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Beware of the Dog
Author: BobR
Date: 06/05/2009 12:45:39
A cornered dog is a dangerous animal, so goes the common wisdom. When it seems the fight is lost is when the last gasp of violence comes out. When a dog is wounded it feels most vulnerable and will lash out in self-defense. These days, that dog is an elephant.
Ever since about 1994, with the rise of Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay, the Republicans have engaged in scorched earth politics and the politics of personal destruction. They didn't see politics as diplomacy, they saw it was war, and they were the General Shermans. They reveled in the blood-lust of power, sneering evil smiles as they relegated Democrats down to Storage Room B in the basement (literally!).
Losing that kind of power has been hard on them. Not only can they not get their way every time, they've had to see their agenda fail and be replaced. This has resulted in the aforementioned lashing out that seems to make everyone wonder if they'll ever return from the wilderness intact.
I've previously written about the pernicious attacks on Judge Sotomayor, including those by presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich. Those attacks were mostly from Republicans formerly in power and their champions on the airwaves. A couple Republican lawmakers actually told them to sit down and shut up, which is certainly commendable. But not all Republican lawmakers are quite so pragmatic.
House Rep Mike Coffman (R-CO) called the CO Governor a "terrorist sympathizer" for not allowing a military base to expand into farmer's fields:
This is of course the same rhetoric we got from the Republicans in 2003-2006 for anyone who dared to oppose invading Iraq, or the way the conflict was being handled. This is a perfect example of personal assassination politics. After 15 years, you would hope that the electorate was sick of it. It seems, though, that it's the only thing some of these people know.
In another fine example of going over the top, House Rep Lamar Smith (R-TX) said that the greatest threat to Democracy is the "Liberal Media":
The irony of this being said on FOX News is obvious. Even more amusing is that he was saying this on the media and to a member of the media, and that member of the media agreed with him! That damn liberal bias!
Finally, our airwaves have been polluted lately with former veep Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz promoting their meme "It wasn't torture, and even if it was, it worked, so be grateful, dammit!" With the previously mentioned "liberal media" giving so much airtime to these two asking that memos be released, it was only a matter of time before the Republicans in power took matters into their own hands. Yesterday, they released info on intel received during secret briefings:
There is certainly more to come, what with Obama's speech yesterday. Liz Cheney was all over the airwaves yesterday, criticizing the speech, and today Dick Cheney will give the Republican Response to it. If past history is any indication, it will be packed with lies and vitriol. That this was tasked to a Republican no longer in power, rather than an active member of Congress (or governor) or a member of the Republican party leadership is very interesting. Apparently they wanted their nastiest snarliest dog to do their dirty work.
Ever since about 1994, with the rise of Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay, the Republicans have engaged in scorched earth politics and the politics of personal destruction. They didn't see politics as diplomacy, they saw it was war, and they were the General Shermans. They reveled in the blood-lust of power, sneering evil smiles as they relegated Democrats down to Storage Room B in the basement (literally!).
Losing that kind of power has been hard on them. Not only can they not get their way every time, they've had to see their agenda fail and be replaced. This has resulted in the aforementioned lashing out that seems to make everyone wonder if they'll ever return from the wilderness intact.
I've previously written about the pernicious attacks on Judge Sotomayor, including those by presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich. Those attacks were mostly from Republicans formerly in power and their champions on the airwaves. A couple Republican lawmakers actually told them to sit down and shut up, which is certainly commendable. But not all Republican lawmakers are quite so pragmatic.
House Rep Mike Coffman (R-CO) called the CO Governor a "terrorist sympathizer" for not allowing a military base to expand into farmer's fields:
U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman minced no words in a bizarre, Cheney-esque attack on Gov. Bill Ritter as a “terrorist sympathizer” for signing a new state law that stymies future expansion of the Army’s contentious Piñon Canyon training site proposal.
The accusation of Ritter’s treason can be found in full at Coffman’s congressional Web site:"The Governor clearly has no concept about the training and readiness needs of our combat forces. By signing H.B. 1317, a bill that blocks the Army’s ability to expand training areas, the Governor has sent a very clear message that the men and women who serve our nation in uniform are not welcome here.
I think he would be more sympathetic if the U.S. Army were to declare itself a terrorist organization — since he is going out of his way to block the Army while at the same time laying out a welcome mat to house terrorists from Guantanamo Bay."
This is of course the same rhetoric we got from the Republicans in 2003-2006 for anyone who dared to oppose invading Iraq, or the way the conflict was being handled. This is a perfect example of personal assassination politics. After 15 years, you would hope that the electorate was sick of it. It seems, though, that it's the only thing some of these people know.
In another fine example of going over the top, House Rep Lamar Smith (R-TX) said that the greatest threat to Democracy is the "Liberal Media":
Yesterday, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) launched the Media Fairness Caucus, made up of about a dozen House Republicans, aiming “to fight liberal media bias.” The group will “point out unfair stories, meet with members of the media, and write op-eds and letters to the editor to highlight media bias,” Newsmax reported. Appearing on Fox News today, Smith declared that “liberal media bias” is a bigger threat to the United States than the recession or terrorism — and Fox’s Bill Hemmer seemed to agree:SMITH: Let me just say — this is going to sound radical, I don’t mean for it to be radical — but to me, the greatest threat to America is not necessarily a recession or even another terrorist attack. The greatest threat to America is a liberal media bias...
