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On a Roll
Author: Raine
Date: 06/23/2011 13:04:59
Way back in May, we found out that Osama Bin Laden was no longer on the FBI most wanted list, very early this morning Scoopster informed us that the FBI finally captured 'Whitey' Bulger. I know the New England contingent of the blog will be happy with this news. Plus there is the added bonus that there are 2 more job opening on the most wanted list! I am waiting for Mitt Romney to take credit for this one. He did, after all, force his brother out as President of UMass...
Also in this mornings news is information that the person involved with last week's security scare at the Pentagon may have been involved with shootings in Chantilly Virginia and Quantico. It appears that a much more critical situation has been averted. This pleases the Virginia contingent of the blog. Law enforcement is doing its job. Much like the alleged Times Square (almost) Bomber, this is what provides national and local security: capturing those that would harm us before they succeed in doing so. This I like to see.
And, last night we heard from the President with regard to our troops in Afghanistan. From the Atlantic: While I have made it clear that I wanted to see a much larger drawdown, I can appreciate this approach. The President doesn't appear to be basing his decisions as the former administration said in 2007: "White House officials on Monday said the political pressure to leave Iraq would abate when conditions on the ground appeared more positive." That was a mere 4 years into that particular combat front.
I know this is not Iraq, but I am pleased to finally see the end in sight. After 10 long years, we can hold out hope that this will end. As the President said last night,
The question is: does Congress have the fire in the belly to help accomplish this? There are a lot of other people doing their jobs, as referenced above. Now is the time for Congress to step up and help rebuild this nation. Now is the time for them to stand with our country to make it better. The President is doing his job. It may not be enough for some people, and too much for others (cough-John-McCain-cough) but he is doing what he said he would do. I would like to see the Legislative branch of Government do theirs. I could make a few suggestions. How about we start with a jobs package, maybe one that invests in rebuilding OUR nation's infrastructure? One man can't do it all. Law enforcement can't do it all. It takes a team effort to make this country go forward and recover. If we want to be exceptional, we need to take care of ourselves here at home.
and 
Raine
Also in this mornings news is information that the person involved with last week's security scare at the Pentagon may have been involved with shootings in Chantilly Virginia and Quantico. It appears that a much more critical situation has been averted. This pleases the Virginia contingent of the blog. Law enforcement is doing its job. Much like the alleged Times Square (almost) Bomber, this is what provides national and local security: capturing those that would harm us before they succeed in doing so. This I like to see.
And, last night we heard from the President with regard to our troops in Afghanistan. From the Atlantic:
Tomorrow's newspaper and TV headlines will, undoubtedly, focus on the President's announcement that he will be drawing down 33,000 surge troops by the summer of 2012. There's no question that this matters, particularly to those 33,000 Americans and their families. But more important than troop numbers is how the military prosecutes the war going forward. The military will now have only one more fighting season -- between now and the arrival of winter -- to wage war against the Taliban at relatively full troop levels. Plans to send more troops into Afghanistan's eastern provinces will likely be permanently shelved. And unlike his 2009 West Point speech announcing the surge, the President was clear in stating that the troop drawdown will "continue . . . at a steady pace" and not be dependent on conditions on the ground.
All of this suggests that the Obama administration is pushing the military away from a strategy of stabilization and pacification in Afghan's most insecure regions (proponents call this approach counterinsurgency, critics tend to call it nation-building) and toward a more limited counter-terrorism strategy. On the ground, this will likely mean more drones, more special forces operations to eliminate high value targets, and a focus on consolidating what Obama called the "fragile, but reversible" gains already made in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. That is perhaps not as far as some in the President's own party would like him to have gone, but it is a clear renunciation of the military's preferred approach to the war.
I know this is not Iraq, but I am pleased to finally see the end in sight. After 10 long years, we can hold out hope that this will end. As the President said last night,
The question is: does Congress have the fire in the belly to help accomplish this? There are a lot of other people doing their jobs, as referenced above. Now is the time for Congress to step up and help rebuild this nation. Now is the time for them to stand with our country to make it better. The President is doing his job. It may not be enough for some people, and too much for others (cough-John-McCain-cough) but he is doing what he said he would do. I would like to see the Legislative branch of Government do theirs. I could make a few suggestions. How about we start with a jobs package, maybe one that invests in rebuilding OUR nation's infrastructure? One man can't do it all. Law enforcement can't do it all. It takes a team effort to make this country go forward and recover. If we want to be exceptional, we need to take care of ourselves here at home.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Scoopster on 06/23/2011 13:15:26
Scoopster on 06/23/2011 13:15:26
Mornin' all.. 
