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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 03/02/2010 11:32:20
Good Morning.
Today is our 2,540th day in Iraq and our 3,068th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from Iraq and Afghanistan, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4379
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4240
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3916
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3520
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 151
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,008
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 664
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,457
Journalists - Iraq: 338
Academics Killed - Iraq: 437
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$966, 593, 150, 000 .00
Here's an interesting tidbit from the just-completed Vancouver games, thanks to our friends at IAVA. While I'm sure many of you watched the gold medal hockey game on Sunday afternoon, there was just as significant event that took place Saturday evening.
Important to the uber-geeky, narrow-focus sliding community, that is. Not to put too fine a point on it, the USA four-man bobsleigh suffered through a medal drough not unlike the Red Sox and the world series...although their count was 62 years instead of 86.
That all ended as USA-1 took the gold Saturday. But did you know that all four US sleds were driven by veterans?
And in another bit of good news, it seems that one of the things we wanted is actually starting to happen. Our soldiers are still deploying multiple times and are spending up to a year or more overseas at a clip....but they're
staying home longer in between deployments now, too.
Lastly this morning...I'll be the first to raise my hand when asked if I though the new Afghanistan "surge" was a bad idea. But that shows you how much I know. It seems to be working.
While Guantanamo is still open, and we're still in Iraq and Afghanistan and will be for quite some time...maybe there are a few encouraging signs on the horizon.
Like the counter says....we've been at this a cumulative 5,608 days. Over a year later, is it too much of a stretch for us to admit that this wasn't going to be fixed in 406 days...as much as we wanted it to be?
Today is our 2,540th day in Iraq and our 3,068th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from Iraq and Afghanistan, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4379
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4240
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3916
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3520
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 151
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,008
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 664
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,457
Journalists - Iraq: 338
Academics Killed - Iraq: 437
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
Here's an interesting tidbit from the just-completed Vancouver games, thanks to our friends at IAVA. While I'm sure many of you watched the gold medal hockey game on Sunday afternoon, there was just as significant event that took place Saturday evening.
Important to the uber-geeky, narrow-focus sliding community, that is. Not to put too fine a point on it, the USA four-man bobsleigh suffered through a medal drough not unlike the Red Sox and the world series...although their count was 62 years instead of 86.
That all ended as USA-1 took the gold Saturday. But did you know that all four US sleds were driven by veterans?
Steven Holcomb, a former Utah Army National Guardsman from 1999 until 2006, piloted the U.S. to its first gold medal in the four-man bobsled since 1948. Holcomb served as a combat engineer in the 1457th Engineering Battalion before being honorably discharged. Each of this year’s three U.S. entrants in the four-man bobsled were piloted by former or current guardsmen.
And in another bit of good news, it seems that one of the things we wanted is actually starting to happen. Our soldiers are still deploying multiple times and are spending up to a year or more overseas at a clip....but they're
staying home longer in between deployments now, too.
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Soldiers are getting to spend more time at home between combat deployments as the U.S. military draws down in Iraq and the Army grows in size, the service's chief of staff said Friday.
Gen. George Casey told reporters during a visit to Hawaii's largest Army post that soldiers are able to recover better from their deployments when they spend more time at home in between missions in war zones.
It allows them to spend time with their families and has the added benefit of giving soldiers time to train for a variety of missions - not just for the counterinsurgency demands of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Soldiers are currently getting an average of 14 to 15 months at home between deployments, and more are getting 17 to 18 months.
That's more than the year that had been the norm until recently. It's still short of the Army's two-year goal, but an improvement over 12 months, Casey said.
"With the drawdown in Iraq and the growth that we've completed, we're starting to see it stretch out and that's only going to help us," Casey said.
The Army began adding 65,000 troops to its ranks several years ago to cope with the increased demands of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The additional soldiers are allowing the Army to give its forces more time at home between rotations. So is the U.S. decision to reduce its presence in Iraq and to leave entirely by December 2011.
Casey said soldiers are getting more time at home even as the military sends more troops to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban.