The irony of this being said on FOX News is obvious. Even more amusing is that he was saying this on the media and to a member of the media, and that member of the media agreed with him! That damn liberal bias!
Finally, our airwaves have been polluted lately with former veep Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz promoting their meme "It wasn't torture, and even if it was, it worked, so be grateful, dammit!" With the previously mentioned "liberal media" giving so much airtime to these two asking that memos be released, it was only a matter of time before the Republicans in power took matters into their own hands. Yesterday, they released info on intel received during secret briefings:
Republicans ignited a firestorm of controversy on Thursday by revealing some of what they had been told at a closed-door Intelligence Committee hearing on the interrogation of terrorism suspects.
Democrats immediately blasted the GOP lawmakers for publicly discussing classified information, while Republicans said Democrats are trying to hide the truth that enhanced interrogation of detainees is effective.
GOP members on the Intelligence Committee on Thursday told The Hill in on-the-record interviews that they were informed that the controversial methods have led to information that prevented terrorist attacks.
When told of the GOP claims, Democrats strongly criticized the members who revealed information that was provided at the closed House Intelligence Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing. Democrats on the panel said they could not respond substantively, pointing out that the hearing was closed.
There is certainly more to come, what with Obama's speech yesterday. Liz Cheney was all over the airwaves yesterday, criticizing the speech, and today Dick Cheney will give the Republican Response to it. If past history is any indication, it will be packed with lies and vitriol. That this was tasked to a Republican no longer in power, rather than an active member of Congress (or governor) or a member of the Republican party leadership is very interesting. Apparently they wanted their nastiest snarliest dog to do their dirty work.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 06/05/2009 12:58:22
Raine on 06/05/2009 12:58:22
Good Morning. Excellent and irritating blog this morning, dear.
So, I just found this out! GREAT NEWS!
It's National Donut Day!
So, I just found this out! GREAT NEWS!
It's National Donut Day!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 06/05/2009 13:06:55
Per U.S. Code Title 18 § 798, disclosure of classified information is punishable by fine or imprisonment not more than ten years, or both. That makes it a Class C Federal Felony.
Reps. Pete Hoekstra and John Kline should be immediately investigated by a federal grand jury.
Scoopster on 06/05/2009 13:06:55
The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other place.
Article I, Section 6, Paragraph 1 of the U.S. Constitution
Per U.S. Code Title 18 § 798, disclosure of classified information is punishable by fine or imprisonment not more than ten years, or both. That makes it a Class C Federal Felony.
Reps. Pete Hoekstra and John Kline should be immediately investigated by a federal grand jury.
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 06/05/2009 13:10:13
velveeta jones on 06/05/2009 13:10:13
:headshake:
I have no words for these crazy RWers. WTF Dudes..... WTF?
:wacko:
Otherwise, good morning all!
I have no words for these crazy RWers. WTF Dudes..... WTF?
:wacko:
Otherwise, good morning all!
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 13:10:25
Raine on 06/05/2009 13:10:25
Wow, this story get more and more disturbing.
I am left to wonder why KO or Rach have not asked Joe Scarborough questions as well.
I am left to wonder why KO or Rach have not asked Joe Scarborough questions as well.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:11:23
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:11:23
Morning :hug:
Yeah Steph & Thom!
Yeah Steph & Thom!
Comment by Scoopster on 06/05/2009 13:21:07
Scoopster on 06/05/2009 13:21:07
Roger Penske to purchase Saturn brand from General Motors
The story doesn't mention if he'll keep the brand going after the stock of GM-built Saturns is exhausted.. it seems more like he's buying GM's stock of already built Saturns and the right to license dealerships. The story's kinda confusing..
The story doesn't mention if he'll keep the brand going after the stock of GM-built Saturns is exhausted.. it seems more like he's buying GM's stock of already built Saturns and the right to license dealerships. The story's kinda confusing..
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 13:25:33
Oooh. Will they be back after the break?
Raine on 06/05/2009 13:25:33
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
Yeah Steph & Thom!
Oooh. Will they be back after the break?
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 13:30:56
Raine on 06/05/2009 13:30:56
This is nervewracking. More at the link....
Keep and eye out for a blue 2001 Buick LeSabre with New York license plate number ERL 1445.
Federal authorities are searching for a man who has at least eight guns registered to him and has threatened to kill President Obama.
President Obama walks towards a car at the airport on Thursday in Dresden, Germany.
The man, identified as Daniel James Murray, is charged with making threats against the president of the United States.
He recently withdrew $85,000 from a Utah bank and told a teller: "We are on a mission to kill the president of the United States," according to court papers.
Murray is originally from New York, but was seen several times in late May in St. George, Utah, making bizarre statements at a bank.
Keep and eye out for a blue 2001 Buick LeSabre with New York license plate number ERL 1445.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:35:42
don't think so -think it was just the opening this morning - I think Steph and Thom should pair up more often they are hysterial together
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:35:42
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
Yeah Steph & Thom!
