to win then the President has to accept the advice he has received from all sorts of people that the victory will not be entirely military but will also need to be political — and no one seems to be able to figure out how to accomplish that. Unless you have some suggestions?

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Bob Geiger says it all!,

There are really only a very few things or figures political that make my blood boil, but one of them is Saxby Chambliss.

I swear if I ever met him I would probably become temporarily unhinged and would just love to break the guys nose.

And when he was lying on the ground, I’d say that one was for Max. Get up and the next one will be for me.

He is certainly the most despicable and utterly gutless politician I have ever had the sad misfortune to be represented by. And your posting just further goes to that point.

Sorry, all. I just had to vent.

By Not So Fast

July 13, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Consumers put away their wallets in June, sending retail sales crashing by the sharpest amount in nearly two years.

The Commerce Department reported Friday that retail sales fell by 0.9 percent last month, the biggest drop since August 2005. Demand for autos, furniture and building supplies all plunged.

The drop was much bigger than the flat reading that economists had been expecting. It raised new worries about consumer spending, which is closely watched because it accounts for two-thirds of total economic activity.

By JK

July 13, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

AmVet, Thank you for your service! Perhaps we’ll meet next year when I throw myself full on into the campaign of whomever runs against the low-life Mr. Chambliss. (C’mon out! It’ll be fun!) The only voice we civilians have in government anymore is the collective one we can still raise in election years to get out the vote. Letters to our so-called “representatives” mean zilch without a big fat check or a promise of a block vote attached. I’ll gladly raise my voice again and again to shame any citizen who bought into or repeated those filthy lies and smears against Sen. Cleland.

By Rone

July 13, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

RCH said: “I would vaporize Iran, Syria, and any ware terrorist hide. I would unleash every biological and chemical weapon known to man and kill every single living thing in that region ,making it uninhabital for the next thousand years. With my intelligence agencies, I would hunt down and assassinate any suspected terrorist or those who aided them.”

Unfortunately, this still wouldn’t accomplish your objective. No matter how good the intelligence is, you can’t get everyone.

I would also suggest not “Vaporizing” the middle east. This will probably not sit well with Muslims in other countries around the world, hence creating more terrorists.

I will leave you with a quote from one of my favorite comedians, David Cross: “Fighting a war against terrorism is like declaring war on jealousy. At no point are we going to say: We won! Everyone loves us!”

By For the Record ...

July 13, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

AmVet, your anti-Saxby vent was indeed righteous!

I have to disagree with you about Confederacy of Dunces, however. I believe the posthumous accolades — like Elvis — was a case of the artist’s death being a good career move.

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

For the Record, I have read that Toole committed suicide some years before the book was published and inferred that had something to do with its cult popularity.

But nonetheless and furthermore it is to me one helluva funny story.

JK, I’d like that. I’m not sure which is more disturbing. That he is our US Senator or that the “good” people of Georgia elected him.

In the latter case it says volumes about the sorry state of affairs in the Peach State.

By Jackie

July 13, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

@AmVet,

Low-blow Saxby is supported by those who do not believe that Capt Max Cleland, 1st Cav Div, winner of the Silver Star in VietNam and several purple hearts as an Infant officer was hurt in an accident and he did not “deserve” to be honored with his rewards. Saxby was in Georgia jogging because he had “bad knees” from his days as a football player at UGA, therefore, he could not be drafted into the military. The neo-cons are sheep that have jumped off the cliff with Dubya and they have realized that the “stop” is going to be one heck of a collision. Further their diaharea of the lip is acting up because the Imodium dose was not large enough! Neo-cons, “to the rear march!”

By Mike v. Mike

July 13, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

“Frankly, Michael Moore is an example of why the health care system costs so much in this country. He clearly is one of the reasons that we have a very expensive system. I know that from my own personal experience,” said Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who lost more than 110 pounds and became an avid runner after he was diagnosed with diabetes.

“I know how much more my health care cost when I didn’t take care of myself than when I do take care of myself, not only in terms of doctor visits but regular diseases, illnesses, chronic things that come up, monthly prescription bills,” Huckabee said. “All of those things have gone dramatically down since I’ve taken care of myself and worked to live a healthier lifestyle.”

No comment could be obtained from Michael Moore, but Meghan O’Hara, producer of “Sicko”, responded, “I wonder what the good governor would say to the French, who drink more, smoke more, eat more cheese and still live longer than us despite paying less for health care?”

By Attn. Clayton Parents

July 13, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

As much as Mr. Wooten claims to support removing problem students from the classroom so that teachers can do what they’re paid to do, why has there been zero comment from Wooten on the Teachers’ Bill of Rights that the Clayton County school board passed this week?