A few years ago Casey had said the deployment demands were putting the Army "out of balance." Now he says the service was closer to getting back to normal.
"We're still not where we need to be but we have made great progress over the last two and a half, three years putting ourselves in a position of balance," Casey said.
Lastly this morning...I'll be the first to raise my hand when asked if I though the new Afghanistan "surge" was a bad idea. But that shows you how much I know. It seems to be working.
KABUL — Recent military successes in killing and capturing top Taliban leaders have rattled the jihadist movement, deprived it of its most experienced men and raised doubts among recruits, the top allied leader in Afghanistan said Thursday.
"You see a weakening of the organization's confidence," U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal told USA TODAY.
His comments come on the day that a provincial government was officially installed in the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, where U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers are still clearing out enemy fighters after 12 days of fighting.
McChrystal based his assessment on information from detainees and other intelligence sources.
He said it was too early to suggest that the recent success in targeting militant leaders is "decisive." It hasn't led to a reduction in violence or fighters in Afghanistan, he said at his headquarters here.
"We don't see it collapsing," McChrystal said of the Taliban. "But there is a cumulative effect to the number of leaders that you take off."
Early today, suicide bombers attacked in the heart of Kabul, triggering a series of explosions and gunbattles that killed at least 10 people near a hotel used by foreigners, Gen. Ahman Zia Yaftali, an Afghan Defense Ministry official, told the Associated Press. The Taliban claimed responsibility. Five suicide bombers conducted the deadly attacks on two buildings, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told the AP.
U.S. and Pakistani officials this month captured Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 Taliban leader. That success was followed by a series of raids in Afghanistan that netted senior Taliban figures.
In the latest notch, Pakistani Taliban commander Mohammed Qari Zafar, wanted in the 2006 bombing of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, was killed in a suspected CIA missile strike, two Pakistani intelligence officials told the Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.
Intelligence gleaned from Baradar led to the arrests of two Taliban shadow governors — Mullah Abdul Salam of Kunduz province and Mullah Mohammad of Baghlan — and the arrest of Akhunzada Popalzai, also known as Mohammad Younis, a onetime Taliban shadow governor in Zabul province.
Given its decentralized structure, the Taliban quickly announces replacements for missing leaders. McChrystal acknowledged this but said the takedowns have hurt the organization's experience, confidence and expertise. It also hurts the morale of fighters, such as those facing allied and Afghan forces in Marjah, he said. Most of the Taliban leaders in Marjah left before the offensive.
"It causes doubts in his mind of, 'What am I doing?' " McChrystal said of other fighters. "That doesn't mean he'll stop what he's doing, but it injects doubt."
McChrystal said that when leaders are taken out, "one of the things you want ... is the survivors ... to hear footsteps. You want them to think it is always one day before they're the next leader that gets picked up."
McChrystal said coalition forces are almost finished clearing Islamic jihadists from Marjah and will soon establish security there. "It's clear to me it will take days more, but we will do it," he said.
While Guantanamo is still open, and we're still in Iraq and Afghanistan and will be for quite some time...maybe there are a few encouraging signs on the horizon.
Like the counter says....we've been at this a cumulative 5,608 days. Over a year later, is it too much of a stretch for us to admit that this wasn't going to be fixed in 406 days...as much as we wanted it to be?
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 13:35:02
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 13:35:02
Morning 
Its good to hear some promising news slowly coming out, patients is not an American virture I guess
Its good to hear some promising news slowly coming out, patients is not an American virture I guess
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 14:17:28
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 14:17:28
Okay I have a question that as usual is completely off topic - the huge manor homes built in the Catskills and the Pocano's during the Victorian and Industial era - do they have a kinda category name or era unto themselves? I'm trying to get some pix for an art project I want to do
Comment by 
Raine on 03/02/2010 14:46:05
can't speak for the poconos but I have never heard of any special names for the catskill houses. Most of the bigger houses were victorian are in a lot of mountain towns.
