Thinking Right

By jbmlaw

April 8, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. Jim authors a declaration of independence today, severing the creed of conservatism from the republican administration of government here in Georgia. I will sign immediately below Jim, although, unlike Jim, my capacity to do my job well does not depend on my ability to get along with the government and party leadership; while Jim is a profile in courage, I am a mere rabble-rouser.

Our friend Shar chastised me the other day, for celebrating the virtues of ideology over politics, for advocating principle over ad hoc deal-making. My ideology is rooted in the belief that almost any government activity is an unjustifiable intrusion on the activities of free men. At one time the international definition of “liberal” was that of a person who believed all that Jefferson wrote in his 1776 declaration. Today of course most leftists wrongly embrace the term “liberal,” attempting to ennoble their collective effort to subvert freedom (and responsibility) of each to make his own way in the world. Advocacy of “freedom from government” is now left to conservatives only, on almost every level.

Thus the evil highlighted in Jim’s essay today. Our state government is now controlled by the deal-makers, who legislate primarily for benefit of those who would “game the system” and regulate-out-of-existence the freedoms we earn at conception. The problem is worse that Jim argues – it is not lack of vision, but it is a corrupt vision, that controls our state.

By TW

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

Anybody know what the leaders are trying to do with this government? I don’t.

Perhaps we ought define ‘leader’ as it applies.

What we saw the other night was the ‘talk’, months and months of empty rhetoric, finally trying to ‘walk.’ And it fell on its face. Politicians should not be allowed to wave the tax flag without saying form where the cut will come. When forced to do this the other night, they choked…worse than libs…

By kiljoy

April 8, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Proof positive that divided government works best. Give one party too much power and you get excesses and arrogance. This is exactly what happened to the Republicans(Bush/Delay/Rumsfeld) nationally and its whats happening here locally. We must turn one or both chambers over to the other party if we want to see any positive progress here in Georgia.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

When was the Assembly amusing? When they littered the chamber like newly graduated cadets, giving themselves a ticker-tape parade for going into outer space and living in a vacuum?

But if they did nothing, then no harm was done. Give me a do nothing assembly any day. The bills always have germs on them. I’d rather they passed on legislation than pass it. There’s always some unforeseen consequence that costs society more than doing nothing.

If our congress had done nothing since 911 but get binladen, then we’d be a thousand times better off, and bush would be considered with the greats.

General P is going to tell us how great things are today but how much hard work lies ahead tomorrow. He stole bush’s best line.

troop withdrawall? listen carefully to how well crafted gen. P’s advise about the endgame in iraq will affect troop withdrawals. There’s your truth.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Why Jim! I do declare! Calling our fine Republican leadership a “pig” and “a disaster”? Gracing us with your almighty opinion that Georgians must “look beyond the current leadership” because “changing one personality is not the solution”? With so-called “Georgians” who are so-called “Republicans” like you, who needs Damn Yankees?

By hrw

April 8, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Our country is all but gone to other countries. I can see them laughing at how stupid Americans are. Georgia House and Senate, our Federal Congressmen/women/Representatives have let the state of this country down in so many ways…you are right to asked the questions; do anybody know what our so called government officials are doing? I have never witness such slow actions on behalf of America People who are now looked upon as III-World. With all of our resources we can’t buy gas; food, dwelling, healthcare, etc., we are no better than anyone nation, but we are first to stick our nose in other business rather than taking care of our own. We are taxed to death and we never can get ahead in a fair and decent way. I have been deeply troubled about the state of our Country, the USA. If there is anything that gives us hope is; Lady Liberty who continue to stand at the entrance of New York Harbor; she continue to watch millions people come and go; she remain steadfast and her torch continue to be a guiding light for all to come and see. Yet, she to is trouble about the state of the country; she remain very humble but look at her deeply; her eyes are stained with tears because it appear that we have let America down!

By jbmlaw

April 8, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Dr. Sowell publishes another of his set of proverbs he titles “Random Thoughts.” Urge all to read his pithy thoughts today. http://www.townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2008/04/08/random_thoughts?page=full&comments=true

By Evelyn

April 8, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Jim,

So many of your readers expected you to “go crazy” after the State Leg. went into overdrive to protect developers after the GREAT Supreme Court decision. But during the weeks that followed, you were strangely silent. In my head, I sound like Bob Dole; “Where’s the outrage, where’s the outrage?” I hope the outrage of the general public is just under the surface, like yours, and will show itself in November. Vote No!

By Evelyn

April 8, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Jim,

So many of your readers expected you to “go crazy” after the State Leg. went into overdrive to protect developers after the GREAT Supreme Court decision. But during the weeks that followed, you were strangely silent. In my head, I sound like Bob Dole; “Where’s the outrage, where’s the outrage?” I hope the outrage of the general public is just under the surface, like yours, and will show itself in November. Vote No!

By MikeB

April 8, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Well said Jim. Praying for rain (to relieve/hide Purdue’s role in signing potentially destructive agreements regarding the sellout of state resources at the expense of citizens), and a new fine structure for speeding tickets (revenue, revenue, revenue that is all this initiative was about)are the highlights of the administration this year. Oh lets not forget some shadey land transactions, and travel abroad under the guise of “attracting industry to Georgia”.

Though some of it is embarrassing, I can unfortunately live live with most of the above because I feel most politicians would also do these things.

What really infuriates me though is when elected officials broker backalley deals to raise funds for one purpose via taxing citizens, and using those funds for other purposes and often time for the benefit of select constituents (Developers who previously contributed to a politicians campaign ect.) This seems to go on at all levels of Georgia governement. Regardless of party politicians instead of working with what they have, are working every angle to dip in our shrinking pocketbooks so that the amount of money they have at their disposal will hide the occasional funneling of funds to projects that the money was not intended for. This sense of entitlement has got to stop.

From the town, to the county, and to the statehouse. Politicians must be forced to deliver a system of checks and balances that work. For our part citizens must elect representation that truley wants to serve and make the differences that matter. Too many of our legislators feel a sense of entitlement. The “we know whats best for you”, “don’t worry”, “don’t bother yourself with these things, I will handle it” attitude is wearing thin when all we hear down the line is about corruption and back alley funneling of our tax dollars. This is not why we pay taxes.

Hopefully citizens of Georgia have had enough of this. Benefits for a “select few” (often including the politician) have never outweighed the needs of the citizens at large.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

The Declaration of Independence is not a law. Unenforceable. it’s a guideline, not a rule.

