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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 03/20/2012 10:27:07
Good Morning.
Today is our 3,817th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,913
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,007
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 313, 775, 850, 000 .00
It's been a tough few days on the Veteran's front. I hope you had the chance to catch Mr. Rieckhoff as he made the talk-show circuit this past weekend. In any case, that's not the only incident that's happened. You may have missed it with all the headlines, but a similar incident (albeit on a far smaller scale) took place in San Jose, California.
While I leave you to ponder that, we'll circle back to Iraq for a minute. Yesterday was the 9th anniversary of the start of that ill-advised conflict, and while we may have gone from that theater of war, enemies of peace still remain.
America has a short attention span; we always have. With Afghanistan in increasing turmoil, and Iraq holding on by its fingernails, it would seem that history is going to be a harsh judge of our efforts. One can only hope that we continue to pay attention, but given our history, it would seem unlikely.
Today is our 3,817th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,913
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,007
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
It's been a tough few days on the Veteran's front. I hope you had the chance to catch Mr. Rieckhoff as he made the talk-show circuit this past weekend. In any case, that's not the only incident that's happened. You may have missed it with all the headlines, but a similar incident (albeit on a far smaller scale) took place in San Jose, California.
A 27-year-old Iraq War veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder killed his 11-year-old sister, before fatally turning a gun on himself, according to Gilroy police, who also feared he may have also killed or seriously wounded their mother.
"It's horrible," said Gilroy police Sgt. Chad Gallacinao. "We have no idea where the mom is."
Gilroy police said they rushed to the Redwood Apartments complex on Kern Avenue on Wednesday night after a report that something there might be wrong. When officers arrived, they found the 11-year-old girl -- Lucero -- dead, with a bullet in her head. They also found the body of her older brother, Abel Gutierrez, who had served with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Police said he may have shot their mother, Martha Gutierrez, 52, before turning the gun on himself.
In the weeks leading up to the violence, neighbors and relatives at the complex reported that Abel Gutierrez was known there for his often troubling, frightening and aberrant behavior toward family and strangers. However, on an emergency call to the family residence Feb. 29, police determined the young military veteran did not seem dangerous.
On Thursday, in Gilroy, a police spokesman said, "There was forensic evidence at the scene to suggest that Martha Gutierrez is critically injured or deceased," as they continued searching for her late into the night. Police indicated that at least two firearms were used in the murder-suicide but would not
disclose whether Gutierrez left a note.
Details of Gutierrez's personal experiences in the Middle East were skimpy, but his post-war path indicated some potholes of emotional damage.
A Veterans Affairs spokeswoman in Palo Alto said Gutierrez received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in Puget Sound, Wash. PTSD is an extreme form of anxiety that often makes it difficult for soldiers who have experienced combat to resume normal lives. VA officials in Puget Sound could not be reached for comment.
Relatives and neighbors at the apartment complex described the former soldier as openly troubled. They said he often used profanity at people, threatened them and generally seemed on the edge of some kind of violent outburst.
Faustino Gutierrez, 46, Martha Gutierrez's brother, said the young veteran would sit on the sofa twirling a handgun and also brandished a rifle inside the family's apartment.
"He said he killed a lot of people in Iraq," said Faustino Gutierrez. "It was in his conscience, and he didn't want to live anymore."
He also said that the younger Gutierrez called him from Puget Sound and threatened to kill him.
Abel Gutierrez's niece, Kristell Gutierrez, said he would say he wanted to kill himself "all the time," and would ask family members if that would hurt them.
A neighbor living in an apartment below the family did not allow his daughter, a close friend of Lucero's, to visit the Gutierrez apartment.
"I told her it's better you no longer play inside there," he said. "Things would be quiet then he would cuss for no reason. ... He would pace back and forth in the parking lot ... with just this look on his face that he was lost."
While I leave you to ponder that, we'll circle back to Iraq for a minute. Yesterday was the 9th anniversary of the start of that ill-advised conflict, and while we may have gone from that theater of war, enemies of peace still remain.
If Iraqis were hoping that the withdrawal of U.S. forces last year would finally mean the end of war, al Qaeda and its Sunni militant allies are determined to prove otherwise.
Daily bombings and shootings remain an endemic feature of life. In the past three months, al Qaeda-linked fighters have been blamed for attacks that have killed at least 250 people.
In a particularly poignant reminder of militants' potency this week, gunmen in unauthorized uniforms of special commandos drove from checkpoint to checkpoint in the western town of Haditha before dawn, gunning down police. They killed 27 including two officers dragged from their homes and slain in the street.