Oooh. Will they be back after the break?
don't think so -think it was just the opening this morning - I think Steph and Thom should pair up more often they are hysterial together
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:39:00
he does not sound mental well
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:39:00
Quote by Raine:
This is nervewracking.More at the link....Federal authorities are searching for a man who has at least eight guns registered to him and has threatened to kill President Obama.
President Obama walks towards a car at the airport on Thursday in Dresden, Germany.
The man, identified as Daniel James Murray, is charged with making threats against the president of the United States.
He recently withdrew $85,000 from a Utah bank and told a teller: "We are on a mission to kill the president of the United States," according to court papers.
Murray is originally from New York, but was seen several times in late May in St. George, Utah, making bizarre statements at a bank.
Keep and eye out for a blue 2001 Buick LeSabre with New York license plate number ERL 1445.
he does not sound mental well
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 13:41:16
I want to know who the *we* is he mentioned, and I would REALLY like the media to show at least a sketch of this dude. He's dangerous.
Raine on 06/05/2009 13:41:16
Quote by wickedpam:
he does not sound mental well
Comment by velveeta jones on 06/05/2009 13:47:41
velveeta jones on 06/05/2009 13:47:41
Health Care: YES!!!
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 13:55:37
Raine on 06/05/2009 13:55:37
Oh Boehner- STFU. Please.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:59:54
he's in the wind right now - wonder if he followed Randall Terry in how he disappeared from society until he wanted it to be know he was still around
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 13:59:54
Quote by Raine:I want to know who the *we* is he mentioned, and I would REALLY like the media to show at least a sketch of this dude. He's dangerous.Quote by wickedpam:
he does not sound mental well
he's in the wind right now - wonder if he followed Randall Terry in how he disappeared from society until he wanted it to be know he was still around
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:11:05
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:11:05
damn not Randall Terry. Who was the guy that did the ALT Olympics bombing?
Comment by Scoopster on 06/05/2009 14:30:21
Eric Robert Rudolph.
Scoopster on 06/05/2009 14:30:21
Quote by wickedpam:
damn not Randall Terry. Who was the guy that did the ATL Olympics bombing?
Eric Robert Rudolph.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:34:24
That's it!
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:34:24
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
damn not Randall Terry. Who was the guy that did the ATL Olympics bombing?
Eric Robert Rudolph.
That's it!
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:35:03
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:35:03
AWK-ward!
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 14:36:43
Raine on 06/05/2009 14:36:43
Oh deear god. Not you too, Roseanne!
Comment by 
starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:37:37
starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:37:37
Umm...I think I am kind of feeling the way Rosanne is. 
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:38:20
So I'm not the only one who thinks that its going to take time and the world won't be fixed in a little over 100 days
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:38:20
Quote by Raine:
Oh deear god. Not you too, Roseanne!
So I'm not the only one who thinks that its going to take time and the world won't be fixed in a little over 100 days
Comment by 
BobR on 06/05/2009 14:38:40
This is such typical bullshit. "He didn't do what I wanted, so he's exactly like Bush". Forget all the things he HAS done, if that one item on the checklist remains unchecked, he's "just like the rest of them".
Idiots.
BobR on 06/05/2009 14:38:40
Quote by Raine:
Oh deear god. Not you too, Roseanne!
This is such typical bullshit. "He didn't do what I wanted, so he's exactly like Bush". Forget all the things he HAS done, if that one item on the checklist remains unchecked, he's "just like the rest of them".
Idiots.
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:38:55
starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:38:55
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 14:40:26
He is not Bush-lite. :hug:
Raine on 06/05/2009 14:40:26
Quote by starling310:
Umm...I think I am kind of feeling the way Rosanne is.
He is not Bush-lite. :hug:
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:42:45
starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:42:45
No, the world won't be fixed in 100 days.
However, there is some lingo, and some policy decisions that Obama has made which make me nervous.
And, I know Bobber, you're going to ask if I thought Obama was a HUGE LIBERAL!
And, no, I didn't.
Like my friend said a couple weeks ago, right now Obama is like the dessert that looked really good on the menu,but when you get it, it's still good but not as good as it sounded.
He is not like Bush! No way in hell. But, he's not what I expected.
However, there is some lingo, and some policy decisions that Obama has made which make me nervous.
And, I know Bobber, you're going to ask if I thought Obama was a HUGE LIBERAL!
And, no, I didn't. Like my friend said a couple weeks ago, right now Obama is like the dessert that looked really good on the menu,but when you get it, it's still good but not as good as it sounded.
He is not like Bush! No way in hell. But, he's not what I expected.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 14:43:04
I would really like to see congress get their f*cking act together and pass the legislation he has asked for.
Raine on 06/05/2009 14:43:04
Quote by starling310:
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
I would really like to see congress get their f*cking act together and pass the legislation he has asked for.
Comment by BobR on 06/05/2009 14:44:59
Perhaps you were expecting more than he promised?... or are expecting it sooner?... or are expecting it to happen in one step rather than several small steps?... or expecting Congress to support him 100%?
