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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 01/22/2013 11:08:17
Good morning.
Today is our 4,125th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualties from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,175
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,083
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$1, 415, 727, 075, 000 .00
I've got a follow-up to Saturday's blog....I derided the F-35 for it's underpowered engine and ill-advised multipurpose role. Turns out that our English allies have discovered something new...it could blow up in a thunderstorm.
We'll take the briefest look at the inaugural yesterday....despite the President's soaring rhetoric on equal rights for all, the military still hasn't quite gotten the message. A same-sex couple has been devastated by war, and yet the Pentagon will not consider the survivor a war widow. This sets up the possibility that parents of gay soldiers might not be considered Blue Star or Gold Star parents....but I digress.
Finally this morning....It's still a shooting war.
Today is our 4,125th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualties from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,175
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,083
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
I've got a follow-up to Saturday's blog....I derided the F-35 for it's underpowered engine and ill-advised multipurpose role. Turns out that our English allies have discovered something new...it could blow up in a thunderstorm.
It's considered to be the world's most sophisticated superfighter jet, but Britain's new £150million combat aircraft has been banned from flying in bad weather for fears it could explode.
Engineers working on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have found the jet's fuel tank could explode if hit by lightning.
According to reports, the aircraft, which is hoped to enter service for both the RAF and the Royal Navy in five years' time, has also been made more vulnerable to enemy attack than the aircraft it is set to replace, after its weight was reduced in an attempt to increase fuel efficiency.
The Telegraph has reported the revelations were disclosed in a leaked report from the Pentagon's operational test and evaluation office, which states that, until a device in the fuel tank is redesigned, test-flying within 25 miles of thunderstorms is 'not permitted'.
Several other problems have been identified with the plane, including a fault in the design of the fuel tank which means it is unable to rapidly descend to low altitude.
A handful of cracks were also discovered in the tested aircraft during examinations by the United States Air Force and the aircraft's manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
A Lockheed Martin spokesman has said the manufacturer does not consider the latest problem a 'major issue'.
The spokesman said: 'We have demonstrated very good vulnerability performance and we continue to work with the Joint Programme Office.'
We'll take the briefest look at the inaugural yesterday....despite the President's soaring rhetoric on equal rights for all, the military still hasn't quite gotten the message. A same-sex couple has been devastated by war, and yet the Pentagon will not consider the survivor a war widow. This sets up the possibility that parents of gay soldiers might not be considered Blue Star or Gold Star parents....but I digress.
RAEFORD - Clutching a copy of her marriage certificate and racked with grief, Tracy Dice steeled herself for a battle.
Dice had just received a call from her in-laws, summoning her to their Hoke County home.
Dice knew what lay ahead. Her wife, fellow National Guard member Donna Rae Johnson, failed to call her that October morning from Khost, Afghanistan. Worse, Dice learned through the Internet that three unidentified soldiers had been killed in the same area hours earlier.
And now National Guard officers had shown up at her in-laws' home.
On occasion, Dice and Johnson had discussed what would happen if one of them were to die while serving their country.
They knew that the military would not recognize their same-sex marriage. A federal law, the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman. The military abides by the letter of that law.
But Dice was determined to fight to be part of her wife's affairs. That's why she clutched her marriage certificate, intent on being able to prove her connection to Johnson and terrified that she would somehow be excluded.
The marriage certificate did little good. The casualty officers who showed up at her in-laws' home were bound by the Defense of Marriage Act. The officers could not legally recognize Dice as the widow and notified her in-laws of Johnson's death before she arrived.
The Defense of Marriage Act held other ramifications for Dice, who is believed to be the first same-sex war widow in the U.S. military:
Since she was not recognized as a spouse or family member, Dice could have been left behind when Johnson's body arrived from Afghanistan. Instead, her mother-in-law intervened and a military officer "pushed the edges of the envelope" to allow Dice to escort Johnson's body from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
In correspondence from the Department of Defense, Dice said, officials expressed their condolences for the loss of her "significant other." The lone exception was President Obama, the only government official to refer to Johnson as Dice's wife.
Moments before Johnson's funeral, a small ceremony was held out of public view in the church basement. There, Dice said, uniformed officers presented her with an American flag. During the funeral, the flag that had draped the coffin was handed to Dice's mother-in-law, Sandra Johnson, instead of the grieving widow.
The Department of Veterans Affairs denied Dice's application for survivor's benefits.
Finally this morning....It's still a shooting war.
KABUL - A nine-hour siege Monday in the heart of Afghanistan’s capital left at least seven people dead, including three police officers, and brought a normally bustling section of the city to a standstill amid explosions and gunfire.
The Taliban quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, which started around 5:30 a.m., when at least four attackers stormed the lightly-defended headquarters of the Kabul Traffic Police, before taking up positions and firing light and heavy weapons down on an adjacent compound that houses the Afghan Border Police. During the attack a car bomb went off outside the headquarters and at least two of the attackers detonated suicide vests, according to a Ministry of Interior statement.
A traffic policeman on the scene said the attackers had found the building’s armory, which contains heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and explosives. Kabul’s police chief, however, denied in an interview that the attackers had reached the armory.
Dozens of large explosions rocked the neighborhood on the west side of the city throughout the day, punctuated by automatic gunfire and what sounded like rocket propelled grenades. Smoke rose from the traffic police building after several of the explosions, and Afghan commandos could be seen running along rooftops. Witnesses reported seeing Norwegian special forces soldiers, who were involved in quelling a major attack at a lakeside resort in June.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed its troops assisted in the operation but would not give details, except to say no coalition troops were killed or wounded.