So I heard Sarah Palin ended her bus tour because she got jury duty.. WHERE'S THE SUMMONS?
So I heard Sarah Palin ended her bus tour because she got jury duty.. WHERE'S THE SUMMONS?
Comment by 
TriSec on 06/23/2011 13:22:13
TriSec on 06/23/2011 13:22:13
Morning, comrades!
I'm part Sicilian; we consider the Irish Mafia to be more like Triple-A ball.
As far as today's blog goes, you hit it on the head with this: "The question is, does Congress have the fire in the belly to help accomplish this?"
I've long believed the answer lies in things we have already tried and have proof from history that it works. Six letters: WPA...CCC.
If congress is worried about paying for it....how about a windfall tax on the oil companies, mothball a half-dozen aircraft carriers, and get the hell out of Iraq and Afghanistan? That would probably do the trick.
But then, they wouldn't get those massive campaign donations to keep themselves in power, would they?
I'm part Sicilian; we consider the Irish Mafia to be more like Triple-A ball.
As far as today's blog goes, you hit it on the head with this: "The question is, does Congress have the fire in the belly to help accomplish this?"
I've long believed the answer lies in things we have already tried and have proof from history that it works. Six letters: WPA...CCC.
If congress is worried about paying for it....how about a windfall tax on the oil companies, mothball a half-dozen aircraft carriers, and get the hell out of Iraq and Afghanistan? That would probably do the trick.
But then, they wouldn't get those massive campaign donations to keep themselves in power, would they?
Comment by 
Raine on 06/23/2011 13:38:25
Raine on 06/23/2011 13:38:25
Quite honestly, Congress could have defunded this war when the Dems were in charge.
Comment by 
BobR on 06/23/2011 13:49:28
The Republicans are more than happy to defund the NATO action in Libya.
BobR on 06/23/2011 13:49:28
Quote by Raine:
Quite honestly, Congress could have defunded this war when the Dems were in charge.
The Republicans are more than happy to defund the NATO action in Libya.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 13:52:41
Raine on 06/23/2011 13:52:41
You know in the end, I believe that Obama is cleaning up the B*sh mess. That it is taking so long, shows how big a damn mess he made of things.
I REALLY don't believe that he WANTS to remain in Afghanistan. We made things even more unstable over there. What was it that that is attributed to Colin Powell? You break it, you own it. Also known as the Pottery barn rule.
Well, Obama didn't break it, but he did own it. and now he is cleaning it up. Slowly in my opinion, but I still believe the mess is THAT big.
Here is the reality, Pottery barn does not have that rule, if something breaks, it is written off as a loss. Perhaps the President is writing all of this off as a loss, finally, because in reality, that is all it ever was.
I REALLY don't believe that he WANTS to remain in Afghanistan. We made things even more unstable over there. What was it that that is attributed to Colin Powell? You break it, you own it. Also known as the Pottery barn rule.
Well, Obama didn't break it, but he did own it. and now he is cleaning it up. Slowly in my opinion, but I still believe the mess is THAT big.
Here is the reality, Pottery barn does not have that rule, if something breaks, it is written off as a loss. Perhaps the President is writing all of this off as a loss, finally, because in reality, that is all it ever was.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 06/23/2011 13:53:46
I dunno Tri, LCN has never been a power in Boston. It has been people like Whitey who have controled OC Boston. Now, down Providence way, that's another story. :queues "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," downs some Jamesons, headbutts a random person:
You forgot letting the Bush tax cut expire!
Mondobubba on 06/23/2011 13:53:46
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades!
I'm part Sicilian; we consider the Irish Mafia to be more like Triple-A ball.
As far as today's blog goes, you hit it on the head with this: "The question is, does Congress have the fire in the belly to help accomplish this?"