BobR on 06/05/2009 14:44:59
Quote by starling310:
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
Perhaps you were expecting more than he promised?... or are expecting it sooner?... or are expecting it to happen in one step rather than several small steps?... or expecting Congress to support him 100%?
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:51:46
Here's the thing. I expressed some doubt while he was on the Campaign trail. I didn't want to get too down on him, because I wanted him to win. But, he continued to use lingo such as "War on Terror" and talk about increasing troop levels in Afghanistan. Now, he is talking about Preventative Detention, etc.
He makes me nervous. That's all I'm saying. There are lot of paths that he is continuing to walk down. And, although he is walking differently and being more respectful and intelligent about it, they are paths that I think we should get off altogether.
And, yes Raine, if Congress would help him out that would be fantastic.
starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:51:46
Quote by BobR:Quote by starling310:
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
Perhaps you were expecting more than he promised?... or are expecting it sooner?... or are expecting it to happen in one step rather than several small steps?... or expecting Congress to support him 100%?
Here's the thing. I expressed some doubt while he was on the Campaign trail. I didn't want to get too down on him, because I wanted him to win. But, he continued to use lingo such as "War on Terror" and talk about increasing troop levels in Afghanistan. Now, he is talking about Preventative Detention, etc.
He makes me nervous. That's all I'm saying. There are lot of paths that he is continuing to walk down. And, although he is walking differently and being more respectful and intelligent about it, they are paths that I think we should get off altogether.
And, yes Raine, if Congress would help him out that would be fantastic.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:55:32
Congress is the flat tire on our brand new shiny fuel effient sedan
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:55:32
Quote by Raine:Quote by starling310:
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
I would really like to see congress get their f*cking act together and pass the legislation he has asked for.
Congress is the flat tire on our brand new shiny fuel effient sedan
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:56:33
starling310 on 06/05/2009 14:56:33
I haven't taken my "OBAMA '09" sticker off my car yet y'all!
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:56:45
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 14:56:45
Betty White - STILL funny!
Comment by BobR on 06/05/2009 14:56:59
So you lost your optomism during the campaign? Fair enough. I just have little patience for those that thought he was a progressive messiah up until the inauguration, when it was pretty clear that on a lot of issues (particularly foriegn policy) he was and is clearly a moderate.
BobR on 06/05/2009 14:56:59
Quote by starling310:Quote by BobR:Quote by starling310:
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
Perhaps you were expecting more than he promised?... or are expecting it sooner?... or are expecting it to happen in one step rather than several small steps?... or expecting Congress to support him 100%?
Here's the thing. I expressed some doubt while he was on the Campaign trail. I didn't want to get too down on him, because I wanted him to win. But, he continued to use lingo such as "War on Terror" and talk about increasing troop levels in Afghanistan. Now, he is talking about Preventative Detention, etc.
He makes me nervous. That's all I'm saying. There are lot of paths that he is continuing to walk down. And, although he is walking differently and being more respectful and intelligent about it, they are paths that I think we should get off altogether.
And, yes Raine, if Congress would help him out that would be fantastic.
So you lost your optomism during the campaign? Fair enough. I just have little patience for those that thought he was a progressive messiah up until the inauguration, when it was pretty clear that on a lot of issues (particularly foriegn policy) he was and is clearly a moderate.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:08:04
hang in there baby.
He has done things that I am not all happy about, I will admit, but I just can not bring myself to giving up. Every time he does something I am not happy about, I actually go and do a little more research, and see a reason for it.
So often, I am seeing that many of these choices are the residules of a broken DOJ, for example.
I would like to see Sumners and Geithner gone, but we are seeing the economy having some bright spots.
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:08:04
Quote by starling310:
I haven't taken my "OBAMA '09" sticker off my car yet y'all!
hang in there baby.
He has done things that I am not all happy about, I will admit, but I just can not bring myself to giving up. Every time he does something I am not happy about, I actually go and do a little more research, and see a reason for it.
So often, I am seeing that many of these choices are the residules of a broken DOJ, for example.
I would like to see Sumners and Geithner gone, but we are seeing the economy having some bright spots.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 15:08:25
:hug:
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 15:08:25
Quote by starling310:
I haven't taken my "OBAMA '09" sticker off my car yet y'all!
:hug:
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:09:28
Stated differently; my optimism was always slightly reserved because of the doubts I had. I thought he was wonderful on so many levels, but there were other things that just made me doubtful. So, no I never thought he was a Liberal Messiah.
The Liberal Messiah was Kucinich. And, sadly this country is less ready for a Liberal Messiah than a black man.
I agree with you...a lot of people out there are still calling him a Liberal and I sit and scratch my head and think "He was never a liberal. Where did you get that impression?" Hence, him not being my first choice for President.
When I said I agree with Roseanne, it was in that sense. People like Momma will never disagree with Obama. They are going to think everything he does is the right thing. And, in that sense she is a bit of a "Kool Aid" drinker. I love Momma, you all know that...kool aid drinkin' and all.
Also, I am extremely proud to have Obama in office. He gives America credibility again. I just am not always going to agree with him. . . and, I am finding that some people will, regardless.