“I just finished morning prayers and I was getting into bed to sleep a little longer and suddenly there was a big blast,” said Shahpoor Fikri, an employee at a nearby Ministry of Power and Water office. “It shook the whole office. When I looked outside there was smoke outside the Traffic Police Directorate and then a lot of shooting started.”
Around 2:30 p.m. there was a final burst of gunfire, an explosion and a plume of smoke from a third floor window of the traffic directorate. In the aftermath, possibly as many as five fighters and three police officers were killed, in addition to four police officers and eight civilians wounded, Kabul Police Chief Ayoub Salangi said. Salangi denied the attackers had successfully reached the armory.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/22/2013 13:50:43
wickedpam on 01/22/2013 13:50:43
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 01/22/2013 13:50:45
good morning.
It's because of stories like Ms. Dice' that lead me to believe we will see DOMA overturned.
I'm still pooped from yesterday.
Raine on 01/22/2013 13:50:45
good morning. It's because of stories like Ms. Dice' that lead me to believe we will see DOMA overturned.
I'm still pooped from yesterday.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 13:57:42
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 13:57:42
Howdy all. Nom...nom nom. Got some really outstanding blue berries at the grocery this morning! Yum!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 13:59:54
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 13:59:54
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/22/2013 14:01:11
TriSec on 01/22/2013 14:01:11
Morning, comrades.
Feeling slightly better today.
Blueberries? 'taint Maine at this time ah ye-uh.. Ayup.
(but we had some suprisingly delightly Harry & David blueberry english muffins recently...)
Feeling slightly better today.
Blueberries? 'taint Maine at this time ah ye-uh.. Ayup.
(but we had some suprisingly delightly Harry & David blueberry english muffins recently...)
Comment by 
BobR on 01/22/2013 14:19:37
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
BobR on 01/22/2013 14:19:37
Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 14:31:32
Fox's BBQ?
Raine on 01/22/2013 14:31:32
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 14:40:15
OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!
Raine on 01/22/2013 14:40:15
Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:40:58
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:40:58
Bobber, Raine & Mala. You state legislature is huge bag dicks! Virginia GOP sneaks through gerrymandering bill on MLK Day
Comment by wickedpam on 01/22/2013 14:43:35
yep, posted that earlier - PLUS Lt Gov Bolling said he would not have broken the tie cause he has serious concerns about it. Its going to fly through the fully Rep House and the Gov if gonna sign it.
wickedpam on 01/22/2013 14:43:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, Raine & Mala. You state legislature is huge bag dicks! Virginia GOP sneaks through gerrymandering bill on MLK Day
yep, posted that earlier - PLUS Lt Gov Bolling said he would not have broken the tie cause he has serious concerns about it. Its going to fly through the fully Rep House and the Gov if gonna sign it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:46:39
Bourdain's potty mouth description of Fat Matt's was priceless!
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:46:39
Quote by Raine:OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
Bourdain's potty mouth description of Fat Matt's was priceless!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:49:52
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:49:52
Tri, blueberries are from Chile
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:52:17
All the Asian noodle places that are in an endless string of strip malls was pretty cool.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:52:17
Quote by Raine:OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
All the Asian noodle places that are in an endless string of strip malls was pretty cool.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 14:53:44
More Details.
The author is also claiming to hearing rumours that this may be a bluff: There's a rumor going around that the whole redistricting debacle from yesterday could be a bluff to force a deal on transportation.
Raine on 01/22/2013 14:53:44
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, Raine & Mala. You state legislature is huge bag dicks! Virginia GOP sneaks through gerrymandering bill on MLK Day
yep, posted that earlier - PLUS Lt Gov Bolling said he would not have broken the tie cause he has serious concerns about it. Its going to fly through the fully Rep House and the Gov if gonna sign it.
The author is also claiming to hearing rumours that this may be a bluff: There's a rumor going around that the whole redistricting debacle from yesterday could be a bluff to force a deal on transportation.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 14:54:25
buford highway?
Raine on 01/22/2013 14:54:25
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
All the Asian noodle places that are in an endless string of strip malls was pretty cool.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:56:07
Sounds about right, yeah
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 14:56:07
Quote by Raine:buford highway?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
All the Asian noodle places that are in an endless string of strip malls was pretty cool.
Sounds about right, yeah
Comment by BobR on 01/22/2013 14:59:44
Buford Hwy is a mix of Asian and Hispanic, both VERY authentic. Glad he covered the Clermont Lounge and the Earl. FWIW - I used to live next door to Fat Matts. It is NOT the best BBQ place in Atlanta, but it IS pretty good.
BobR on 01/22/2013 14:59:44
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:buford highway?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
All the Asian noodle places that are in an endless string of strip malls was pretty cool.
Sounds about right, yeah
Buford Hwy is a mix of Asian and Hispanic, both VERY authentic. Glad he covered the Clermont Lounge and the Earl. FWIW - I used to live next door to Fat Matts. It is NOT the best BBQ place in Atlanta, but it IS pretty good.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/22/2013 15:04:39
Scoopster on 01/22/2013 15:04:39
Mornin' all.. 
Back to normal.. There's snow on the ground, and batteries in the laser pen. Dance, Office Dog.. dance!
Back to normal.. There's snow on the ground, and batteries in the laser pen. Dance, Office Dog.. dance!
Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2013 15:09:06
TriSec on 01/22/2013 15:09:06
I am pleased to report that ordinary water no longer "tastes like chemo", and I have re-connected with an old friend.....ice!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:12:12
Bourdain pointed out that Matt's doesn't technically do BBQ since they aren't smoking the meat. But it does look plenty tasty.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:12:12
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:buford highway?Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:OMG! FATT MATTS! Even better!!!!Quote by Raine:Fox's BBQ?Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
I watched part of "Layover" last night. It is Anthony Boudain's show on The Travel Channel. He spends 36 hours in a town. Last night: Atlanta. Cool dive bars, rib joints, skeet shooting.