Raine on 03/02/2010 14:46:05
Quote by wickedpam:
Okay I have a question that as usual is completely off topic - the huge manor homes built in the Catskills and the Pocano's during the Victorian and Industial era - do they have a kinda category name or era unto themselves? I'm trying to get some pix for an art project I want to do
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 14:46:26
Good Morning!
Raine on 03/02/2010 14:46:26
Good Morning!
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 14:53:16
I think their of the same era - I'm trying to think the best way to describe them - overly ornate, hugemungus manors, like the Hurst place in CA but more - sometimes they get refered to as American Castles. Think The Haunting (w/Liam Neeson) style home
ugh! Its driving me crazy that I can't find the right pictures.
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 14:53:16
Quote by Raine:can't speak for the poconos but I have never heard of any special names for the catskill houses. Most of the bigger houses were victorian are in a lot of mountain towns.Quote by wickedpam:
Okay I have a question that as usual is completely off topic - the huge manor homes built in the Catskills and the Pocano's during the Victorian and Industial era - do they have a kinda category name or era unto themselves? I'm trying to get some pix for an art project I want to do
I think their of the same era - I'm trying to think the best way to describe them - overly ornate, hugemungus manors, like the Hurst place in CA but more - sometimes they get refered to as American Castles. Think The Haunting (w/Liam Neeson) style home
ugh! Its driving me crazy that I can't find the right pictures.
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 14:59:21
Raine on 03/02/2010 14:59:21
You aren't confusing the mansions on the Hudson river with the Catskills are you? You know like the and the rooselvelts & Vanderbilts?
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:00:47
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:00:47
I probably am 
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:01:42
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:01:42
Awesome! I think that will! Thank You 
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:29:35
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:29:35
Okay Bannerman Island is awesome!
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 15:30:57
I always loved seeing from the train on the way to work...
Raine on 03/02/2010 15:30:57
Quote by wickedpam:
Okay Bannerman Island is awesome!
I always loved seeing from the train on the way to work...
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 15:32:38
Raine on 03/02/2010 15:32:38
And Wilderstein is amazing. Right in Rhinebeck! ahhh my old stomping grounds...
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 15:33:25
Raine on 03/02/2010 15:33:25
but my fave by far is Olana. That was right up the road from my house. I used to sled there.
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 15:33:39
Raine on 03/02/2010 15:33:39
Now I'm homesick.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:35:20
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:35:20
oohhh haven't gotten to those yet - on Wing's Castle
Can't wait to see those!
I knew you would get what I looking for!
Can't wait to see those!
I knew you would get what I looking for!
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 15:36:55
Glad I could help. I just love the Valley so much.
I don't even think that site mentioned Mill Mansion in Hyde Park.
Raine on 03/02/2010 15:36:55
Quote by wickedpam:
oohhh haven't gotten to those yet - on Wing's Castle
Can't wait to see those!
I knew you would get what I looking for!
Glad I could help. I just love the Valley so much.
I don't even think that site mentioned Mill Mansion in Hyde Park.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:40:18
aw I'm sorry
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:40:18
Quote by Raine:
Now I'm homesick.
aw
I'm sorry
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:44:16
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 15:44:16
Wildersten and Olana are beautiful too. I think I remember Mill Manor from one of those American Castle shows.
Think I'm gonna use Bannerman as my subject it just beautiful in its ruins
Think I'm gonna use Bannerman as my subject it just beautiful in its ruins
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:13:03
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:13:03
Sorry for derailing today's blog 
Comment by 
livingonli on 03/02/2010 16:17:12
livingonli on 03/02/2010 16:17:12
Good morning everyone.
It's that kind of monring. So, momma's on the same station as Mark "bad radio voice" Levin in Syracuse (well starting tomorrow).
It's that kind of monring. So, momma's on the same station as Mark "bad radio voice" Levin in Syracuse (well starting tomorrow).
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 16:18:47
Raine on 03/02/2010 16:18:47
Bunning wants to use the Stimulus money.... That is the same meme the GOP was using to obstruct the jobs bill.
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 16:19:26
Naw -- it was great. I was perusing the wiki looking at those places!