America was founded so that business could have a place to operate freely without oversight. Business created America.

By ron

April 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Reading about the antics of the Georgia Legislature is a lot like reading about politics in Mexico.It takes a lot of palm grease to get anything accomplished.

By Steve

April 8, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

It wasn’t that long ago when you Republicans were singing the praises of Sonny et al, now you think they stink?

Why did you vote for these people AGAIN, just like you idiots voted for Bush and team AGAIN…when we on the left already KNEW these were bad choices?

Come on, Georgians. WAKE UP AND EVOLVE. Get with the 21st century and move forward. Balance out our govt with some progressives.

By Less Bored

April 8, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Good Morning, Jim.

I must say that I enjoyed today’s commentary much more than yesterday’s. Let’s talk about things that truly have the potential to make a difference. I find that I agree with your assessment of our elected ones’ performance overall. I do also note that you did leave several doors cracked open for access to areas for further discussion.

First and foremost is the issue of the lipstick — save it for the fairer sex of the presumably more intelligent species. Pork needs to go the way of Gump’s shrimp — fried, baked, sliced, diced,…. Enjoy with a meal or as a snack but get pork out of government. Next.

Pick anything. Just pick something. One or two items at a time will do. We really don’t have to change the world overnight. We just need to make things a little better a little bit at a time. How about we give Ms. Abraham one year to conduct studies and formulate a transportation plan. Then our elected ones can be given the plan to study and review and present and propose and — in the end — legislate, deliberate, and present we the people with a well crafted transportation bill. Next… After all, governing doesn’t have to be so complicated, does it.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Less bored, you forgot to close with, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

By Curious Observer

April 8, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

This legislative session was a severe disappointment for almost all true conservatives. It is marked by what the legislators failed to do, rather than what they did. For example, there was no serious effort to demonize the poor as shiftless bums. And hardly a word was spoken about rounding up all the illegal aliens and shipping them south of the border. I suppose the leadership had already shot its wad with the photo ID law, so there was practically nothing done about further suppressing the black vote. Why, even the little bit done about enhancing private schools at the expense of public ones was only half-hearted.

We can, however, applaud the Right-thinking spirit of the majority. Proposals to cut taxes without specifying what spending would be cut to accommodate the reductions were at least spirited. It is, however, disappointing that the 12-year-olds in the leadership roles could not arrive at a compromise. If you didn’t know better, you would swear that you were hearing a replay from adolescence: “Mine’s bigger than yours.” In the end, unfortunately, the legislature had to settle for a very unspectacular budget. This kind of session is exactly what happens when the next gubernatorial election is more than two years away, although we can at least give Cagle and Richardson credit for their skills in jockeying for position.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

And I will sign on immediately below jbm. But I must warn them that while Jim is courageous and jbm a rouser of rabble, I am but a derangeur de la merde.

By Less Bored

April 8, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Gary, my bad.

By Steve

April 8, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Glenn, do you really think that these cretins in here will understand four words in French?

Mon Dieu!

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Reductio ad absurdum alert at seven minutes ‘til Nine O’Clock!

As to the other 8:53, ron, Si.

By Skeptic Tank

April 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

So the worm has finally turned, albeit at the state level as opposed to the national arena (where worm turning has now cost the Republicans one Congressional election and another one on the way). 20 years of diatribe against those phantom “liberals” has ceded to the unabashed trashing of their ideological counterparts…by the same people! Folks, get this straight: the debate in America has NEVER been about liberal versus conservative; it has been about the abuse of power of those in control. Our political philosophies may on opposite ends of the spectrum, but the evil lurking in our government transcends it all. Allow money to talk in a vacuum, and our legislators will fail us 100 times out of 100, be they Democrats, Republicans or undecided. Georgia, this is the government you elected. Don’t you just LOVE your Republican Gods these days?

By Peter

April 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Well Jim Whooten today has stood up and made a statement that is real, and meaningful.

This leadership he has spoken about is what we have locally and nationally.

Special interests and BIG Money, has taken over and the people are NOT being represented by our government.

The two party system is NOT working, and both parties will fight to the end, that change will not happen.

Locally we have a governor who “Prays for rain”’ then has a closed door meeting with the powerful Georgia Southern Lobbyists, to determine how our water is used.

This is no different than Dick Darth vader, having closed door meeting with energy executives to determine the Energy Policy for America.

We see the results, just go pump some gas.

I also wonder how we will pay for all the debt created by the WAR, no person here has that answer.

With unemployment rising, the debt will only get worse without NEW taxes or budget cuts.

The lobbyists won’t be happy with less money being thrown around, but hey they are not thinking of the American people, just the corporations, and the greed that comes with them.

By carvy

April 8, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Hey Jim, good column for a change. I’ll have to admit that I had quit reading your column after you completely lost your mind. But today I see a ray of hope.

That post by jmblaw is pretty heady stuff. I like his thoughts.

And what’s up with Glenn?

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Hey Steve, my fellow Damn Yankee, I always thought these folks went in for that P.T. Beauregard schtick, but I tried Latin alternatively, so we’ll see how that one works out.

I wish to associate myself with Less Bored, and also with his brother Les Paul, august inventor of the Les Board, and with their cousin Les Brown. In fact, as families go, none impresses more than Les.

I too “enjoyed today’s commentary much more than yesterday’s”, for when it comes time to “talk about things that truly have the potential to make a difference”, Barack Obama is not on my agenda either. It would seem, however, that expecting the present leadership to forward a thoughtfully strategic transportation package is a bit of an exercise in monkeys and typewriters.

Moreover, Mssrs. [that’s French] Cagle and Richardson would appear to have “jockeyed for position” in the wheelhouse of a ship they ensured never got under way, so that passengers wishing to go anywhere at all will book another passage.

The House of Les[s] wisely reminds us that “governing doesn’t have to be so complicated.” And with the vessel dead in the water, it might be both simpler and better were “a handful of top leaders to go behind closed doors and agree on which laws to pass.”

But it’s too late now. The wind is gone.

By Steve

April 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Peter, that is the best post I’ve read in here in weeks.

By Camus

April 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

The resident shyster posits “freedoms we earn at conception”. This noble sounding sentiment is nonsense.

A good conservative would realize that we only “earn” that which, through our efforts and work, we actualize. The random collision of mummy’s ovum with jbm’s lucky spermatoza (every living person’s own improbable lottery win) does nothing to confer rights, legal or natural.

