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Treason
Author: BobR    Date: 10/02/2009 12:43:27


Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies. - The American Heritage Dictionary

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. - Article 3, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution


Words are like living things. They come into vogue, get bandied about, become part of the zeitgeist, lose their power due to overuse, and then fade away again, rarely mentioned, like an urn of ashes on the fireplace mantle. It seems the word treason is like that.

During the Bush Administration it was used non-stop, sometimes for the most mundane things. Liberals accused Bush and his cronies of treason for their heinous mismanagement of the wars in the Middle East. Conservatives accused liberals of treason for ... well ... being liberal (that was the entire thesis of a book by Ann Coulter). Some conservatives didn't explicitly say "treason", but declared any criticism of Bush during wartime to be "aiding and abetting the enemy". The inference was clear.

Now that Obama is president, the word "treason" is almost never heard. Perhaps it's time to perform an etymological voodoo ritual and resurrect it, considering the actions of some elected officials, those who are actually members of government.

President Lincoln famously pardoned of treason those who attempted secession. It seems obvious then that the leaders of a state which tries to secede from the union would be committing treason. What then to make of Texas governor Rick Perry who has suggested just that?
"We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."

He said when Texas entered the union in 1845 it was with the understanding it could pull out.

Of course, this is just talk, and until he actually takes action it's not actually committing treason, but it seems as though he is advocating it. Where is the criticism? Why doesn't the media use the "T" word?

Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) is a completely different animal. He has compared the U.S. to Germany before WWII and Obama to Hitler. One sort of expects that from pundits, but from a sitting U.S. Senator? He's also famous for saying that if Republicans can stop health care legislation, it would "break" President Obama. Again, this from a Senator? One can only imagine the outrage from the Republicans and the right-wing media if this were a Democratic Senator saying the same things about a Republican President. There are plenty of our enemies that likely find "aid and comfort" (especially during "wartime") in these statements and desires by DeMint.

Most damning of all, though, is recently breaking story about DeMint and Honduras. In a nutshell:
Honduras has experienced political turmoil since June, when the Honduran military deposed Zelaya after a supreme court ruling ordering his removal. The now-exiled president had attempted to change the country's constitution in part to eliminate presidential term limits.
[...]
The United States does not recognize the de facto government led by President Roberto Micheletti. Honduras’ acting government has hoped that the November elections would put an end to the political crisis there.

DeMint is trying to go to Honduras and meet with the government and leaders that the U.S. has officially stated are not the leaders of that country. He is directly trying to undermine and go against the official stated position of the U.S. State Department. Considering that the U.S. officially supports the ousted government, the usurpers there can be called an enemy of the state, whom DeMint is trying to support and legitimize.

That falls squarely under the definition of treason.

Will the Democrats call it what it is? No. Will the media call it what it is? No (other than Rachel Maddow on her show last night). Will he suffer ANYTHING AT ALL for purposely trying to subvert our government? Perhaps... There are already two Democratic challengers for his seat, which is up for election in 2010. One can only hope that they will call him out for his treasonous actions. Considering that the first shots of the Civil War were fired in South Carolina though, I fear the voters there will consider DeMint's treason an honorable action.


 

67 comments (Latest Comment: 10/02/2009 21:55:56 by IzzyBitz)
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Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2009 13:01:14
Morning



You know I always learn so much some the blog posts you guys do. Ya'll give actual information, keep up the great work!

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 13:09:02
You state the reason why no one calls DeMint out is because for the past 8 years Treason was said about every little act. Now...Treason doesn't mean much.



Sadly though...DeMint is just trying to undermine the President, not really trying to make a regime legit.



Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 13:10:13
TRMS: Nice.





And sad as hell that people get away with this crap.

Comment by BobR on 10/02/2009 13:13:45
Quote by Random:

You state the reason why no one calls DeMint out is because for the past 8 years Treason was said about every little act. Now...Treason doesn't mean much.