A return to the all-out sectarian slaughter that killed tens of thousands of Iraqis in 2006-07 is unlikely. Nor are al Qaeda fighters threatening to again impose their rule over whole swathes of Iraq as they did in the early years after the U.S. invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
But unlike Shi'ite militia groups - which have largely declared they are ready to lay down arms now that U.S. troops have left - al Qaeda and other Sunni groups have shown no sign of giving up the fight. And Iraq's security forces show little sign of the wherewithal to vanquish them once and for all.
Al Qaeda will continue to be a menace until security forces have better intelligence, are more technologically sophisticated and can gain the public's trust in those pockets where the militants still have support.
In the absence of American troops to oppose, al Qaeda and its allies in Iraq have hewed to explicitly sectarian rhetoric, calling on all Sunnis to join them in battle against the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad.
"Know that the coming stage is a stage of real confrontation and war against the despicable (Shi'ites), whether you like it or not," the al Qaeda-affiliated Sunni group Islamic State of Iraq said after claiming responsibility for attacks on Iraqi security forces that killed 60 people on February 23.
Ibrahim al-Shimari, spokesman for the Islamic Army, another militant group, said it would keep fighting as long as "the effects" of the former U.S. occupation still exist.
"We are continuing to defend the Iraqi people and this weapon is the guarantee of the security of the Iraqi people."
Iraqi authorities insist they have the situation under control. Deputy Interior Minister Adnan al-Asadi says attacks have fallen by more than 80 percent compared to past years, with the remaining violence a sign of terrorist groups trying to "prove they are still on the scene".
"After the tightening that happened against al Qaeda and other groups and the heavy blows they received, the detentions of many leaders and members that contributed to cells breaking up, ... sanctuaries and sources of finance are much more restricted," Asadi told Reuters. "That has led these groups to, from time to time, prepare an attack to signify their identity."
Iraq's branch of al Qaeda is only loosely linked to the wider organization founded by Osama bin-Laden, but shares its strong anti-Western ideology and its aim of restoring the strict Sunni Muslim caliphate that ruled the mediaeval Arab world.
In the early years after the fall of Saddam, al Qaeda fighters took control of cities and towns in Sunni-dominated western and central Iraq, resisting the U.S. presence and imposing a stark interpretation of Islamic law.
They also fought Shi'ites, who make up the majority in Iraq but are denounced by al Qaeda as apostates from true Islam.
Eventually al Qaeda's extreme violence and rigid rule alienated Sunni tribes, who teamed up with U.S. troops to drive them out, first from their stronghold in Anbar province and then from other areas. Since 2008 the fighters have no longer controlled significant territory.
Having fought to drive the militants out, Iraqi villages and towns are unlikely to welcome al Qaeda back, Asadi said.
"Al Qaeda will not return to take over any province, including Anbar, because the people of Anbar have tasted the bitterness of al Qaeda," Asadi said.
America has a short attention span; we always have. With Afghanistan in increasing turmoil, and Iraq holding on by its fingernails, it would seem that history is going to be a harsh judge of our efforts. One can only hope that we continue to pay attention, but given our history, it would seem unlikely.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 11:27:48
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 11:27:48
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I fear that we will pay the price of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts for decades to come. There are so many soldiers who have come back home with post traumatic stress disorder and other problems. As for Iraq, I am not surprised that the violence continues.
In some news related to yesterday's blog, the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are opening an independent investigation of the shooting death of Trayvon Marin. Here is the story from the Huffington Post:
TriSec, I fear that we will pay the price of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts for decades to come. There are so many soldiers who have come back home with post traumatic stress disorder and other problems. As for Iraq, I am not surprised that the violence continues.
In some news related to yesterday's blog, the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are opening an independent investigation of the shooting death of Trayvon Marin. Here is the story from the Huffington Post:
Trayvon Martin Case: Justice Department To Investigate Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Florida Teen
By Trymaine Lee
The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have opened an investigation into the "facts and circumstances" surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager shot and killed last month by a neighborhood watch captain in an Orlando suburb.
The department will "conduct a thorough and independent review of all evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation," according to a statement late Monday.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 11:32:37
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 11:32:37
I am sorry about the typo in my post about Trayvon Martin. I was up late in the Democracy Interactive chat room, discussing this horrible case. One of the chatters there is African American and was stunned when I referred him to the press conference videos from yesterday, where one reporter asked Trayvon Martin's mother if the young man ate chicken.
As Seminole County is now investigating the case, I suspect that we will know a lot more soon about this tragedy.
As Seminole County is now investigating the case, I suspect that we will know a lot more soon about this tragedy.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 12:55:00
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 12:55:00
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 03/20/2012 13:26:35
good morning!
Raine on 03/20/2012 13:26:35
good morning!
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 13:34:03
At this point, it seems like this is the only way forward. The police department in Sanford have polluted the handling of this murder case.