The only rights we have are those that we implement through either i) brute force or ii) collective effort.

The first is Hobbe’s state of nature (hence, natural rights), where people are spared any government constraint, free to do as they please, and where life is “nasty, brutish and short” (a Libertarian’s dream state, apparently).

The latter is a product of the liberal democracy experiment, wherein rights are enumerated and guaranteed by laws, which are to apply to everyone, though our president seems to think himself expempt. The so-labelled liberals and leftists in this country recognize quite clearly the danger inherent in allowing our enumerated rights to be whittled away by the Daddy State, restricting our freedoms for “our own good”. Thus do we oppose the systematic abrogation of law by the current administration as antithetical to our legally conferred rights. And thus do we watch with amazement as “Libertarians” cheer on this evisceration of rights under the guise of “keeping us safe from terror”, all the while labeling libs as America-haters and enemies of freedom.

It’s a crowded world, and absent organization (ie, governments) we get a wild west freak show. All organizations require resources to function; thus do we have taxes. Without taxes, there would be no interstate system; no Internet; no police; no sewage and water treatment; and so on. There is no enumerated ‘freedom from taxation’. That is a fantasy spun by clever people with no wisdom.

For millenia, groups of people have banded together and shared resources to establish collective security and, often, prosperity. At the same time, many groups have banded together, pooled resources, and marched happily to oblivion behind the demgoguery of charismatic leaders. There is no choice as to whether human societies must band together and share resources. The only choice is whether we will band together to preserve rights and secure liberty (a word that shares a root with liberal and libertarian), adapt to changing conditions with intelligence, and strive to maximize our standard of living while minimizing the destruction of our habitat and resources.

And one more thought as to taxation…perhaps the greatest evil inherent in the ability of the govt. to impose taxation is the resulting cancer-like growth of our massive military-security-police apparatus, which in turn is the greatest threat to our enumerated rights. Yet this is the one aspect of governance that our inaptly named Libertarians applaud as necessary.

And still, jbm in his confusion insists that liberals are wrongly labeled.

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Steve @ 8:55 - Don’t over-reach. Bringing Georgia up into the 20th Century would be a Good First Step.

By Steve

April 8, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

GayGreyGeek - I stand corrected :)

By jm

April 8, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I guess this means Mr. Wooten no longer considers Governor Perdue Vice Presidential material?

By Camus

April 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Glenn,

Les is more.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Which America is it, now, that’s we liberals are supposed to hate? The one that does nothing or the one that does nothing right? Jim Wooten is running out of Americas to excoriate. (dont worry, steve, that’s not french)

By Dave

April 8, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Let us ALL pray to god’s gay son….Jesus! Let us continue to water our sod lawns and continue cutting down trees to build yet more homes and more subdivisions while Lake Lanier is only at 53% capacity…as “praying” to the little gay baby jesus has “cured” our states ills! Thanks gay baby jesus!!! amen!

By George Washington

April 8, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Yo Fake super patriots of the Neo-Scum persuasion, please note that the troops in Iraq have spoken: they reject the neo-scum, and support Obama and asap troop withdrawal from the the SHAME OF AMERICAN MASS MURDER, IRAQ. The troops oppose another war, this one with Iran. OBSERVE CLOWNS: “” ABC’s Martha Raddatz asked American soldiers in Iraq what issues are most important to them when looking at the presidential candidates.

A look at the key political issues for U.S. soldiers in Iraq.Though the military is not supposed to engage in partisan political activity, these soldiers spoke out about their personal endorsements, and their opinions are likely to matter. In 2004, 73 percent of the U.S. military voted for a presidential candidate, and officials believe it may be even higher this time around.

PFC Jeremy Slate said he supported Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., because of his stated intention to pull out of Iraq right away.

“That would be nice,” Slate said, “I’d like to be home, yea.”

SFC Patricia Keller also expressed support for Obama, citing his representation for change.

Spc. Patrick Nicholls from Eggawam, Mass., pointed out that many soldiers on the frontlines frequently think about their families back home.

“We think about how our families are doing back home. That’s a major concern, like how the economy is doing, also as well as where we’re going to be in the future. Because really, truly, what we consider we’re doing, we’re doing a valuable job, we want to make sure that the efforts we make are appreciated.”

He suggested he was too engaged in Iraq to keep up with politics back home. “I haven’t really been following it too much since we’ve been over here, ma’am,” he told Raddatz. “So, don’t really know which issues are too important to me right now. … I don’t know who’s running, ma’am.”

Lt. Leah Wicks said that, tied into concerns about her family’s welfare, were concerns about the economy, “where we’re going to be in the future.”

Only moments before speaking with ABC News, the troops had been listening to Vice President Dick Cheney give a rousing speech, but it didn’t change their political preference.

Spc. Imus Loto said he supported Obama. “It will be something different. But he’s out there and he’ll probably support us a lot more.”

By support, Loto meant pulling out troops. “Pull me out, too.” he said.

The presidential candidates’ views on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan have become central to the 2008 election. (ABC News Photo Illustration)Though the military is generally a more conservative group, soldiers like Sgt. Justin Sarbaum are just as eager for a pull-out as the Democratic candidates. Sarbaum said he wondered which presidential candidate would be able to better the U.S. relationship with rogue nations, such as Iran, so that soldiers are not sent off to another war.

“Iran is obviously a big issue,” Sarbaum said, “Here in Iraq for my third time; starting another war right now — is it really necessary?”

Sgt. Cory Messingham from Lewisville, Texas, said he wasn’t following the race, but he was concerned about candidates’ paying attention to the emotional toll that the war has taken on soldiers.

“My biggest issue is support for the military, military funding and our deployments, not having long deployments anymore. Because [the] majority of us are doing …15-month deployments. So, it’s tough on the soldiers and tough on the soldiers’ families. Those are really my biggest issues.” “

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Glenn @ 9:42 - Just be careful of the Nessman’s in your midst. :-)

By ron

April 8, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Derangeur ou deranger?

By ron

April 8, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Derangeur ou deranger?

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

April 8, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Hi Jim,

Nice article…

I think you’re missing the real problem though. It’s not whether they’re democrat or republican.

It’s whether they’re working for the people or for special interests.

At both the state level in Ga and the federal level in DC, the people who make the rules are making them on behalf of the people who can afford to pay for them, not for the folks who need them the most.