I would have liked to see that. Do you remember the names of any of the places?
All the Asian noodle places that are in an endless string of strip malls was pretty cool.
Sounds about right, yeah
Buford Hwy is a mix of Asian and Hispanic, both VERY authentic. Glad he covered the Clermont Lounge and the Earl. FWIW - I used to live next door to Fat Matts. It is NOT the best BBQ place in Atlanta, but it IS pretty good.
Bourdain pointed out that Matt's doesn't technically do BBQ since they aren't smoking the meat. But it does look plenty tasty.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:12:44
Cruelty!
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:12:44
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
Back to normal.. There's snow on the ground, and batteries in the laser pen. Dance, Office Dog.. dance!
Cruelty!
Comment by wickedpam on 01/22/2013 15:15:21
I can't see them passing up the opportunity to get this passed.
wickedpam on 01/22/2013 15:15:21
Quote by Raine:More Details.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, Raine & Mala. You state legislature is huge bag dicks! Virginia GOP sneaks through gerrymandering bill on MLK Day
yep, posted that earlier - PLUS Lt Gov Bolling said he would not have broken the tie cause he has serious concerns about it. Its going to fly through the fully Rep House and the Gov if gonna sign it.
The author is also claiming to hearing rumours that this may be a bluff: There's a rumor going around that the whole redistricting debacle from yesterday could be a bluff to force a deal on transportation.
I can't see them passing up the opportunity to get this passed.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:21:40
If the GOP can find a way to be douche bags on voting or gerrymandering, they will jump on it. That is a truism at this point.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:21:40
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:More Details.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, Raine & Mala. You state legislature is huge bag dicks! Virginia GOP sneaks through gerrymandering bill on MLK Day
yep, posted that earlier - PLUS Lt Gov Bolling said he would not have broken the tie cause he has serious concerns about it. Its going to fly through the fully Rep House and the Gov if gonna sign it.
The author is also claiming to hearing rumours that this may be a bluff: There's a rumor going around that the whole redistricting debacle from yesterday could be a bluff to force a deal on transportation.
I can't see them passing up the opportunity to get this passed.
If the GOP can find a way to be douche bags on voting or gerrymandering, they will jump on it. That is a truism at this point.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:23:29
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 15:23:29
I totally missed Eric Cantor's pained look while Richard Blanco was reading his poem yesterday. Was it gas, him not getting the point of the poem or his total dickishness?
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 15:43:17
anyopne got a photo?
Raine on 01/22/2013 15:43:17
Quote by Mondobubba:
I totally missed Eric Cantor's pained look while Richard Blanco was reading his poem yesterday. Was it gas, him not getting the point of the poem or his total dickishness?
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 15:54:22
Raine on 01/22/2013 15:54:22
I have to say, Charlie pierce is MUCH hairier than I imagined! 
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 16:04:22
Raine on 01/22/2013 16:04:22
I wasn't aware that it was traditional for the runner up in presidential elections to attend the inauguration.
Truthfully, I'm glad that Romney didn't attend.
Truthfully, I'm glad that Romney didn't attend.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 16:05:16
Here ya go.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 16:05:16
Quote by Raine:anyopne got a photo?Quote by Mondobubba:
I totally missed Eric Cantor's pained look while Richard Blanco was reading his poem yesterday. Was it gas, him not getting the point of the poem or his total dickishness?
Here ya go.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 16:10:34
OMAHGAHD.
Raine on 01/22/2013 16:10:34
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:anyopne got a photo?Quote by Mondobubba:
I totally missed Eric Cantor's pained look while Richard Blanco was reading his poem yesterday. Was it gas, him not getting the point of the poem or his total dickishness?
Here ya go.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 16:20:16
I don't think Eric Cantor likes poetry. Especially from gay, Cuban-American poets.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 16:20:16
Quote by Raine:OMAHGAHD.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:anyopne got a photo?Quote by Mondobubba:
I totally missed Eric Cantor's pained look while Richard Blanco was reading his poem yesterday. Was it gas, him not getting the point of the poem or his total dickishness?
Here ya go.
I don't think Eric Cantor likes poetry. Especially from gay, Cuban-American poets.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 16:21:45
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 16:21:45
Cantor's idea of poetry:
There once was a man from Nantucket...
There once was a man from Nantucket...
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 16:33:32
He looks confused to see some new strange life form.
Raine on 01/22/2013 16:33:32
Quote by Mondobubba:
I don't think Eric Cantor likes poetry. Especially from gay, Cuban-American poets.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 16:50:52
Cantor looks like he is in pain.
TriSec, thanks for a great blog. I think that we will see DOMA overturned. As for Afghanistan, I fear that there will be strife there for many years.
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 16:50:52
Quote by Raine:He looks confused to see some new strange life form.Quote by Mondobubba:
I don't think Eric Cantor likes poetry. Especially from gay, Cuban-American poets.
Cantor looks like he is in pain.
TriSec, thanks for a great blog. I think that we will see DOMA overturned. As for Afghanistan, I fear that there will be strife there for many years.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 17:11:02
Raine on 01/22/2013 17:11:02
Boo friggin hoo.
Phil Mickelson -- rich douchnozzle of the week.
If Mickelson is indeed paying 62 to 63 percent of his income in taxes, he probably needs new financial advisers.
Phil Mickelson -- rich douchnozzle of the week.
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/22/2013 17:11:06
livingonli on 01/22/2013 17:11:06
Good day, folks. That Eric Cantor picture does sum up that it does show that the GOP has a rod up its butt.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 17:27:46
Oh poor over burdened baby!