I was watching Lawrence O'Donnell last night and he had a former NYS AG (Larry French I believe) -- he believes that on the basis of what was said in the 911 tapes that this can and should be considered a federal hate crime investigation.
Raine on 03/20/2012 13:34:03
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!!
TriSec, I fear that we will pay the price of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts for decades to come. There are so many soldiers who have come back home with post traumatic stress disorder and other problems. As for Iraq, I am not surprised that the violence continues.
In some news related to yesterday's blog, the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are opening an independent investigation of the shooting death of Trayvon Marin. Here is the story from the Huffington Post:Trayvon Martin Case: Justice Department To Investigate Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Florida Teen
By Trymaine Lee
The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have opened an investigation into the "facts and circumstances" surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager shot and killed last month by a neighborhood watch captain in an Orlando suburb.
The department will "conduct a thorough and independent review of all evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation," according to a statement late Monday.
I was watching Lawrence O'Donnell last night and he had a former NYS AG (Larry French I believe) -- he believes that on the basis of what was said in the 911 tapes that this can and should be considered a federal hate crime investigation.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 03/20/2012 13:46:29
Scoopster on 03/20/2012 13:46:29
Mornin' all..
Not sure if you guys saw this yet.. Trayvon was on a call with a friend while he was being literally hunted down. Hopefully this will put any nonsense about Zimmerman's claims of self-defense.
By the way, I know we here aren't fans of capital punishment by any stretch, but damnit I feel Zimmerman deserves it.
Not sure if you guys saw this yet.. Trayvon was on a call with a friend while he was being literally hunted down. Hopefully this will put any nonsense about Zimmerman's claims of self-defense.
By the way, I know we here aren't fans of capital punishment by any stretch, but damnit I feel Zimmerman deserves it.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 13:53:17
Def Leppard!
Raine on 03/20/2012 13:53:17
Def Leppard!
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 13:54:34
I was just getting ready to read this myself.
WHY the hell has it taken THIS long to learn this critical detail???
Raine on 03/20/2012 13:54:34
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Not sure if you guys saw this yet.. Trayvon was on a call with a friend while he was being literally hunted down. Hopefully this will put any nonsense about Zimmerman's claims of self-defense.
By the way, I know we here aren't fans of capital punishment by any stretch, but damnit I feel Zimmerman deserves it.
WHY the hell has it taken THIS long to learn this critical detail???
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 13:58:39
Raine on 03/20/2012 13:58:39
One more thing -- about this phone call... that means that Trayvon HAD a phone on him.
Remember -- He was brought to the morgue and labeled John Doe. That would indicate that they never bothered to look at his phone to try to find his parents.
Remember -- his FATHER was the one who made the calls to 911 when he was missing.
Remember -- He was brought to the morgue and labeled John Doe. That would indicate that they never bothered to look at his phone to try to find his parents.
Remember -- his FATHER was the one who made the calls to 911 when he was missing.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:05:51
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:05:51
Morning. Still no kitty. 
I have put my super nice, South American, cat loving neighbors on the case. He's a Brazilian economist on the faculity of UNF, she's from Argentina and is a stay at home mom.
I have put my super nice, South American, cat loving neighbors on the case. He's a Brazilian economist on the faculity of UNF, she's from Argentina and is a stay at home mom.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:10:40
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:10:40
Holy false equivalent , Batman! . Poor clueless RNC. Bill Mahar dropping the C bomb and a book describing the Obama Whitehouse as a boys club are a far way off of a three day long attack on a woman who is a private citizen. We won't even mention the wand of shame etc.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 14:13:35
Scoopster, if Zimmerman ends up in prison, he would likely be more worried about his fellow inmates than capital punishment.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 14:13:35
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Not sure if you guys saw this yet.. Trayvon was on a call with a friend while he was being literally hunted down. Hopefully this will put any nonsense about Zimmerman's claims of self-defense.
By the way, I know we here aren't fans of capital punishment by any stretch, but damnit I feel Zimmerman deserves it.
Scoopster, if Zimmerman ends up in prison, he would likely be more worried about his fellow inmates than capital punishment.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 14:15:33
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 14:15:33
Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. Still no kitty.
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 14:16:36
Raine on 03/20/2012 14:16:36
I honestly feel that for his own safety, Zimmerman should be taken into custody. I keep think of the movie a time to Kill.
and Emmit Till.
and Emmit Till.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/20/2012 14:16:45
have you guys found out which lame ass agent let her out?
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 14:16:45
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. Still no kitty.
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
have you guys found out which lame ass agent let her out?
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 03/20/2012 14:26:07
I am so sorry! I saw this on facecrack. I hope you find her. AuntA, who has a tad of ESP,
says she dreamed about a cat last night that was hiding in a laundry area.