Why don’t you do a little series on how lobbyists in Georgia work? Where does the money come from? Where does it go to? Get to the bottom of it instead of just saying “why can’t we all just get along”?

Explain it! Do some reporting!

I bet you could win yourself an a-ward by shining a little light on that.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

carvy,

I was goofing on Dusty. It’s a long story. Suffice it to say you missed nothing.

GGG,

Will do!

By le Bored

April 8, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Glenn,

Perhaps relevance these days is best served up in Spanish with a dash of Chinese influence. Latin, on the other hand, is best reserved for use on items of little value — American currency, for example.

Cuántos pesos por un yuan

The above is but an example of what one ends up with once you cut out the American middle-man.

By AmVet

April 8, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

I still find it rather amazing/amusing that these so-called conservatives refused for so many years to see the obvious - this Republican Party has no earthly clue what American conservatism really is.

In spite of the fact that the obnoxious and malevolent talking heads and despicable Rovian power brokers in the GOP hijacked this concept and countless other terms and phrases as well, to paint themselves as “conservative” is and always was, absurd.

That the base/faithful/sheep actually bought into it lock, stock and barrel is tragic.

NOW, after adamantly denying (common theme here) the obvious for years on end, we see the bravest of the ostriches lift their heads and proclaim with much clarity, “Oh these Republicans, they’re not conservative”.

No kidding, dunces!

Like common criminals refusing to come clean until the tape is played back in court, the worst of these neo-cons have no credibility.

And in their twisted efforts have wrecked an entire political party for years to come.

Good work “conservatives”…

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

ron,

-geur. Ze one doing ze disturbing.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Gen. Washington,

Thank you for sharing with us ABC’s object lesson in How Not To Conduct an Opinion Poll.

By Dave

April 8, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

The problem with GA is…instead of a “talibangelical” govna… we need a govna’ like the last one that was fired in NY…a liberal that’s not afraid to sleep with hookers… But soon enough my friends….soon we will have enough Yankees that continue to move in that will make this state run the way it SHOULD be run. A REAL mass transit system…as EVERY “GREAT” city has one….yet we have bonehead religious freaks that would rather vote on stuff that does not matter….or stuff that is down right “scary” (like letting people carry guns onto trains and into bars..screw the churches…i hope they all shoot and kill one another…i really really do…the world will be “all the better” for it if they do)…. soon…as they continue to chose GA and NC instead of Florida as their choice of “cheap housing” (which is how most homes are built in GA.)….the Yankees will run this state…and Education will tick “upward”…as they “care” about education….mass transit will become a reality…and the most important…BOOZE will be purchased in stores on SUNDAY!!!!

By GeorgiaPeach

April 8, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Less Bored is right! You’ve made your bed, but you now don’t want to sleep in it. The world does not work that way. You voted for Sonny, Casey, Glen, GWB, et al. You get what you pay (or vote) for, and you’ve paid for greedy, self-serving, egotistical maniacs. Only problem is, the rest of us have to pay for it, too.

By James

April 8, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Sorry, but I failed to get all worked up over the $150 I might have saved had the so-called “car tax” been repealed. Where do they hear this urgent scream on that matter? It’s all BS to me.

By Dennis

April 8, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten’s column, today, offers a lot of “shoot’im down” opportunities. (In fact, too many). But there is one paragraph with one idea that bears not overlooking, and in fact, needs to be looked at in a broader scope.

“It’s not that I want comity at the top. Worse than the squabbles that lead to nothing would be relationships in one-party government that allowed a handful of top leaders to go behind closed doors and agree on which laws to pass. Institutional tension is not the problem. Changing one personality is not the solution.”

While Mr. Wooten is meaning our state government, we need to pause and think about this at the national level.

Both the internal and the national disasters that this country is experiencing is because of “relationships in one-party government that allowed a handful of top leaders to go behind closed doors”. (I don’t recall Mr. Wooten complaining about that).

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, and a host of others have not been held accountable for the deaths of Americans and Iraqis in a needless war.

And the attitude of Dick Cheney’s “So?” should cause all of us to put aside political party values and gag at his amoral value of human life.

Every “journalist” in the country should have written about that, including Mr. Wooten.

Come our next elections, changing personalities in the White House and Congress may not solve all of our problems, but hopefully, if we are to survive as a country, it will damned well help.

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

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

It does sorta come down to whether the rascals are serving us or serving the special interests, but it’s both simpler and more complicated than that. “Special interests” include the Friends Service Committee (Quakers), the Federation of the Blind, and the Library Association. So in that way it gets complicated; a rascal can serve us sometimes by serving them.

It’s simpler just to calculate whether a particular rascal, or candidate for rascalhood, is serving us or anyone or anything else; if the latter, then excommunicate. Most rascals will serve whatever, whomever and wherever such service serves to serve themselves. Sometimes we make the list, sometimes we don’t. Usually we fall farther and farther down a rascal’s list the longer she “serves”.

To me, deciding on party affiliation is largely an attempt to minimize political adultery, and to keep my concerns—-not all of which are selfish—-as near the top of a given rascal’s list as possible, for as long as possible. If a rascal will keep those concerns high on the list, I have an interest in preserving the right to reelect her time and again, term limits be damned.

A good rascal is so hard to find.

By Captain Freedom

April 8, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

THE Captain, ever vigilant in His service to defend Our Nation, noticed this drivel from yet another dirty effing hippie naysayer who wants Our Fighting Men and Women to lose the War:

*“Today’s Army is out of balance. The current demand for our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan exceeds the sustainable supply, and limits our ability to provide ready forces for other contingencies… . Soldiers, families, support systems and equipment are stretched and stressed… . Overall, our readiness is being consumed as fast as we build it. If unaddressed, this lack of balance poses a significant risk to the all-volunteer force and degrades the Army’s ability to make a timely response to other contingencies.”

Why does this Gen. Richard A. Cody, so-called Army Vice Chief of Staff, hate America?? And why didn’t Congress jail him for contempt for saying such things?

THE Captain calls upon Barack Obamandingo to repudiate and condemn the speaker behind this anti-American diatribe.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

James @ 10:33,

When the General Assembly convened, there was buzz in the Dome about tax-cutting being on the GOP menu, so various Republicans went looking for taxes (and fees) to cut. The “car tax” was one of them. No strategy to it, in other words, just disjointed tactics. An absence of strategy indicates an absence of governing—-as witness the absent Governor.