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 17:27:46
Quote by Raine:
Boo friggin hoo.
If Mickelson is indeed paying 62 to 63 percent of his income in taxes, he probably needs new financial advisers.
Phil Mickelson -- rich douchnozzle of the week.
Oh poor over burdened baby!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 17:31:50
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 17:31:50
I am on hold calling Senator Harry Reid's office to support the Merkley-Udall proposal on the filibuster. If anyone wants to call, the number is 202-224-3542.
Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2013 17:38:43
TriSec on 01/22/2013 17:38:43
Why the President's spech was a nuclear assault on the GOP
Reclaiming the language of patriotism, Obama then threw it back in the faces of right-wing Republicans to advance a liberal agenda.
With its elegant rendering of the liberal agenda before the eyes of the American people, President Barack Obama's second inaugural address was music to the ears of many a progressive. But to the ears of Tea Partiers and the Republican right, this inauguration speech, as well as the ceremony that surrounded it, was war -- not just a war of words, but a war of prayer, a war of poetry and even, perhaps, a war of song.
Driving the message home were the hands of the Fates, who conspired to see the second inauguration of the nation’s first African American president fall on Martin Luther King Day, the national holiday whose very creation was opposed by so many who still today comprise the Republican Party’s right wing.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 17:38:43
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 17:38:43
Okay, I left a brief message for Senator Reid. I hope that he takes the tougher filibuster proposal. If a Senator wants to block something, I feel that we should know why he or she is doing so.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 17:41:15
Does Harry still do the voicemail message for his office himself?
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 17:41:15
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Okay, I left a brief message for Senator Reid. I hope that he takes the tougher filibuster proposal. If a Senator wants to block something, I feel that we should know why he or she is doing so.
Does Harry still do the voicemail message for his office himself?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 17:59:39
Yes, Harry Reid does the voicemail options. I think it is kind of charming. Now the question is what will Reid do?
I will call my Congressman and Senators later today on the Appalachian Community Health Emergency Act, which calls for studies on the health impacts of mountaintop removal.
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 17:59:39
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Okay, I left a brief message for Senator Reid. I hope that he takes the tougher filibuster proposal. If a Senator wants to block something, I feel that we should know why he or she is doing so.
Does Harry still do the voicemail message for his office himself?
Yes, Harry Reid does the voicemail options. I think it is kind of charming. Now the question is what will Reid do?
I will call my Congressman and Senators later today on the Appalachian Community Health Emergency Act, which calls for studies on the health impacts of mountaintop removal.
Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2013 18:10:30
TriSec on 01/22/2013 18:10:30
Satan's Drool is still annoying me.
When I was on the stuff, I was hyper-sensitive to cold temperatures. Now with the neuropathy, it's gone the other way. I used to have a tremendous tolerance for heat - now mere lukewarm tapwater makes my hands feel like they're on fire.
Come on, make up your mind!
(Actually, I can't tell if my hands are cold or not anymore. Feels like they're asleep all the time, and my right leg is all screwy - it's affected my gait to where I'm using a walking stick again. Headed to the doc on Friday.)
When I was on the stuff, I was hyper-sensitive to cold temperatures. Now with the neuropathy, it's gone the other way. I used to have a tremendous tolerance for heat - now mere lukewarm tapwater makes my hands feel like they're on fire.
Come on, make up your mind!
(Actually, I can't tell if my hands are cold or not anymore. Feels like they're asleep all the time, and my right leg is all screwy - it's affected my gait to where I'm using a walking stick again. Headed to the doc on Friday.)
Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2013 18:31:01
TriSec on 01/22/2013 18:31:01
"Ariboflavinosis"
Is this what happens when you don't listen to Momma enough?
*chortle, snort*
Is this what happens when you don't listen to Momma enough?
*chortle, snort*
Comment by Scoopster on 01/22/2013 18:32:57
Scoopster on 01/22/2013 18:32:57
Liveblog of today's Israeli parliamentary elections..
Looking grim for Bibi Netenyahu.... excuse me for a moment while I
Looking grim for Bibi Netenyahu.... excuse me for a moment while I
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 18:53:28
However, the Carters and The clintons did, and Bush?
No show. I'm pretty sure this is not normal is it?
Raine on 01/22/2013 18:53:28
Quote by Raine:
I wasn't aware that it was traditional for the runner up in presidential elections to attend the inauguration.
Truthfully, I'm glad that Romney didn't attend.
However, the Carters and The clintons did, and Bush?
No show. I'm pretty sure this is not normal is it?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/22/2013 18:55:53
From what I understand about Bush, per Bill Press, is that he wanted to stay by his father's side. Sounds like Bush I isn't doing a well as the news is reporting.
wickedpam on 01/22/2013 18:55:53
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
I wasn't aware that it was traditional for the runner up in presidential elections to attend the inauguration.
Truthfully, I'm glad that Romney didn't attend.
However, the Carters and The clintons did, and Bush?
No show. I'm pretty sure this is not normal is it?
From what I understand about Bush, per Bill Press, is that he wanted to stay by his father's side. Sounds like Bush I isn't doing a well as the news is reporting.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 18:57:50
Ahhh. that makes sense.
That seems appropriate.
Raine on 01/22/2013 18:57:50
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
I wasn't aware that it was traditional for the runner up in presidential elections to attend the inauguration.
Truthfully, I'm glad that Romney didn't attend.
However, the Carters and The clintons did, and Bush?
No show. I'm pretty sure this is not normal is it?
From what I understand about Bush, per Bill Press, is that he wanted to stay by his father's side. Sounds like Bush I isn't doing a well as the news is reporting.