Maybe? Hope you find her.
velveeta jones on 03/20/2012 14:26:07
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. Still no kitty.
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
have you guys found out which lame ass agent let her out?
I am so sorry! I saw this on facecrack. I hope you find her. AuntA, who has a tad of ESP,
says she dreamed about a cat last night that was hiding in a laundry area. Maybe? Hope you find her.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 14:50:36
Raine on 03/20/2012 14:50:36
This is something NO one in the media seems to be mentioning.
at 2:20, you can here Zimmerman say: "F*cking Coons"
at 2:20, you can here Zimmerman say: "F*cking Coons"
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 14:54:54
One act of vigilantism may encourage others. I am particularly troubled by a bill in the Tennessee legislature that would publish the name of abortion providers. I fear that as soon as such names are known, there will be a few people targeting the clinics and those who work there. Here is the story from the Tennesean:
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 14:54:54
Quote by Raine:
I honestly feel that for his own safety, Zimmerman should be taken into custody. I keep think of the movie a time to Kill.
and Emmit Till.
One act of vigilantism may encourage others. I am particularly troubled by a bill in the Tennessee legislature that would publish the name of abortion providers. I fear that as soon as such names are known, there will be a few people targeting the clinics and those who work there. Here is the story from the Tennesean:
TN bill mandates publication of abortion data
By Chas Sisk
Doctors who perform abortions in Tennessee could see their names listed online, and women who undergo the procedures could be unintentionally identified under a bill pending in the state legislature.
State lawmakers are debating a measure that would require the Department of Health to publish more details about abortions, bringing Tennessee into a roiling, state-by-state battle over how to regulate abortion procedures.
Supporters say the bill, scheduled to come up Wednesday in a state House committee, only requires state health officials to post information online that they already collect. But critics say the measure is intended to intimidate women and doctors involved in abortions, even in emergency situations.
“I think publicizing this information will do nothing but cause serious consequences,†said state Rep. Gary Odom, D-Nashville. “This is dangerous. This is a dangerous piece of legislation.â€
Comment by wickedpam on 03/20/2012 14:56:26
so much for being secure in your papers and other private matters
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 14:56:26
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:
I honestly feel that for his own safety, Zimmerman should be taken into custody. I keep think of the movie a time to Kill.
and Emmit Till.
One act of vigilantism may encourage others. I am particularly troubled by a bill in the Tennessee legislature that would publish the name of abortion providers. I fear that as soon as such names are known, there will be a few people targeting the clinics and those who work there. Here is the story from the Tennesean:TN bill mandates publication of abortion data
By Chas Sisk
Doctors who perform abortions in Tennessee could see their names listed online, and women who undergo the procedures could be unintentionally identified under a bill pending in the state legislature.
State lawmakers are debating a measure that would require the Department of Health to publish more details about abortions, bringing Tennessee into a roiling, state-by-state battle over how to regulate abortion procedures.
Supporters say the bill, scheduled to come up Wednesday in a state House committee, only requires state health officials to post information online that they already collect. But critics say the measure is intended to intimidate women and doctors involved in abortions, even in emergency situations.
“I think publicizing this information will do nothing but cause serious consequences,†said state Rep. Gary Odom, D-Nashville. “This is dangerous. This is a dangerous piece of legislation.â€Â
so much for being secure in your papers and other private matters
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:58:13
My laundry area is in the house and I've checked it.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:58:13
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. Still no kitty.
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
have you guys found out which lame ass agent let her out?
I am so sorry! I saw this on facecrack. I hope you find her. AuntA, who has a tad of ESP,
Maybe? Hope you find her.
My laundry area is in the house and I've checked it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:59:48
Once again these mooks don't understand the whole Supremacy Clause thingy. Constition, Federal Law, State Law. HIPPA's privacy provisions trump this ass-hattery.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 14:59:48
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:
I honestly feel that for his own safety, Zimmerman should be taken into custody. I keep think of the movie a time to Kill.
and Emmit Till.
One act of vigilantism may encourage others. I am particularly troubled by a bill in the Tennessee legislature that would publish the name of abortion providers. I fear that as soon as such names are known, there will be a few people targeting the clinics and those who work there. Here is the story from the Tennesean:TN bill mandates publication of abortion data
By Chas Sisk
Doctors who perform abortions in Tennessee could see their names listed online, and women who undergo the procedures could be unintentionally identified under a bill pending in the state legislature.
State lawmakers are debating a measure that would require the Department of Health to publish more details about abortions, bringing Tennessee into a roiling, state-by-state battle over how to regulate abortion procedures.