That's all I was saying.
starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:09:28
Quote by BobR:Quote by starling310:Quote by BobR:Quote by starling310:
So far I am kind of disappointed in Obama. I haven't written him off, but I am not as optimistic about great change as I once was. Just tryin' to think independently...
Perhaps you were expecting more than he promised?... or are expecting it sooner?... or are expecting it to happen in one step rather than several small steps?... or expecting Congress to support him 100%?
Here's the thing. I expressed some doubt while he was on the Campaign trail. I didn't want to get too down on him, because I wanted him to win. But, he continued to use lingo such as "War on Terror" and talk about increasing troop levels in Afghanistan. Now, he is talking about Preventative Detention, etc.
He makes me nervous. That's all I'm saying. There are lot of paths that he is continuing to walk down. And, although he is walking differently and being more respectful and intelligent about it, they are paths that I think we should get off altogether.
And, yes Raine, if Congress would help him out that would be fantastic.
So you lost your optomism during the campaign? Fair enough. I just have little patience for those that thought he was a progressive messiah up until the inauguration, when it was pretty clear that on a lot of issues (particularly foriegn policy) he was and is clearly a moderate.
Stated differently; my optimism was always slightly reserved because of the doubts I had. I thought he was wonderful on so many levels, but there were other things that just made me doubtful. So, no I never thought he was a Liberal Messiah.
The Liberal Messiah was Kucinich. And, sadly this country is less ready for a Liberal Messiah than a black man.
I agree with you...a lot of people out there are still calling him a Liberal and I sit and scratch my head and think "He was never a liberal. Where did you get that impression?" Hence, him not being my first choice for President.
When I said I agree with Roseanne, it was in that sense. People like Momma will never disagree with Obama. They are going to think everything he does is the right thing. And, in that sense she is a bit of a "Kool Aid" drinker. I love Momma, you all know that...kool aid drinkin' and all.
Also, I am extremely proud to have Obama in office. He gives America credibility again. I just am not always going to agree with him. . . and, I am finding that some people will, regardless.
That's all I was saying.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:10:45
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:10:45
What I love about my friends here is that we can actually discuss this stuff.
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:12:29
Agreed. Like I said, I'm not writing him off.
I think the Afghanistan thing really bothers me!
disclaimer : It's bothered me since the Campaign.
starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:12:29
Quote by Raine:Quote by starling310:
I haven't taken my "OBAMA '09" sticker off my car yet y'all!
hang in there baby.
He has done things that I am not all happy about, I will admit, but I just can not bring myself to giving up.
Agreed. Like I said, I'm not writing him off.
I think the Afghanistan thing really bothers me!
disclaimer : It's bothered me since the Campaign.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:12:38
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:12:38
It will be dones, and then Norm COleman will be running for Governor...
What an asshat.
What an asshat.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:14:33
I remember that
Afghanistan bugs the hell out of me too, but seeing what is going on in Pakistan, I am left to wonder what should we do? They have nukes, and nukes + Taliban is a very bad thing.
What a mess it all is.
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:14:33
Quote by starling310:Quote by Raine:Quote by starling310:
I haven't taken my "OBAMA '09" sticker off my car yet y'all!
hang in there baby.
He has done things that I am not all happy about, I will admit, but I just can not bring myself to giving up.
Agreed. Like I said, I'm not writing him off.
I think the Afghanistan thing really bothers me!
disclaimer : It's bothered me since the Campaign.
Afghanistan bugs the hell out of me too, but seeing what is going on in Pakistan, I am left to wonder what should we do? They have nukes, and nukes + Taliban is a very bad thing.
What a mess it all is.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:24:17
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:24:17
I really don't need to hear the details of Carradines Death...
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 15:35:31
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 15:35:31
me neither
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:39:32
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:39:32
Harry Reid can Bite me. I can't stand him.
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:43:53
starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:43:53
Any good therapist will tell you...if you have a problem with a relationship ( ie; America's relationship with the Middle East ) you cannot address the troubled relationship itself. Each of the two sides involved in the relationship need to change for the relationship to be fixed. Parting of changing is admitting the mistakes you've made and how you will change those mistakes in the future.
Obama took that step yesterday; the first step toward changing ourselves. Hopefully the Middle East will follow and the relationship can begin to be healed.
Obama took that step yesterday; the first step toward changing ourselves. Hopefully the Middle East will follow and the relationship can begin to be healed.
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:51:39
starling310 on 06/05/2009 15:51:39
Momma's gotta make her moonshine! 
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 15:56:12
Raine on 06/05/2009 15:56:12
Ed Shultz... 
Comment by 
m-hadley on 06/05/2009 16:00:34
Heya :star:,
Well said - Would you be my therapist?
:hug:
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 06/05/2009 16:00:34
Quote by starling310:
Any good therapist will tell you...if you have a problem with a relationship ( ie; America's relationship with the Middle East ) you cannot address the troubled relationship itself. Each of the two sides involved in the relationship need to change for the relationship to be fixed. Parting of changing is admitting the mistakes you've made and how you will change those mistakes in the future.
Obama took that step yesterday; the first step toward changing ourselves. Hopefully the Middle East will follow and the relationship can begin to be healed.
Heya :star:,
Well said - Would you be my therapist?