That seems appropriate.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 19:08:50
Raine on 01/22/2013 19:08:50
MSNBC is reporting that multiple people have been shot at a texas college.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/22/2013 19:13:03
HuffPo article stub..
Scoopster on 01/22/2013 19:13:03
Quote by Raine:
MSNBC is reporting that multiple people have been shot at a texas college.
HuffPo article stub..
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 19:23:20
I had to turn off the TV. WTF Texas news copters, I don;t think the parents of the people shot laying on the ground really need to be shown.
Raine on 01/22/2013 19:23:20
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
MSNBC is reporting that multiple people have been shot at a texas college.
HuffPo article stub..
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 19:29:22
Very klassy Houston media!
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 19:29:22
Quote by Raine:I had to turn off the TV. WTF Texas news copters, I don;t think the parents of the people shot laying on the ground really need to be shown.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
MSNBC is reporting that multiple people have been shot at a texas college.
HuffPo article stub..
Very klassy Houston media!
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 19:39:26
Raine on 01/22/2013 19:39:26
I'm so tired of these shootings. Truly and honestly tired.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 19:53:36
Raine on 01/22/2013 19:53:36
You know what makes me happy?
Seeing Joe Biden running around during the inaugural parade.
I've done a cursory search and I am not seeing a gif of it yet, please tell me there is a Joe Biden gif?
Seeing Joe Biden running around during the inaugural parade.
I've done a cursory search and I am not seeing a gif of it yet, please tell me there is a Joe Biden gif?
Comment by Scoopster on 01/22/2013 19:58:53
Scoopster on 01/22/2013 19:58:53
So yeah.. there's two different stories going around about this thing.
One says two people got in a fight and both were packin', and started shooting at each other.
The other says it was a "gang-related" gunfight. That angle is being pushed by Fox News and its affiliates.
One says two people got in a fight and both were packin', and started shooting at each other.
The other says it was a "gang-related" gunfight. That angle is being pushed by Fox News and its affiliates.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 19:59:13
On the Mitt not showing up thing, just seems more of him being sore loser.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 19:59:13
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
I wasn't aware that it was traditional for the runner up in presidential elections to attend the inauguration.
Truthfully, I'm glad that Romney didn't attend.
However, the Carters and The clintons did, and Bush?
No show. I'm pretty sure this is not normal is it?
On the Mitt not showing up thing, just seems more of him being sore loser.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:01:13
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:01:13
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:02:52
CBS is reporting possibly 2 shooters.
ahhh... **gang related**
:facepalm:
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:02:52
Quote by Scoopster:
So yeah.. there's two different stories going around about this thing.
One says two people got in a fight and both were packin', and started shooting at each other.
The other says it was a "gang-related" gunfight. That angle is being pushed by Fox News and its affiliates.
ahhh... **gang related**
:facepalm:
Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2013 20:10:13
TriSec on 01/22/2013 20:10:13
You know, what the fuck? 20 fucking dead babies wasn't enough for these ghouls?
I hope the next damn shooting is at NRA headquarters. We'll see how well their asinine rhetoric about everybody having a gun is the only way to prevent mass shootings works out.
But then again, what would essentially be a firing squad is too good for these fuckwits. They should be fucking hung like a fucking common mass-murderer like they are.
There isn't even a fucking place in hell for them - Stalin and Hitler don't like that kind of competition.
I hope the next damn shooting is at NRA headquarters. We'll see how well their asinine rhetoric about everybody having a gun is the only way to prevent mass shootings works out.
But then again, what would essentially be a firing squad is too good for these fuckwits. They should be fucking hung like a fucking common mass-murderer like they are.
There isn't even a fucking place in hell for them - Stalin and Hitler don't like that kind of competition.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:24:53
Me too. They are not going to get kicked out of a foreign country for drinking and smoking are they?
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:24:53
Quote by Raine:
You know what else makes me happy? Sasha and Malia.
I just adore them.
Me too. They are not going to get kicked out of a foreign country for drinking and smoking are they?
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:27:49
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:27:49
Comment by livingonli on 01/22/2013 20:30:25
livingonli on 01/22/2013 20:30:25
Of course, Fox wants to push the "gang" angle so it can keep spreading the same BS about guns. Since Murdoch supposedly is a supporter of gun control, you would think he would have some say in weighing in the rhetoric at his "news" outlets.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:31:21
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:31:21
Lemme tell you something, (I'm listening to Randi -- talking about guns) she's right, the pro gunners were no where to be found yesterday.
And Bob made an incredibly simple observation when we saw a man that looked a lot like this:
And gun lovers REALLY think they are the ones that can make america safe? Lemme tell ya this, When we walked past that dude, as much as it was uncomfortable, I had more trust in him protecting ME than any fucking gunner who waves his goddamn second amendment right.
And Bob made an incredibly simple observation when we saw a man that looked a lot like this:
And gun lovers REALLY think they are the ones that can make america safe? Lemme tell ya this, When we walked past that dude, as much as it was uncomfortable, I had more trust in him protecting ME than any fucking gunner who waves his goddamn second amendment right.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:32:46
Probably not, but that Sasha -- she's the one the Obama's need to keep an eye on!
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:32:46
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
You know what else makes me happy? Sasha and Malia.
I just adore them.
Me too. They are not going to get kicked out of a foreign country for drinking and smoking are they?
Probably not, but that Sasha -- she's the one the Obama's need to keep an eye on!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:37:18
I wonder if Flotus has a wooden spoon with that child's name on it
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:37:18
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
You know what else makes me happy? Sasha and Malia.
I just adore them.
Me too. They are not going to get kicked out of a foreign country for drinking and smoking are they?