Raine on 03/02/2010 16:19:26
Quote by wickedpam:
Sorry for derailing today's blog
Naw -- it was great. I was perusing the wiki looking at those places!
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:21:39
yet didn't they want to stop using the money that was paid back by some banks that was going to be used for another project?
They are looking for any excuse to hurt people
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:21:39
Quote by Raine:
Bunning wants to use the Stimulus money.... That is the same meme the GOP was using to obstruct the jobs bill.
yet didn't they want to stop using the money that was paid back by some banks that was going to be used for another project?
They are looking for any excuse to hurt people
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 16:25:26
Exactly. It's all about obstruction.
Raine on 03/02/2010 16:25:26
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Bunning wants to use the Stimulus money.... That is the same meme the GOP was using to obstruct the jobs bill.
yet didn't they want to stop using the money that was paid back by some banks that was going to be used for another project?
They are looking for any excuse to hurt people
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 16:35:48
From @wonkroom Timeline: House passes Senate bill 3/19. House amends Senate bill 3/21. Senate takes up package 3/23. Final vote before Easter recess.
Raine on 03/02/2010 16:35:48
From @wonkroom Timeline: House passes Senate bill 3/19. House amends Senate bill 3/21. Senate takes up package 3/23. Final vote before Easter recess.
Comment by livingonli on 03/02/2010 16:42:08
livingonli on 03/02/2010 16:42:08
I put as my facebook status a note that Bunning and Kyl are proof that the phrase compassionate conservatism is an oxymoron.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:43:03
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:43:03
I don't know bill numbers what are those? Is one the jobs bills?
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:43:30
that message needs to be driven home
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:43:30
Quote by livingonli:
I put as my facebook status a note that Bunning and Kyl are proof that the phrase compassionate conservatism is an oxymoron.
that message needs to be driven home
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:46:36
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 16:46:36
I was listening to Bill Press show earlier, they were talking about the crazy and crazy and nutty primary of Texas that's today.
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 17:01:36
I no longer think that way. This has all gone too far at this point. Using the double switchery isn't working they just keep getting louder and more dangerous.
Like I said before, people have a right to be angry -- but they need to be angry about the right things.
Raine on 03/02/2010 17:01:36
Quote by wickedpam:
I was listening to Bill Press show earlier, they were talking about the crazy and crazy and nutty primary of Texas that's today.
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
I no longer think that way. This has all gone too far at this point. Using the double switchery isn't working they just keep getting louder and more dangerous.
Like I said before, people have a right to be angry -- but they need to be angry about the right things.
Comment by livingonli on 03/02/2010 17:12:19
And it should be directed at the right people who have been putting the top 1% before the rest of us like the GOP and Blue Dogs and not at those who are really in the same situation or just one removed from the same situation which is how the GOP wants us.
livingonli on 03/02/2010 17:12:19
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
I was listening to Bill Press show earlier, they were talking about the crazy and crazy and nutty primary of Texas that's today.
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
I no longer think that way. This has all gone too far at this point. Using the double switchery isn't working they just keep getting louder and more dangerous.
Like I said before, people have a right to be angry -- but they need to be angry about the right things.
And it should be directed at the right people who have been putting the top 1% before the rest of us like the GOP and Blue Dogs and not at those who are really in the same situation or just one removed from the same situation which is how the GOP wants us.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 03/02/2010 17:18:24
Mondobubba on 03/02/2010 17:18:24
Hiya everybody. Craig Ferguson is getting a robot skeleton sidekick thanks to Grant Imahara of Mythbusters. I, as a member of the Robot Skeleton Army, am excited by this turn of events.
Comment by 
TriSec on 03/02/2010 17:29:45
TriSec on 03/02/2010 17:29:45
Hi out there.
I believe "The Gilded Age" is the term you are looking for.
I'm particularly fond of the "American Taj Mahal" in Palm Beach, Florida.
Both my daddy and grandaddy worked there circa 1955-1957 while it was a hotel.
And if anyone ever makes it there, be sure to ask the docent about the carp in the swimming pool story. I know somebody that had a hand in that.