Supporters say the bill, scheduled to come up Wednesday in a state House committee, only requires state health officials to post information online that they already collect. But critics say the measure is intended to intimidate women and doctors involved in abortions, even in emergency situations.
“I think publicizing this information will do nothing but cause serious consequences,†said state Rep. Gary Odom, D-Nashville. “This is dangerous. This is a dangerous piece of legislation.â€ÂÂ
so much for being secure in your papers and other private matters
Once again these mooks don't understand the whole Supremacy Clause thingy. Constition, Federal Law, State Law. HIPPA's privacy provisions trump this ass-hattery.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/20/2012 15:01:57
what about the outside dryer vent, could she get into that?
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 15:01:57
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. Still no kitty.
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
have you guys found out which lame ass agent let her out?
I am so sorry! I saw this on facecrack. I hope you find her. AuntA, who has a tad of ESP,
Maybe? Hope you find her.
My laundry area is in the house and I've checked it.
what about the outside dryer vent, could she get into that?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 15:05:01
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 15:05:01
Here is one more thing before I go back to house work. (I am off today and checking on a few things.)
Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has released the GOP budget plan. Let's say that we can expect a big fight this year.
House GOP Budget Blueprint Released
Talking Points Memo has a good analysis on the political impact of the budget and warns that the stage may be set for a government shutdown fight in September:
Is it me, or does the GOP not understand the term "overreach.: If there is a government shutdown, the Obama White House and the Obama campaign could portray the GOP as a party of extremists who want to take away Medicare.
Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has released the GOP budget plan. Let's say that we can expect a big fight this year.
House GOP Budget Blueprint Released
Talking Points Memo has a good analysis on the political impact of the budget and warns that the stage may be set for a government shutdown fight in September:
Throwdown: How The GOP Budget Will Overwhelm Politics In 2012
Brian Beutler March 20, 2012, 9:21 AM
On Tuesday afternoon, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan will unveil an updated version of the GOP’s vision for the country’s future, and the ideological battles that have defined the Obama era will resume with more vigor and more noise than at any time since the 2010 passage of President Obama’s health care law.
That’s not simply because this is an election year, though that’s a huge part of it. The GOP is being driven, for the moment, by a vocal and ideological faction that’s unwilling to retreat from the controversial tax and spending plan they endorsed last year. This year’s Republican budget is expected to include similar plans to roll back popular programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and comes as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments about the constitutionality of “Obamacare.†Moreover, Republicans will renege on the deal they reached with Democrats during last summer’s debt limit fight, and propose to cut more deeply into other domestic programs that disproportionately benefit the poor.
Add in a contentious presidential election and you have a recipe for an unusually clear-eyed ideological debate over whether New Deal and Great Society-like federal programs are in the country’s best interest, or whether they were errors that ought to be unwound.
This will manifest in scores of smaller fights. But the three biggest of those will mark the coming year: the Republicans’ goal of phasing out traditional Medicare and replacing it with a subsidized private insurance system; their twin goal of repealing the health care law, which creates a similar subsidized private insurance system for uninsured adults; and the nearer-term question of how deeply to cut into other federal programs — and thus of whether there will be a government shutdown less than two months before the November election.
Is it me, or does the GOP not understand the term "overreach.: If there is a government shutdown, the Obama White House and the Obama campaign could portray the GOP as a party of extremists who want to take away Medicare.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/20/2012 15:11:07
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 15:11:07
Didn't she and her husband write Peter's Friends?
I love that movie
I love that movie
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 15:23:36
No, it has a cover on it.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 15:23:36
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. Still no kitty.
Let's hope that they have some good luck in getting Cassie back to you. Hang in there.
have you guys found out which lame ass agent let her out?
I am so sorry! I saw this on facecrack. I hope you find her. AuntA, who has a tad of ESP,
Maybe? Hope you find her.
My laundry area is in the house and I've checked it.
what about the outside dryer vent, could she get into that?
No, it has a cover on it.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/20/2012 15:25:59
a flip cover or a cage over it? we had birds get in ours before we screened it up. If its low enough to the ground maybe she was able to crawl in there
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 15:25:59
Quote by Mondobubba:
No, it has a cover on it.
a flip cover or a cage over it? we had birds get in ours before we screened it up. If its low enough to the ground maybe she was able to crawl in there
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 15:49:19
Raine on 03/20/2012 15:49:19
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 16:10:53
Raine on 03/20/2012 16:10:53
Ok, I really really don't like Ed Shultz calling anyone a slanthead.
Comment by 
livingonli on 03/20/2012 16:18:34
livingonli on 03/20/2012 16:18:34
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 16:26:56
It is bolted in place. Too small for a kitteh.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 16:26:56
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
No, it has a cover on it.
a flip cover or a cage over it? we had birds get in ours before we screened it up. If its low enough to the ground maybe she was able to crawl in there
It is bolted in place. Too small for a kitteh.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 16:30:23
Gotta link?