Probably not, but that Sasha -- she's the one the Obama's need to keep an eye on!
I wonder if Flotus has a wooden spoon with that child's name on it
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:40:20
Sad, I have a friend on FB that thinks AZ is going in the right direction. He;s married to a dear friend of mine, and I am starting to worry about her.
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:40:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
Arizona, too crazy for the NRA!
Sad, I have a friend on FB that thinks AZ is going in the right direction. He;s married to a dear friend of mine, and I am starting to worry about her.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:42:22
She's the rebellious one. That is the feeling I get.
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:42:22
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
You know what else makes me happy? Sasha and Malia.
I just adore them.
Me too. They are not going to get kicked out of a foreign country for drinking and smoking are they?
Probably not, but that Sasha -- she's the one the Obama's need to keep an eye on!
I wonder if Flotus has a wooden spoon with that child's name on it
She's the rebellious one. That is the feeling I get.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 20:43:30
Raine on 01/22/2013 20:43:30
Senaca, Selma, Stonewall
Sasha.
Sasha.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:58:54
I don't think the (in)famous phrase, "I'ma gonna beat the black off yo ass!" has ever been spoken by FLOTUS in any context to either of her children.
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 20:58:54
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
You know what else makes me happy? Sasha and Malia.
I just adore them.
Me too. They are not going to get kicked out of a foreign country for drinking and smoking are they?
Probably not, but that Sasha -- she's the one the Obama's need to keep an eye on!
I wonder if Flotus has a wooden spoon with that child's name on it
She's the rebellious one. That is the feeling I get.
I don't think the (in)famous phrase, "I'ma gonna beat the black off yo ass!" has ever been spoken by FLOTUS in any context to either of her children.
Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2013 21:03:48
TriSec on 01/22/2013 21:03:48
Another aviation update, this just learned from ask the pilot...
You or I can't carry one on the plane, but Boeing designs one for the avionics bay. Nice.
Lithium batteries, similar versions of which power most personal computers, are smaller and lighter than traditional batteries, but have a known propensity for hazardous “thermal runaway†conditions that can result in fires. The FAA recently banned the carriage of lithium batteries in passenger luggage. In 2006, a UPS cargo freighter made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after a shipment of lithium batteries caught fire in the cargo compartment. The plane was destroyed. And last year, the fatal crash of a UPS 747 near Dubai is believed to have been caused by a large shipment of lithium batteries that ignited during flight. (The halon extinguishing systems used in the cargo compartments of commercial planes has only limited effectiveness against these fires.)
You or I can't carry one on the plane, but Boeing designs one for the avionics bay. Nice.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 21:06:17
I saw that last Fridee, my reaction was similar. WTF Boeing?
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 21:06:17
Quote by TriSec:
Another aviation update, this just learned from ask the pilot...
Lithium batteries, similar versions of which power most personal computers, are smaller and lighter than traditional batteries, but have a known propensity for hazardous “thermal runaway†conditions that can result in fires. The FAA recently banned the carriage of lithium batteries in passenger luggage. In 2006, a UPS cargo freighter made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after a shipment of lithium batteries caught fire in the cargo compartment. The plane was destroyed. And last year, the fatal crash of a UPS 747 near Dubai is believed to have been caused by a large shipment of lithium batteries that ignited during flight. (The halon extinguishing systems used in the cargo compartments of commercial planes has only limited effectiveness against these fires.)
You or I can't carry one on the plane, but Boeing designs one for the avionics bay. Nice.
I saw that last Fridee, my reaction was similar. WTF Boeing?
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 21:08:17
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 21:08:17
Happy birthday, Roe v. Wade.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 21:12:52
I was planning to get an Abortion in honor of Roe V Wade, but the Inauguration and MLK day got in the way.
That said, here we are 40 years later still fighting for the right to respect a woman's right to choose.
Sad. it seems like every right that has EVER been fought for in this nation is always being attacked.
Raine on 01/22/2013 21:12:52
Quote by Mondobubba:
Happy birthday, Roe v. Wade.
I was planning to get an Abortion in honor of Roe V Wade, but the Inauguration and MLK day got in the way.
That said, here we are 40 years later still fighting for the right to respect a woman's right to choose.
Sad. it seems like every right that has EVER been fought for in this nation is always being attacked.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 21:22:45
Amein!!!
Here is the latest headline from Haaretz, a great liberal Israel daily newspaper that is one of my go to sources on the Middle East. Let's say Bibi better worry as he may not be able to cobble together a coalition.
First the front page summary:
Israel has a parliamentary system, so a key question is who can create a coalition. Last election, Kadima (Ariel Sharon's party led then by Tzipi Livini) had more votes than the Likud, but Netanyahu cobbled together a coalition first that has been very shaky.
Here is the Haaretz Liveblog:
So, the big surprise in this is Yesh Atid, the party that did not exist until recently when journalist Yair Lapid entered politics. He may well be the next prime minister and is a lot more moderate than Netanyahu. Here is a bit more on Yesh Atid. (Give the English version of the page a second or two to load.)
Why do I think Obama is looking forward to saying the words "Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?"
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 21:22:45
Quote by Scoopster:
Liveblog of today's Israeli parliamentary elections..
Looking grim for Bibi Netenyahu.... excuse me for a moment while I
Amein!!!
Here is the latest headline from Haaretz, a great liberal Israel daily newspaper that is one of my go to sources on the Middle East. Let's say Bibi better worry as he may not be able to cobble together a coalition.
First the front page summary:
LIVE BLOG: Exit polls give right-wing 61, center-left 59
Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections; Likud-Beiteinu gets 31 seats, Lapid scores unexpected 19 seats, Labor wins 17.