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Dennis @ 10:45 - Even worse, Wooten himself has led the drumbeat for Complete Rebpulican Control of all branches of government, whether state or federal, for years and years and years. Yet now he’s got the cojones to claim that “It’s not that I want comity at the top.”?

What a heapin’, stinkin’ pile of caca del toro. Jim could fertilize every bit of greenspace on the entire Beltline with that one sentence.

Sorry, Jim-Bo. You got what you wanted, what you wished so incredibly fervently for - so quit whining about it.

By Peter

April 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

“By Steve

April 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Peter, that is the best post I’ve read in here in weeks.”

Thank you Steve, as a true “Independent” I have zero party lines to cross.

It just seems that the two party system, along with the Electoral Vote idea is totally antiquated.

If I understand why we have the electoral College, it was created when ONLY white land owning Males had a right to vote…..is that correct ?

If I am correct, that system has zero place in today’s society !

Think about this, if you vote in a state for a President, and the state votes the other way….. YOUR VOTE DOESN’T COUNT AT ALL !

How in the world can more Americans actually vote for a President, and yet he looses the election ? How is that Correct ?

No wonder American’s don’t vote !

Also how has the Lobbyist gotten so POWERFUL ?

Why do Americans put up with this in our System ?

Jim Whooten today has really opened a huge can of worms…. and it is one that I believe will be continuesly squashed by BOTH parties.

The reason I believe they will, is so they can negotiate behind closed doors, and create what ever they want.

End results are what we have today…. private negotiations that at times may or may not have anything to do with what is BEST for America !

Our system is NOT WORKING !

By Less Bored

April 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Glenn @ 11:06,

Your words do ring true. Watching our State leaders trying to play follow the leader is something for a muse ment.

By Jackie

April 8, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Gen. Petraeus is before a Senate committee trying to “find his voice” on Iraq.

He is trying to put his big spin on the war, the US involvement and what benefit it has brought to us.

John Warner(R-VA) asked him directly, “what safety benefit has this war brought to America?”

He mumbled and fumbled around with his reply eventually stating “there is progress in Iraq.”

His bottom line is, there will be no troop reduction in Iraq until the next President comes into office. The policy is designed to help Dubya buttress his rebuilding of a failed legacy.

By Less Bored

April 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Aren’t we all like the cow on the other side of the fence from time to time. It’s only bovine nature to want to sample the greener stuff on the other side of the fence. Once you get there and sample the goods and find out that it was just recently fertilized with cow manure, it’s only natural to miss what you once had — knowledge of where the patties lie. Taste fate, less thrilling. Moooooo!

By Jim Jones

April 8, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

What I have said about our government at the national level also applies at the state level. I just never expected Mr. Wooten to support it. “We have the best government money can buy and we deserve it!”

By George Washington

April 8, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Ah yes, the Elitist zionist speaks…If the opinion of the troops on the ground in Iraq is different than the zionist party line, then attack the people who obtained the opinion…What the troops in Iraq is a leader who will take command and turn the army due West to attack the true enemy….The Zionist puppet masters behind the Chimp and his Chimpettes….I will never forgive the zionist for masterminding the American War of Extermination against arabs and muslims, and when the chips are down, my thumb will be down on Israel and ALL of its supporters….Wolfie, Pearlie, Liar Libbie, and Filty Feithie are just the tip of the zionist ice berg in WashingASS….

By jbmlaw

April 8, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Dear Captain @ 10:53, a great quote I read this morning, with a different view:

“The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract…. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

At least the Esquire @ 12:01 has one thing right - both Gettysburg and The Surge resulted tragedies on a national scale.

By Camus

April 8, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Glenn,

Just happened to be browsing your Lincoln sampler today? Alas that he was not describing the waste of life that has gone down in Iraq. Perhaps a quote from Henry V to support your views? “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, / Or close the wall up with our American dead!” We can trot out all the dead guy quotes we like, it will not change the facts on the ground.

That quote posted by the captain should give you pause as to yet another dimension of the squandering this adminstration has engaged in. But war supporters never give credence to any military voices who harsh their happy war buzz (cf the responses to Geo Wash. @ 9:55, or to Adm Fallon, or the multiple retired brass who have balled bullsh!t on this war etc.), while there are always careerists like Petraeus happy to climb the ladder by toeing the party line.

By Camus

April 8, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Sorry, the last was a response to jbm @ 12:01, not to Glenn. Mea culpa, but it really is difficult to tell them apart sometimes.

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Camus @ 12:37 - Actually, it’s easy-ish to mentally separate Glenn and The Esquire. Glenn will usually post after actually reading the words he’s responding to, instead of the Ray Bolger-esque Strawman Factory known as The Esquire.

By Gladiator

April 8, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

(CNN) — Barack Obama continues to chip away at Hillary Clinton’s lead in the crucial state of Pennsylvania, a new Quinnipiac poll out Tuesday shows.

The New York senator’s lead over Obama now stands at 6 points in the new poll, 50-44 percent. That compares to the 9 point lead Clinton held in a similar survey released 5 days ago, and an 11 point lead in a Quinnipiac survey late last month.

Specifically, Clinton has lost ground among white voters and men: She now holds an 18 point lead among whites, down from a 25 point gap in last week’s poll, and trails Obama by 4 points among males. Last week, the two drew equal support from men.

But Clinton continues to remain strong with her core voting bloc of older voters and white women, and likely Pennsylvania Democratic voters rate her more favorably than Obama — 71 percent for Clinton and 67 percent for Obama.

With the latest Quinnipiac poll, CNN’s poll of several recent surveys show Clinton’s lead over Obama in Pennsylvania now averages 6 percentage points. That gap is 1 point less than Monday’s poll of polls and 5 points less than a CNN poll of polls on Friday.

What’s behind the shift?

“Obama has outspent Hillary Clinton three to one just on television advertising in Pennsylvania. He spent more than $3 million trying to get his name out and his message out to Hillary Clinton’s $1 million,” said Mark Preston, a CNN political editor.

The Illinois senator has also heavily benefited from the Service Employees International Union, which according to recently filed FEC reports has spent well over $700,000 on get-out-the-vote-efforts there.

From: CNN Ticker Producer Alex Mooney Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton

By George Washington

April 8, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Obama is an order of magnitude better than Hillarity the Clown or McCancer Face, but he is still a political w h ore, and should never be trusted….