Sadly though...DeMint is just trying to undermine the President, not really trying to make a regime legit.



His particular actions in trying to undermine the president (vis-à-vis Honduras), though, are treasonous, whether he intends them to be or not.

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 13:17:19
Between DeMint and Ensign -- I am seriously trying to figure out what the hell Harry Reid plans to do about anything -- useless leader.

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 13:20:27
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Random:

You state the reason why no one calls DeMint out is because for the past 8 years Treason was said about every little act. Now...Treason doesn't mean much.



Sadly though...DeMint is just trying to undermine the President, not really trying to make a regime legit.



His particular actions in trying to undermine the president (vis-à-vis Honduras), though, are treasonous, whether he intends them to be or not.


Well i don't think i said they weren't treasonous. I just said no one calls him out because treason has lost it's meaning to the general public. Which is problem of the last 8 years of calling everything Bush did Treason, and calling anything the left did as Treason. So now most people just associate calling someone Treasonous is just another insult to the bandwagon of ad-homonym attacks from either side. So when Racheal says is about DeMint, to most people who don't really know what Treason defines it sounds like another lefty attacking another righty for political reasons.

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 13:24:43
Quote by Random:

Well i don't think i said they weren't treasonous. I just said no one calls him out because treason has lost it's meaning to the general public. Which is problem of the last 8 years of calling everything Bush did Treason, and calling anything the left did as Treason. So now most people just associate calling someone Treasonous is just another insult to the bandwagon of ad-homonym attacks from either side. So when Racheal says is about DeMint, to most people who don't really know what Treason defines it sounds like another lefty attacking another righty for political reasons.
I can't say that I totally disagree with you.







Comment by Scoopster on 10/02/2009 13:43:19
Morning all & Happy Fridee!

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 13:59:37
Comment by Scoopster on 10/02/2009 14:12:17


What a f'in delusion.. McCain has to move his own ass to the center-right (where Lincoln Chafee was) before he can remake the party in such an image.

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 14:16:18
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Random:

Well i don't think i said they weren't treasonous. I just said no one calls him out because treason has lost it's meaning to the general public. Which is problem of the last 8 years of calling everything Bush did Treason, and calling anything the left did as Treason. So now most people just associate calling someone Treasonous is just another insult to the bandwagon of ad-homonym attacks from either side. So when Racheal says is about DeMint, to most people who don't really know what Treason defines it sounds like another lefty attacking another righty for political reasons.
I can't say that I totally disagree with you.







well that's the problem.

From a independent stand point because liberals in general have been screaming Treason for 8 years it holds no weight when Rachel says it. or anyone else for that matter. and if normal idiots can't get against it, congress won't.

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 14:47:16
I asked yesterday, and I know Random and Clint said they would take a day, but are there any other takers? Bob and I have to go to NYS next week and it would be helpful if we could get blog fill ins for Wednesday Thursday Friday and Monday.





Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2009 14:56:11
Quote by Raine:

I asked yesterday, and I know Random and Clint said they would take a day, but are there any other takers? Bob and I have to go to NYS next week and it would be helpful if we could get blog fill ins for Wednesday Thursday Friday and Monday.









If you guys don't mind the pop culture topics I could take W, T or M (Have a class on Friday)

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 14:58:09
Mala -- you can talk about anything you want!

Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2009 14:59:31
Quote by Raine:

Mala -- you can talk about anything you want!






I'll pitch in and help on Wednesday then

Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/02/2009 15:03:08
Since you guys are way out of my league in regards to the political stuff, perhaps I could try a "state of corporate radio" piece. I'd take Friday or Monday, because it would probably take that long to come up with something coherent.

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 15:03:15
Now all I need is a dogsitter for next week -- this is getting worrysome...

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 15:04:04
Quote by trojanrabbit:

Since you guys are way out of my league in regards to the political stuff, perhaps I could try a "state of corporate radio" piece. I'd take Friday or Monday, because it would probably take that long to come up with something coherent.
That sounds awesome!