FINALLY a school board gives teachers the right to do what Wooten claims “his band of conservatives” would do…and he says nothing?

Could it be Jim, that your admitted bias against the Metro Association of Classroom Educators has kept you from giving them any credit on this groundbreaking, common sense policy that might FINALLY restore a sense of discipline to Clayton schools?

By Jackie

July 13, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

GOP Senators Warner and Lugar drafted a bill today to pull the troops from Iraq. The U.S. Commander foresees troops being drawn down from Iraq by January. U.S troops are fighting Iraq police and troops that they trained. Iraq troops called to join the “surge” - 11,000 of them - with only 1,500 showing up for the fight. Our “decider” is sees that sudden stop ahead of him and he has pulled the rip cord on his primary and backup parachute. He knows the neo-cons that are skydiving behind him have the same problem and there will be one “splat” that will take years to clean up. Neo-cons, “to the rear march!”

By AmVet

July 13, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

I can’t remember the details but I believe Cleland’s terrible injuries came from a buddies grenade.

There is only one name on that wall in Washington DC I really know. A childhood friend named Bobby Elliot.

He was killed over there when a rocket he was loading blew up. I suppose to the neo-cons and chickenhawks, his death too, was not really significant since he wasn’t actually killed by the enemy.

Let me assure you that in the military there are a thousand different ways to buy the farm. For many, peril is always just a misstep away. For those like Chambliss who have never worn the uniform, they sometimes have a real hard time understanding this.

But among veterans, the how is not important. Just the fact that you were there was.

By Drive-by Media

July 14, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

I guess Rosie Odonald’s adopted child, recently shown in a photo wearing an ammo belt, (ala PLO child), was thrown off of a plane yesterday for repeating, “Die, Die, Infidels” and setting of incendiary fragmentation leggos as a delta flight taxied to take off in Los Angeles. Rosie plans to go on the view and challenge the stewardess who threw the sunni wannabe off the plane. She also plans to hang upside down and bungy jump like she did once to make sure no man ever watches the view again. “My kid’s a genius, and he shouldn’t be stifled by misquided safety nuts on planes.” Rosie interjected.

By Tim

July 14, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Mental note: when a liberal brings up the fact that the conservative making a damn good point has “never worn the uniform” the conservative has officially won the argument. File under “being called a Nazi”.

By Tim

July 14, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

On the topic of Senator Cleland, facts are pesky things. He received no Purple Hearts and no Silver Star. You don’t get a Purple Heart for accidental grenade explosions. Its a shame what happened, and I hate it for him. But one is justified in not equating his injuries with those incurred in combat. To do so dilutes the honor due to those who did suffer wounds in active defense of the USA.

By BS Aplenty

July 14, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Re: Corporal Freedom & Harold

Ever notice how Corporal Freedom (recently busted for failure to show sufficient intelligence) and Harold both refer to themselves in the third person? Hmmm…

By ckt

July 14, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

memo to jim.

every commander that offers his true opinion, rather than toeing party line, is fired.

we’ve seen time and time again commanders taking back seat to W’s “optimism”.

and as far as “open government” - you conveniently forgot to mention the disgrace brought upon the administration when both cheney and dubya declared themselves not of the executive branch - because they don’t believe in open records.

its convenient picking only that which you want to talk about, isn’t it?

how many deaths have we had in iraq now. where are those 4 million iraqi refugees? what is our standing in the world right now? how much has cheney covered up to protect his interests? how much has haliburton made in iraq?

those few lonely souls, including yourself jim, still supporting dubya - are beginning to sound just silly.

By Gerry Seyle

July 14, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Sure! Bush will follow the advice of the generals so long as they tell him what he wants to hear. If not, they will be cashiered just the way Shalikashvili was when he told Bush & Rummy it would take three times as many troops to pacify Iraq.

Thank God for the two-term amendment!

By JoeRob

July 15, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

If the men who are voting to stay in Iraq would acutally have to be in Iraq and fight in Iraq, this war would be over. Sign them all up-Self righteous idiots!

By Victor Jones

July 15, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Jim, if you move back to Macon, we will rename your the street of your choice to “Tooten, Hooten & Wooten Blvd.” (historic Macon joke, ask Jim)

By Victor Jones

July 15, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Jim, if you move back to Macon, we will rename the street of your choice to “Tooten, Hooten & Wooten Blvd.” (historic Macon joke, ask Jim)

By Jim Wooten

July 15, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Victor @ 12:06: Thanks for the kind offer. I choose Cherry Street and suggest, too, that in the same spirit, the Cherry Blossom Festival be renamed the: Bloomin’ Tooten, Hooten & Wooten Festival.