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t discount any voices coming out of Iraq—-especially not those of people I know. It is a ludicrous lie, however, to say that because ABC found four soldiers who support Obama, therefore “the troops have spoken” and we now know “the opinion of the troops on the ground.” And why would one want four “mass murderers” to vote, anyway? (ABC doesn’t explain.)

By Dave

April 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Gearge Washington….I was “born” a jew…yet I’m not one to “believe” in fairy tails…of there being ANY god (well except for Ted Haggard)…. take me on… What would you consider ME? SAme as Hitler did? Well? to YOU sir..am i a jew…or an ATHIEST? See…. all of you that believe in a so called “god”…need to get on Noah’s ark and sail away….either that or give me “proof”….as YOUR god…well…SHE SUCKS!

By Gary

April 8, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Computer: Play back Jbmlaw’s last comment, “…..Aye, we’ve got to take over the ship of state…..”

I charge mutiny against Jbmlaw and order a court martial tribune where his guilt or innocence will determine what we do with him! Spock? “Captain, it appears jbmlaw has conspired mutiny. I could give him the Vulcan pinch and get rid of him now, I mean, why give him a chance to get away?”

Captain: You dont get it, do you Spock. You just dont get it.

Spock: “But captain, I could…”

Captain: Zip-it!

SPock: “…But..”

Captain: “Zip!”

Spock: “…but I could…”

Captain: “Come listen to my story ‘bout a man named ZIP!”

By Camus

April 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Glenn (it is Glenn, right?),

The “mass murderers” are not the troops who are sent to Iraq and compelled by training to follow orders. The mass murderers are the people like Dubya and Cheney and Rumsfeld et al who ginned up this ill-begotten adventure. But as with the torture convictions around Abu Ghraib, it is the troops on the ground who will pay the price for this horror, not the suits at the top who set the disaster in motion. They get retirement packages and think tank sinecures and hefty speaking fees.

By getalife

April 8, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Clinton: “It’s Time to Begin The Orderly Process of Removing Our Troops”

Now that is leadership.

Iraq has a $60 billion surplus.

WTF? Stop giving them welfare and spend on our country.

By Disgusted

April 8, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

The news keeps getting more entertaining. According to a new book (The Real McCain, by Cliff Schecter), McCain not only called his wife a c*nt in public but also

All these events were witnessed by at least two sources.

This guy is WWIII waiting to happen, and you guys want to elect him president?

By Camus

April 8, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Hey gLibertarians,

“The secretary of homeland security was granted the power in 2005 to void any federal law that might interfere with fence building on the border. For good measure, Congress forbade the courts to second-guess the secretary’s determinations. So long as Mr. Chertoff is willing to say it is necessary to void a given law, his word is final.”

Yet another admin official who is placed above the law. You happy yet with your embrace of the GOP, oh ye Defenders of Freedom?

By George Washington

April 8, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Dave, as long as you are loyal to America, and America only, you are A OK in my book…but if you put the interests of Israel first, then my thumb goes DOWN..and don’t give me the usual lie that the interests of America and the interests of Israel are the same, they are NOT….

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Oui, c’est moi mon ami Camus. I was just exptrapolating General Washington’s logic, which made it clear that the troops have spoken, that they have spoken to ABC News, and that they have said that they want to be withdrawn “from the the SHAME OF AMERICAN MASS MURDER, IRAQ.” ABC did provide the names of the four individuals who speak for U.S. military personnel serving in that theatre, and it would be a straightforward matter to ascertain their units and therefore their mailing addresses should we wish to ask to explain on behalf of the troops there how the troops came to be ashamed of the mass murder committed by Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney and Mr. Rumsfeld.

By Camus

April 8, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Dang, Glenn, someone just posted that you actually read before you pounce. Not in this case. The remark about MASS MURDERERS was GW’s own, and appeared nowhere in the article. And I’ll surmise that GW would lay the guilt on the same doorstep as would I.

But I do grant that the laziness of the press corp lends itself to these kinds of meaningless stories. Four people does not a trend define. I do not ascribe it much importance.

But the legitimate polls that do exist indicate that many in the military (and their families) are turning against the GOP in a way I can’t ever remember. Consider: Gore took 20% of the active military vote in 2000. In 2004, Kerry took almost double that. I would bet that the Dem nominee will break 50% this November. The troops (and the brass that is willing and able to speak freely) are getting sick of this pointless war. The idea that there is some real progress to show — something that Moqtada couldn’t undo within a few days, that is — is a fiction. Even Lord Petraeus looks tired trying to kite this nonsense today.

But hey, thanks for the response. Your doppelganger jbm seems to be ducking my questions today. No doubt they do not rise to the level of seriousness required for such an august thinker to consider.

By W

April 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

My loyal followers,

It has come to my attention that 50,000 people have been murdered. This is tantamount to genocide and we must not tolerate… Whisper, whisper, mumble memble, Ahem, Thump, Thump, Is this thing on Anyway, it has come to my attention that the surge is still a success.

Thank You, Your Leader, W

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Camus @ 2:19 - Well, I did say that Glenn usually read thru things before his patella started twitching, just not always…

By W

April 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

My loyal believers,

It has been brought to my attention that we are now in a R…in a R…in a Re…, a Recession. There. I said it, OK! Sorry to burst your bubble, jbmlaw. Did I say bubble and burst in the same sentence. I made a funny. Watch me tap dance.

Thank You, Your Leader, W

By Shark Sammich

April 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Glennda at 2:04 proposed…

ABC did provide the names of the four individuals who speak for U.S. military personnel serving in that theatre, and it would be a straightforward matter to ascertain their units and therefore their mailing addresses

I’m sure some Cheeto-stained 101st Keyboard Kommando is trying to do that even as I type. O boy, are they ever hoppin’ mad at that there ABC story!

The nerve! To quote actual soldiers willing to acknowledge that someone who was right about the folly of this mission in the first place might make a better President than people who’ve been wrong from the get-go! How dare they!

By getalife

April 8, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Well, w finally shed some tears on the fallen Naval Seal at his ceremony.

Well done CNN.

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

getalife @ 3:22 - Are you sure it’s just because DaddyDick told Duh-Bya that he couldn’t have a cookie before Duh’s afternoon nap?

By Gary

April 8, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Glenn you would only use the term “theatre” when describing different strategic fronts. Iraq/Aghanistan is considered the same theatre. Japan and Germany were two different theatre of war in WW2.

But other than that, I’ve noticed you’ve been blogging nicely.

Keep it up. We need discussion. You’re a great help.