I believe "The Gilded Age" is the term you are looking for.
I'm particularly fond of the "American Taj Mahal" in Palm Beach, Florida.
Both my daddy and grandaddy worked there circa 1955-1957 while it was a hotel.
And if anyone ever makes it there, be sure to ask the docent about the carp in the swimming pool story. I know somebody that had a hand in that.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 17:41:22
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 17:41:22
Gilded Age! Thats the name I was looking for!
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 17:45:38
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 17:45:38
This notion of tax junk for is only going to hurt the poorest - the rich can afford healthy good for you food its the poor that have to supplement thier diets with junk
when you pay $1 of a single orange when you can get a bag of cheetos from the vending maching and it makes you feel like you have more
when you pay $1 of a single orange when you can get a bag of cheetos from the vending maching and it makes you feel like you have more
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/02/2010 18:01:40
You have hit the nutrition nail on the head, Mala.
Mondobubba on 03/02/2010 18:01:40
Quote by wickedpam:
This notion of tax junk for is only going to hurt the poorest - the rich can afford healthy good for you food its the poor that have to supplement thier diets with junk
when you pay $1 of a single orange when you can get a bag of cheetos from the vending maching and it makes you feel like you have more
You have hit the nutrition nail on the head, Mala.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/02/2010 18:15:10
I've lived this - its a subject I really do get. I know healthy food costs more to produce cause there are more things that go into making it healthy and safe for consumers - farming costs, regulator costs, etc
the Cheetos - have bulk costs, regulator costs and chem costs, etc - cheaper in the long run.
Why not make it cheaper for farmers to produce and sell foods first before you jack up the taxes on junk foods.
wickedpam on 03/02/2010 18:15:10
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
This notion of tax junk for is only going to hurt the poorest - the rich can afford healthy good for you food its the poor that have to supplement thier diets with junk
when you pay $1 of a single orange when you can get a bag of cheetos from the vending maching and it makes you feel like you have more
You have hit the nutrition nail on the head, Mala.
I've lived this - its a subject I really do get. I know healthy food costs more to produce cause there are more things that go into making it healthy and safe for consumers - farming costs, regulator costs, etc
the Cheetos - have bulk costs, regulator costs and chem costs, etc - cheaper in the long run.
Why not make it cheaper for farmers to produce and sell foods first before you jack up the taxes on junk foods.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 18:48:54
Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 18:48:54
Hi, bloggers! Excellent post, TriSec!!!
I hope that we can see some progress in Afghanistan, but it will be in spite of the bungling of the war there by the Bush administration.
As for the junk food debate, I would argue that we need to reconsider some of our farm subsidies. We have corn syrup in many products, and perhaps it would be better to redirect subsidies to healthier foods.
I hope that we can see some progress in Afghanistan, but it will be in spite of the bungling of the war there by the Bush administration.
As for the junk food debate, I would argue that we need to reconsider some of our farm subsidies. We have corn syrup in many products, and perhaps it would be better to redirect subsidies to healthier foods.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 19:23:03
Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 19:23:03
While checking my e-mail, I received a link to this piece on Truthdig. I don't think that most of Obama's supporters are where Chris Hedges is in this piece, but I could see many considering his advice if there is no progress this year.
Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama
Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 20:52:32
BTW, Food Inc is coming to PBS
Raine on 03/02/2010 20:52:32
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
This notion of tax junk for is only going to hurt the poorest - the rich can afford healthy good for you food its the poor that have to supplement thier diets with junk
when you pay $1 of a single orange when you can get a bag of cheetos from the vending maching and it makes you feel like you have more
You have hit the nutrition nail on the head, Mala.
I've lived this - its a subject I really do get. I know healthy food costs more to produce cause there are more things that go into making it healthy and safe for consumers - farming costs, regulator costs, etc
the Cheetos - have bulk costs, regulator costs and chem costs, etc - cheaper in the long run.
Why not make it cheaper for farmers to produce and sell foods first before you jack up the taxes on junk foods.
Comment by Raine on 03/02/2010 20:59:35
I really disagree with the premise of this piece.