:hug:
Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 06/05/2009 16:08:17
Will in Chicago on 06/05/2009 16:08:17
Good morning, bloggers! Excellent post, BobR!
Here are some thoughts on Obama's speech from Gideon Levy, writing in the Israeli liberal daily Haaretz.
It seems to me that the hardliners, here and abroad, who do not see the value of diplomacy are pathetic and small.
Is Obama everything that I wanted? No. However, we can apply pressure and support as needed to try to get some positive change. The progressive community did this in the early 1900s with labor and health laws, in the 1930s to help convince FDR to move from his moderate campaign platform to the New Deal, and in the 1960s to get JFK and LBJ to stand for civil rights and to ultimately bring the Vietnam War to an end.
Let us not look to politicians for salvation, but rather remind them that they are our represenatives in this democracy. It is important for us to take a stand, so that politicians who may wish to stand with us know that they are not alone. Or politicians who want to stay in office side with popular opinion. I think that we can make positive change in this country, but it is perhaps up to us more than any politician.
Here are some thoughts on Obama's speech from Gideon Levy, writing in the Israeli liberal daily Haaretz.
Obama emerged in Cairo as a true friend of Israel
By Gideon Levy
Neither Tel Aviv nor Ramallah held their breaths Thursday as the American president gave a speech in Cairo; the traffic in both crowded cities continued normally. Tel Aviv was indifferent, Ramallah sunk in desperation: Both cities have already had their fill of nice, historic speeches.
Nonetheless, no one can ignore the speech given by Barack Obama: The mountain birthed a mountain. Obama remained Obama. Only the Israeli analysts tried to diminish the speech's importance ("not terrible"), to spread fear ("he mentioned the Holocaust and the Nakba in a single breath"), or were insulted on our behalf ("he did not mention our right to the land as promised in the Bible"). All these were redundant and unnecessary. Obama emerged Thursday as a true friend of Israel.
The prime minister ordered the ministers to say nothing, but of course they could not help but invade the studios. Uzi Landau said that a Palestinian state is tantamount to an "Iranian state." Isaac Herzog appeared even more ridiculous when he said that the problem with the settlements is one of "public relations." In essence, both were busy with the same problem: How can we manage to pull the new America's leg as well? Israeli politicians have never before appeared as pathetic, as small as they did Thursday, compared to the bearer of promise in Cairo.
Indeed, there was promise in Cairo, of the dawn of a new age. A U.S. president talking about negotiations with Iran without preconditions or tacit threats, even willing to accept Iran having civilian nuclear capability; a president who talked about Hamas as a legitimate organization that represents part of Palestinian society, but that needs to relinquish violence; who spoke with empathy about Palestinian suffering; who spoke, believe it or not, about security not only for Israelis but also for Palestinians; who said that all the settlements are illegal; who called for nuclear disarmament of the entire region. All are sensational messages, headlines whose significance cannot be exaggerated, even if there are those who desperately tried to argue yesterday that "there was nothing new in his speech."
It seems to me that the hardliners, here and abroad, who do not see the value of diplomacy are pathetic and small.
Is Obama everything that I wanted? No. However, we can apply pressure and support as needed to try to get some positive change. The progressive community did this in the early 1900s with labor and health laws, in the 1930s to help convince FDR to move from his moderate campaign platform to the New Deal, and in the 1960s to get JFK and LBJ to stand for civil rights and to ultimately bring the Vietnam War to an end.
Let us not look to politicians for salvation, but rather remind them that they are our represenatives in this democracy. It is important for us to take a stand, so that politicians who may wish to stand with us know that they are not alone. Or politicians who want to stay in office side with popular opinion. I think that we can make positive change in this country, but it is perhaps up to us more than any politician.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 16:16:16
Well said Will.
I would also remind peopleto frequent sites like OpenGov
Sadly it is being run amock by Birthers etc. We need all voices to be heard.
Raine on 06/05/2009 16:16:16
Quote by Will in Phoenix:
Good morning, bloggers! Excellent post, BobR!
Here are some thoughts on Obama's speech from Gideon Levy, writing in the Israeli liberal daily Haaretz.Obama emerged in Cairo as a true friend of Israel
By Gideon Levy
Neither Tel Aviv nor Ramallah held their breaths Thursday as the American president gave a speech in Cairo; the traffic in both crowded cities continued normally. Tel Aviv was indifferent, Ramallah sunk in desperation: Both cities have already had their fill of nice, historic speeches.
Nonetheless, no one can ignore the speech given by Barack Obama: The mountain birthed a mountain. Obama remained Obama. Only the Israeli analysts tried to diminish the speech's importance ("not terrible"), to spread fear ("he mentioned the Holocaust and the Nakba in a single breath"), or were insulted on our behalf ("he did not mention our right to the land as promised in the Bible"). All these were redundant and unnecessary. Obama emerged Thursday as a true friend of Israel.
The prime minister ordered the ministers to say nothing, but of course they could not help but invade the studios. Uzi Landau said that a Palestinian state is tantamount to an "Iranian state." Isaac Herzog appeared even more ridiculous when he said that the problem with the settlements is one of "public relations." In essence, both were busy with the same problem: How can we manage to pull the new America's leg as well? Israeli politicians have never before appeared as pathetic, as small as they did Thursday, compared to the bearer of promise in Cairo.