By GeorgiaLegislatorsAreCriminals

April 8, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Jim, I realize you have a limited amount of space and can’t possibly cover all the idiotic things that Georgia’s legislators have done, but you left out one of their most anti-American, immoral “accomplishments” from last Friday. The geniuses passed a couple more feel-good, illegal, worse-than-worthless, counter-productive “sex offender” retroactive punishment laws (SB 1 and SB 474).

These laws will “work” just as Georgia’s sex offender registry and associated banishment laws work. They will only harm citizens who are living law-abiding lives. They will do absolutely nothing to hinder anyone who has any intention of doing anything illegal.

Georgia has officially cemented its status as a Criminal Regime. As such, the state, its agents, and the citizens who support the “sex offender” legislation will be actively and legally thwarted, attacked, and delivered retribution, including the taking of compensatory and punitive damages. Long ago, those people lost the moral high ground to the people listed on Georgia’s sex offender registry. The time for payback is far overdue.

By liberalextremist

April 8, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

To Mr. Wooten, the state of Georgia in particular The Honorable Governor Sonny Perdue, The Honorable Casey Cagle and The Honorable Glenn Richardson demand that you turn in your Republican membership card immediately (AS IN NOW)! Such betrayal is not allowed even with journalist.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Jbmlaw, I read sowell’s random thoughts. He’s good. He seemed to complain about Rachel Ray’s picture turning up in too many places like tv, magazines, boxes of crackers…..it makes me wonder if he wishes he’d see her picture on a milk carton too.

By TAFKAH

April 8, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

For Sowell to title his simpleton ramblings “random” is an unecessary redundant repitition. It does, however, have the virtue of truth-in-advertising.

By Darth

April 8, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

I applaude Jim Wooten for not making excuses for the bozos in the Gold Dome. It was just a matter of time until this group of wannabe players would self destruct. The fault starts at the top. You listening Sonny? My momma use to say, “Boy, you can’t make a silk purse out the sow’s ear!” But it seems we have plenty to choose from.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Camus & GGG,

I was well aware of which were the words of ABC and which were GW’s spin of ABC’s words. The story is silly enough, the spin ridiculous. Nowhere did I attribute the “mass murder” scrawlings a la Chez Tate-Polanski to ABC. But since GW has established that the U.S. is engaged in mass murder in Iraq, I do continue to wonder at ABC’s failure to explain its interest in soliciting the electoral opinions of those so engaged. Perhaps next week they will treat us to a story about four Obama supporters in Vacaville Prison with Charley.

Gary @ 3:49,

Thank you for pointing out my misapplication of the term “theatre”, as that usage does contradict my longstanding view that Iraq has not been an active theatre of operation since the invasion, such that we are not there in a state of war, but rather are occupying forces. As the veterans benefits now under consideration in the Capitol and on this blog will be allocated in part on the basis of “days in theatre”, that puts you and me in the position of advocating for the provision of full benefits only to those who served in theatre—-that is, between March 20, 2003 and May of that year—-during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Let’s hope that the final version of the proposed G.I. Bill does not draw the definition of “theatre” so judiciously.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Yes, Glenn, that does give us something 2hope4

Excellent point, Darth, and your mother was very wise about silk purses and sows ears. In fact, Lloyd’s of London offers 1 million pounds to anyone who can make a silk purse like that, but who would be dumb enough to take the million when if you could change molecular arrangements of matter, you’d conquer der verld like heetler almost did mit der panzers.

Tafkah, Sowell’s remarks work on two levels. Yes, a casual glance would dismay expectations, but if you look closer, and realize that Sowell is paraphrasing a little known parody of politics called “mein Kampf”, then you’d see the genius.

Galegislaturearecriminals: Nothing can hinder an assassin, or a molester. We are free to do. What kind of a world do you want to observe yourself in?

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Glenn @ 4:26 - News Alert, Buck-O: You’re wanting the attention of GW and/or Camus, so I don’t know why you think you’re responding to me. If you’d actually read this thread, you’d have been seen that I came to your defense earlier, doofus.

By George Washington

April 8, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Get ready for grinding poverty, you stinking Repuke neoscum, its a coming, thanks to the trillion wasted in Iraq, the half trillion we have given to israel, and the thieves at the military-industrial complex, and the wall street so called “smart boys”…pay back will be hell…

By Gary

April 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

If you are healthy, then the USA is the greatest place to live on earth. If you are sick, then North Korea is the greatest place to live on earth.

Health. Have you ever estimated how much money your health is worth? Would you take 1 million for your left eye? 10 million? 100 million?

What about your sense of taste. Would you part with 1 million for that? Smell? Hearing?

Your ability to walk, or run. 1 Million? 10 million?

Your dingdong. 1 Million? Think about it.

If you’re a healthy American, then you are a very fortunae person indeed.

By TW

April 8, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. commander in Iraq told Congress on Tuesday he plans to stop U.S. troop withdrawals in July due to fragile security gains

So, it was indeed a ‘build-up,’ and never a ‘surge.’

Incompetence at every turn.

May God give us a Commander in Chief worthy of our troops’ sacrifice.

By Dave

April 8, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Too bad Sonny and Co. are not sleeping with hookers. Maybe if they did, they’d be “happy” and get those sticks out of their A$$’s and do something for US….you know…”people”…. I’d be HAPPY if they used my tax dollars to buy escorts… I’d at least feel my money went to something “useful”…if only for a minute or so…drip drip drip….

By Dusty

April 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Well, I see that all the keyboard kruisers and the simpering sycophants are here today doing their “thing”. U know. Trashing the country, the President, the troops,the generals, the Governor and even Jim Wooten.

How they raise the cry..The (USA) system isn’t working all to indicate THEY know how to run things but NOBODY else does. Then they throw in a little French to show their extreme cleverness.

Ah well, Jim Wooten gave us a clear picture of his “day of discontent” and no wonder. Less Bored @ 8:55 sensibly suggested giving projects some time to work out as in the Georgia assembly. And Glenn sensibly suggested that four soldiers does not an army make and their words in Iraq are not a poll of all soldiers. Yes, indeed.

But the prize goes to jbmlaw for repeating the Gettysberg Address for us at noon. I stop and read those words everytime I enter the National Cemetery at Beaufort, SC where my parents are buried. Lincoln’s address is on a metal sign near the gate for all to read. Those words still bring the most honorable and comforting sense within us.