I've long believed the answer lies in things we have already tried and have proof from history that it works. Six letters: WPA...CCC.
If congress is worried about paying for it....how about a windfall tax on the oil companies, mothball a half-dozen aircraft carriers, and get the hell out of Iraq and Afghanistan? That would probably do the trick.
But then, they wouldn't get those massive campaign donations to keep themselves in power, would they?
I dunno Tri, LCN has never been a power in Boston. It has been people like Whitey who have controled OC Boston. Now, down Providence way, that's another story. :queues "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," downs some Jamesons, headbutts a random person:
You forgot letting the Bush tax cut expire!
Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2011 13:57:16
TriSec on 06/23/2011 13:57:16
Whitey had been linked to the Gardner Museum theft....wonder if any new leads on that will come of this?
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 13:58:10
I still believe the President will hold to that promise.
Raine on 06/23/2011 13:58:10
Quote by Mondobubba:
You forgot letting the Bush tax cut expire!
Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2011 14:00:16
TriSec on 06/23/2011 14:00:16
Oh, remembering something else; Whitey had a big hand in running guns to the IRA back in the 80s. Almost forgot about that.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 15:08:30
They Might Be Giants posted this as a FB status:
Raine on 06/23/2011 15:08:30
They Might Be Giants posted this as a FB status:
Whitey Bulger finally arrested in Santa Monica after years on the lam. Just another example why it's a mistake to wear a Bruins jersey in California.
Comment by BobR on 06/23/2011 15:11:30
BobR on 06/23/2011 15:11:30
Quote by Raine:
They Might Be Giants posted this as a FB status:Whitey Bulger finally arrested in Santa Monica after years on the lam. Just another example why it's a mistake to wear a Bruins jersey in California.
Comment by BobR on 06/23/2011 15:13:05
He needs a serious bitch-slapping...
BobR on 06/23/2011 15:13:05
Quote by Raine:
Cantor is a dick.
A big one. can I get a serious WTF?
He needs a serious bitch-slapping...
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 06/23/2011 15:23:16
velveeta jones on 06/23/2011 15:23:16
Good Morning!!
Comment by BobR on 06/23/2011 15:27:22
Howdy!
BobR on 06/23/2011 15:27:22
Quote by velveeta jones:
Good Morning!!
Howdy!
Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2011 15:40:48
Scoopster on 06/23/2011 15:40:48
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/23/2011 15:46:12
Mondobubba on 06/23/2011 15:46:12
Quote by Raine:
They Might Be Giants posted this as a FB status:Whitey Bulger finally arrested in Santa Monica after years on the lam. Just another example why it's a mistake to wear a Bruins jersey in California.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 16:00:06
how are you?
Raine on 06/23/2011 16:00:06
Quote by velveeta jones:
Good Morning!!
how are you?
Comment by 
livingonli on 06/23/2011 17:04:12
livingonli on 06/23/2011 17:04:12
Good day. Oh, if only I could get a good night or mornings sleep since I feel so sluggish today.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2011 17:09:26
It's not just you.. I've been feeling like that all week.. sleeping's been tough with the humidity.
Scoopster on 06/23/2011 17:09:26
Quote by livingonli:
Good day. Oh, if only I could get a good night or mornings sleep since I feel so sluggish today.
It's not just you.. I've been feeling like that all week.. sleeping's been tough with the humidity.
Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2011 17:26:24
livingonli on 06/23/2011 17:26:24
I'm in SNY tonight and the Mets are playing this afternoon and since this is interleague this is probably the only day they can get this in so I may be walking into long rain delays.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 17:28:42
Raine on 06/23/2011 17:28:42
The TAX issue IS the conversation you f*cktwads.
Representative Eric Cantor, the No. 2 Republican in the House of Representatives, said participants had identified trillions of dollars in potential spending cuts but were deadlocked over tax increases that Democrats want.
"Regardless of the progress that has been made, the tax issue must be resolved before discussions can continue," he said in a statement.
Republican Senator Jon Kyl also left the talks, an aide said.
House Speaker John Boehner said Democrats must abandon any tax increases for negotiations to continue.