Indeed, there was promise in Cairo, of the dawn of a new age. A U.S. president talking about negotiations with Iran without preconditions or tacit threats, even willing to accept Iran having civilian nuclear capability; a president who talked about Hamas as a legitimate organization that represents part of Palestinian society, but that needs to relinquish violence; who spoke with empathy about Palestinian suffering; who spoke, believe it or not, about security not only for Israelis but also for Palestinians; who said that all the settlements are illegal; who called for nuclear disarmament of the entire region. All are sensational messages, headlines whose significance cannot be exaggerated, even if there are those who desperately tried to argue yesterday that "there was nothing new in his speech."
It seems to me that the hardliners, here and abroad, who do not see the value of diplomacy are pathetic and small.
Is Obama everything that I wanted? No. However, we can apply pressure and support as needed to try to get some positive change. The progressive community did this in the early 1900s with labor and health laws, in the 1930s to help convince FDR to move from his moderate campaign platform to the New Deal, and in the 1960s to get JFK and LBJ to stand for civil rights and to ultimately bring the Vietnam War to an end.
Let us not look to politicians for salvation, but rather remind them that they are our represenatives in this democracy. It is important for us to take a stand, so that politicians who may wish to stand with us know that they are not alone. Or politicians who want to stay in office side with popular opinion. I think that we can make positive change in this country, but it is perhaps up to us more than any politician.
I would also remind peopleto frequent sites like OpenGov
Sadly it is being run amock by Birthers etc. We need all voices to be heard.
Comment by starling310 on 06/05/2009 16:16:51
People on the wRight amaze me with their rhetoric that Obama was being Anti-American. No, he was taking responsibility on behalf of America. He understands that you cannot change an "intangible" thing; the relattionship, without first changing yourself.
starling310 on 06/05/2009 16:16:51
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by starling310:
Any good therapist will tell you...if you have a problem with a relationship ( ie; America's relationship with the Middle East ) you cannot address the troubled relationship itself. Each of the two sides involved in the relationship need to change for the relationship to be fixed. Parting of changing is admitting the mistakes you've made and how you will change those mistakes in the future.
Obama took that step yesterday; the first step toward changing ourselves. Hopefully the Middle East will follow and the relationship can begin to be healed.
Heya :star:,
Well said - Would you be my therapist?
:hug:
Cheers,
mfaye
People on the wRight amaze me with their rhetoric that Obama was being Anti-American. No, he was taking responsibility on behalf of America. He understands that you cannot change an "intangible" thing; the relattionship, without first changing yourself.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 16:24:13
Raine on 06/05/2009 16:24:13
These fuckers are mucking up the insurance plan.. :grumble:
Comment by 
livingonli on 06/05/2009 16:25:49
livingonli on 06/05/2009 16:25:49
Good day everyone.
Another morning where I had trouble falling asleep and as a result didn't want to get up. Donde Los Yikes indeed.
Another morning where I had trouble falling asleep and as a result didn't want to get up. Donde Los Yikes indeed.
Comment by livingonli on 06/05/2009 16:31:28
Someone do something about these nuts. It seems more and more like being right-wing is indeed a mental disorder.
livingonli on 06/05/2009 16:31:28
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
This is nervewracking.More at the link....Federal authorities are searching for a man who has at least eight guns registered to him and has threatened to kill President Obama.
President Obama walks towards a car at the airport on Thursday in Dresden, Germany.
The man, identified as Daniel James Murray, is charged with making threats against the president of the United States.
He recently withdrew $85,000 from a Utah bank and told a teller: "We are on a mission to kill the president of the United States," according to court papers.
Murray is originally from New York, but was seen several times in late May in St. George, Utah, making bizarre statements at a bank.
Keep and eye out for a blue 2001 Buick LeSabre with New York license plate number ERL 1445.
he does not sound mental well
Someone do something about these nuts. It seems more and more like being right-wing is indeed a mental disorder.
Comment by livingonli on 06/05/2009 16:53:22
livingonli on 06/05/2009 16:53:22
I finally show up and everyone's wandered off. 
Comment by Scoopster on 06/05/2009 17:00:35
Scoopster on 06/05/2009 17:00:35
:ph34r:
Heya liv.. what a dreary day. I hope this rain clears out before it's time to hit the road. Plus been workin' on this massive ad proposal all morning. Almost done tho!
Heya liv.. what a dreary day. I hope this rain clears out before it's time to hit the road. Plus been workin' on this massive ad proposal all morning. Almost done tho!
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 17:11:54
How many years have we all been blogging?
this always happens in the afternoons.
Raine on 06/05/2009 17:11:54
Quote by livingonli:
I finally show up and everyone's wandered off.
How many years have we all been blogging?
this always happens in the afternoons.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 17:16:48
:)
remember -
"Lunch - indeed"
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 17:16:48
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I finally show up and everyone's wandered off.
How many years have we all been blogging?
this always happens in the afternoons.