Israel has a parliamentary system, so a key question is who can create a coalition. Last election, Kadima (Ariel Sharon's party led then by Tzipi Livini) had more votes than the Likud, but Netanyahu cobbled together a coalition first that has been very shaky.
Here is the Haaretz Liveblog:
LIVE BLOG: Election Day comes to a close, Israelis wait for exit polls
Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections.
By Haaretz | Jan.22, 2013 | 10:21 PM
Israelis across the country took to the polls on Tuesday morning, to elect the 19th Knesset. Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-Beiteinu list made a last-ditch effort to push its voters out to the polls, with officials in the ruling party voicing fears that they would not be able to retain their lead in the election.
In this election, for the first time, the public was able to follow the counting of ballots in real time on the government’s Memshal Zamin website, or using a special cell phone app. An estimated 85 percent of the ballots will be counted overnight, with the rest counted on Wednesday. After all the votes are counted, the Central Elections Committee will publish the results.
.........
Average exit poll results: Likud-Beiteinu, 31; Yesh Atid, 19; Labor,17; Habayit Hayehud, 12; Shas, 12; Hatnuah; 7; Meretz, 7; United Torah Judaism 6, Hadash 4; United Arab List - Ta'al, 3; Balad, 2.
So, the big surprise in this is Yesh Atid, the party that did not exist until recently when journalist Yair Lapid entered politics. He may well be the next prime minister and is a lot more moderate than Netanyahu. Here is a bit more on Yesh Atid. (Give the English version of the page a second or two to load.)
Why do I think Obama is looking forward to saying the words "Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?"
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 21:50:54
Whatevs to me. Whitney lip synced it too --
Both women ACTUALLY SANG the song.
And Beyonce was amazing.
Raine on 01/22/2013 21:50:54
Quote by Mondobubba:
SCANDAL! Byonce lip synced The Star Spangled Banner.
Both women ACTUALLY SANG the song.
And Beyonce was amazing.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 21:52:00
Aretha Franklin must be shaking her head. It is one thing for string instruments and horns to be prerecorded, but I can sing and talk even in this frigid weather.
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 21:52:00
Quote by Mondobubba:
SCANDAL! Byonce lip synced The Star Spangled Banner.
Aretha Franklin must be shaking her head. It is one thing for string instruments and horns to be prerecorded, but I can sing and talk even in this frigid weather.
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 21:52:37
Fingers are crossed!
Raine on 01/22/2013 21:52:37
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Scoopster:
Liveblog of today's Israeli parliamentary elections..
Looking grim for Bibi Netenyahu.... excuse me for a moment while I
Amein!!!
Here is the latest headline from Haaretz, a great liberal Israel daily newspaper that is one of my go to sources on the Middle East. Let's say Bibi better worry as he may not be able to cobble together a coalition.
First the front page summary:LIVE BLOG: Exit polls give right-wing 61, center-left 59
Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections; Likud-Beiteinu gets 31 seats, Lapid scores unexpected 19 seats, Labor wins 17.
Israel has a parliamentary system, so a key question is who can create a coalition. Last election, Kadima (Ariel Sharon's party led then by Tzipi Livini) had more votes than the Likud, but Netanyahu cobbled together a coalition first that has been very shaky.
Here is the Haaretz Liveblog:
LIVE BLOG: Election Day comes to a close, Israelis wait for exit polls
Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections.
By Haaretz | Jan.22, 2013 | 10:21 PM
Israelis across the country took to the polls on Tuesday morning, to elect the 19th Knesset. Of the more than 5.65 million Israelis eligible to vote, some 3.6 million cast their ballots, with a turnout of 4 percent more than in the 2009 elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-Beiteinu list made a last-ditch effort to push its voters out to the polls, with officials in the ruling party voicing fears that they would not be able to retain their lead in the election.
In this election, for the first time, the public was able to follow the counting of ballots in real time on the government’s Memshal Zamin website, or using a special cell phone app. An estimated 85 percent of the ballots will be counted overnight, with the rest counted on Wednesday. After all the votes are counted, the Central Elections Committee will publish the results.
.........
Average exit poll results: Likud-Beiteinu, 31; Yesh Atid, 19; Labor,17; Habayit Hayehud, 12; Shas, 12; Hatnuah; 7; Meretz, 7; United Torah Judaism 6, Hadash 4; United Arab List - Ta'al, 3; Balad, 2.
So, the big surprise in this is Yesh Atid, the party that did not exist until recently when journalist Yair Lapid entered politics. He may well be the next prime minister and is a lot more moderate than Netanyahu. Here is a bit more on Yesh Atid. (Give the English version of the page a second or two to load.)
Why do I think Obama is looking forward to saying the words "Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?"
Comment by Raine on 01/22/2013 21:54:03
That is a good point, Will.
I still think her rendition was beautiful -- but it does go a thought,
Aretha.
Raine on 01/22/2013 21:54:03
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
SCANDAL! Byonce lip synced The Star Spangled Banner.
Aretha Franklin must be shaking her head. It is one thing for string instruments and horns to be prerecorded, but I can sing and talk even in this frigid weather.
That is a good point, Will.
I still think her rendition was beautiful -- but it does go a thought,
Aretha.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 21:57:22
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 21:57:22
Well, according to Talk Radio News, Netanyahu will likely still be prime minister and be stuck with having to govern with the center left parties or turn to right wing parties that he will likely find difficult governing partners. It is a shame that the Israeli Center-Left did not unite and find a charismatic standard bearer, but I think Netanyahu may already regret calling for early elections as he does not want the situation that he is in.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 22:04:11
Beyonce is a very talented singer and performer. However, Aretha Franklin is a legend who has helped change American music. So, I give Aretha Franklin a lot more credit.