"These conversations could continue if they take the tax hikes out of the conversation," Boehner said. He added tax increases could never pass the Republican-controlled House in any event.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/23/2011 17:33:32
Scoopster on 06/23/2011 17:33:32
He is truly a dumbass.. The tax hikes don't even NEED to pass the House - they will be in effect when the cuts EXPIRE.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 17:58:47
Yup.
You are dead on correct, and I will admit, I forgot about that. (smacks head) that makes this grandstanding even MORE egregious. They are pulling the ultimate strawman.
Thanks for that reminder.
Raine on 06/23/2011 17:58:47
Quote by Scoopster:
He is truly a dumbass.. The tax hikes don't even NEED to pass the House - they will be in effect when the cuts EXPIRE.
You are dead on correct, and I will admit, I forgot about that. (smacks head) that makes this grandstanding even MORE egregious. They are pulling the ultimate strawman.
Thanks for that reminder.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 18:30:12
Raine on 06/23/2011 18:30:12
The GOP is starting to remind me of a suicidal cult that is willing to take the village down with them.
Hitler had more honor -- at least he took a pill in a bunker.
Hitler had more honor -- at least he took a pill in a bunker.
Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2011 18:50:10
TriSec on 06/23/2011 18:50:10
Yes, but that was after Berlin was flaming carnage around him and there was no hope left for anyone.
When the GOP reaches that phase...
When the GOP reaches that phase...
Comment by TriSec on 06/23/2011 18:56:50
TriSec on 06/23/2011 18:56:50
There's still a dark, evil place inside me that wants to see the GOP carry out their plan and stall the debt ceiling, and force the US to default.
I shudder at what would happen around the world, but at this point, if that's what it's going to take to expose them for what they are...I wouldn't be opposed to it happening.
I shudder at what would happen around the world, but at this point, if that's what it's going to take to expose them for what they are...I wouldn't be opposed to it happening.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 19:39:08
T-Spam!
Two great tastes that taste great together!
Hey, at least it's not catfood.
This and a few dandelion greens will meet the FDA food requirements!
Whose got the Bud lite?!?!?
Screw the fruit loops and the beef jerky, THIS is dinner baby!
One helps the heart the other kills. I'll go with spam.
And finally:
Dude, why are we against legalization? this stuff RAWKS.
Raine on 06/23/2011 19:39:08
T-Spam!
Two great tastes that taste great together!
Hey, at least it's not catfood.
This and a few dandelion greens will meet the FDA food requirements!
Whose got the Bud lite?!?!?
Screw the fruit loops and the beef jerky, THIS is dinner baby!
One helps the heart the other kills. I'll go with spam.
And finally:
Dude, why are we against legalization? this stuff RAWKS.
Comment by Raine on 06/23/2011 19:40:04
And yet, hope lived...
Raine on 06/23/2011 19:40:04
Quote by TriSec:
Yes, but that was after Berlin was flaming carnage around him and there was no hope left for anyone.
When the GOP reaches that phase...
Comment by BobR on 06/23/2011 20:45:57
Introducing - the new GOP replacement plan for food stamps!
BobR on 06/23/2011 20:45:57
Quote by Raine:I have added my captions over at the maddow blog on FB:
T-Spam!
Two great tastes that taste great together!
Hey, at least it's not catfood.
This and a few dandelion greens will meet the FDA food requirements!
Whose got the Bud lite?!?!?
Screw the fruit loops and the beef jerky, THIS is dinner baby!
One helps the heart the other kills. I'll go with spam.
And finally:
Dude, why are we against legalization? this stuff RAWKS.
Introducing - the new GOP replacement plan for food stamps!
Comment by livingonli on 06/23/2011 21:19:59
Now with cat food as an option for your culinary needs.
livingonli on 06/23/2011 21:19:59
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:I have added my captions over at the maddow blog on FB:
T-Spam!
Two great tastes that taste great together!
Hey, at least it's not catfood.
This and a few dandelion greens will meet the FDA food requirements!
Whose got the Bud lite?!?!?
Screw the fruit loops and the beef jerky, THIS is dinner baby!
One helps the heart the other kills. I'll go with spam.
And finally:
Dude, why are we against legalization? this stuff RAWKS.
Introducing - the new GOP replacement plan for food stamps!
Now with cat food as an option for your culinary needs.