:)
remember -
"Lunch - indeed"
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 06/05/2009 17:30:17
Mondobubba on 06/05/2009 17:30:17
Hello all. I opened my inbox to find this link to Amazon with the instruction to read the reviews. :rofl:
Comment by livingonli on 06/05/2009 17:41:47
Another reason why I wish I had more normal hours. My vacation's almost over and I am nowhere near accomplishing the goals that I had set out to do during this time.
livingonli on 06/05/2009 17:41:47
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I finally show up and everyone's wandered off.
How many years have we all been blogging?
this always happens in the afternoons.
:)
remember -
"Lunch - indeed"
Another reason why I wish I had more normal hours. My vacation's almost over and I am nowhere near accomplishing the goals that I had set out to do during this time.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 18:02:09
you need to write yourself a to do list - it helps, and its very satisfying to check stuff off :)
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 18:02:09
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
I finally show up and everyone's wandered off.
How many years have we all been blogging?
this always happens in the afternoons.
:)
remember -
"Lunch - indeed"
Another reason why I wish I had more normal hours. My vacation's almost over and I am nowhere near accomplishing the goals that I had set out to do during this time.
you need to write yourself a to do list - it helps, and its very satisfying to check stuff off :)
Comment by wickedpam on 06/05/2009 18:03:07
I so don't get this three wolf moon thing
wickedpam on 06/05/2009 18:03:07
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hello all. I opened my inbox to find this link to Amazon with the instruction to read the reviews. :rofl:
I so don't get this three wolf moon thing
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 18:59:27
Raine on 06/05/2009 18:59:27
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 19:02:39
Raine on 06/05/2009 19:02:39
Serious Breaking news:
The Justice Department has opened a federal probe into the killing of Kansas abortion doctor. (waiting for AP link)
The Justice Department has opened a federal probe into the killing of Kansas abortion doctor. (waiting for AP link)
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 19:06:00
forget the AP, here it is, right from the Source.
Raine on 06/05/2009 19:06:00
Quote by Raine:
Serious Breaking news:
The Justice Department has opened a federal probe into the killing of Kansas abortion doctor. (waiting for AP link)
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 19:12:39
Raine on 06/05/2009 19:12:39
Momma on Ed.
Hmm... Nope I gotta go with Randi... And yes, I missed the bounce.
Hmm... Nope I gotta go with Randi... And yes, I missed the bounce.
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 19:16:50
It's Friday ya Bastahds!
:bounce: 
:bouncer: :bouncer:
:boobs: 
:bouncer: :bouncer:
:bounce:
BOUNCE WHAT YA GOT!
There I bounced anyway.
Raine on 06/05/2009 19:16:50
It's Friday ya Bastahds!
:bounce:
:bouncer:
:bouncer: :boobs:
:bouncer:
:bouncer::bounce:
BOUNCE WHAT YA GOT!
There I bounced anyway.
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/05/2009 19:26:58
Did you read any of the reviews?
Mondobubba on 06/05/2009 19:26:58
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hello all. I opened my inbox to find this link to Amazon with the instruction to read the reviews. :rofl:
I so don't get this three wolf moon thing
Did you read any of the reviews?
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 19:59:37
Raine on 06/05/2009 19:59:37
Compare Contrast: Dick Cheney, at Auchwitz:
Barack Obama, Buchenwald:
Barack Obama, Buchenwald:
Comment by Scoopster on 06/05/2009 20:02:17
Scoopster on 06/05/2009 20:02:17
Heh...
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 20:33:44
Raine on 06/05/2009 20:33:44
Comment by Raine on 06/05/2009 21:45:05
Raine on 06/05/2009 21:45:05
TriSec
Comment by livingonli on 06/05/2009 22:42:59
livingonli on 06/05/2009 22:42:59
Tonight's Yankee game already called off due to rain.
Comment by livingonli on 06/05/2009 22:49:31
livingonli on 06/05/2009 22:49:31
Lizz Winstead coming up on The Ed Show. It is weird that both Steph and Lizz are chummy with him.
Comment by m-hadley on 06/06/2009 00:19:30
I'm swingin by Livin,
You are working today, yes? Me, I only had to work til 12noon today - a forced furlough, if you will. No pay after noon today, so we lose 32 hours off our pay checks over the summer
Oh well, it was a nice day. Da boyz and I went to the Bark Park for a while this afternoon, nice... :D
Cheers,
mfaye
& :peace:
m-hadley on 06/06/2009 00:19:30
Quote by livingonli:
I finally show up and everyone's wandered off.
I'm swingin by Livin,
You are working today, yes? Me, I only had to work til 12noon today - a forced furlough, if you will. No pay after noon today, so we lose 32 hours off our pay checks over the summer
Oh well, it was a nice day. Da boyz and I went to the Bark Park for a while this afternoon, nice... :DCheers,
mfaye
& :peace:
Comment by livingonli on 06/06/2009 00:47:21
livingonli on 06/06/2009 00:47:21
Hi mfaye. Actually I am off this week. I go back to work on Tuesday. I've been trying to get some things done but they don't seem to be happening at the pace that I like.
Debt + Depression + Diabetes = a combination I wouldn't wish on anybody.
Debt + Depression + Diabetes = a combination I wouldn't wish on anybody.