Let me figure out a schedule!



Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 15:07:57
So how does this sound?



Wednesday : Mala

Thursday : Random or Clint

Friday : Random or Clint

Monday: Rabbit



(whichever day works better for you and Clint, Random)







Comment by BobR on 10/02/2009 15:09:25
Quote by trojanrabbit:

Since you guys are way out of my league in regards to the political stuff, perhaps I could try a "state of corporate radio" piece. I'd take Friday or Monday, because it would probably take that long to come up with something coherent.


You sell yourself short. It's more about inspiration than skill.

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 15:16:00
Good morning everyone.



Once I get my regular life back in order, I should get back to writing a blog.



So, where are you guys going in New York?

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 15:24:00
Quote by livingonli:

Good morning everyone.



Once I get my regular life back in order, I should get back to writing a blog.



So, where are you guys going in New York?
Upstate - gotta take care of some family things.



Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 15:27:42
Chicago lost the bid..

Comment by Scoopster on 10/02/2009 15:30:05
Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..


Let the teabagger idiot dance commence.

Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2009 15:33:27
Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..






awww, what a shame, they wanted it really bad

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 15:36:11
Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..


Thank you Glenn Beck for being such a dick.

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 15:43:28
Quote by livingonli:

Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..


Thank you Glenn Beck for being such a dick.






Yeah, Glenn Beck holds such sway over the IOC, Liv.

Comment by wickedpam on 10/02/2009 15:48:09
Okay - signing out to go do home stuff again - see everyone later

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 15:54:46
Have fun storming the castle, Mala.

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 16:00:28
Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by livingonli:

Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..


Thank you Glenn Beck for being such a dick.






Yeah, Glenn Beck holds such sway over the IOC, Liv.


I was just looking for an excuse to be snarky.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/02/2009 16:16:29
Quote by BobR:

Quote by trojanrabbit:

Since you guys are way out of my league in regards to the political stuff, perhaps I could try a "state of corporate radio" piece. I'd take Friday or Monday, because it would probably take that long to come up with something coherent.


You sell yourself short. It's more about inspiration than skill.




Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's more an issue of trying to resurrect a long dormant skill.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/02/2009 16:46:12
I'm not sure what to make of this. I'd doubt it would mean carriage for MSNBC on Comca$t'$ basic tier. In any event, it looks like GE considers NBC Universal to be a lead weight.





Comment by Scoopster on 10/02/2009 17:01:33
Quote by trojanrabbit:

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'd doubt it would mean carriage for MSNBC on Comca$t'$ basic tier. In any event, it looks like GE considers NBC Universal to be a lead weight.



It would give Comcast more leverage to overcharge cable & satellite carriers for channels that it would essentially get to broadcast for free. DirecTV has already cut Versus in protest to Comcast's rate hike of 2 cents per subscriber (which pisses me off cuz I wasn't able to watch the Bruins game last night, and if it keeps going I'll miss the Tour De France next year). Can you imagine if DirecTV started boycotting a major network and all its local affiliates?

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 17:07:38
Quote by trojanrabbit:

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'd doubt it would mean carriage for MSNBC on Comca$t'$ basic tier. In any event, it looks like GE considers NBC Universal to be a lead weight.







Personally, I don't think a cable company should be involved in the ownership of a content provider in any way shape or form.

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 17:43:32
Is it me or is the whole Chicago not getting the Olympic a non-story? The US has hosted the Olympics (Summer and Winter) a total of eight times. Ya think that maybe just maybe the IOC wants to give another continent a break? Rio is the first city in South America to host an Olympics. Give it up for Brazil people!



This is not a "defeat for Obama," like the WaPo is claiming either.

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 17:44:15
Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by trojanrabbit:

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'd doubt it would mean carriage for MSNBC on Comca$t'$ basic tier. In any event, it looks like GE considers NBC Universal to be a lead weight.