Sometimes the left can be just as wrong as the right. We have already seen progress, that is not a disputable fact.
If one were to go further and discuss the progress they WANT done, we could discuss that. The premise that he comes from is rather disingenuous. Sometimes my fellow progressives are just as black and white as the other side of the aisle are. There is a difference from being progressive and being an absolutist.
Raine on 03/02/2010 20:59:35
Quote by Will in Chicago:
While checking my e-mail, I received a link to this piece on Truthdig. I don't think that most of Obama's supporters are where Chris Hedges is in this piece, but I could see many considering his advice if there is no progress this year.
Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama
I really disagree with the premise of this piece.
Sometimes the left can be just as wrong as the right. We have already seen progress, that is not a disputable fact.
If one were to go further and discuss the progress they WANT done, we could discuss that. The premise that he comes from is rather disingenuous. Sometimes my fellow progressives are just as black and white as the other side of the aisle are. There is a difference from being progressive and being an absolutist.
Comment by 
BobR on 03/02/2010 21:23:12
There's also the "cottages" of Newport, RI
BobR on 03/02/2010 21:23:12
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:can't speak for the poconos but I have never heard of any special names for the catskill houses. Most of the bigger houses were victorian are in a lot of mountain towns.Quote by wickedpam:
Okay I have a question that as usual is completely off topic - the huge manor homes built in the Catskills and the Pocano's during the Victorian and Industial era - do they have a kinda category name or era unto themselves? I'm trying to get some pix for an art project I want to do
I think their of the same era - I'm trying to think the best way to describe them - overly ornate, hugemungus manors, like the Hurst place in CA but more - sometimes they get refered to as American Castles. Think The Haunting (w/Liam Neeson) style home
ugh! Its driving me crazy that I can't find the right pictures.
There's also the "cottages" of Newport, RI
Comment by BobR on 03/02/2010 21:29:01
The "crazy guy" is Rick Perry the governor of TX.
BobR on 03/02/2010 21:29:01
Quote by wickedpam:
I was listening to Bill Press show earlier, they were talking about the crazy and crazy and nutty primary of Texas that's today.
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
The "crazy guy" is Rick Perry the governor of TX.
Comment by TriSec on 03/02/2010 21:37:49
What, is it more or less suck-tastic than Logan? I couldn't really tell from the story.
I did note Logan only got two stars on security. Curious, since Acting Governor Jane Swift (R-Clueless) was singled out and specifically blamed for 9-11 and then hounded out of office.
'course, I haven't actually flown since 2003. Aviation is still dead to me.
TriSec on 03/02/2010 21:37:49
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey TriSec, my airport beat your airport nenenene!
What, is it more or less suck-tastic than Logan? I couldn't really tell from the story.
I did note Logan only got two stars on security. Curious, since Acting Governor Jane Swift (R-Clueless) was singled out and specifically blamed for 9-11 and then hounded out of office.
'course, I haven't actually flown since 2003. Aviation is still dead to me.
Comment by livingonli on 03/02/2010 21:54:20
How long has Texas government been run by the insane asylum of American Politics?
livingonli on 03/02/2010 21:54:20
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
I was listening to Bill Press show earlier, they were talking about the crazy and crazy and nutty primary of Texas that's today.
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
The "crazy guy" is Rick Perry the governor of TX.
How long has Texas government been run by the insane asylum of American Politics?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 22:48:29
I agree that there is some progress, just not enough. Also, I still think it is possible to make changes within the Democratic party and not trying to raise up another party to national level. The last time that a party became a serious factor for more than one election was when the Republican party emerged.
Still, I can understand the frustration some feel. I think we need to find some way to move forward and get the agenda we want established. I think it will be easier to change the face of Congress than the approach that Hedges advocates.
Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 22:48:29
Quote by Raine:Quote by Will in Chicago:
While checking my e-mail, I received a link to this piece on Truthdig. I don't think that most of Obama's supporters are where Chris Hedges is in this piece, but I could see many considering his advice if there is no progress this year.
Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama
I really disagree with the premise of this piece.