Lincoln, like Bush, shifted his generals until he found a winner. Little celebrated at the time for his presidency, Lincoln has come to us in history as one of the greatest. Bush will also shine in history as one who never gave up but held on for victory. McCain will follow in his footsteps.

Goodnight all…

By GayGreyGeek

April 8, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

TW @ 5:12 - If it was up to God, we’d have one. Unfortunately, it’s up to voters such as those around here, many (most?) of whom would cast their ballot for anything that’s got a “-R” after their names that their Paleocon “leaders” such as Rush, Hannity, or Wooten tell ‘em to vote for. Or, in the case of Obama, whom to vote against.

By Dave

April 8, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Dusty, comparing Bush to Lincoln is like comparing Ted Haggard to Einstein. Bush and Haggard are closet queens that get their “advice” from a mythical comic fable figure…and Lincoln and Einstein had BRAINS…not only did they have brains…they understood “reason”…. Now go hop into your SUV and ride off into the sunset so e can all see you “support our troops” ribbon on the back… while you sit around getting fat eating junk and thinking we are fighting a “war” over in Iraq. You see…we know who OUR troops are…it’s just that the “enemy”…is not one who was there before we showed up…and all we’ve done is create more of them. You MUST be a product of the fine “schooling” made available down here in the South…it shows…

By BadOleBoys

April 8, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Dave @ 5:13,

Dave. Really. A full minute. You are such the optimist.

By TW

April 8, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

GGG - notice none of them will take a straight up bet on their candidate? While the rightwing might plunge their head into the sand at at the mention of dead American soldiers, talking about their purse makes ‘em sit up straight.

Gonna be a lot of wide eyed Rs when St. Peter points at the slide…

By AmVet

April 8, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Dave at 5:13, that reminds me of the sign: Would somebody please give President Bush a Bl0wjob?

TW, very well said. And though I know we deserve so much better, I can’t help but hang my head and wonder about the numb skulls who voted for this gang. TWICE!!

We have met the enemy and he is us.

Crusty, nice alliteration, but methinks it is you Bushbots who are the sycophants…

By Dave

April 8, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Well to be honest “BadOleBoys”…i was giving them an “allowance” for time needed to get an erection before…? I just KNOW that they’d be more productive had they all had some “escort” time each night before they went into session… My guess….is lots and lots of them would have called “gay” escort agencies… just because they wanted and ammendment prohibiting gay marriage a few years ago…does not mean they don’t like to “bend over”… they weren’t LOOKING for marriage themselves…they already had “cold fish” at home…;-)

By Dang

April 8, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

We have a State legislature? Dang. Ya learn the darndest things reading the paper.

By Gary

April 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

No, dusty, you get the award for being a decent human being. And a woman? who knows about the civil war and Lincoln’s role as commander in chief? What a lucky guy whoever it is that gets to take you to dinner and so much is open for conversation!!

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

I know, GGG @ 4:44, and I appreciated it. I addressed the last to you because of your 2:56, concurring with Camus’ argument that I hadn’t read GW. I had done.

Namejacker alert! Dusty @ 4:04…

By Dusty

April 8, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Now, the dirty dozen with Dave have arrived. I guess the madrassa is out for spring break.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

By Dang

April 8, 2008 5:42 PM: “We have a State legislature? Dang. Ya learn the darndest things reading the paper.”

Yes, Dang, but not to worry; No Assembly Required.

By Dusty

April 8, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Glenn,@5:45

Thank you, Glenn, but I didn’t get home until 4:30. I use only one ID and that is Dusty.

R U A little mixed up these days?

Gone to eat chili…

By Dave

April 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Dusty, And if any of us DID go to a Madrassa…why would that matter? Is your CHURCH one that holds the answers to the “only’ god? Perhaps you fail to recognize that YOUR religion is not the majority around the world. Muslims hold the title to most that believe in fiction as fact…yours is second banana..Though…As foolish as ALL religions are….Yours is BY FAR the worst of them all. It is the biggest BREEDERS of MASS BIGOTRY and HATRID.

By Glenn

April 8, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

I’m glad you’re planning on eating some chili, Dusty. It’ll be good for your salvation. Of course I realize that you didn’t compose the 4:04; it would have been honest of you to have done, as it is entirely consistent with your binary brain.

I thought to credit the 4:04 to you only because it occurred to me that I might understand you better were I to experiment with hurling spurious accusations based on idiotic reasoning.

By GaLiberal

April 8, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Moron Jim says: Anybody know what the leaders are trying to do with this government? I don’t.

What a revelation there Moron Jim. You must be a frickin’ genius. The Rethuglicons have completely screwed this state into the ground. Their ham-fisted approach to good governance has left everyone at risk. Of course, the lobbyists and special interests like the NRA have made out like bandits. Payday and title loan companies can charge 300%+ to those that can least afford it all because one legislator wants to be richer. Sparklers are now legal because Glenn Richardson wants to sell fireworks in GA to capture all that “lost” money to TN and AL. Never mind that children get severe burns from these things. The Rethuglicons reworked the funding formula for road projects to siphon off more gas tax money from the metro area to fund pet projects in their home districts. Then they propose an additional tax for ‘transit projects’ (read roads). They passed one of the stupidest laws possible by allowing people to carry guns on public transit and into restaunts. You can get a steak with your gun, but no booze. What are restaurant owners to do? Wand everyone with a metal detector to verify they aren’t packing heat before serving them a beer? And the proposed multi-billion dollar “tax cut” pandering to the lowbrows in the gene pool just to grab some votes. Guess what - there ain’t no such thing as a tax cut. You just pay for it in other ways. At least the Laughing Fat Man had the brains to know it was stupid. I could go on and on like locking up children for long prison sentences for consensual sex or making it impossible for those dreaded child molesters to live anywhere in the state. I truely miss the wisdom and intelligence of Tom Murphy. He would never have allowed such complete incompentence.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And the Rethuglicon-controlled legislature is living proof.

By GayGreyGeek

April 9, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

I guess Jim doesn’t want to hear anything from his non-sycophants today, since none of the links for today’s post can be found at the AJC site?

By Gary

April 9, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

He’s not missing anything, Geek.

By GayGreyGeek

April 9, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Gary - It’s not like Jim would pretend to “listen” to anyone that’s not one of his parrots, anyway. Most Paleocons, such as Jim, only want to “listen” to their BobbleDittoHeads anyway…

By Steve

April 9, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

The people of Georgia got what they voted for. I hope the State Government gives to them exactly what they deserve.