Raine on 03/20/2012 16:30:23
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
Gotta link?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:31:42
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:31:42
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
Comment by livingonli on 03/20/2012 16:35:42
The Sam Seder Show, which has several live options including the Sammy Cam
livingonli on 03/20/2012 16:35:42
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
Gotta link?
The Sam Seder Show, which has several live options including the Sammy Cam
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 16:36:11
I don't expect politically correct purity -- but slanthead is offensive -- no matter how you justify its use. He's used it before, and I really wish he would go from his guts in this case.
He's called Hannity a slanthead in the past, and today he called Bill O'Reilly one. It's just not cool and doesn't help.
Raine on 03/20/2012 16:36:11
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
He's called Hannity a slanthead in the past, and today he called Bill O'Reilly one. It's just not cool and doesn't help.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 16:36:47
Thanks Liv!
Raine on 03/20/2012 16:36:47
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
Gotta link?
The Sam Seder Show, which has several live options including the Sammy Cam
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:39:43
It definitely does not work as using namecalling against a name caller diminishes a good argument. My advice is to attack the argument, not the person.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:39:43
Quote by Raine:I don't expect politically correct purity -- but slanthead is offensive -- no matter how you justify its use. He's used it before, and I really wish he would go from his guts in this case.Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
He's called Hannity a slanthead in the past, and today he called Bill O'Reilly one. It's just not cool and doesn't help.
It definitely does not work as using namecalling against a name caller diminishes a good argument. My advice is to attack the argument, not the person.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 03/20/2012 16:46:55
The first time I heard Ed I thought I was listening to Rush, the voice sounded very similar. Took a while until he started talking political before I knew otherwise. I just can't stomach him for that reason, I guess.
trojanrabbit on 03/20/2012 16:46:55
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:I don't expect politically correct purity -- but slanthead is offensive -- no matter how you justify its use. He's used it before, and I really wish he would go from his guts in this case.Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
He's called Hannity a slanthead in the past, and today he called Bill O'Reilly one. It's just not cool and doesn't help.
It definitely does not work as using namecalling against a name caller diminishes a good argument. My advice is to attack the argument, not the person.
The first time I heard Ed I thought I was listening to Rush, the voice sounded very similar. Took a while until he started talking political before I knew otherwise. I just can't stomach him for that reason, I guess.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:48:11
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:48:11
From the BBC, more coverage of the horrific shootings in France. Last week, it was several soldiers. This week, it has been a rabbi and several children at a Jewish school. Would that all political candidates everywhere would take a day off their campaigns and spend that day countering the hatred alive in so many places.
Toulouse school killer 'had camera around his neck'
Toulouse school killer 'had camera around his neck'
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 16:48:52
He's got that same pompous quailty in his "radio voice" that Rush has. It really grates on me.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 16:48:52
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:I don't expect politically correct purity -- but slanthead is offensive -- no matter how you justify its use. He's used it before, and I really wish he would go from his guts in this case.Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
He's called Hannity a slanthead in the past, and today he called Bill O'Reilly one. It's just not cool and doesn't help.
It definitely does not work as using namecalling against a name caller diminishes a good argument. My advice is to attack the argument, not the person.
The first time I heard Ed I thought I was listening to Rush, the voice sounded very similar. Took a while until he started talking political before I knew otherwise. I just can't stomach him for that reason, I guess.
He's got that same pompous quailty in his "radio voice" that Rush has. It really grates on me.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 16:49:41
Raine on 03/20/2012 16:49:41
I have many reasons for my personal dislike of Ed. I know that he's liked by a lot of people. I get it. I don;t want to attack a self described voice of progressives.
I don;t like him. I tried to, believe me.
I don;t like him. I tried to, believe me.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 16:50:35
He is very off-putting. I've tried. too.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 16:50:35
Quote by Raine:
I have many reasons for my personal dislike of Ed. I know that he's liked by a lot of people. I get it. I don;t want to attack a self described voice of progressives.
I don;t like him. I tried to, believe me.
He is very off-putting. I've tried. too.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:52:37
I thought it was Rush for a few seconds when I caught a commercial of him at night on a long distance AM signal from Cleveland when Chicago had no progressive talk. Ironically, it was on a delayed broadcast of the Randi Rhodes Show.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 16:52:37
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:I don't expect politically correct purity -- but slanthead is offensive -- no matter how you justify its use. He's used it before, and I really wish he would go from his guts in this case.Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. I'm listening to Sam's show on majority.fm. This week he moved the show so now he's on right after Momma and not competing with her. You would think with the whole Rush fiasco and Ed's own problem with name-calling, he would think twice before using certain words.