Sometimes the left can be just as wrong as the right. We have already seen progress, that is not a disputable fact.
If one were to go further and discuss the progress they WANT done, we could discuss that. The premise that he comes from is rather disingenuous. Sometimes my fellow progressives are just as black and white as the other side of the aisle are. There is a difference from being progressive and being an absolutist.
I agree that there is some progress, just not enough. Also, I still think it is possible to make changes within the Democratic party and not trying to raise up another party to national level. The last time that a party became a serious factor for more than one election was when the Republican party emerged.
Still, I can understand the frustration some feel. I think we need to find some way to move forward and get the agenda we want established. I think it will be easier to change the face of Congress than the approach that Hedges advocates.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 22:49:23
I am not a Texan, but I suspect it was when George W. Bush became governor after Anne Richards. I think that LBJ would not recognize his old state.
Will in Chicago on 03/02/2010 22:49:23
Quote by livingonli:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
I was listening to Bill Press show earlier, they were talking about the crazy and crazy and nutty primary of Texas that's today.
Part of me hopes the crazy guy who was called for session from the union wins just to spot light the nuts but part of me is worried that he's gonna get mucho support there cause Texas just seems to resent being part of the US as it is
The "crazy guy" is Rick Perry the governor of TX.
How long has Texas government been run by the insane asylum of American Politics?
I am not a Texan, but I suspect it was when George W. Bush became governor after Anne Richards. I think that LBJ would not recognize his old state.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 00:17:49
I bolded that because THIS I agree with. I don't know if this has been said before, but I will say it anyway-- and I say it with the understanding of the times we are in now.
As congress goes, so goes the nation. History has shown us that the balance of the three branches does indeed wax and wane. We just came out of a period where the presidential branch bullied from the bull-pit. During that time, we saw what congress did and did not do. We saw it during the FDR admin as well as many other administrations.
Something about the makeup of our legislative branch -- I believe that any president is only as good as our elected representatives. I will take exception to the previous administration, who willfully used executive orders and signing statements on a regular basis -- And even then, the legislative branch never challenged those actions.
Raine on 03/03/2010 00:17:49
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:Quote by Will in Chicago:
While checking my e-mail, I received a link to this piece on Truthdig. I don't think that most of Obama's supporters are where Chris Hedges is in this piece, but I could see many considering his advice if there is no progress this year.
Ralph Nader Was Right About Barack Obama
I really disagree with the premise of this piece.
Sometimes the left can be just as wrong as the right. We have already seen progress, that is not a disputable fact.
If one were to go further and discuss the progress they WANT done, we could discuss that. The premise that he comes from is rather disingenuous. Sometimes my fellow progressives are just as black and white as the other side of the aisle are. There is a difference from being progressive and being an absolutist.
I agree that there is some progress, just not enough. Also, I still think it is possible to make changes within the Democratic party and not trying to raise up another party to national level. The last time that a party became a serious factor for more than one election was when the Republican party emerged.
Still, I can understand the frustration some feel. I think we need to find some way to move forward and get the agenda we want established. I think it will be easier to change the face of Congress than the approach that Hedges advocates.
As congress goes, so goes the nation. History has shown us that the balance of the three branches does indeed wax and wane. We just came out of a period where the presidential branch bullied from the bull-pit. During that time, we saw what congress did and did not do. We saw it during the FDR admin as well as many other administrations.
Something about the makeup of our legislative branch -- I believe that any president is only as good as our elected representatives. I will take exception to the previous administration, who willfully used executive orders and signing statements on a regular basis -- And even then, the legislative branch never challenged those actions.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 00:22:03
Much less sucktastic.
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 00:22:03
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey TriSec, my airport beat your airport nenenene!
What, is it more or less suck-tastic than Logan? I couldn't really tell from the story.
I did note Logan only got two stars on security. Curious, since Acting Governor Jane Swift (R-Clueless) was singled out and specifically blamed for 9-11 and then hounded out of office.
'course, I haven't actually flown since 2003. Aviation is still dead to me.
Much less sucktastic.