Personally, I don't think a cable company should be involved in the ownership of a content provider in any way shape or form.


Especially considering most cable networks are either owned by the cable companies or broadcasting companies and Fox could count if they still owned DirecTV. DirecTV is getting more complaints about service since Liberty Media took over since it reminds people about how bad TCI Cable used to be.

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 17:59:07
Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 18:34:07
Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..


It's Obama's fault!

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 18:34:55
Quote by Raine:

So how does this sound?



Wednesday : Mala

Thursday : Random or Clint

Friday : Random or Clint

Monday: Rabbit



(whichever day works better for you and Clint, Random)







I'll take Friday...a lil longer to work on it.

Wait...not today friday, right?

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 18:42:44


I called Boner and asshole...ha.

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 18:54:43




I propose that the word "grifter" be replaced by "glennbecker"

Comment by clintster on 10/02/2009 18:58:04
Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..




I was just about to say that this is not that bad, but Mondo beat me to it. Props to Rio for landing the '16 games. THAT should be a party! The soccer tourney should be a hoot to watch on the TV mosheen, too.

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 18:58:53
Crap -- My cousin is being Rushed to Stony brook Medical Center -- he may need open heart surgery and they think he had a massive heart attack... :(

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 19:00:01
Quote by Random:

Quote by Raine:

So how does this sound?



Wednesday : Mala

Thursday : Random or Clint

Friday : Random or Clint

Monday: Rabbit



(whichever day works better for you and Clint, Random)







I'll take Friday...a lil longer to work on it.

Wait...not today friday, right?


Next Friday. Thank you SO much everyone!





Comment by clintster on 10/02/2009 19:00:05
I'm good with Wednesdee.

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 19:01:14
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Random:

Quote by Raine:

So how does this sound?



Wednesday : Mala

Thursday : Random or Clint

Friday : Random or Clint

Monday: Rabbit



(whichever day works better for you and Clint, Random)







I'll take Friday...a lil longer to work on it.

Wait...not today friday, right?


Next Friday. Thank you SO much everyone!





shhh i know it's not today.

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 19:08:14


IT'S FRIDAY, YA BASTAHDS...























BOUNCE!


Comment by Scoopster on 10/02/2009 19:09:06
It's Friday Ya Bastids!!











Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 19:09:09
Quote by clintster:

I'm good with Wednesdee.
Could I talk you into Thursday? Or maybe MAla could switch..



Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 19:10:11
Quote by clintster:

Quote by Raine:

Chicago lost the bid..




I was just about to say that this is not that bad, but Mondo beat me to it. Props to Rio for landing the '16 games. THAT should be a party! The soccer tourney should be a hoot to watch on the TV mosheen, too.


I think it would have been good for the economy -- but I wanted it more just to piss the wingtards off...

Comment by clintster on 10/02/2009 19:12:18
Quote by Raine:

Quote by clintster:

I'm good with Wednesdee.
Could I talk you into Thursday? Or maybe MAla could switch..





Hey, I'm easy like Sunday Thursday mornin'.

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 19:13:15
Quote by Raine:

Crap -- My cousin is being Rushed to Stony brook Medical Center -- he may need open heart surgery and they think he had a massive heart attack... :(






:vibes:

Comment by Scoopster on 10/02/2009 19:16:37
Quote by Raine:

Crap -- My cousin is being Rushed to Stony brook Medical Center -- he may need open heart surgery and they think he had a massive heart attack... :(


Onoooooooes!!



Prepare the healin' vibes cannon.. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 19:20:21
For all our Zombie lovers. Should go see ZombieLand Saw it this morning. It. Was. Awesome.



And to celebrate awesome Zombie movie...



Do you have a Zombie plan?

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 19:29:55
Quote by Random:

For all our Zombie lovers. Should go see ZombieLand Saw it this morning. It. Was. Awesome.