According to several people, Ed tends to go from his guts and that has caused him a lot of problems in the past. It is perhaps wise to describe a behavior, such as saying that a statement is foolish.
He's called Hannity a slanthead in the past, and today he called Bill O'Reilly one. It's just not cool and doesn't help.
It definitely does not work as using namecalling against a name caller diminishes a good argument. My advice is to attack the argument, not the person.
The first time I heard Ed I thought I was listening to Rush, the voice sounded very similar. Took a while until he started talking political before I knew otherwise. I just can't stomach him for that reason, I guess.
I thought it was Rush for a few seconds when I caught a commercial of him at night on a long distance AM signal from Cleveland when Chicago had no progressive talk. Ironically, it was on a delayed broadcast of the Randi Rhodes Show.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 16:55:59
I find that amazing. I m actually sitting here wishing that we had such regard for life, and the taking of it that politics could just stop -- just for a moment to recognize the dead -- and the loss thier families are experiencing.
Raine on 03/20/2012 16:55:59
Quote by Will in Chicago:
From the BBC, more coverage of the horrific shootings in France. Last week, it was several soldiers. This week, it has been a rabbi and several children at a Jewish school. Would that all political candidates everywhere would take a day off their campaigns and spend that day countering the hatred alive in so many places.
Toulouse school killer 'had camera around his neck'
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 17:09:36
Haaretz, an Israeli liberal daily paper, is reporting that Socialist Party presidential candidate Francois Hollande has unilaterally suspended his campaign for a day and that President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a national moment of silence.
With the violence in our world, I fear for our children. I wish that we were mature enough as a species to reject violence as a solution to our problems.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 17:09:36
Quote by Raine:I find that amazing. I m actually sitting here wishing that we had such regard for life, and the taking of it that politics could just stop -- just for a moment to recognize the dead -- and the loss thier families are experiencing.Quote by Will in Chicago:
From the BBC, more coverage of the horrific shootings in France. Last week, it was several soldiers. This week, it has been a rabbi and several children at a Jewish school. Would that all political candidates everywhere would take a day off their campaigns and spend that day countering the hatred alive in so many places.
Toulouse school killer 'had camera around his neck'
Haaretz, an Israeli liberal daily paper, is reporting that Socialist Party presidential candidate Francois Hollande has unilaterally suspended his campaign for a day and that President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a national moment of silence.
With the violence in our world, I fear for our children. I wish that we were mature enough as a species to reject violence as a solution to our problems.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 17:50:24
Will, thanks for bringing this up. It has been very overlooked in the states. A few media outlets have covered it stateside. It is appaling Fronte Nartional violence. I really hate the Le Pen family.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 17:50:24
Quote by Will in Chicago:
From the BBC, more coverage of the horrific shootings in France. Last week, it was several soldiers. This week, it has been a rabbi and several children at a Jewish school. Would that all political candidates everywhere would take a day off their campaigns and spend that day countering the hatred alive in so many places.
Toulouse school killer 'had camera around his neck'
Will, thanks for bringing this up. It has been very overlooked in the states. A few media outlets have covered it stateside. It is appaling Fronte Nartional violence. I really hate the Le Pen family.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/20/2012 18:12:05
wickedpam on 03/20/2012 18:12:05
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 18:12:16
Yes, I fear that there is no society without its extremists. My hope is that we will see a massive rejection of this violence, and moves to try to bring about better understanding in France. Perhaps such efforts could help elsewhere. As for Le Pen and the Fronte Nationale, the shows that some people do not learn from history. You do not oppose totalitarianism by acting like totalitarians.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 18:12:16
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:
From the BBC, more coverage of the horrific shootings in France. Last week, it was several soldiers. This week, it has been a rabbi and several children at a Jewish school. Would that all political candidates everywhere would take a day off their campaigns and spend that day countering the hatred alive in so many places.
Toulouse school killer 'had camera around his neck'
Will, thanks for bringing this up. It has been very overlooked in the states. A few media outlets have covered it stateside. It is appaling Fronte Nartional violence. I really hate the Le Pen family.
Yes, I fear that there is no society without its extremists. My hope is that we will see a massive rejection of this violence, and moves to try to bring about better understanding in France. Perhaps such efforts could help elsewhere. As for Le Pen and the Fronte Nationale, the shows that some people do not learn from history. You do not oppose totalitarianism by acting like totalitarians.
Comment by Scoopster on 03/20/2012 18:28:41
Scoopster on 03/20/2012 18:28:41
omg.. this is AWESOME!
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 19:50:14
Oh, yes. Yes, this awsome.
Raine on 03/20/2012 19:50:14
Quote by Scoopster:
omg.. this is AWESOME!