Well, it looks like Netanyahu is going to have to figure out his moves but I think that Obama may be having a moment of schadenfreude. The center left and the left have made significant gains and the issues of economic equality and peace with the Palestinians are being brought to the front burner by the Israeli electorate.
Will in Chicago on 01/22/2013 22:04:11
Quote by Raine:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:
SCANDAL! Byonce lip synced The Star Spangled Banner.
Aretha Franklin must be shaking her head. It is one thing for string instruments and horns to be prerecorded, but I can sing and talk even in this frigid weather.
That is a good point, Will.
I still think her rendition was beautiful -- but it does go a thought,
Aretha.
Beyonce is a very talented singer and performer. However, Aretha Franklin is a legend who has helped change American music. So, I give Aretha Franklin a lot more credit.
Well, it looks like Netanyahu is going to have to figure out his moves but I think that Obama may be having a moment of schadenfreude. The center left and the left have made significant gains and the issues of economic equality and peace with the Palestinians are being brought to the front burner by the Israeli electorate.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 22:08:47
Mondobubba on 01/22/2013 22:08:47
Dear America,
The answer to a yes or no question is not blue chipmunks are capering across the greensward! We have no need to listen your stream of consciousness ranting when you are asked a closed end question.
The answer to a yes or no question is not blue chipmunks are capering across the greensward! We have no need to listen your stream of consciousness ranting when you are asked a closed end question.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/23/2013 00:14:08
Will in Chicago on 01/23/2013 00:14:08
While the Israeli election results are still unofficial, Haaretz has an interesting analysis of why veteran politician Benjamin Netanyahu had such a hard time of it with the voters:
Why Netanyahu failed and Lapid surprised
Again and again, Netanyahu was photographed at the Western Wall and with IDF soldiers. All this may have looked good on his Facebook page, but it didn’t speak to Israelis’ hearts. Lapid, on the other hand, adapted his message to voters' interests.
By Aluf Benn | Jan.23, 2013 | 12:59 AM (Jerusalem Time)
Home
Opinion
Why Netanyahu failed and Lapid surprised
Again and again, Netanyahu was photographed at the Western Wall and with IDF soldiers. All this may have looked good on his Facebook page, but it didn’t speak to Israelis’ hearts. Lapid, on the other hand, adapted his message to voters' interests.
By Aluf Benn | Jan.23, 2013 | 12:59 AM | 3
A worker replaces a banner depicting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with another one
A worker replaces a banner depicting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with another one in Tel Aviv January 17, 2013. Photo by Reuters
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LIVE BLOG: Election Day comes to a close, Israelis wait for exit polls
By Haaretz | Jan.23,2013 | 12:59 AM | 24
With King Bibi's ship of state sinking in Pyrrhic victory, the sharks begin to circle
By Bradley Burston | Jan.23,2013 | 12:59 AM | 3
First election takes: Bibi’s blunders, Lapid’s luster, Bennett’s believers – and Obama’s revenge
By Chemi Shalev | Jan.23,2013 | 12:59 AM
Benjamin Netanyahu’s election campaign failed because he had nothing much to say. The world-champion orator, king of political survivors, lost his connection to the public mid-term and has been coasting ever since, in the absence of a serious challenger. He did not offer any hope to Israelis, he conducted a pathetic campaign and, instead of issuing a platform, made do with promising to be a "strong prime minister."
Netanyahu was aware of his weak position, which was reflected consistently in the polls. He easily beat out all other candidates in response to the question, "Who is most suited to be prime minister?†but he failed to lure a single new voter to Likud. Instead of trying to win the public's hearts once again or addressing the serious issues that came to light during the 2011 social-justice protests, Netanyahu took the easy way out. He cut a deal to extend the lifespan of his government, joining forces with Yisrael Beiteinu for the election. The agreement with Avigdor Lieberman presumably helped the prime minister to retain his post, but only after a painful slap in the face from voters.
The reasons for the early election – the crisis over drafting the ultra-Orthodox into the army and the difficulty in passing the 2013 budget – came through in the voting results. The public enthusiastically supported the candidates who promised “an equal division of the burden,†namely, Yesh Atid’s Yair Lapid and Habayit Hayehudi’s Naftali Bennett. Labor, headed by Shelly Yacimovich, did not do as well as expected, mainly because she ran a poor campaign and flip-flopped over whether she would agree to join a Likud-led government. Still, she increased Labor’s strength considerably, because she campaigned on the social-justice protests and added leaders of the movement to her ticket.
Netanyahu knew that Israelis are concerned about the economy, housing prices and Haredi draft evasion, but he chose to ignore these issues in favor of the Iranian threat, “indivisible Jerusalem†and plans to build thousands of homes in the settlements. Again and again – including on Election Day itself – he was photographed at the Western Wall and with Israel Defense Forces soldiers. All this may have looked good on Netanyahu’s Facebook page, but it didn’t speak to voters’ hearts.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/23/2013 04:21:36
Will in Chicago on 01/23/2013 04:21:36
I see from Bounced Granola's Facebook page that he passed away on Sunday. May he rest in peace and may his memory be for a blessing.
Comment by 
clintster on 01/23/2013 06:22:52
Netanyahu is an old Hebrew word meaning "Boehner".
clintster on 01/23/2013 06:22:52
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Well, according to Talk Radio News, Netanyahu will likely still be prime minister and be stuck with having to govern with the center left parties or turn to right wing parties that he will likely find difficult governing partners. It is a shame that the Israeli Center-Left did not unite and find a charismatic standard bearer, but I think Netanyahu may already regret calling for early elections as he does not want the situation that he is in.
Netanyahu is an old Hebrew word meaning "Boehner".