And to celebrate awesome Zombie movie...



Do you have a Zombie plan?




Do I have a zombie plan? I totally have a plan. If I can't get to the abandoned missile silo, I am going to take over the cat walks and elevated structures in one of the hangers at NAS Jax. Knock out the stairs and you can stay up there until the zombie hordes pass.

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 19:45:44
Quote by Raine:

Crap -- My cousin is being Rushed to Stony brook Medical Center -- he may need open heart surgery and they think he had a massive heart attack... :(


It's like when it rains it pours around here. :(



Healing vibes around.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 19:58:50
Did I hear that right? Rush Limbaugh is suggesting that Dave was a child molester regarding the blackmail Story????



WTF!!!!!!

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 19:59:50
Quote by clintster:

Quote by Raine:

Quote by clintster:

I'm good with Wednesdee.
Could I talk you into Thursday? Or maybe MAla could switch..





Hey, I'm easy like Sunday Thursday mornin'.




AND We just got a dog sitter for the week!



Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 20:13:07
Yup -- Rush just insinuated that DAve was like Roman Palanski -- Randi just played the clip.

Comment by Mondobubba on 10/02/2009 20:19:44
Quote by Raine:

Yup -- Rush just insinuated that DAve was like Roman Palanski -- Randi just played the clip.




Well that fits nicely into the existing right wing meme that Letterman was talking about Palin's non-knocked up out of wedlock kid.

Comment by livingonli on 10/02/2009 20:42:08
Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by Raine:

Yup -- Rush just insinuated that DAve was like Roman Palanski -- Randi just played the clip.




Well that fits nicely into the existing right wing meme that Letterman was talking about Palin's non-knocked up out of wedlock kid.


And maybe a little projection on Rush's part considering the rumors about his Dominican Republic trip with the Viagra.

Comment by IzzyBitz on 10/02/2009 21:24:05
Quote by Raine:

Now all I need is a dogsitter for next week -- this is getting worrysome...




Kizzie is welcome on the right coast anytime! If only I were closer.



Happy Fridee Ya Bastids!



David Letterman is in no way, shape or form like Roman Polanski. He didn't go after little girls. He went after women. He's normal. Jeebus. Rush must be skating on thin ratings these days.



I got nothin'

Comment by Raine on 10/02/2009 21:26:14
Spaten Optimator a high gravity beer Randi -- And it is pronounced SHPAHTEN.



Lord -- I love her but beer is not flavors -- it's styles.

Comment by Random on 10/02/2009 21:50:14
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Quote by Raine:

Now all I need is a dogsitter for next week -- this is getting worrysome...




Kizzie is welcome on the right coast anytime! If only I were closer.



Happy Fridee Ya Bastids!



David Letterman is in no way, shape or form like Roman Polanski. He didn't go after little girls. He went after women. He's normal. Jeebus. Rush must be skating on thin ratings these days.



I got nothin'


Funny thing is because he was so frank this might not destroy his career. Infact because he even got the guy trying to extort him, he may get away from this realatively scott free. That is, in the public eye. who knows what the misses will do.

Comment by IzzyBitz on 10/02/2009 21:55:56
Quote by Random:

Quote by IzzyBitz:

Quote by Raine:

Now all I need is a dogsitter for next week -- this is getting worrysome...




Kizzie is welcome on the right coast anytime! If only I were closer.



Happy Fridee Ya Bastids!



David Letterman is in no way, shape or form like Roman Polanski. He didn't go after little girls. He went after women. He's normal. Jeebus. Rush must be skating on thin ratings these days.



I got nothin'


Funny thing is because he was so frank this might not destroy his career. Infact because he even got the guy trying to extort him, he may get away from this realatively scott free. That is, in the public eye. who knows what the misses will do.




He could lose half or more of his money. He should have stayed single with this in his sexual closet. Or maybe she knows. Crazy.

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