Oh, yes. Yes, this awsome.
Comment by 
BobR on 03/20/2012 20:07:29
BobR on 03/20/2012 20:07:29
ok, that video is definitely teh awesome
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 20:17:23
Raine on 03/20/2012 20:17:23
This is ridiculous.
NYC Bans Food Donations To The Homeless 
NYC Bans Food Donations To The Homeless
Outlawed are food donations to homeless shelters because the city can’t assess their salt, fat and fiber content, reports CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer.
Glenn Richter arrived at a West Side synagogue on Monday to collect surplus bagels — fresh nutritious bagels — to donate to the poor. However, under a new edict from Bloomberg’s food police he can no longer donate the food to city homeless shelters.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 20:37:54
Hey Bloomberg, your title is "Mayor,' not King. What an asshole!
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 20:37:54
Quote by Raine:
This is ridiculous.
NYC Bans Food Donations To The HomelessOutlawed are food donations to homeless shelters because the city can’t assess their salt, fat and fiber content, reports CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer.
Glenn Richter arrived at a West Side synagogue on Monday to collect surplus bagels — fresh nutritious bagels — to donate to the poor. However, under a new edict from Bloomberg’s food police he can no longer donate the food to city homeless shelters.
Hey Bloomberg, your title is "Mayor,' not King. What an asshole!
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 20:43:46
HE became *king* when he twisted the arms of city council to circumvent Mayoral term limits. This man should not be mayor any more.
Raine on 03/20/2012 20:43:46
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is ridiculous.
NYC Bans Food Donations To The HomelessOutlawed are food donations to homeless shelters because the city can’t assess their salt, fat and fiber content, reports CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer.
Glenn Richter arrived at a West Side synagogue on Monday to collect surplus bagels — fresh nutritious bagels — to donate to the poor. However, under a new edict from Bloomberg’s food police he can no longer donate the food to city homeless shelters.
Hey Bloomberg, your title is "Mayor,' not King. What an asshole!
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 20:57:46
King dick perhaps. Oh BTW Bloomie, since you aren't king, call your police off too. Their jusidiction ends at the city limits. Look it up.
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 20:57:46
Quote by Raine:HE became *king* when he twisted the arms of city council to circumvent Mayoral term limits. This man should not be mayor any more.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is ridiculous.
NYC Bans Food Donations To The HomelessOutlawed are food donations to homeless shelters because the city can’t assess their salt, fat and fiber content, reports CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer.
Glenn Richter arrived at a West Side synagogue on Monday to collect surplus bagels — fresh nutritious bagels — to donate to the poor. However, under a new edict from Bloomberg’s food police he can no longer donate the food to city homeless shelters.
Hey Bloomberg, your title is "Mayor,' not King. What an asshole!
King dick perhaps. Oh BTW Bloomie, since you aren't king, call your police off too. Their jusidiction ends at the city limits. Look it up.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 20:59:47
Since I've not got speakers, I am assuming the video is a parody of Slim Shady?
Mondobubba on 03/20/2012 20:59:47
Quote by BobR:
ok, that video is definitely teh awesome
Since I've not got speakers, I am assuming the video is a parody of Slim Shady?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 21:22:19
The only throne that Bloomberg should sit on is one made out of porcelain that flushes. So much for the man trying to portray himself as a moderate and compassionate person. My hope is that Bloomberg will be forced to back down. It is a shame that he cannot spend a day as a homeless person and see how others live.
Will in Chicago on 03/20/2012 21:22:19
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:HE became *king* when he twisted the arms of city council to circumvent Mayoral term limits. This man should not be mayor any more.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
This is ridiculous.
NYC Bans Food Donations To The HomelessOutlawed are food donations to homeless shelters because the city can’t assess their salt, fat and fiber content, reports CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer.
Glenn Richter arrived at a West Side synagogue on Monday to collect surplus bagels — fresh nutritious bagels — to donate to the poor. However, under a new edict from Bloomberg’s food police he can no longer donate the food to city homeless shelters.
Hey Bloomberg, your title is "Mayor,' not King. What an asshole!
King dick perhaps. Oh BTW Bloomie, since you aren't king, call your police off too. Their jusidiction ends at the city limits. Look it up.
The only throne that Bloomberg should sit on is one made out of porcelain that flushes. So much for the man trying to portray himself as a moderate and compassionate person. My hope is that Bloomberg will be forced to back down. It is a shame that he cannot spend a day as a homeless person and see how others live.
Comment by Raine on 03/20/2012 21:27:18
yes.
When you get home -- take a listen.
Raine on 03/20/2012 21:27:18
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:
ok, that video is definitely teh awesome
Since I've not got speakers, I am assuming the video is a parody of Slim Shady?
When you get home -- take a listen.